By air
Flight CZ3463 leaves Guangzhou in the morning and lands in Lhasa in the afternoon, about six hours non-stop. Off-season fares are often discounted.
By train
Train Z264 runs on alternate days from Guangzhou and takes about 52 hours to Lhasa, with a hard sleeper around 1,700 yuan. The long ride crosses several provinces and climbs onto the plateau.
Via Xining or Lanzhou
Flying to Lanzhou or Xining first and taking the train from there shortens the rail leg to roughly a day; the Xining–Lhasa stretch is the most rewarding part of the line. June to October is the most comfortable window.
Documents
Foreign travellers need the permit arranged before departure; the passport number on the permit must match the one you travel with.