Kunming-Dali Transportation: by High-speed Train, Bus & Flight

Dali City is located in western Yunnan, approximately 250 km northwest of the provincial capital of Kunming. Those are two top destinations of Yunnan tour. Kunming, as the capital city of Yunnan Province, usually serves as the transportation hub of Yunnan travel. Dali is one of the most famous places for travelers to go, which is easily accessible by air, train, and bus. 

How to Get to Dali from Kunming?

By Air

It’s not recommended to travel from Kunming to Dali by airplanes. It’s much expensive and time-wasting. Although the duration on the flight is only about 1 hour, while 3-4 hours are needed for the transfer time to and from the two airports. Located on the southeast bank of Erhai Lake, Dali airport is about 13 kilometers away from the city center.

At present, there are 2 daily flights between Kunming to Dali and two airport shuttles Line 1 and Line 2 going to Dali downtown areas. 

Kunming-Dali Airline Schedules

Flight Number Airlines Departs Arrives
MU5941 China Eastern Airlines 08:10 09:15
MU5734 China Eastern Airlines 17:05 18:10

By High-spend Train

Since June 29, 2018, the normal speed trains from Kunming to Dali are all closed and the high-speed trains are formally put into use, which cut the entire journey to 2 hours. There are more than 20 high-speed trains departing from Kunming South Railway Station to Dali Railway Station from the early morning hours to the late night around 06:30-21:30, with the stop at Kunming Railway Station in the downtown.

Kunming-Dali Train Schedules(departing at Kunming Railway Station)

Train Number Departure Arrival Duration
D8652 07:22 09:14 1h52m
D8656 07:35 09:37 2h02m
D8660 08:12 10:10 1h58m
D8664 08:44 10:50 5h06m
D8668 09:05 11:19 2h14m
D8672 09:22 11:31 2h09m
D8676 09:37 11:51 2h14m
D8684 10:06 12:22 2h16m
D8692 10:42 12:57 2h15m
D8696 11:15 13:24 2h09m
D8702 12:12 14:27 2h15m
D4120 12:57 15:05 2h08m
D8706 13:12 15:27 2h15m
D8710 13:57 15:49 1h52m
D3938 15:51 17:53 2h02m
D8714 16:02 18:10 2h08m
D3802 16:14 18:22 2h08m
D3930 16:38 18:52 2h14m
D8726 17:12 19:33 2h21m
D3814 17:32 19:40 2h08m
D3952 17:54 20:02 2h08m
D3966 18:05 20:13 2h08m
D3818 18:28 20:47 2h19m
D8734 19:12 21:33 2h21m
D8738 19:55 22:10 2h15m
D8742 21:43 23:35 1h52m

Kunming South Railway Station:
Add: Xiangyuan Street, Chenggong District of Kunming City
How to Get: Take Metro Line 1 or taxi

Kunming Railway Station:
Add: No. 1, Beijing Road, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan
How to Get: Take the Metro Line 2 or taxi

Dali Railway Station:
Add: 261 Weishan Road, Dali
How to Leave: Take a taxi or bus

By Long-distance Bus

Taking a 4-hour coach to Dali is an alternative choice for sometimes the train tickets have been sold out. Tourists can take the coach at Kunming West Bus Station to different stations in Dali City, which runs every 15–20 minutes from the early morning to the late afternoon daily. You can choose the proper one according to your needs.

Kunming-Dali Bus Schedules

Departs Arrives
08:00,  08:40, 09:10, 09:20, 09:40, 10:10, 10:20, 10:40, 10:50, 11:10, 12:30, 13:10,13:40, 19:00, 22:30 Dali
08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 20:00 Dali Ancient Town
09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40, 12:20, 12:40, 14:00, 14:50, 15:30, 18:00 Dali Express Bus Station
07:50, 08:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:10, 13:20, 13:50, 14:20, 15:20, 15:50, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:40, 19:20 Dali Xingsheng Bus Terminal

Kunming West Bus Station:
Add: No.18, Yining Road, Xishan District, Kunming city, Yunnan province
How to Get there: Take Metro Line 3 or taxi

Dali Bus Stations:
Add: All located at the downtown area
How to Leave: Take a bus or taxi