Lhasa Gonggar International Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Hello, I’m Alex Chen, a Chinese traveler who loves independent travel. My journeys have taken me to remote corners of the world, and I’m especially passionate about sharing how to explore China on a budget. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, your gateway to the mystical Tibet. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning traveler, this guide will help you navigate the airport effectively.

Overview of Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

• Airport Code: LXA
• Location: Between Yingbin Road and Youyi Road in Jiazhu Lin Town, Gongga County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Distance to City Center: 85 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • T1 Terminal: Currently no flights.
  • T2 Terminal: Primarily international flights, covering an area of 25,000 square meters, operational since 2004.
  • T3 Terminal: Primarily domestic flights, covering an area of 88,000 square meters, operational since 2021.

3 Best Ways to Get from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport to the City Center

The airport shuttle bus is a highly recommended option, available throughout the day. Besides the shuttle, pre-arranged airport pick-ups are advisable as taxis and rideshares often involve carpooling and require bargaining.

1. How to Take the Airport Bus from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport to Downtown Lhasa

Departing from T3 Terminal

• Location: Hall 5 Gate
• Fare: CNY 30
• Duration: 70 minutes
• Operating Hours: Corresponds with flight schedules, available even in the early hours.
• Common Route: Airport -> Downtown Lhasa, final stop at No. 1 Niangre Road in Chengguan District

How to Buy Tickets

• Tickets can be purchased at bus ticket windows or self-service machines, accepting cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Tickets are also available on WeChat official accounts for same-day purchase.

2. How to Take a Taxi from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport to Downtown Lhasa

Departing from T3 Terminal

• Location: Opposite the 1F terminal parking lot
• Price: CNY 200
• Duration: 60 minutes

3. How to Take a Rideshare from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport to Downtown Lhasa

Rides can be booked using Alipay or DiDi. Departing from T3 Terminal

• Location: Opposite the 1F terminal parking lot
• Price: CNY 120-150
• Duration: 60 minutes

Guide to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Payment App Assistance Desk (Foreign Guest Payment Service Center)

To facilitate international travelers in using WeChat and Alipay in China, Lhasa Gonggar International Airport has set up a payment service desk at the T3 terminal. This desk assists visitors with downloading and using Chinese payment apps.

• Services Provided:
  • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps.
  • Guidance on how to link international bank cards and activate payment functions within the apps.
  • Basic operational guidance and answers to queries regarding the use of payment apps.
• Location: Arrivals Hall

Restaurant Information and Operating Hours at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Post-Security at T3 Terminal

• KFC
  • Location: Inside security at 3A-1-2, T3 Terminal
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Type of Food: Burgers, Snacks

Free Wi-Fi at the Airport

Passengers can connect to free Wi-Fi using the following method:

• Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number and receive an SMS code to log in.
• Note: Accessing sites like Google may require a VPN when using airport Wi-Fi.

Overnight Stays at the Airport

Overnight stays are not permitted. The airport closes and begins clearing operations at 9 PM.