How to Travel between Kunming and Shangri-la
Shangri-la is about 630 kilometers (390 miles) northwest from Kunming. Currently, 3 travel ways are feasible between these two cities, including flights, long-distance buses and high speed train + coach. No direct train runs between Kunming and Shangri-la now. The direct flight takes 1.5 hours on the way and ticket fare ranges from CNY 800 to 1,000 for Economy Class. In general, the long-distance bus from Kunming to Shangri-la needs 9 to 9.5 hours with the fare of CNY 208 - 249 per person. Besides, passengers can take a high speed train to Lijiang Railway Station first; then transfer to a direct coach to Shangri-la; The whole single trip spends 7 to 8 hours and costs CNY 290 per person at least.
More than 15 Kunming to Shangri-la flights are operated by popular airlines from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Shangri-la Diqing Airport from 07:25 to 21:30. The time onboard is about 1.5 hours, and the ticket fares range from CNY 800 - 1,000. Passenger would have a large chance to get discounted flight tickets if they book in advance.
Both Kunming Coach Station and North Coach Station operate direct long-distance buses to Shangri-la currently. With the duration of 9 to 9.5 hours, travelers can catch this chance to appreciate the impressive natural scenery along the road. Here under are the detailed schedules and ticket prices of the coaches running from Kunming to Shangri-la:
From West Coach Station: 08:30, 09:30, 19:00
Ticket Fare: CNY 208 - 249 per person
From North Coach Station: 17:30
Ticket Fare: CNY 208 per person
Although there is no direct train between Kunming and Shangri-la, passengers can make a stop at Lijiang. First of all, take a high speed train from Kunming Railway Station to Lijiang Railway Station. It spends 3 to 3.5 hours on the way and costs CNY 208 - 220 for Second Class Seat.
Then take a taxi to Lijiang Coach Station. The duration is about 20 minutes with the cab fare of CNY 15 - 20. After arriving, take a direct long-distance bus to Shangri-la. The duration is about 4 hours.
Schedule: 08:50, 09:30, 10:00, 10:40, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:30, 17:10
Ticket Fare: CNY 62 - 68 per person
The daily flight from Shangri-la to Kunming usually has 1.5 hours’ flying time. There are 15 to 20 flights serving the public from Shangri-la Diqing Airport to Kunming Changshui Airport, operating from 09:20 to 23:25. As the most convenient way, it is a prior choice for passengers who have tight schedule. Purchasing flight tickets in advance will help you enjoy 20-80% discounts.
There are some long-distance buses serving passengers travelling from Shangri-la to Kunming every day, which needs 9 to 9.5 hours in general. They depart at 08:30, 09:00, 18:50 and 19:00 from Shangri-la Coach Station, costing CNY 223 - 264 per person. Taking long-distance bus is a relatively cheaper choice for passengers compared with flight.
From Shangri-la to Kunming, passengers can take a coach to Lijiang firstly. They depart at 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 11:20, 12:10, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:40, 17:20 and 18:00 with the travel time of 4 hours, costing CNY 62 - 68 per person. Then take a taxi to Lijiang Railway Station, where you can find frequent high speed trains to Kunming. The cab fare is about CNY 15-20. The high speed train takes 3 to 3.5 hours on the way with the ticket fare of CNY 208 - 220 per person.
The direct train between Kunming and Shangri-la is still under construction, which is scheduled to serve the public since late 2020. The part between Kunming and Lijiang has already been finished. After the completion, it will only take 6 hours to travel between Shangri-la and Kunming by train.
How to Travel from Kunming to Shangri-la
1. Best Way: Kunming to Shangri-la Flight: 1.5 hours, CNY 800 - 1,000
2. Alternative Choice: Kunming to Shangri-la Long-distance Bus: 9 to 9.5 hours, CNY 208 - 249/person
From West Coach Station: 08:30, 09:30, 19:00
Ticket Fare: CNY 208 - 249 per person
From North Coach Station: 17:30
Ticket Fare: CNY 208 per person
3. Kunming to Lijiang Train + Lijiang to Shangri-la Long-distance Bus: 7 to 8 hours, CNY 290/person
Then take a taxi to Lijiang Coach Station. The duration is about 20 minutes with the cab fare of CNY 15 - 20. After arriving, take a direct long-distance bus to Shangri-la. The duration is about 4 hours.
Schedule: 08:50, 09:30, 10:00, 10:40, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:30, 17:10
Ticket Fare: CNY 62 - 68 per person
How to Travel from Shangri-la to Kunming
1. Best Way: Shangri-la to Kunming Flight: 1.5 hours, CNY 800 - 1,000
2. Alternative Choice: Shangri-la to Kunming Long-distance Bus: 9 to 9.5 hours, CNY 223 - 264/person
3. Shangri-la to Lijiang Long-distance Bus + Lijiang to Kunming High Speed Train: 7 to 8 hours, CNY 290/person
Kunming - Shangri-la Direct Train: 6 hours when opened in 2020
- Last updated on Aug. 07, 2024 by Nancy He -
Questions & Answers on How to Travel between Kunming and Shangri-la
Asked by HL from SG | Oct. 08, 2024 09:35Reply
Sleeper train
Hi
Is there a sleeper train from Shangril to Kunming?
Is there a sleeper train from Shangril to Kunming?
Asked by Wee Hon from MALAYSIA | Apr. 22, 2024 00:57Reply
BUS SERVICE
I wish to travel from Shangri-La to Kunming by long distance bus in May.
Where can I book the tickets and can I buy them in Shangri-La and what time do these buses travel.
Where can I book the tickets and can I buy them in Shangri-La and what time do these buses travel.
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Apr. 22, 2024 18:43
00Reply
I found Shangri-La to Kunming long-distance buses depart from Shangri-La Coach Station only at 18:00 and 18:30 and take 6-8 hours and CNY 264. And you can book online through the official wechat account "迪庆交运" or buy on-site is also available. High speed trains are the fastest and most convenient, taking only 5 hours and CNY 245 for a second class seat. If interested in the train, you can book with TravelChinaGuide hassle-free.
Asked by Wee Hon from MALAYSIA | Apr. 22, 2024 00:54Reply
TRAIN SERVICE
Has the Shangri-la ~ Kunming Direct Train (6 hours) started operation?
Answers (1)
Answered by Randy | Apr. 22, 2024 23:06
00Reply
Yes. 4 direct high speed trains run between daily.
Asked by Bowling | Oct. 23, 2023 04:46Reply
Bus Kunming to Shangrila
I would like to book bus from west kunming to shangrila on 29Nov23. Are there available online booking?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Oct. 24, 2023 02:06
00Reply
The online booking is only available on Chinese websites so it is more recommended to purchase tickets at bus station.
Asked by Mag from SINGAPORE | Jul. 16, 2023 01:37Reply
TRAIN SERVICE
Is the Shangri-la ~ Kunming Direct Train (6 hours) started operation?
Answers (1)
Answered by Olivia | Jul. 17, 2023 20:10
00Reply
No, the section from Shangri-la to Lijiang is still under construction. The Lijiang - Kunming section has been in service.