Car Rental for 1 Day Kunming City Tour
Kunming is an excellent place to explore by car due to its convenient road infrastructure and the variety of attractions located both within the city and in the surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting Kunming for a short stay or are just looking to explore the main attractions in one day, renting a car provides comfort and flexibility.
1. Hertz China
- Location: Available at Kunming Changshui International Airport, downtown Kunming, and major hotels like Intercontinental Hotel and Kunming Green Lake Hotel.
- Fleet: Hertz offers a variety of vehicles, including economy cars (like the Toyota Corolla), SUVs (such as the Honda CR-V), luxury cars (Mercedes-Benz, BMW), and minivans (Volkswagen Multivan).
- Price Range:
- Economy Car: ¥700–¥900/day
- SUV: ¥1200–¥1500/day
- Luxury Car: ¥1600–¥2000/day
- Booking Options: You can reserve online through their website, via the mobile app, or by calling customer service.
- Special Offers: Hertz often provides discounts for advanced bookings, long-term rentals, and special packages for tourists.
2. Avis China
- Location: Avis has pick-up locations at Kunming Changshui International Airport, Kunming Railway Station, and in the city center.
- Fleet: Avis is known for its wide selection of vehicles that include compact cars (Nissan Tiida), SUVs (Toyota RAV4), and high-end cars (Audi A4, BMW 5 Series).
- Price Range:
- Economy Car: ¥800–¥1000/day
- SUV: ¥1300–¥1600/day
- Luxury Car: ¥1700–¥2100/day
- Booking Options: Available through Avis’s official website, mobile app, or local agents.
- Additional Services: Avis offers GPS, child seats, and insurance packages. You can also opt for a chauffeur-driven car if you prefer a guided tour experience.
3. China Auto Rental (CAR Inc.)
- Location: Available at Kunming Changshui International Airport, Kunming East Railway Station, and central Kunming.
- Fleet: CAR Inc. has a comprehensive fleet, including compact cars (Ford Focus), SUVs (Volkswagen Tiguan), and minivans (Toyota Alphard). They also offer luxury vehicles and larger vans suitable for family trips.
- Price Range:
- Economy Car: ¥750–¥950/day
- SUV: ¥1100–¥1500/day
- Minivan (7 seats): ¥1600–¥2000/day
- Booking Options: You can book via their official website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service. They also have a convenient online customer service option that can assist with last-minute bookings.
- Insurance and Coverage: CAR Inc. provides mandatory insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to full coverage.
4. eHi Car Services
- Location: With a strong presence at Kunming Changshui International Airport, eHi also operates in central Kunming and nearby major hotels.
- Fleet: Offers a wide range of vehicles including compact (Hyundai Elantra), sedans (Honda Accord), SUVs (BMW X5), and minivans (Mercedes-Benz Vito).
- Price Range:
- Economy Car: ¥600–¥800/day
- SUV: ¥1000–¥1400/day
- Luxury/Minivan: ¥1600–¥2000/day
- Booking Options: Online booking is available through their website or app, or via a customer service hotline.
- Additional Services: eHi offers satellite navigation devices, child safety seats, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
5. Stone Lee Yunnan Travel Car Rental Service
- Specialization: For those seeking a more luxurious experience or traveling in larger groups, Stone Lee Yunnan offers high-end rental services such as Mercedes-Benz Vito 7-seater vans, often with a chauffeur guide for personalized experiences.
- Price Range: For a luxury van, expect to pay around ¥1500–¥2500 per day, depending on the duration of rental and extra services (like chauffeur and guided tours).
Best Routes for One-Day Car Rental in Kunming
1. Kunming to Western Hills (Xishan)
- Distance: 20–30 km (about 45 minutes drive).
- Attractions: Panoramic views of Dianchi Lake, ancient temples, caves, and the famous Xishan Grottoes.
- Recommended Activity: Hike to the top for a breathtaking view, or take the cable car if you prefer not to hike.
2. Kunming to Stone Forest (Shilin)
- Distance: 80 km (about 1.5 hours drive).
- Attractions: The geological wonder of the Stone Forest, with its impressive limestone formations.
- Recommended Activity: Take a guided walking tour to explore the forest’s unique shapes and formations.
3. Kunming to Dianchi Lake
- Distance: 10–15 km (around 20 minutes drive).
- Attractions: Walk along the lakefront, visit the local parks, and take a boat tour of the lake.
