There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Lhasa into a quick city adventure. From LXA, the Airport Bus can get you into town in around 150 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave LXA:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for China. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Lhasa takes about 150 minutes by Airport Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is CNY. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Getting to Lhasa from the Airport
From LXA, the Airport Bus gets you to Lhasa in around 150 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 170 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airport Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Lhasa Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lhasa might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$9 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$24 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at LXA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Lhasa’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
What to See and Do in Lhasa
For a layover visit to Lhasa, we’d suggest Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street and Potala Palace (Exterior View). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
If you’d rather stay inside LXA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Lhasa Airport First Class Lounge
- Airport Souvenir Shops
Where to Eat
In Lhasa
If you make it into town, Tibetan Family Kitchen is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Dunyig Restaurant.
Inside LXA
If you’re staying in the terminal, Lhasa Gonggar Airport Restaurant is your main option. Airport Cafe & Snacks works too if you want something quick.
Sleep & Lounge Options at LXA
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at LXA.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at LXA for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Lhasa or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Lhasa exploring the streets or relaxing at LXA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.