How to Get to Yanjin County from Kunming

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Traveling from Kunming (昆明) to Yanjin County (盐津县) offers several convenient options, including bus, train, and self-driving routes. The journey provides travelers with flexible choices depending on preferences for speed, comfort, and convenience.

1. Bus Services

Bus Stations: Kunming has multiple bus stations offering direct routes to Yanjin. The journey takes around 5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from ¥130 to ¥169, depending on the comfort level. Buses run frequently from different stations, offering a variety of schedules for different travel times.

2. Train Services

K854 Train: The K854 train departs from Kunming at 10:13 AM and arrives in Yanjin at 8:45 PM, taking approximately 10.5 hours. While trains provide a comfortable overnight travel option, they are slower compared to buses.

High-Speed Rail (Planned): The Chongqing-Kunming High-Speed Rail (渝昆高铁) is expected to be operational by 2026, reducing travel time to just 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a much faster alternative.

3. Self-Driving Route

Route Overview: For those who prefer driving, the recommended route spans 490 km and takes about 6 hours. It involves taking major expressways and highways, making it a comfortable journey for those seeking flexibility and scenic views. The total toll fee for this route is around ¥350.

4. Local Transportation in Yanjin

Public Transport: Yanjin is well-served by buses operated by the Yanjin Anda Public Transport Co., Ltd. (盐津安达公共交通汽车运输有限责任公司). Taxis are also readily available for short-distance travel within the county.

5. Recommendations

Bus: Best option for quick and affordable travel, especially for those with limited time.

Train: Ideal for overnight travel, but with a longer travel duration.

Self-Driving: Offers flexibility and comfort, with scenic views along the route.

This guide equips travelers with the necessary information to make an informed decision about their travel options to Yanjin County, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey.

Transportation Guide from Kunming to Yanjin County (Updated July 2025)

1. Bus Information 

Yanjin County (盐津县) is accessible from Kunming (昆明) through several bus stations in the city. Here’s a detailed look at bus schedules and pricing.

1.1 North Bus Station (北部客运站)

Departure Times: 09:00, 11:00

Ticket Price: ¥150 (Seating)

Travel Duration: Approximately 5 hours

Distance: 478 km

Route: Direct route to Yanjin Bus Station (盐津汽车客运站)

Remarks: This is the most straightforward route to Yanjin, and it’s suitable for travelers looking for convenience and short travel time.

1.2 West Bus Station (西部客运站)

Departure Time: 16:00

Ticket Price: ¥169 (Comfortable Sleeper)

Travel Duration: 5 hours

Remarks: Starting from June 24, 2025, the price has been adjusted. This bus is more comfortable with sleeper options available for longer-distance travel.

1.3 South Bus Station (南部客运站)

Departure Time: 16:00

Ticket Price: ¥130 (Comfortable Sleeper)

Travel Duration: 5 hours

Remarks: Another option for comfortable sleeper travel, suitable for those traveling in the afternoon or evening.

2. Train Information 

For those considering train travel, there is the K854 service, which connects Kunming (昆明) to Yanjin (盐津).

2.1 K854 Train Service 

Departure Time: 10:13 AM from Kunming Station (昆明站)

Arrival Time: 8:45 PM at Yanjin Station (盐津站)

Total Travel Time: 10 hours 32 minutes

Ticket Prices:

• Hard Seat: ¥93

• Sleeper: ¥174

Route: Stops at key stations such as Qujing (曲靖), Xuanwei (宣威), Zhaotong (昭通), etc.

Remarks: While this train service offers an alternative to buses, it takes longer (10.5 hours) and is best suited for travelers who prefer overnight travel or need to catch a train at a specific time.

2.2 High-Speed Rail Plans 

Planned Route: Chongqing-Kunming High-Speed Rail (渝昆高铁)

Completion Date: Expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Yanjin South Station (盐津南站): The station will be located approximately 30 kilometers from the county center.

Expected Travel Time: The high-speed rail will reduce travel time between Kunming and Yanjin to 1.5-2 hours, offering a much faster alternative once it’s operational.

3. Self-Driving Route

For those who prefer driving, here is the recommended self-driving route to Yanjin.

3.1 Recommended Route

Starting Point: Kunming (昆明)

Route: Kunming → Kunming-Mocha Expressway (昆磨高速) → Eastern Ring Road Expressway (东绕城高速) → Hangrui Expressway (杭瑞高速) → Chongqing-Kunming Expressway (渝昆高速) → Zhaole Expressway (昭乐高速) → Yanjin County (盐津县)

Total Distance: 490 km

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours

Toll Fees: Approximately ¥350

Remarks: This is the most efficient self-driving route, ideal for travelers who enjoy flexibility and comfort. It’s best to travel during the daytime for better visibility on mountain roads.

4. Local Transportation in Yanjin County 

Once you arrive in Yanjin, here are your transportation options within the county.

4.1 Public Bus Service 

Provider: Yanjin Anda Public Transport Co., Ltd. (盐津安达公共交通汽车运输有限责任公司)

Contact Number: +86 870-6632290

Service: The company provides reliable bus services within the county, including local transport to nearby towns and attractions.

4.2 Taxis 

Availability: Taxis are readily available within the county and can be easily hailed from any major street or hotel.

Remarks: Taxis are a convenient option for short-distance travel or when you want direct access to a specific location in Yanjin.

5. Comprehensive Travel Recommendations 

Here’s a quick summary of travel recommendations for your trip to Yanjin County:

5.1 Preferred Transportation: Bus

Pros: More frequent departures, shorter travel time (approximately 5 hours), and more affordable ticket prices (¥150-¥169).

Cons: Fewer options for overnight travel.

5.2 Alternative Transportation: Train

Pros: Suitable for those who want to travel overnight.

Cons: Longer travel time (around 10.5 hours), but offers comfort for those who prefer train travel.

5.3 Self-Driving Tips

Route: The self-driving route from Kunming to Yanjin is relatively simple, but travelers should be aware of the mountain roads.

Driving Advice: It’s recommended to travel during the day for better road conditions, especially in mountainous areas where visibility can be poor at night.

Safety: Make sure to check the car’s condition, and bring necessary supplies such as water, food, and a GPS system. Ensure that the vehicle has proper navigation capabilities as signal reception may be weak in remote areas.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options from Kunming (昆明) to Yanjin County (盐津县), including buses, trains, self-driving routes, and local transportation in Yanjin. Whether you prefer a quicker bus ride, an overnight train, or the flexibility of driving yourself, this guide ensures you have all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.