How to get to Dali Ancient City from train station: Save time & money

You just stepped off the train at Dali station. It's warm, maybe a bit humid. You see a swarm of taxi drivers shouting "Ancient City? 50 kuai!" Your phone shows a Didi ride for 35. Which one do you trust? I've made this trip over 50 times with clients, and I've seen every mistake possible. Let me cut through the noise.

Bottom line upfront: The fastest and most reliable way is Didi (ride-hailing) for about 35–45 RMB (yes, cheaper than what those touts yell). But if you're on a budget and not in a rush, the direct shuttle bus for 5 RMB is a steal — just be ready for a wait. Avoid the scam taxis at the exit unless you enjoy paying triple. Now let's dive into each option.

Option 1: Didi or taxi — the fastest (but watch out)

Once you exit the arrival hall, you'll see a row of official-looking taxis. Ignore the touts who grab your arm. Walk past them, cross the small parking lot, and open Didi (the Chinese Uber). The pickup point is clearly marked on the app — usually at the taxi waiting area.

A Didi ride costs 35–45 RMB (about $5–6) and takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Cash works, but Alipay or WeChat Pay is smoother. If you must use a taxi, negotiate hard: don't pay more than 50 RMB. The meter? Most drivers will refuse to use it for this route.

Catch: Didi sometimes fails to find a driver during peak hours (5–7 PM). Queue can be 10 minutes. In that case, walk to the shuttle bus stand — it's just 100 meters away.

Option 2: Shuttle bus — cheapest & direct

Right outside the station, there's a blue-and-white minibus stop. It's not always obvious — look for a sign saying "古城直通车" (Ancient City Direct Bus). The fare is only 5 RMB per person. Unbelievable, right?

How it works: Buy a ticket at the little kiosk (cash or WeChat Pay) or just board and pay the conductor. The bus leaves when full, usually every 20–30 minutes. It drops you at the South Gate parking lot, about a 5-minute walk to the gate.

Travel time: 30–40 minutes (the bus takes a slightly longer route than taxis).

Option 3: Public bus — only if you're adventurous

Dali city buses serve Route 8, which goes from the train station to the Ancient City. The stop is about 200 meters from the station exit (cross the main road and look for the bus shelter). Fare is 2–3 RMB (pay with Alipay transport card or cash — no change given).

But here's the deal: the bus is often crowded, the route isn't scenic (you go through the new city area), and you'll need to get off at "古城一塔路" stop, then walk 15 minutes to the South Gate. Not ideal if you're jet-lagged. I only recommend this if you're a backpacker with small luggage and want to save every cent.

Option 4: Rickshaw or walking — for the crazy ones

Occasionally, electric rickshaws (三轮车) hang around the station. They'll offer a ride for 30–40 RMB. Honestly, they're not faster than a taxi, and they're exposed to weather. You'll arrive dusty and sweaty. Not worth it.

Walking? From the train station to the Ancient City is about 7 km (4.3 miles) — a solid 1.5-hour walk along a busy road with no sidewalks. Don't even think about it.

What NOT to do

• Don't hand your phone to a tout to "help you book a Didi". They'll manually set the fare higher and pocket the difference.
• Don't exchange money at the station — rates are terrible. Use ATM or WeChat Pay later.
• Don't get into an unmarked black car. Genuine taxis have proper roof signs and license plates.

Quick comparison table

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.