kunming airport to train station

Question

hi, we will be arriving at kunming at 2pm in the afternoon and going to catch a night train to lijiang at 9pm

- whats easiest way to get to the train station from the airport

- i suppose in between we still have a couple of hours in between to explore kunming. any recommendations on places to visit ?

Answer

From Kunming Changshui International Airport to the Kunming Railway Station, you have several convenient transportation options depending on your preference for speed, comfort, and cost.

Option 1: Airport Metro Line 6 + Metro Line 1

Take Metro Line 6 from Kunming Airport Station to East Coach Station (东部汽车站). Then transfer to Metro Line 3 (heading toward Western Hills/Xishan 西山) and switch to Metro Line 1 at Dongfeng Square (东风广场) toward Kunming South or University Town. Get off at Kunming Railway Station (昆明火车站). The entire journey takes about 50–60 minutes and costs around 6–8 RMB.

Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus

You can take Airport Shuttle Bus Line 2 directly to the Kunming Railway Station. The buses run every 20–30 minutes and the trip takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. The fare is around 25 RMB, and the bus stops right near the station area, making it easy if you have luggage.

Option 3: Taxi or Ride-Hailing App (DiDi)

A taxi from the airport to Kunming Railway Station takes about 35–45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The fare is usually between 80–100 RMB. This is the fastest and most convenient option if you prefer door-to-door service or are carrying large bags.

Since you arrive at 2 PM and your train departs at 9 PM, you’ll have about 4–5 hours of free time after accounting for travel and check-in time at the station. You can use this window to explore some nearby attractions in Kunming city center.

Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park, 翠湖公园): A lovely park in the heart of Kunming, filled with lotus ponds, willows, and teahouses. Great for a peaceful walk and people-watching.
Yunnan University area: Just near Green Lake Park, the area has charming streets lined with old trees, cafés, and local snacks — perfect for a short afternoon stroll.
Nanping Pedestrian Street (南屏街): The main shopping and food street in downtown Kunming, offering a mix of local snacks, souvenirs, and modern shops.

If you prefer something cultural or historical, you can also consider:

Yuantong Temple (圆通寺): One of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Kunming, located near the city center, about 15 minutes by taxi from the train station.
Dongfeng Square (东风广场): The city’s central area with open plazas, sculptures, and direct metro connections, convenient if you’re using the subway system.

For a relaxing short visit, you can have a late lunch or early dinner near Green Lake Park, where there are many Yunnan-style restaurants offering dishes like “Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles” (过桥米线). Afterward, head back to Kunming Railway Station around 7 PM to check in for your night train to Lijiang.

Overall, the easiest combination for a short stopover is taking the metro or shuttle bus into the city, spending 2–3 hours around Green Lake Park and nearby attractions, and then returning to the train station in time for your departure.

kunming airport to train station

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