How to Get to Dali: 3 Best Routes & Insider Tips

Let me be honest — getting to Dali is easier than you think, but only if you know where to catch the right train or which exit to use at the airport. I've been leading trips around Yunnan for over a decade, and I've watched countless travelers stumble at the first hurdle: the journey itself. In this guide, I'll break down every practical way to reach Dali — by plane, high-speed railway, bus, or private car — and I'll share the exact shortcuts I use to save time and money. Here's the headline: for most people, the high-speed train from Kunming is the sweet spot. It's fast, scenic, and lands you only 12 kilometers from Dali Ancient City. But let's dive into the details.

Why Dali Should Be on Your Radar

Dali is the cultural soul of Yunnan. With the Cangshan Mountain range on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other, the old town is a maze of cobblestone streets, Bai minority architecture, and artisan cafes. It's a place where you can hike a mountain in the morning and sip coffee by the lake in the afternoon. But the journey there can be intimidating if you're not used to China's transport system. Don't worry — by the end of this article, you'll feel like a local.

The old town is well preserved, but it's also a maze. Knowing your arrival point matters because the north and south gates are quite far apart. If your hotel is near the north gate, getting off at the airport shuttle's south gate stop might still leave you a 20-minute walk. That's why I always ask clients to message their hotel for the most convenient drop-off point.

How Do You Get to Dali by Plane?

The fastest way to reach Dali is by air. Dali Airport (DLU) is about 20 km southeast of the ancient city, about a 30-40 minute drive. Direct flights connect from major Chinese cities like Kunming, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Beijing. From abroad, you'll likely connect via Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG).

Here's the catch: the airport is small but busy, and taxi lines can be long. My advice? Book a ride-hailing car in advance or use the dedicated airport shuttle bus into the old town. The shuttle costs around 25 RMB per person and drops you near the south gate. If you take a taxi, expect to pay 80–100 RMB. Always confirm the fare before getting in — I've seen drivers quote double for tourists.

One thing that surprises many visitors is that domestic flights in China require a passport check even before check-in. Make sure you have your passport physically with you, not a photo. Also, luggage restrictions can be strict on small routes—some airlines charge for checked bags if you booked a budget fare.

For booking flights, use Trip.com or Qunar. Remember to use your passport, and arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early for domestic flights.

What About Flights vs. Train?

If you're coming from outside Yunnan, flying is faster, but you'll spend extra on transfers and possibly an overnight stay in Kunming. Many travelers end up taking the train for the scenic views and lower cost.

How Do You Get to Dali by Train?

This is my favorite way. The high-speed railway from Kunming to Dali (Kunming–Dali Railway) runs several trains a day, with a journey time of about 2 to 2.5 hours. Tickets cost around 145 RMB in second class. You can book on 12306.cn or via Trip.com with your passport.

Trains depart from Kunming Railway Station (昆明站) and also from Kunming South Station (昆明南站). Most direct trains leave from Kunming Station, so check your ticket carefully.

From Dali Railway Station, you'll need to get to the ancient city, which is about 13 km away. There are direct buses (line 8) that take around 40 minutes and cost 2–3 RMB, but they can be crowded. A taxi or ride-hailing car will cost 50–60 RMB and take about 20 minutes. I always recommend using Didi or Amap to avoid haggling.

Scenic Bonus: The Old Railway

If you have time, consider taking the slower tourist train from Kunming to Dali via Lijiang. It's not faster, but the views of the high mountains and deep valleys are worth it for some travelers.

Budget Routes: Bus and Car

Long-distance buses run from Kunming West Bus Station to Dali, taking about 4-5 hours and costing 100–150 RMB. It's the cheapest option but also the least comfortable. Unless you're on a serious budget, skip it — the high-speed train saves you hours for just a little more money.

If you're already in Lijiang or Shangri-La, you can take a direct bus to Dali. From Lijiang, the trip is about 2.5–3 hours by bus. A more comfortable choice is the Lijiang–Dali high-speed train, which takes about 1 hour and costs around 40 RMB.

Driving yourself is not recommended for first-timers because Chinese road signs are in Chinese, and you'll need an international driver's permit + Chinese temporary license, which is a hassle. Private drivers can be arranged at your hotel, but that's more expensive. If you're considering renting a car, think twice. The drive from Kunming to Dali is through mountains and can include winding roads. Plus, you'll need to understand Chinese road signs. I've seen too many tourists end up lost. Leave the driving to a professional or use the train.

Which Is the Best Way to Get to Dali?

To help you decide quickly, here's a comparison table:

For 90% of my clients, I recommend the high-speed train. It's reliable, clean, and you can actually enjoy the scenery as you pass through the mountains. My personal favorite time to travel is in the morning, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The trains are less crowded, and you'll arrive in Dali with the whole afternoon ahead.

Airport & Station Transfers to Dali Ancient City

From Dali Airport:

• Airport shuttle — 25 RMB, runs based on flight arrivals, stops at the south gate of the ancient city.
• Taxi/ride-hailing — 80–100 RMB, 30–40 minutes. Use Amap or Didi.

From Dali Station:

• Bus 8 — 2–3 RMB, 40 minutes to the north gate.
• Taxi/ride-hailing — 50–60 RMB, 20 minutes.
• Shared van (拼车) — sometimes available, 30 RMB per person, but negotiate first.

Pro tip: When you get out, ignore the drivers shouting 'Dali Dali?' at the station exit. Walk to the designated taxi stand or order a ride on your phone. I always tell my travelers to download Amap and set the destination to '大理古城南门' which means 'Dali Ancient City South Gate' in Chinese. At the airport, follow the signs for '机场大巴' (airport bus). The shuttle stops near the south gate, but if you have heavy luggage, you might prefer a taxi directly to your hotel. Also, don't accept rides from touts inside the terminal—they often quote higher prices and drive you to a souvenir shop first.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Arrival

These small things can make or break your first hours in Dali:

• Set up your phone before you go: Install Alipay and WeChat Pay, link your international card, and test them. Most drivers and shops don't accept cash.
• Download a VPN: Google services are blocked, so set up a reliable VPN before you land. Otherwise, you'll be lost without maps.
• Use Apple Maps or Amap for navigation. Google Maps is inaccurate in China.
• Book your first night's hotel near the south gate or west gate — these are the most convenient entries to the old town.
• If you're arriving late, have your hotel address written in Chinese to show your driver.
• Avoid major Chinese holidays (like National Day in October) if possible — train tickets sell out, and the ancient city is packed.
• Another tip: download the Amap app and download offline maps of Dali in advance. While the app works in English, the offline maps can be a lifesaver when your data connection is spotty. Also, practice opening Alipay's QR code for payment—it's used everywhere, even for a 3 RMB coffee.

Insider Advice: The south gate of Dali Ancient City is the classic photo spot, but if you want to skip crowds, arrive before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. The light is also better then.

FAQ: Answers to Common Concerns

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.