Pack animals used to be the main transportation in Tibet. The transportation condition has changed greatly since the liberation after 1951 . Now highways and airlines are connecting it with other regions of China.

Planes are the fastest and the most convenient means to move onto the Roof of the World. There are two airports in Tibet while Gonggar airport connects Lhasa, hence Tibet, with Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Chongqing, and even Kathmandu and Hongkong. Gonggar Airport was listed in the state's key construction projects during he period of 1986-1990. The expanded airport is able to accommodate over 290-passenger plane, over 200t Boeing planes can touch the ground.

There is no air route within Tibet at present. Traveling by air into Tibet will surely brings visitors unique and thrilling experience. Just imagine that you are above the world highest snow and cloud clad peaks. However, since planes travel fast and there is little time for acclimatization.

Lhasa has scheduled flights to Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The distance by air from Lhasa to Chengdu is a little more than 1,100 kilometers. Each year more than 100,000 passengers fly this route along with 1,600 tons of freight. Renovations to Gonggar Airport outside of Lhasa now allow access to large passenger aircraft like Boeing 767. The 250-million-yuan Bamda Airport, the world's highest, was completed in September 1994.

Road transport is the principal transport mode in Tibet. Today, a 22,000-kilometer highway network radiating from Lhasa consisting of 15 trunk highways and 315 feeder roads has been formed. The regional civil cars amount to 35,044 including 13,352 business lorries and 3,267 business passenger cars, which fall into 516 long-distance coaches, 1,268 urban mini-buses and 1,483 taxis. There are 35,369 tractors and 14,225 motorcycles. There are 68 passenger transport lines, and passenger transport lines are accessible to 66% of counties.

There are five highways stretching into Tibet. Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the longest, 2413 kilometers (1496 miles) long, built in 1950 and opened for traffic in 1954. The road climbs up and down 14 high mountains which average 4000-5000 meters (13120-16400 feet) high, and flies over a dozen of famous rivers such as Lantsang River (Mekong). The climate along the road presents beautiful scenery ranging from spring to winter. However,the road condition is not good.

Qinghai-Tibet Highway ,completed in the early 1980s, starts from Golmud of Qinghai, which is the only road providing bus service among the five highways and the main road to travel Tibet. 1160 kilometers (720 miles) long and averaging 4000 meters (13120 feet) high, along Kunlun Mountains and vast grassland, which amaze people living in modern civilization, the bituminous road is the best road leading to Tibet.

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway starts from Yecheng in Xinjiang. It runs 1455 kilometers (902 miles), winding its way among fives mountains soaring more than 5000 meters (16400 feet) high above the sea level. A spectacular view of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova shows before travelers while traveling along the road.

Yunnan-Tibet Highway spans 800 kilometers (492 miles) to reach Markham, less beaten by travelers.
Chinese-Nepalese Highway is another main road traveled often. It stretches 900 kilometers (558 miles) from Kathmandu to reach Shigatse and Lhasa.

The average elevation of these highway is above 4,000 meters, running through the mountains of Kunlun and Tanggula;the Yecheng-Burang, 1,455 kilometers. This highway is the highest highway in the world, passing through five mountains above 5,000 meters high. The highest mountain is 6,035 meters above sea level.

Among the five highways, only Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Chinese-Nepalese Highway are open to foreigners at present. Inside Tibet, there are now regular buses shuttling between major towns. Every day, two buses shuttle between germu and Lhasa. They start from germu at eight in the morning and arrive in Lhasa the next afternoon.

Trucks tend to charge the same inflated prices as buses, but the Chinese government discourages foreigners from hitching rides. 'Road safety' is little more than a slogan. Tibetans tend to rely on prayer to facilitate a safe arrival.

The conditions of minor roads only allow using jeeps. In Lhasa minibuses are the main transportation, charging 2 RMB per person. It is easy to hire a taxi which is painted verdurous and silver. The fare is 10 RMB no matter where the destination is within the city. Pedicabs are unique vehicles to look around the highest city in the world. Bikes can be easily hired at Lhasa at most hostels.

Railway into Tibet is now under construction after years planning.