Before 1950s, transportation in Shigatse remained somewhat primitive. Residents relied on animals such as the yak as their main mode of transportation. There were no highways, only narrow winding trails extending throughout this area. This made it difficult for residents to get in touch with the outside world. However, subsequent development has greatly improved transportation in and around this area. Today Shigatse is the transportation center of Tibet. The China-Nepal Highway connects Lhasa and Shigatse then stretches into Nepal. With the No.318 National Highway, Shigatse-Yadong Highway and Lhasa-Purang Highway passing by, Shigatse is now connected to an extensive and efficient network of highways, and the 18 districts in Shigatse region are interlinked. Without ready access to water and air transportation, the highway plays a very important role in the economy and day-to-day life in Shigatse.

Getting there

By Air

If you choose to fly, the Gonggar Airport (LXA) in Lhasa is your best destination choice. Connecting airports are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Xining, Xian, Lanzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing. As Shigatse lies about 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) away from Lhasa, you should arrive in Lhasa and then take a long-distance bus to Shigatse City. The trip from Lhasa to Shigatse takes about four hours. Another option is to take a bus to Shigatse directly from the Gonggar Airport.

By Train

As the Qinghai-Tibet Railway stops in Lhasa, transportation to Shigatse is fairly easy (even though Shigatse does not have railway connections). If you choose to travel by train, get off at the Lhasa Railway Station and take a bus heading to Shigatse from either the Lhasa Bus Station or the Beijing Road (East). Here you will have a choice between buses, mini-buses and cars (such as the Santana and Toyota 4500). Fares range between CNY 38~100.

By Long-distance Bus

The Lhasa North Passenger Transport Station offers many bus options heading to Shigatse:

	Fare	Time
Mid-Class Bus	CNY 51(per person)	09:00 every day
Luxurious Tourist Bus (Two-day trip and return line includes the Tashihunpo Monastery and Yamdrok Yumtso Lake)	CNY 160(per person)	09:00 every other day
	CNY 280 (per person) (includes bus fare , admission fees, accommodation, dining and guide)
Chartered Car (Toyota 4500)	CNY 3000	----

In Lhasa Bus Station, the buses heading for Shigatse is in three classes:

	Fare	Time
Luxurious Car (Toyota, Santana and Zhonghua)	CNY 100	----
Mid-Class Bus	CNY 65	----
Normal Bus	CNY 50	08:30,09:30,10:00,10:30, 11:00,11:30, 12:00,12:30, 13:00,13:30 every day

Shigatse Bus Station is located on Jiefang Road. Here you will find busses heading for Lhasa, Zhangmu, Dromo, Ngari and Nakchu.

Getting around

By Pedicab

There is no city bus in Shigatse. Since the city is not large, you can easily get around on foot - the best way to truly appreciate the streets, buildings and markets. Pedicabs and tricycles are also available. The fare for pedicabs and tricycles is about CNY 2~3 for one person. Keep in mind, though, that these will only take you within the city limits.

By Taxi

In Shigatse taxis are an economical choice for transport if you are traveling with 2~4 people. The daytime fare is only CNY 5 regardless of where your destination is (within the city). After 20:00, the fare is CNY10 per trip.

By Chartered Car

Nowadays, more and more people come to Shigatse region to see the world's highest mountain peak, Mt. Everest, in Tingri County. Chartering a car is the most efficient and dependable way to get to the Everest Base Camp. Cars for hire are much more easily found in Lhasa than Shigatse. They are available in the square outside Tashihunpo Monastery or in the Shigatse Bus Station. You can bargain with the driver directly. Reference prices are as follows: During July and August, the fare for a Toyota 62 should be no more than CNY 2300 for three days, and Toyota 4500 should cost around CNY 2800 for three days. However, in late August, fares will increase dramatically.