How to Travel between Kunming and Dali

Kunming and Dali is no more than 350 kilometers (220 miles) far from each other. Taking convenient high speed train is the best and the most popular way for passengers to travel between these two cities. It needs 2 to 3 hours and costs CNY 145 for a 2nd Class Seat. Travelers can also take direct long-distance bus, which takes 4 to 5.5 hours on the way. It is also available to take flight from Kunming Airport to Dali Airport. The single trip takes an hour onboard, but the flight ticket is much higher. 
  Every day, more than 20 scheduled high speed trains are in service, departing from Kunming Railway Station to Dali Railway Station. The operating hours are from 09:47 to 21:43 with the travel time of 2-3 hours. Frequent departures and short duration make high speed trains the most popular choice to travel between these two cities.
 Ticket Prices: CNY 145 for Second Class Seat; CNY 231 for First Class Seat; CNY 433 for Business Class Seat
 Nearly 30 Kunming to Dali long-distance bus are running from Kunming West Coach Station / North Coach Station to Dali with the duration of 4 to 5.5 hours. Having the lower ticket fare, taking long-distance bus is also a popular way to travel between Kunming and Dali. 

 From West Coach Station: 07:40, 08:00, 08:30, 08:40, 09:00, 09:10, 09:20, 09:30, 09:40, 10:10, 10:20, 10:30, 10:40, 10:50, 11:10, 11:20, 11:30, 11:40, 12:10, 12:30, 12:40, 13:10, 13:40, 14:00, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00
Ticket Fare: CNY 110 - 192 per person

 From North Coach Station: 09:30, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00
Ticket Fare: CNY 120 - 158 per person
 There are over 5 direct flights daily from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Dali Airport scheduled from 07:30 to 17:00. In general, the flying time is about an hour with the fare of CNY 500 - 1,000 for Economy Class. You may have 20 - 60% discount if you book the tickets as early as you can. However, taking flight from Kunming to Dali is not recommended because of the high cost and less flight schedule.
 → Firstly, it is suggested to take a high speed train from Kunming Railway Station to Dali Railway Station. 
→ Then take bus no.8 to Junyiyuan Bus Stop.
→ After arriving, walk south for around 150 meters (165 yards) to find the ancient city.
  From Dali Railway Station to Kunming Railway Station, there are several high speed trains running every day. The departure time are from 07:15 to 21:06. During the 2 to 3 hour’s travel time, you can fully appreciate the nice scenery along the road. 
 Ticket Prices: CNY 145 for Second Class Seat; CNY 231 for First Class Seat; CNY 433 for Business Class Seat
 Dali to Kunming long-distance buses are in service from 08:40 to 19:00, starting from several places in downtown Dali. Generally speaking, it takes 4 to 5.5 hours on the way. Here under is the detailed schedule:

Starting Point	Schedule	Ticket Fare
North Coach Station	09:30, 09:40, 13:00, 13:10, 15:00, 16:30	CNY 120 - 165
Dali Ancient City	08:40, 09:00, 09:20, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 12:30, 13:40	CNY 120 - 160
Dali Coach Station	09:00, 11:00	CNY 160
Dali Express Coach Station	10:00, 13:30	CNY 120
Xingsheng Coach Station	10:30, 12:20, 14:00, 15:20, 17:00, 17:30	CNY 120 - 160
Dali Railway Station	09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00	CNY 195
South Gate of Dali Ancient City	11:00, 12:30, 14:30	CNY 125

 There are several direct planes at Dali Airport that can take passengers to Kunming Changshui Airport. The fluctuated flight price ranges from CNY 500 to 1,000. Booking flight tickets online in advance is a nice way to enjoy some discounts. Actually, it is not a wise choice to take a flight due to the short distance and relatively expensive ticket.