How to Get to Mainling County from Nyingchi City (Bayi District)
Mainling County (米林县), located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, is a beautiful destination with scenic landscapes and unique Tibetan culture. It is about 69-73.5 kilometers away from Nyingchi City (林芝市), and there are several transportation options available to reach this county. This guide will provide you with all the necessary details on how to get to Mainling County (米林县) from Nyingchi City (林芝市).
Overview of the Route from Nyingchi City to Mainling County
The distance between Nyingchi City (林芝市) and Mainling County (米林县) varies slightly depending on the route you choose. The shortest route is approximately 69.1 kilometers, with a driving time of about 1 hour, while the more common route via S306 Provincial Road is about 73.5 kilometers, and takes around 1 hour 52 minutes. There are no tolls on these routes, and the fuel cost for driving is approximately 42 RMB.
Main Transportation Options
By Car (Self-Drive)
Recommended Routes:
Nyingchi to Milin Airport Road (林芝至米林机场专用路):
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Route: Start from Nyingchi City (林芝市) → Guangfu Avenue (广福大道) → Bayi Street South (八一大街南段) → Binhe Avenue South (滨河大道南段) → Linla Road (林拉公路) → Nyingchi to Milin Airport Road (林芝至米林机场专用路) (37.6 km) → S306 Provincial Road (S306省道) (16.9 km) → Fuzhou East Road (福州东路) → Mainling County (米林县).
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Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.
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Road Conditions: This route is mostly paved, with good road conditions, though some areas may have sharp curves or steep sections.
S306 Provincial Road:
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Route: The total distance is 73.5 kilometers, passing through G318 National Road (G318国道) and Gangga Bridge (岗嘎大桥). This route is longer and takes about 1 hour 52 minutes.
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Road Conditions: This route is a combination of highways and local roads, with good conditions overall. However, be mindful of sharp turns and speed limits in some areas.
By Bus
Bus Service: Currently, there are no fixed bus schedules available, but you can hire a car or share a ride, which typically costs about the same as the fuel cost for self-driving (42 RMB). It is recommended to contact local travel agencies or hotels to arrange vehicles, ensuring safety and price transparency.
By Air
Milin Airport (米林机场) is about 50 kilometers from Nyingchi City (林芝市). However, there is an additional 19-kilometer drive from the airport to Mainling County (米林县).
Airport Type: Milin Airport is a 4D regional airport, serving airlines such as Sichuan Airlines (川航) and Tibetan Airlines (藏航). However, there are no direct flights to Mainling County (米林县).
By Train
The Lalin Railway (拉林铁路) runs through Mainling County (米林县), but there is no direct high-speed rail from Nyingchi City (林芝市) to Mainling County (米林县). Travelers need to take a train from Nyingchi Station (林芝站) to Milin Station (米林站) (approximately 3 hours 48 minutes) and then use other modes of transportation.
By Bike (Cycling or Motorbiking)
Cycling Route: The cycling route follows G318 National Road (G318国道) or S306 Provincial Road (S306省道), covering approximately 65-68 kilometers with an estimated travel time of 5-6 hours.
Route Conditions: The terrain is generally flat, but there are significant altitude changes along the way, so travelers need to be prepared with proper supplies and warm clothing.
Precautions: Avoid cycling during the rainy season (June to September) and take care during winter when roads may be slippery. Motorcycles should be checked for mechanical issues, as performance can decrease at higher altitudes.

Travel Cost Summary
Fastest Method: Driving (approximately 1 hour).
Most Economical Method: Hiring a car or sharing a ride (approximately 42 RMB).
Cycling: Suitable for experienced cyclists, but they should be prepared for weather changes and high altitudes.
Detailed Driving Directions from Nyingchi City to Mainling County
Start from Guangfu Avenue (广福大道) and drive 1.2 kilometers northwest.
Turn right onto G318 National Road (G318国道) and continue for 2.2 kilometers.
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit to Linla Road (林拉路).
Continue on Linla Road (林拉路) for 180 meters, then turn left.
Continue on Linla Road (林拉路) for another 2.4 kilometers, and then turn left onto Nyingchi to Milin Airport Road (林芝至米林机场专用路).
Follow Nyingchi to Milin Airport Road (林芝至米林机场专用路) for 37.6 kilometers, then stay left towards S306 Provincial Road (S306省道).
After 40 meters, continue straight onto S306 Provincial Road (S306省道).
Drive 16.9 kilometers and turn left onto Fuzhou East Road (福州东路).
Follow Fuzhou East Road (福州东路) for 760 meters, and you will reach Mainling County (米林县).
Traveling from Nyingchi City (林芝市) to Mainling County (米林县) is straightforward with several transportation options available, including self-driving, buses, air travel, trains, and cycling. Whether you choose the shortest route or prefer to take a scenic journey, the roads are well-maintained, and the region offers beautiful views along the way. Be prepared for changes in altitude and weather, especially during the winter and rainy seasons.








