Lhasa Transportation – By Long Distance Bus

Five highways including Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway and China-Nepal Highway, pass through the mysterious high land. Choose to enter Tibet from Yunnan or Sichuan, you need a transfer to reach Lhasa.

Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, serves as a major transportation hub for travelers looking to explore Tibet and beyond. While air travel is the most common mode of transportation for reaching Lhasa, long-distance buses are a popular and scenic way to travel to and from the city. These buses connect Lhasa to major cities within Tibet, as well as destinations across China.

Key Long Distance Bus Routes from Lhasa

Lhasa Bus Station (拉萨客运站) offers long-distance buses to several regions within Tibet and to other provinces in China. Here are some of the most popular routes:

1. Lhasa to Shigatse (日喀则)

• Distance: Approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles)
• Travel Time: 6-7 hours
• Departure Times: Buses generally depart every 2-3 hours from 07:00 to 16:00.
• Ticket Price: Around 100–120 RMB
• Route Highlights: Shigatse is Tibet’s second-largest city and home to the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. The bus route offers views of the Tibetan plateau and nearby villages.

2. Lhasa to Nyingchi (林芝)

• Distance: Approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles)
• Travel Time: 7-8 hours
• Departure Times: Buses leave Lhasa daily at 08:00, 10:00, and 12:00.
• Ticket Price: Around 150 RMB
• Route Highlights: Nyingchi is known for its lush greenery, scenic rivers, and snow-capped mountains. It is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Tibet.”

3. Lhasa to Gyantse (江孜)

• Distance: Approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles)
• Travel Time: 4-5 hours
• Departure Times: Buses leave at 07:00, 09:30, and 12:00.
• Ticket Price: Around 70–100 RMB
• Route Highlights: Gyantse is home to the renowned Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa, one of Tibet’s most important architectural sites.

4. Lhasa to Everest Base Camp (珠穆朗玛峰大本营)

• Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers (311 miles)
• Travel Time: 12-14 hours
• Departure Times: Buses typically depart early in the morning, around 06:00 and 08:00.
• Ticket Price: Around 300–350 RMB
• Route Highlights: This is one of the most thrilling bus journeys in Tibet, offering the chance to see the majestic Everest from the base camp. The route passes through dramatic landscapes and remote Tibetan villages.

5. Lhasa to Chengdu (成都)

• Distance: Approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles)
• Travel Time: 36–40 hours
• Departure Times: Buses depart from Lhasa at 09:00 and 13:00.
• Ticket Price: Around 600–800 RMB
• Route Highlights: The Lhasa-Chengdu bus journey is a long but rewarding experience, offering beautiful views of the Tibetan plateau, high mountain passes, and rural settlements. Chengdu, known for its rich history and famous cuisine, is a major transit hub for travelers heading to other regions of China.

6. Lhasa to Xining (西宁)

• Distance: Approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles)
• Travel Time: 30 hours
• Departure Times: Buses depart at 07:00 and 14:00.
• Ticket Price: Around 450–550 RMB
• Route Highlights: Xining, located in Qinghai Province, serves as a gateway to Tibet for many travelers. The journey from Lhasa to Xining is scenic, with views of vast open landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and the rugged terrain of the Tibetan Plateau.

Long-diatance Bus Stations in Lhasa

All districts and counties in Lhasa have their own bus stations. There are long-distance buses from Lhasa to Lanzhou, Golmud, Chengdu, Shigatse and other places. You can also take regular bus at the bus stations to travel around Lhasa.

Long Distance Bus Stations in Lhasa

Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, is well-connected to other regions within Tibet and mainland China through a network of long-distance bus services. These buses are a popular and affordable option for travelers wishing to explore Tibet or continue their journey to other parts of China. There are several bus stations in Lhasa that serve long-distance routes, each offering different destinations and services.

1. Lhasa Bus Station (拉萨客运站)

Overview:

Lhasa Bus Station, also known as the main bus station, is the primary hub for long-distance buses traveling to cities and towns within Tibet and across China. The station is located in the central part of Lhasa and serves as a departure point for many major routes, including those to Shigatse, Nyingchi, Gyantse, and beyond.

Popular Routes:

• Lhasa to Shigatse (approx. 270 km, 6-7 hours)
• Lhasa to Nyingchi (approx. 400 km, 7-8 hours)
• Lhasa to Gyantse (approx. 260 km, 4-5 hours)
• Lhasa to Everest Base Camp (approx. 500 km, 12-14 hours)
• Lhasa to Chengdu (approx. 2,000 km, 36–40 hours)
• Lhasa to Xining (approx. 1,400 km, 30 hours)

Facilities:

• Ticket counters for long-distance bus services
• Waiting area with basic amenities
• Restaurants and snack vendors in and around the station
• Toilets and restrooms
• Travel information desk

Location:

• Address: Near the center of Lhasa, within close proximity to major attractions like Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.

