How to Get to Gonggar County from Lhasa City

✨ Trip Overview

• Distance: The straight-line distance between Lhasa (拉萨市) and Gonggar County (贡嘎县) is relatively short, but the driving distance via roads is about 71.6 km.

• Travel Time: Depending on the transportation method, the journey can take from under 2 hours to half a day.

• Main Transportation Options: Self-driving, long-distance buses, trains (high-speed/regular), cycling, and motorbikes.

⚠️ Note: Gonggar County (贡嘎县) is home to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (拉萨贡嘎国际机场), Tibet’s primary aviation hub. However, the airport is designed for domestic and international air travel, not for daily city-to-county transport between Lhasa and Gonggar.

🚙 Self-Driving Guide

Driving is the most flexible and convenient way to travel.

Suggested Route

• From Lhasa City (拉萨市区): Lin Kuo East Road South Section (林廓东路南段) → Jiangsu Road (江苏路) → Jin Zhu East Road / Jin Zhu Road (金珠东路/金珠路) → National Highway 318 (318国道) → Lhasa River Bridge (拉萨河大桥) → Gala Mountain Tunnel (嘎拉山隧道) → Yarlung Zangbo River Bridge (雅鲁藏布江大桥) → Provincial Highway 101 (101省道) → Gonggar County (贡嘎县).

Approximate travel time: ~1 hour 55 minutes.

Road Conditions

• Roads are generally in good condition, with highways, tunnels, and bridges.

• ⚠️ Important Notice: Part of G349 (G349线) between Zhamalong Village (扎玛龙村) and Dabulong Community (达布隆社区) will be closed for maintenance from Sept 15 – Oct 23, 2025 (except Oct 1–8). Closure hours: 8:30–13:00, 15:00–20:00.

• Detour Option: Use Provincial Highway 206 (S206, 直拉山) via Langjie Xue Township (朗杰学乡).

🚌 Long-Distance Buses

A budget-friendly choice.

• Departure Station: Lhasa East Suburb Bus Station (拉萨东郊汽车客运站, No.3 Jiangsu East Road, 城关区). Accessible via bus lines 9, 15, 25, 27.

• Destinations & Fares (for reference only):

👉 Timetables and fares may change; confirm at the station on the day of travel.

✈️ Flights – Important Clarification

• Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (拉萨贡嘎国际机场) is located in Gonggar County (贡嘎县) and serves flights to/from other Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, etc.), plus some regional (Ali 阿里, Nyingchi 林芝, Chamdo 昌都) and international routes (Kathmandu).

• It does not serve short-haul flights between Lhasa City (拉萨市区) and Gonggar County (贡嘎县).

Getting to/from the Airport

• Airport Shuttle Bus: Runs between Gonggar Airport and Lhasa Civil Aviation Bureau (民航局, Niangre South Road 娘热南路). Fare: 25–35 yuan, ~1 hour.

• Taxi: ~150 yuan in off-season, ~250 yuan in peak season. Shared ride ~30 yuan/person.

🚄 Train / High-Speed Rail

• Route: The Lalin Railway (拉林铁路) connects Lhasa (拉萨) to Nyingchi (林芝), passing through Gonggar County (贡嘎县) with a stop at Gonggar Station (贡嘎站).

• Tickets: Available via 12306 app/website or ticket offices.

• Stations: Depart from Lhasa Railway Station (拉萨火车站, Duolongdeqing District 堆龙德庆区). Bus line 91 connects downtown with the station.

• Travel Time: From Lhasa to Gonggar Station is less than 1 hour.

✅ Comfortable, stable, less affected by weather.

🚴 Cycling Guide

For adventure lovers, cycling offers a unique experience.

• Route: Similar to the driving route; cyclists should especially avoid construction-closure times on G349 or choose detours via S206 (直拉山).

• Duration: Typically half a day from Lhasa to Gonggar Airport by bike.

• Scenery: Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and farmlands.

• Tips:

  • High altitude requires gradual adaptation.

  • Bring enough water, snacks, and repair tools.

  • Weather is unpredictable – prepare rain gear, windproof layers, and sunscreen.

  • Always wear a helmet, use lights, and keep right to avoid trucks.

🛵 Motorbike Riding

• Route: Same as self-driving. Watch for road closures and detours.

• Precautions:

  • Ensure vehicle is in top condition (brakes, tires).

  • Strong crosswinds possible on bridges, tunnels, and valleys.

  • Refuel in Lhasa before departure; gas stations along the way are limited.

✅ Practical Travel Tips

• Altitude: Gonggar County (贡嘎县) sits at ~3500m. Newcomers should take it easy, rest well, and avoid overexertion.

• Weather & Roads: Always check Tibet’s official transport updates for road closures, landslides, or weather alerts.

• Permits: Some areas near Gonggar’s borders may require a Border Permit (边防证).

• Respect Local Culture: Follow Tibetan customs and religious practices respectfully.

✨ With this guide, you can confidently choose the best way to travel from Lhasa (拉萨市) to Gonggar County (贡嘎县). Safe travels and enjoy your journey through Tibet! 🌄