Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is 62km from Lhasa city center, with flights from Chengdu (2h, the most common gateway), Beijing (4.5h), Xi'an (2.5h), Chongqing (2h), and Kunming (2h). Flights are often delayed due to weather and military airspace restrictions. The airport shuttle bus runs to Lhasa city (30 RMB, 1 hour). Taxis cost 150-200 RMB. You must show your Tibet Travel Permit at check-in. Flying in reduces altitude acclimatization time compared to the train; consider spending an extra day resting in Lhasa if arriving by air.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is one of the world's most scenic train journeys, running from Xining to Lhasa (22 hours) or Beijing to Lhasa (40 hours). The train crosses the Tanggula Pass at 5,072m — the highest railway pass in the world. Oxygen is supplied in the train cabins above 4,000m. The scenery includes vast grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and turquoise lakes. Trains from Xining depart daily; book soft sleeper class for comfort. The train journey allows gradual altitude acclimatization but can still cause symptoms. Book via 12306.cn well in advance (tickets sell out quickly in peak season). The Xining-Lhasa route is recommended over Beijing-Lhasa for a shorter, more comfortable journey.

Overland travel to Tibet is restricted and must be arranged through a licensed travel agency. The most common overland route is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu to Lhasa, 5-7 days) and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (Xining to Lhasa, 2-3 days). These journeys offer incredible scenery but require a hired 4WD vehicle with a Tibetan driver. Foreign travelers cannot take public buses to Tibet. Within Tibet, your agency will provide a vehicle and driver for all intercity travel. The Friendship Highway connects Lhasa to the Nepal border (Zhangmu) in 3-4 days.

Within Lhasa, taxis are plentiful (10 RMB for most trips within the city). Your tour guide and driver will handle all transportation outside Lhasa. Walking is the best way to explore the Barkhor area and old town. For the Potala Palace, taxis can drop you at the base; there are steps to climb. Bicycle rentals are available but not recommended due to altitude. For day trips to nearby monasteries (Sera, Drepung, Norbulingka), taxis or your tour vehicle are the options. Within Tibet, all travel must be in your pre-arranged tour vehicle — independent travel is not permitted.