2. Lhasa East Suburb Bus Station (拉萨东郊客运站)

Overview:

Lhasa East Suburb Bus Station caters to passengers traveling to various destinations within Tibet, particularly to those in the eastern regions, including Nyingchi. The station is slightly farther from the city center but serves as an important gateway for travelers heading out of Lhasa.

Popular Routes:

• Lhasa to Nyingchi (approx. 400 km, 7-8 hours)
• Lhasa to Chengdu (via Nyingchi, approx. 2,000 km)
• Lhasa to Jomda and surrounding areas (eastern Tibet)

Facilities:

• Basic waiting area
• Ticket sales for long-distance routes
• Limited food and drink options nearby
• Local transportation connections to and from the station

Location:

• Located in the eastern suburbs of Lhasa, this bus station is a bit farther from the city center but accessible via taxi or local buses.

3. Lhasa West Suburb Bus Station (拉萨西郊客运站)

Overview:

The Lhasa West Suburb Bus Station primarily serves routes heading westward, including to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, and other destinations in the western and southwestern regions. This station is a key starting point for travelers heading towards Mount Everest and surrounding areas.

Popular Routes:

• Lhasa to Shigatse (approx. 270 km, 6-7 hours)
• Lhasa to Everest Base Camp (approx. 500 km, 12-14 hours)
• Lhasa to Gyantse (approx. 260 km, 4-5 hours)

Facilities:

• Ticket counters for long-distance routes
• Waiting area with seats and basic amenities
• Nearby shops and local food options
• Transportation connections to other parts of Lhasa

Location:

• Situated in the western suburbs of Lhasa, accessible by taxi or local buses.

4. Lhasa Liuwu Bus Station (拉萨刘五客运站)

Overview:

Liuwu Bus Station is another important transportation hub in Lhasa, handling long-distance routes to various regions within Tibet and neighboring areas. It is particularly popular for routes heading to southern Tibet and beyond.

Popular Routes:

• Lhasa to Nyingchi (approx. 400 km, 7-8 hours)
• Lhasa to Shannan (approx. 300 km, 6-7 hours)

Facilities:

• Ticket counter for long-distance buses
• Basic amenities for passengers
• Nearby food vendors and restaurants
• Waiting area with limited facilities

Location:

• Liuwu Bus Station is located in the southeastern part of Lhasa, easily accessible by public transport or taxi.

• Lhasa Bus Station
• Lhasa East Suburb Bus Station
• Lhasa North Suburb Bus Station
• Lhasa Liuwu Bus Station
• Lhasa West Suburb Coach Station
• Maizhokunggar County Bus Station
• Dagzê District Bus Station in Lhasa
• Nyêmo County Bus Station in Lhasa
• Damxung County Bus Station in Lhasa
• Doilungdêqên District Bus Station
• Lhünzhub County Bus Station in Lhasa
• Qüxü County Bus Station in Lhasa

Lhasa Long-distance Bus Schedule

There are many long-distance buses and regular buses to and fro Lhasa. Here below are just part of them.

Note: The above information is just for reference, the specific is subject to the local bus stations.

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General Tips for Long Distance Bus Travel in Lhasa

1. Altitude Considerations

• Lhasa itself sits at an altitude of around 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), so travelers should take extra care when planning long-distance bus journeys, especially to higher altitudes like Everest Base Camp.
• It’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 days acclimatizing to the altitude in Lhasa before embarking on longer bus journeys to avoid altitude sickness.

2. Weather Conditions

• Tibet’s weather can be unpredictable, with snowstorms, heavy rainfall, and temperature fluctuations. Always check the weather forecast before traveling, especially for routes to high-altitude destinations like Everest Base Camp.
• Bring appropriate clothing, including layers, waterproof gear, and sun protection, as temperatures can vary significantly along the journey.

3. Book Tickets in Advance

• Long-distance buses, especially those to popular destinations like Shigatse, Nyingchi, and Everest Base Camp, can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist seasons (May to September) and Chinese holidays.
• It’s advisable to book your bus tickets in advance, either at the Lhasa Bus Station or through local travel agencies.

4. Food and Water

• While long-distance buses often have occasional stops, food options on the route can be limited. It’s a good idea to bring snacks, water, and any personal supplies for the journey.
• Many buses also stop at small villages or rest areas where you can purchase food and drinks.

5. Travel Time

• The distances in Tibet can be vast, and travel times are often longer than anticipated due to road conditions, altitude, and weather.
• Be prepared for long bus rides, especially on routes to remote destinations like Everest Base Camp and Xining.

6. Safety and Comfort

• Tibetan roads, especially those leading to high-altitude regions, can be bumpy and challenging. Buses may not have the same level of comfort as those in major cities, so it’s important to be prepared for a less luxurious ride.
• Always wear your seatbelt, as some roads may be winding and mountainous.

Long-distance buses from Lhasa provide an affordable and scenic way to explore Tibet and beyond. Whether you’re visiting iconic destinations like Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, or Chengdu, traveling by bus offers the opportunity to enjoy Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes. With proper planning and preparation, long-distance bus travel can be a rewarding experience for those looking to experience the beauty and culture of Tibet.