In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well-paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange landcruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them. There are no air routes within Tibet.
There are regular buses from Lhasa to Golmud, Tsedang and Shigatse, using fast, comfortable Japanese vehicles. The main bus station is on the corner of Minzu Lu, south of the Norbulingka. Tickets are put on sale two days before departure and usually sell quickly. Get seats in the front half of the bus for greater comfort on rough roads and better visibility through the dust. Buses go from these stations to a number of other destinations, but do not expect to be able to buy tickets for destinations not normally open to tourist. Watch out for thieves and pickpockets at both stations.
The local bus station is opposite Tibet University, at the southeast corner of town, near the bridge. Dilapidated buses run from here on routes to Maizhokunggar, Yangbajing, Damxung and other places in central Tibet. People planning to visit the Gonggar region can also use the bus service from the CAAC building to the airport and start walking from there. Take food and drink for the journey, as you cannot always count on the bus making stops en route.