- Recommended Activity: Enjoy a boat ride and explore the surrounding areas for a serene experience.
4. Kunming to Yunnan Nationalities Village
- Distance: 30 km (around 45 minutes drive).
- Attractions: Learn about the 25 ethnic minorities of Yunnan, with exhibits of traditional clothing, architecture, and cultural performances.
- Recommended Activity: Watch cultural shows, interact with artisans, and enjoy traditional food.
5. Kunming to Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)
- Distance: In the city center, just 5 km away.
- Attractions: A beautiful park where you can enjoy leisurely walks, boat rides, and bird watching.
- Recommended Activity: Rent a pedal boat, take a peaceful walk, and admire the seasonal flowers.
Estimated Total Cost for a 1-Day Car Rental Tour
- Economy Car (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic)
- Rental Fee: ¥700–¥1000/day
- Fuel: ¥100–¥200 (depends on route)
- Total Estimated Cost: ¥800–¥1200
- SUV (Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan)
- Rental Fee: ¥1000–¥1500/day
- Fuel: ¥150–¥250 (depends on route)
- Total Estimated Cost: ¥1150–¥1750
- Luxury Car (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
- Rental Fee: ¥1500–¥2000/day
- Fuel: ¥200–¥300 (depends on route)
- Total Estimated Cost: ¥1700–¥2300
- Minivan (7-Seater Mercedes-Benz Vito)
- Rental Fee: ¥1600–¥2000/day
- Fuel: ¥200–¥350
- Total Estimated Cost: ¥1800–¥2350
Rental Tips & Things to Know
1. Book Early for Better Rates
- Prices can fluctuate, and the best deals are often found by booking a few weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (like Chinese New Year and National Day holidays).
2. Insurance
- Make sure to choose a rental option with comprehensive insurance, including third-party liability and coverage for damages to the vehicle.
3. Pick-up & Drop-off
- Arrange convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. For international travelers, picking up at the airport is often the easiest option.
4. Fuel Policy
- Most companies follow a “full-to-full” policy, meaning you will need to return the car with a full tank of fuel. Make sure to fill up before returning it to avoid extra charges.
5. Traffic Rules
- Familiarize yourself with local driving rules. Kunming has modern roads, but traffic in the city can be dense, especially during rush hours.
6. Driver’s License
- If you are an international traveler, make sure you have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country’s driver’s license.
Contact Information
- Kunming Tourist Information Center: +86 18088243690
- Hertz Kunming: +86 400-921-1138
- Avis Kunming: +86 400-882-1119
- eHi Car Services Kunming: +86 400-888-6608
- China Auto Rental: +86 400-898-8988
Renting a car for a day in Kunming is an excellent way to explore the city and nearby attractions with ease. By having your own vehicle, you can make the most of your time and visit multiple destinations in a single day. Whether you’re looking to experience Kunming’s natural beauty or immerse yourself in its cultural offerings, a rental car ensures a flexible and comfortable journey.
We are a group of 7 pax going to Kunming end March. We would like to hire a vehicle with a driver for a day. How much will it cost us? How do I go about booking such service.
Hello, thank you for your kind consultation. We are glad to.be your personal consultant.
If you need my quotation on the cost, could you please let me know which route you’d like to take? Also, I’m wondering if you need an English-speaking tour guide. Here, I’d be more than happy to offer you some popular tourist routes in Kunming for your reference:
Option 1
Morning: Our driver will pick you up and take you to the Western Hills. You can hike the trails for fresh air and great views or take a cable car. Explore ancient temples there. Then, head to Yunnan Nationalities Village to experience ethnic cultures, watch traditional shows, and interact with local artisans.
Afternoon: Proceed to Green Lake Park. Walk around the lake, enjoy the scenery, and maybe see migratory birds. Next, visit Jingxing Flower and Bird Market, full of flowers, birds, antiques, and souvenirs.Conclude at Jinma Biji Square. Admire the architecture, take photos, and explore nearby shops and snack stalls. The driver will then take you back to the starting point.
Option 2
Morning: The driver picks you up and takes you to the Stone Forest. Wander among the limestone formations and join guided tours to learn about its geology and stories.
Afternoon: Head to Green Lake Park for a lakeside walk, spotting migratory birds if lucky. Visit Jingxing Flower and Bird Market full of flowers, birds, antiques and souvenirs. Conclude at Jinma Biji Square to admire the architecture and explore shops. The driver will take you back to the starting point.