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Dali - Lijiang Train

Dali and Lijiang are connected with each other with the help of 4 pairs of trains or so on a daily basis. They have a running distance of 157 km (97 mi) and the travel time is about 1.5 - 2 hours. The price of a second class seat costs CNY 60 - 80.

Basic Fact

Operated at: Dali Railway Station, Lijiang Railway Station
Duration: about 1.5 - 2 hours
Distance:157 km (97 mi)
Top speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Major station along the way: Heqing

Dali to Lijiang Train Schedule

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
D8123	12:29 - 14:30	2h1m
D8127	13:26 - 14:56	1h30m
D8131	18:15 - 19:58	1h43m
D8135	20:15 - 21:53	1h38m

Lijiang to Dali Train Timetable

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
D8124	07:30 - 09:02	1h32m
D8128	13:02 - 15:17	2h15m
D8132	15:01 - 17:11	2h10m
D8150	20:20 - 22:32	2h12m

See more Lijiang Schedule

Note: The above timetables are only for reference. Please search for the real-time schedule via the search tool on the top of this page.

Dali - Lijiang Train Ticket Price

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

First Class Seat	Second Class Seat
CNY 127 USD 19	CNY 80 USD 12

Other Transportation Option: Dali - Lijiang Coach

Coach is another transportation means for passengers to travel between these two cities. Nowadays there are nearly 40 pairs of coaches from different stations shuttling between Dali and Lijiang with an interval of about 30 minutes. The duration of them is about 2.5–3.5 hours and the prices range from CNY 60 to CNY 100 around.

Dali - Lijiang Train vs. Coach

	Train	Coach
Duration	1.5 - 2 hours	2.5 - 3.5 hours
Price	Second class seat: CNY 60 - 80	Around CNY 60 to CNY 100
Departures Frequency	4 pairs per day	Nearly 40 pairs every day
Punctuality	Quite punctual	Usually be punctual
Mobile devices	Allowed to use	Allowed to use
Pros and cons	Fast and comfortable	Slow and less comfortable

How to Arrive at the Following Attractions from Dali Railway Station

To Erhai Lake Park:

The station is close to the park with a distance of about 2 km (1.2 mi). The buses there can not get to the park directly. Passengers can only take one stop and then walk about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), so it it advised to walk north straightly to get there. The duration is about 20 minutes.

To Three Pagodas in Chongsheng Temple:

Passengers can take Three Pagodas Special Line to reach the temple directly. The duration is about 2 hours with the price of CNY 3.

How to Reach the Following Attractions from Lijiang Railway Station

To Lijiang Old Town:

Bus nos. 4, 16, 18, 104 and 105 are available for passengers to reach the Old Town from the station and the total duration is around 40 - 50 minutes. The cost is CNY 2 - 4.

To Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:

Passengers need to take bus no.16 special line to Zhongyi Market station, and then transfer to bus Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Speical Line to Dongbagu Jingqu station. After that, passengers are advised to take a taxi to the famous spot. The total duration is around 3 hours.

More details about How to Travel between Lijiang and Dali

Major Rail Lines from Dali to:

Kunming

Major Rail Line from Lijiang to:

- Last updated on Apr. 25, 2023 by Brenda Lian -

Questions & Answers on Dal i- Lijiang Train

Asked by Ralph | Oct. 10, 2019 19:05

If there anyone tried the "transformed seat" from Dali to Lijiang?

We plan to book soft seats but was informed they are transformed seats from soft sleeper. Is there anyone tried them before?

Answers (1)

Answered by Trent from AUSTRIA | Oct. 11, 2019 17:29

Yes, I traveled this way! It is very surprised that the train was a double-floor one. I had ticket on lower floor. It says soft seat but you will just sit on a soft sleeper bed. There will be totally 3 people on the bed. It is a little bit odd to sit face to face with someone but not too bad for a short trip.

Asked by Siri from THAILAND | Aug. 20, 2019 11:58

Bus from Dali (Old Town) to Lijiang

Where I can book in advance for the bus ticket from Dali (Old Town) to Lijiang?

Answers (1)

Answered by Paulina from USA | Aug. 20, 2019 19:03

Buses are available from the old town to Lijiang, but I do not know how to buy a ticket in advance. I suppose for non-chinese people, we need to buy it on spot.

Asked by Marissa | Apr. 19, 2019 03:33

I heard there is high speed train from Dali to Lijiang?

Answers (1)

Answered by Nicolette from CANADA | Apr. 21, 2019 17:32

I also read about this online and used to see some D rides. But later they disappeared and only high speed rides from Kunming remains. But it is a short distance trip, 2 hours by hard seat is Ok for me.

Asked by arrissa from THAILAND | Nov. 20, 2018 17:55

้How can I take to Three Pagodas for one day?

Could you pls advise me If I take a train from kunming to dali and sightseeing at three pagodas for half day and then take a train to lijiang in same day, what is the "three pagodas special line" and where to take it?

If I finished the half day in Dali, Can I take a train at the same station to Lijiang right?

Thanks for your answer

Answers (1)

Answered by Eugene | Nov. 20, 2018 22:31

The three pagodas special line has a stop at Dali Railway Station, just about 250m by walking from the station. You can try to find it after your arrival. After your visit, you can still back to the Dali Railway Station and head to Lijiang.

Asked by Albertine from ESTONIA | Oct. 29, 2018 01:37

There are only 2 rides a day from Dali to Lijiang?

No any morning train?

Answers (1)

Answered by Barry | Oct. 29, 2018 23:51

They are now available with morning rides. In the past days, the schedule is under adjustment thus not available online. They are ready for sale now!