Kunming to Dali Train
Dali is the gateway to Yunnan for most independent travellers, and the train from Kunming takes about two hours. Old-town guesthouses, Erhai Lake and Cangshan mountain all sit within easy reach.
- Fastest journey
- 2h
- Distance
- 330 km
- Trains per day
- 20+
- Departs
- Kunming
- Arrives
- Dali
Departures on 2026-10-29
No departures returned for this date. Try another date.
Times shown are local China time (UTC+8). Prices are in US dollars and include service fee.
What you should know
- D trains are the main service here rather than G — slightly slower but very frequent and good value.
- Yunnan's rail lines are expanding fast; Dali is the stepping stone for onward travel toward Lijiang.
- Book a couple of days ahead in summer and around the Yunnan holidays — this corridor has grown very popular.
We book real tickets directly against your passport number — no Chinese ID or phone number needed. Your passport is your ticket: go to the staffed lane at the gate, let staff scan it, and board.
Frequently asked questions
How long from Kunming to Dali?
Around two hours on most D-train services.
Do I need to book in advance?
A few days ahead is sensible in peak season; seats are usually available the same day otherwise.
Can I continue to Lijiang?
Yes — rail services link Dali onward toward Lijiang, whose old town is a UNESCO site.