How to Travel between Kunming and Lijiang

There is approximately 520 kilometers (320 miles) between Kunming and Lijiang. Nowadays, 4 means of transport are available to travel between these two cities. The most prior choice is to take Kunming - Lijiang high speed train, spending 3 to 3.5 hours on the way and costing CNY 208 - 220 for a 2nd Class Seat ticket. In addition, the normal speed overnight sleeper train, taking 9.5 hours and CNY 141.5 for a hard sleeper is an alternative choice. The direct flight needs 3 hours with the fare of CNY 500 - 800 for Economy Class. Long-distance buses are also running with the duration of about 6 hours.
   From Kunming to Lijiang, there are several high speed trains departing from Kunming Railway Station to Lijiang Railway Station. Travelers can fully enjoy the scenery along the way during the 3 to 3.5 hours’ journey. Generally speaking, taking high speed train is an economical and the best way to travel between these two places.
 Ticket Prices: CNY 208 - 220 for Second Class Seat; CNY 332 - 351 for First Class Seat
 The overnight train departs from Kunming Railway Station at 20:45 to Lijiang Railway Station. It arrives in the next morning at 06:10, thus passengers can save one-night hotel expense.   
 Ticket Prices: CNY 141.5 for Hard Sleeper; CNY 217 for Soft Sleeper
 About 5 - 10 daily planes from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Lijiang Sanyi Airport are operated by popular airlines, which is also a convenient travel way between these two cities. For passengers who have tight schedule, taking direct flight is a highly recommended choice. The disadvantage is that the ticket fare is relatively expensive. But booking the tickets as early as you can may help you enjoy 20-60% off discount. 
 Currently, there is only one direct long-distance bus from Kunming West Coach Station to Lijiang every day. Usually, the bus departs at 13:30 with the ticket fare of CNY 252/person. There would be more bus schedules during holidays and peak tourism season.
 High Speed Train + Bus:
→ First of all, take a high speed train from Kunming Railway Station to Lijiang Railway Station. You may also travel by overnight sleeper train. 
→ Then, take city bus no.18 to Dayan Middle School.
→ Afterwards, walk northeast for around 900 meters (980 yards) to find the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town.

Flight + Shuttle Bus + Taxi:
→ Take a fight from Kunming Changshui Airport to Lijiang Sanyi Airport firstly.
→ Next, take airport shuttle bus to reach Lantian Hotel.
→ After arriving, take a taxi to the scenic area. 
  Passengers can take a direct high speed train from Lijiang Railway Station to Kunming Railway Station. This is the most popular way of travel. The train only takes 3 to 3.5 hours on the way, costing CNY 208 - 351 based on different seat types. 
 Ticket Prices: CNY 208 - 220 for Second Class Seat; CNY 332 - 351 for First Class Seat
 Besides high speed trains, there is one normal speed train that can take passengers from Lijiang Railway Station to Kunming Railway Station. It travels overnight from 21:30 to next 06:29. In this way, one night accommodation fee can be saved for budget travelers.
 Ticket Prices: CNY 141.5 for Hard Sleeper; CNY 217 for Soft Sleeper
 The direct flights depart from Lijiang Sanyi Airport, which are available from 12:25 to 17:30. Counting the time spend on the way from/to the airports, the door to door travel time to Kunming is at least 3 hours. The full price ticket ranges from CNY 500 to 800 for Economy Class. The prices will be much cheaper if you purchase them online in advance. 
 Long-distance buses to Kunming have several boarding sites in Lijiang. The travel time is about 6 hours. The operating time are from 07:40 to 14:00, which provide enough choices for travelers.

Starting Point	Destination	Schedule	Ticket Fare
Lijiang Coach Station	Kunming Downtown	14:00	CNY 238
Shuhe Ancient Town Coach Station	Kunming Railway Station/ Changshui Airport	07:40, 08:00, 08:20, 08:30, 12:00, 12:10, 12:20, 12:40	CNY 135 - 190
South Gate of Lijiang Old Town		07:50, 08:00, 08:15, 08:20, 08:30, 12:00, 12:10, 12:15, 12:20, 12:30
North Gate of Lijiang Old Town		08:10, 08:20, 08:30, 12:00, 12:10, 12:20, 12:30