Travelling from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA): What you need to know
- Start planning your holiday by checking out where you'll catch your flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). Explore the options for taking off from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), the city's main airports.
- Around 2 hours 40 minutes is the usual time it takes for a direct Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport flight.
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located in Lhasa. The city's timezone is UTC+8 — the same as Chengdu.
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is the busiest route. You can choose from 81 direct services a week between TFU and LXA.
- Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Chengdu to LXA. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid any last-minute rush.
- During popular months such as February, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
Airports in Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU)
- You can jump on a direct flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar (LXA) out of Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU).
- A variety of airlines at TFU offer direct flights from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar. You'll be flying with carriers like:
- The airline most travellers choose when flying between TFU and LXA is Sichuan Airlines.
- Air China is the top-ranked carrier for punctuality on this route.
- The journey from central Chengdu to TFU takes about 1 hour by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a taxi, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
- Catching an early flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near Chengdu Tianfu International:
- Chengdu Tianfu International has a strong on-time performance, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from TFU arrive on schedule 85% of the time.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- Planning to leave from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)? Direct Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) plane tickets can be booked from this popular hub.
- You can take your pick of airlines offering direct flights from Chengdu to LXA departing from CTU. Jet off with any of these carriers and skip the layovers:
- Tibet Airlines has the largest share of bookings on the CTU to LXA route.
- Flights between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Lhasa Gonggar Airport are generally more punctual with Chengdu Airlines compared to other carriers.
- You can get to CTU from central Chengdu in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride by public transport will take roughly 45 minutes to cover the 16 kilometres or so.
- Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Chengdu to LXA flight? Unwind in a hotel near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport before your adventure officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
- Chengdu French Theme Gold Palace
- CHENGDU Joyhub AIR Hotel
- Haofeng Hotel (Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport)
- The majority of flights that depart Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule. It achieves a consistent on-time performance rate of 84%.
- The street address for CTU is Airport Expressway Entrance.
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)?
Most airlines operating flights from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances can vary depending on the airline and fare type you choose. Here's what you can expect with the major airlines serving this route:
- Sichuan Airlines
- Carry-on allowance: 5kg cabin bag (55x40x20cm) plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), Terminal 1
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
- Air China
- Carry-on allowance: 5kg cabin bag (55x40x20cm) plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), Terminal
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
- Lucky Air
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), Terminal
- Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure
You can access a range of facilities at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, self-service check-in kiosks, and baggage storage services. The airport also provides currency exchange counters, ATMs, and numerous dining and shopping options to meet your travel needs. Additional amenities include medical services, baby care facilities, and various lounge areas for passenger comfort.
About Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)
- The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar. Stay at one of these accommodation options near LXA instead:
- Vienna International Hotel (Gongga Airport, Lhasa)
- Thank Inn Hotel Tibet Lhasa Konggang New District Gongga Airport
- LANOU International Hotel (Lhasa Gongga Airport)
- LXA is located at 101 Provincial Rd..
Getting from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) to central Lhasa
- From Lhasa Gonggar Airport, central Lhasa is around 64 kilometres away. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to get to the city centre by car.
- If you're taking public transport, expect a journey of roughly 2 hours.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)
- The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport is ₹ 12,218. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ₹ 26,470. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
- To pick up cheap flights from Chengdu to LXA, book ahead. Airlines tend to offer lower fares when flights first go on sale.
- If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when searching for your Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport ticket.
- Finding a cheap plane ticket from Chengdu to LXA couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a price drop.
- Uncover a great deal on a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
The best time to fly from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)
- It's time to work out when to book your flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). September is the most popular month to visit Lhasa. If you're all about a more relaxed kind of trip, think about going in December.
- Before locking in your Chengdu to LXA plane ticket, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. June is the warmest month in Lhasa, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 22°C.
- January has temperatures of between -17°C and 8°C. Search for cheap tickets from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Lhasa features a high-altitude plateau climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, cool temperatures year-round, and abundant sunshine. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
- December – February: Winter brings crisp, dry air and bright sunshine to Lhasa, making these some of the best times to explore Lhasa with fewer crowds and clear mountain views. Pack warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
- March – May: Spring arrives with mild days and cool nights as temperatures gradually warm. Layer your clothing to adapt easily throughout the day.
- June – September: Lhasa's summer season offers comfortable daytime temperatures with cool evenings and occasional afternoon showers. Layer your clothing for changing conditions throughout the day. The clear skies and mild weather make this ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and sightseeing around the city.
- October – November: Autumn settles in with crisp, clear skies and bright sunshine making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring outdoor attractions around the city.
More about Lhasa
- Start your Lhasa trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, explore our range of accommodation options including:
- There are loads of things to do in Lhasa when you're ready to see the sights. Kick off your itinerary at Potala Palace followed by White Palace, Potala Palace and Snow City, Potala Palace.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
- Things to do in Lhasa: Explore the outdoor markets along Beijing Road, about 2 kilometres east of the centre, where you can browse local crafts and sample street food. Take a walk through Norbulingka Park, roughly 3 kilometres southwest, with its gardens and pathways perfect for an afternoon stroll. For mountain views, head to the viewpoint at Chakpori Hill, just 1 kilometre south of downtown, where you can see the city spread across the valley.
- Cultural experiences: Join pilgrims circumambulating the sacred Jokhang Temple in Barkhor district, about 1 kilometre east of the city centre, and browse traditional Tibetan crafts in the surrounding market streets. Admire centuries-old murals and butter sculptures at Sera Monastery, roughly 5 kilometres north of Lhasa, and witness monks engaging in philosophical debates in the courtyard. Sample yak butter tea and momos at local teahouses in the old quarter, learning about Tibetan culinary traditions passed down through generations.
- Seasonal highlights: Experience the Shoton Festival in August when locals gather for traditional opera performances and yoghurt celebrations across the city. The Saga Dawa Festival in May or June offers pilgrims and visitors a chance to witness prayer ceremonies at Jokhang Temple. The best time to visit Lhasa falls between April and October when warmer temperatures and clear skies make exploring the high-altitude city more comfortable.
