By plane:
Most travelers arrive in Tibet by plane. From China, Chengdu is the easiest and most popular starting point. Daily flights carry tourists to Lhasa in about 2 hours. Chongqing, a neighboring city, also has flights to Tibet. It is also possible to go from Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an. Seasonal flights from Xining, Guangzhou, Hongkong and Kathmandu are available in peak travel periods.

Gonggar Airport is 100 km south of Lhasa city. Airport buses take tourists to the city soon after they arrive. Minibuses from Shigatse to Lhasa also stop outside the airport.