How to Get to Lijiang from Dali: 5 Best Ways

Here's the thing — I've been a tour guide in Yunnan for nearly a decade, and the how to get to Lijiang from Dali question still trips up plenty of visitors. The worst part? Most online guides tell you to "just take the bus" without explaining the two different bus stations, the passport requirement, or why your international credit card won't work at the ticket machine. Let me fix that. If you read only one sentence, remember this: the fast train from Dali to Lijiang is your best bet — it's 2.5 hours, costs about 80 RMB, and leaves you right next to the ancient town. Now let me walk you through your options.

Dali to Lijiang at a Glance

The distance is around 170 kilometers, but mountain roads can stretch that into a half-day trip if you take the wrong mode. Here's a quick comparison:

All times are approximate. Schedules change, so always confirm before traveling. Flying is technically possible, but flights are infrequent and expensive — not worth it for a 2.5-hour journey.

5 Best Ways to Get to Lijiang from Dali

1. Direct Bus from Dali

The bus is the classic budget option, but it's also the most chaotic if you're not prepared. There are two main departure points:

• Dali Ancient City — the south gate parking lot, near the main entrance. Many "tourist buses" leave from here, but they often make hotel stops that can add an hour.
• Xiaguan (Dali Bus Terminal) — the main long-distance bus station. Buses are less frequent but more direct.

You can buy tickets at the station, but I always book through Trip.com or Klook to avoid language issues. Cash is rarely accepted now — your QR code is your ticket.

Here is the catch: the bus drops you at Lijiang's new bus station, which is still a 20-minute taxi ride from the ancient town. Factor that in when you plan.

Pro Tip: Board early and grab a window seat on the left side. The road hugs Erhai Lake for the first hour and that side gets the best water views.

2. Train from Dali to Lijiang

This is my top recommendation for most travelers — fast, comfortable, and the station in Lijiang is closer to the old town than the bus station. Trains run multiple times a day from Dali Railway Station (Dali Huochezhan) in Xiaguan. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

Booking a ticket without a Chinese ID is simple: use Trip.com and enter your passport number. At the station, take your passport to a staffed counter to collect the paper ticket — the self-service machines don't accept foreign passports.

The train station is a bit out of the way. From the old town of Dali, take a taxi or Didi to the station; it's about 20 minutes. On the Lijiang side, a taxi from the railway station to the ancient town costs around 30–40 RMB. Don't skip the security check line — it can get long during holidays.

Insider Advice: If you're sensitive to altitude, sit on the train's right side for mountain views, but the left side turns to the valley. Either way, keep your water bottle handy.

3. Private Transfer

For families or groups of 3+, a private transfer is often cheaper than train tickets and saves you the hassle of getting to and from stations. You'll pay around 500-800 RMB for a comfortable sedan. The driver will pick you up from your Dali hotel and drop you at your Lijiang doorstep.

Negotiate the price before getting in. Many drivers wait around the tourist areas with inflated rates. To avoid that, book through your hotel or via Klook, where drivers are vetted.

Payment is usually via Alipay or WeChat. Some drivers accept cash, but don't rely on it — always confirm. The drive takes 2.5-3 hours, including a short rest stop.

4. Self-Drive Rental

Honestly, I only recommend this for foreigners who have a Chinese driver's license or a notarized translation — international permits are not accepted in China. Most rental agencies will not rent to you without one. If you do manage, the highway G5611 connects Dali and Lijiang directly. Tolls add up to about 80 RMB each way. Parking in Lijiang Ancient Town is a nightmare — use the north gate parking lot and walk.

If you're set on driving, use an app like Didi for navigation and download an offline map before you leave.

5. Shared Minivan

Shared minivans are a compromise between bus and private transfer. They leave when full (usually after 8 passengers) from the ancient city. Cost is around 100-150 RMB per person. They're faster than the bus because they make fewer stops, but the ride is less comfortable — think 7-seater MPV squeezed with luggage.

You can catch these near the south gate bus stop. Payment is typically cash or WeChat. The driver may stop at a souvenir shop along the way — that's normal, but you can stay on the van.

How to Book Tickets Without a Chinese ID

The biggest obstacle for international travelers is the booking system. Chinese apps like 12306 require a Chinese ID, but international platforms solve that. Here's what works:

• Trip.com — lets you book trains and buses with your passport. It takes a small service fee, but it's worth it.
• Klook — good for private transfers and day tours.
• Hotel staff — if you're stuck, ask your hotel reception to call the bus station or book a train for you. They do this all the time.

Payment: You'll need Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card. If you haven't set that up, bring a backup — some train ticket windows accept Visa/Mastercard, but not always. I always tell my clients to set up Alipay before arriving in Yunnan.

For navigation, Google Maps is useless in China. Use Apple Maps (works okay) or download AMap (高德地图) before you arrive. Even better, carry a card with the Chinese address of your destination.

Common Tourist Mistakes on This Route

I see the same mistakes season after season. Avoid these and you'll save time, money, and gray hairs.

• Mistake 1: Confusing the tourist bus with the long-distance bus. The bus from the old city gates is a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus, not the one to Lijiang. You need the bus from Xiaguan or the labeled "Dali–Lijiang" direct bus.
• Mistake 2: Walking away from the security check without your bag. It sounds dumb, but I've seen it three times in one year. Always grab your bag before turning around.
• Mistake 3: Taking a taxi without a meter. Drivers at Dali train station often quote inflated flat rates. Use Didi instead — it shows the price upfront.
• Mistake 4: Planning a day trip. Even if you leave at 8 AM and return at 6 PM, you'll only have 4 hours in Lijiang — not enough to enjoy the ancient city or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Stay at least one night.
• Mistake 5: Forgetting to download a VPN. Many of your favorite apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) require a VPN in China. Set it up before you land.

My Experience Guiding Travelers on This Route

Last spring, I took a couple from London on this exact trip. We took the 9 AM train. Everything went smoothly until the husband left his camera at the security check — we were already on the platform when he realized. I sprinted back (thankfully, it was still there). Ever since, I make my clients do a "security-check scan" before walking away.

Another thing I've learned: the right-side window on the train offers panoramic mountain views, while the left side is mostly filled with eucalyptus trees. If you're into photography, choose a seat on the right (seats 1-2 in second class are often best).

Also, don't count on Wi-Fi at the stations. The connection drops in the tunnel between Dali and Lijiang. So download your movies or music beforehand — I always joke that it's the only dead zone left in Yunnan.

FAQ: Dali to Lijiang Travel Questions

This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.