How to Travel between Lijiang and Dali
Lijiang is about 140km (85mi) north of Dali. It is recommended to travel by long-distance bus, which normally takes 2-3.5h and CNY60-105. Many buses directly send tourists to Lijiang Old Town, Dali Ancient City, or other popular attractions. Also, tourists may choose the normal speed train which takes 2-2.5h and CNY34-49. However, there are only 2 pairs of trains shuttling back and forth every day.
How to Travel from Lijiang to Dali
1. Best Way: Lijiang to Dali Long-distance Bus: 2-3.5h, CNY60-105
Long-distance bus is the most convenient way as many take tourists from one scenic area to another directly. High departure frequency is another advantage. Tourists should pay close attention to the departure point and arrival point when buying tickets.
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Departure Time | Duration | Ticket Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lijiang Bus Station | Dali North Bus Station | 07:10, 08:00, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:40, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:40, 13:10, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 17:40 | 3.5h | CNY60-80 |
| Shuanglang Bus Station | 09:00, 14:50 | 2-3h | CNY65-100 | |
| Lijiang Old Town South Gate | Dali Ancient City | 09:30, 12:35, 15:00, 18:30, 19:10 | 2-3h | CNY80-100 |
| Shuanglang Ancient Village | 09:30, 12:35 | 2-3h | CNY80-100 | |
| Huoyanshan, Niujie Town | 09:00 | 1.5h | CNY45 | |
| Dali Geothermal Paradise | 09:00 | 1.5h | CNY50 | |
| Putuoquan Hot Spring | 09:00 | 2h | CNY55 | |
| Lijiang Old Town North Gate | Dali Bus Station | 09:15 | 3.5h | CNY105 |
| Dali Ancient City | 09:20, 12:20, 14:45, 18:20, 19:20 | 3h | CNY80-105 | |
| Shuanglang Ancient Village | 09:15, 12:20 | 2h | CNY80-100 | |
| Shuhe Ancient Town | Dali Bus Station | 09:00 | 3.5h | CNY105 |
| Dali Ancient City | 12:00, 18:00 | 3-3.5h | CNY80 | |
| Shuanglang Ancient Village | 09:00, 12:00 | 2h | CNY80-100 |
2. Lijiang to Dali Normal Speed Train: 2-2.5h, CNY34 for Hard Seat
Only 2 trains run from Lijiang Railway Station to Dali Railway Station every day.
| Train Number | Dep. | Arr. | Duration | Ticket Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K9622 | 07:38 | 09:30 | 1h 52min | Hard Seat: CNY34 Soft Seat: CNY49 |
| K9628 | 13:20 | 15:49 | 2h 29min |
How to Get from Lijiang to Dali Ancient City?
1. Scenic Area Long-distance Bus: 2-3.5h, CNY80-105
Main attractions in Lijiang, such as Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town, provide tourists with inter-city through bus to Dali Ancient City. Details are listed above.
2. Normal Speed Train + City Bus: at least 3h, CNY40-55
First, tourists may take train K9622 or K9628 to get to the Dali Railway Station in about 2h. Then, one could transfer to either of the following buses.
→ Take the through bus to the Dali Ancient City South Gate, which needs 1h and CNY5.
How to Travel from Dali to Lijiang
1. Best Way: Dali to Lijiang Long-distance Bus: 2-3h, CNY60-105
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Departure Time | Duration | Ticket Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dali North Bus Station | Lijiang Bus Station | 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 13:20, 14:10, 15:10, 15:40, 16:10, 16:40, 17:10, 19:10 | 2h | CNY60-80 |
| Dali Express Bus Station | Lijiang Bus Station | 08:30, 10:30, 13:20, 19:00 | 2.5-3h | CNY80 |
| Dali Ancient City Bus Station | Lijiang Bus Station | 08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:20, 17:00, 17:40, 18:00 | 2.5h | CNY65-100 |
| Lijiang Express Bus Station | 19:30 | 2.5h | CNY85 | |
| Dali Ancient City South Gate | Shuhe Ancient Town South Gate | 08:00, 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 | 2.5h | CNY115 |
| Shuanglang Bus Station | Lijiang Bus Station | 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:30 | 2h | CNY80-105 |
| Shuanglang Ancient Village | Shuhe Ancient Town South Gate | 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 | 2.5h | CNY110 |
2. Dali to Lijiang Normal Speed Train: about 2.5h, CNY34 for Hard Seat
There are 2 trains sending passengers from Dali Railway Station to Lijiang Railway Station each day.
| Train Number | Dep. | Arr. | Duration | Ticket Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K9621 | 10:08 | 12:47 | 2h 39min | Hard Seat: CNY34 Soft Seat: CNY49 |
| K9627 | 16:48 | 19:01 | 2h 13min |
See more details about Dali – Lijiang Train
How to Get from Dali to Lijiang Old Town?
1. Scenic Area Long-distance Bus + City Bus: 3h, CNY70-110
At the Dali Ancient City or Shuanglang Ancient Village, there are scheduled long-distance buses to Lijiang, and most arrive at the Lijiang Bus Station in 2.5h. Then, tourists may transfer as shown below.
→ Take city bus No.8 (Outer Ring) or No.11 and get off at the Old Town Gate stop, costing 0.5h and CNY2.
2. Normal Speed Train + City Bus: about 3.5h, CNY40-55
First, tourists may take train K9621 or K9627 and arrive at the Lijiang Railway Station. Outside the railway station, either of the following buses is easily accessible. The bus duration is about 1h and the ticket charges CNY2-4.
→ Take city bus No.105 and get off at the South Gate Rd. stop.
→ Take city bus No.18 and get off at the Dayan Middle School stop.