Kunming airport late night arrival queries

Question

Hi everyone

I'm arriving at Kunming airport at 1:20am in March, flying in from Singapore. Have a couple of queries:

1) At that time of the night, assuming I exit immigration by 2:20 or 3am, would there be booths for Currency Exchange and Local Sims? If not, till what time would I have to wait at the airport for those to open?

2) I'm planning on taking at 7:15am train to Lijiang from Kunming railway station. I suppose the metro lines aren't operational so early in the morning, how much time does it take by taxi from the Kunming airport to the Kunming railway station? Is it a safe bet to leave the airport by taxi at 6am?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Arriving at Kunming airport at 1:20 AM means you will be entering the airport during very late-night hours, so planning ahead is important to avoid unnecessary waiting or complications.

1) Currency Exchange and Local SIMs:

Most currency exchange counters at Kunming airport are not open during late-night hours. They generally open around 6:00 AM. You may need to wait until morning if you need cash exchanged.
Local SIM card counters or telecom service desks also typically open around 6:00–7:00 AM. Some vending machines for SIM cards might work, but service and setup assistance will not be available until the counters open.
It is advisable to either bring some Chinese Yuan in cash for immediate needs or purchase a SIM card online in advance that can be activated automatically upon arrival.

2) Transfer to Kunming Railway Station:

The Kunming Metro does not operate during early morning hours, so taxis are the only practical option before the metro opens.
The taxi ride from Kunming airport to Kunming railway station typically takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Leaving around 6:00 AM for a 7:15 AM train is possible but a bit tight. Delays in immigration, baggage claim, or taxi availability could risk missing your train.
To ensure sufficient buffer time, consider the following options:

Book a private airport transfer in advance to guarantee a vehicle is ready for you at the airport.
If possible, book an earlier train or stay overnight in Kunming to avoid the risk of missing your 7:15 AM train.
Keep some small change in cash for taxi fares, as not all taxis accept mobile payment or international cards.

Summary:

Currency exchange and SIM counters are not available immediately after your arrival; they open around 6–7 AM.
Taking a taxi at 6:00 AM to catch a 7:15 AM train is doable but risky due to tight timing.
Bringing some cash and pre-planning your transport are recommended to ensure smooth onward travel.

In general, arriving in the middle of the night requires careful planning for both immediate necessities (cash/SIM) and your next leg of travel (train or other transport).

Kunming airport late night arrival queries

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