Kunming to Dali to Lijiang by Train

Last updated: April 2026. Schedules and prices change — check 12306.cn or Trip.com before booking.

Can You Actually Do This?

Yes, without much difficulty. Kunming to Dali takes under two hours; Dali to Lijiang adds another two. Both legs run multiple times daily, tickets support foreign passports, and Trip.com's English platform handles the whole booking without a Chinese ID. The one consistent friction point is the station-to-city transfer at each end — neither Dali nor Lijiang station sits anywhere near the old town.

At a Glance

Difficulty: Low — booking and riding are both manageable for first-timers
What you need: Passport (original, required at station gates)
Main booking option: Trip.com in English — international credit cards accepted
Backup option: Station ticket counter with passport; cash or card
English support: Good on Trip.com; minimal on 12306; basic at station service desks
Cost range: ¥150–210 (~$20–30) for second class, full route

The Route

The journey splits into two legs. You can book them separately or buy a single ticket all the way to Lijiang (the system routes you through Dali with a change of train).

Leg 1 — Kunming South to Dali G and D-series trains; journey time around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. The departure station is Kunming South (昆明南), not Kunming station — Kunming has two main rail terminals and they're 16 kilometers apart. Check your ticket.

Leg 2 — Dali to Lijiang D-series trains on the Dali-Lijiang Railway, running at around 160 km/h. Journey time approximately two hours. Not technically high-speed rail in the strictest classification, but the trains, stations, and booking process are identical.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose your booking method

Trip.com (English) is the path of least resistance for foreign visitors. Search the route, select a date and train, enter your passport number and name as it appears in your passport, pay with an international credit card. You'll receive an e-ticket; no paper ticket needed — your passport gets you through the gates.

12306 (China's official rail platform) also accepts foreign passports for registration, but the interface is Chinese only and payment requires WeChat Pay or Alipay. If you have both set up, it works fine. If not, use Trip.com.

Station ticket counter: Show your passport, state your destination, pay cash or card. Works reliably; the staff will find your name in the system by passport number. Buy at least one to three days ahead for standard dates; one to two weeks ahead around major holidays.

Step 2: Get to Kunming South station

Not Kunming station. Kunming South is the main hub for high-speed trains heading toward Dali and Lijiang. Metro Line 1 and Line 6 both serve it; a Didi from central Kunming takes around 30–40 minutes.

Step 3: Allow time for security

Rail stations in China run airport-style security — luggage through X-ray, passengers through a scanner. Plan to arrive 30–40 minutes before departure; during public holidays, give yourself an hour.

Step 4: Find your platform and board

Departure boards display train numbers, destinations, and platform numbers. The platform number typically appears 10–15 minutes before departure. Your carriage and seat number are printed on the ticket. Scan your passport at the automated gate or use the staffed lane if the machine doesn't read it first try.

⚠️ Foreign visitor note: The gate system reads your passport chip directly. A photo of the passport page won't work at automated gates — carry the physical document. If you booked via Trip.com, no separate paper ticket is needed; passport scan is the ticket.

Step 5: Transfer from station to old town

At Dali: The station sits about 15 km north of Dali Ancient City (大理古城). Taxi or Didi runs ¥30–40 and takes 25–35 minutes. Local buses exist but routes aren't intuitive for first-time visitors.

At Lijiang: The station is about 8 km from Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城). Taxi or Didi runs ¥20–30 and takes 15–20 minutes. Taxis queue outside the exit; Didi works if you have the app set up.

Foreign Visitor Specifics

Tickets are issued under your passport number — the same passport must be used to enter the station. You cannot substitute a different ID or travel document at the gate.

12306 registration with a foreign passport is possible but limits some features (seat selection on certain trains, for instance). Trip.com removes most of those friction points.

Neither Dali nor Lijiang station has consistent English-speaking staff, but the physical process — security, gates, platforms — follows the same pattern at every Chinese rail station and becomes clear quickly. When in doubt, find the service desk rather than asking platform staff; service desk personnel are more accustomed to assisting foreign travelers.

Luggage goes on the train with you. There's no check-in or hold luggage system. Overhead racks handle standard rolling suitcases; very large bags go in the storage area at each carriage end.

When Things Go Wrong

Situation	What to do
Wrong station (Kunming vs Kunming South)	Catch it early: cancel and rebook (small fee); if close to departure, a Didi between the two stations takes 30–40 minutes
Missed train	Same-day rebooking to the next available departure costs around ¥5; find the change ticket (改签) counter or use the Trip.com app
Passport not scanning at gate	Use the staffed lane — show passport to the officer; this is routine and takes 30 seconds
Sold-out trains on peak dates	Check adjacent time slots; morning departures often have more availability than midday

Cost Breakdown

Kunming South → Dali: Second class ¥100–130, first class ¥160–200
Dali → Lijiang: Second class ¥50–80, first class ¥80–120
Full route, second class: approximately ¥150–210 (~$20–30)
Station transfers (both cities combined): ¥50–70 by taxi

Prices are indicative — confirm before booking.

For how this train journey fits into a longer Yunnan trip, the Yunnan 10-Day Itinerary shows how Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang connect across a full route. For context on what to do once you arrive, the Lijiang City Guide covers the old town, day trips, and where to base yourself. For general rail booking and station procedures across China, the China High-Speed Rail Guide has the full process.