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Chengdu to Kunming: 2 Best Ways to Get from Chengdu to Kunming (by Train & Flight)

Written by Dean|Updated: 2024-06-27

Travelling from Chengdu to Kunming? That would be a wonderful trip. Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring, and the travel hot spot in Southwest China, deserves a visit. Especially if you are already in Chengdu, home of Pandas. Chengdu to Kunming would be a wonderful trip for your China Tour!

The Chengdu to Kunming Train takes about 4.5 to 8 hours, traversing a distance of 1,096 kilometers (681 miles), with tickets starting from CNY 370. Trains from Chengdu to Kunming boast a frequent daily service and reasonable ticket prices. Choose the train if you don't mind a longer travel time.

The Chengdu to Kunming direct flight takes approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes, covering a distance of 457 miles (736 kilometers), with a varying price starting from about CNY 300 and going up to CNY 1,500 in high season. Direct flight from Chengdu to Kunming comes with various options and is the fastest way to reach Kunming. But the ticket price for flight to Kunming can go up a lot in high season.

Read on to find out how to get from Chengdu to Kunming by train and flight, with practical travel tips on how to book tickets and how to travel from Chengdu to Kunming!

Content Preview

  • triangleHow to Choose Between Train and Flight to Kunming from Chengdu
  • triangleChengdu to Kunming Train (High-Speed): Frequent Service to Go From Panda's Home to Eternal Spring
  • triangleChengdu to Kunming Flight: Fastest Option to Reach Kunming
  • triangleHow to Plan a Trip from Chengdu to Kunming & Whole Yunnan
  • triangleGo to Kunming, Embrace the Eternal Spring with Asia Odyssey Travel

How to Choose Between Train and Flight to Kunming from Chengdu

Here is a comparison chart for flights and high-speed trains from Chengdu to Kunming:

Transport Distance Travel Time Price Range (CNY) Availability
High-Speed Train 1,112 km (691 miles) 5 to 7.5 hours 490 to 509 Multiple Trains Daily
Flight 615 km (382 miles) 1 hour 20 minutes Approx. 260 to 3,583 Multiple flights daily

Please note that the above information is subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check for the real-time schedule and ticket availability closer to your travel date.

Choose Trains from Chengdu to Kunming: Trains provide a scenic, comfortable, and eco-friendly journey to Kunming from Chengdu. They offer more space and are usually cheaper than flights. The train stations in Chengdu and Kunming are conveniently located in the city centers.

Choose Flights from Chengdu to Kunming: Flights are the fastest way to travel from Chengdu to Kunming to Kunming. They offer more options and amenities compared to trains. Despite being more expensive in high season, they are a good choice for long-distance travel.

Major Airlines at Kunming Airport
Major Airlines at Kunming Airport
Boarding High Speed Train at Kunming Station
Boarding High Speed Train at Kunming Station

Chengdu to Kunming Train (High-Speed): Frequent Service to Go From Panda's Home to Eternal Spring

There are about 10 pairs of high-speed trains running daily between Chengdu and Kunming. Here are the details:

  • Chengdu to Kunming Train Departure Stations: Chengdu East Railway Station / Chengdu South Railway Station
  • Chengdu to Kunming Train Arrival Stations: Kunming Railway Station / Kunming South Railway Station
  • Chengdu to Kunming Train Travel Time: The journey takes around 5 to 7.5 hours.
  • Chengdu to Kunming Train Travel Distance: The distance between the two cities is approximately 1,112 kilometers (691 miles)
  • Ticket Price for Chengdu to Kunming Train: The price for a second-class seat ranges from CNY 491 to CNY 509. In USD, it's approximately $71 to $76 according to exchange rate when this article about how to Get from Chengdu to Kunming is updated, in May 2024

Chengdu to Kunming High-Speed Train Facts

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For tourists traveling from Chengdu to Kunming, taking the G2803 high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station at 8 AM to arrive at Kunming South Railway Station around 2 PM seems to be a good option. You would have ample time to explore Kunming city for the rest of the afternoon.

Read on to find out all you need to know on how to take trains from Chengdu to Kunming including train station info, how to book your train ticket from Chengdu to Kunming.

Or you could just leave it all to us at Asia Odyssey Travel, your Asia Travel expert. Skip the research and enjoy hassle-free travel, Contact your travel expert.

Chengdu to Kunming Train Schedule

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How to Buy Ticket for Chengdu to Kunming Train

  • 12306 (China Railway): This is the official platform for purchasing tickets. Go to their website or download their app. You might need help from a Chinese speaker or translation tool to navigate it as the English translation within the website is not always on point.
  • Buy at Train Station: You can buy tickets directly at the train station in Chengdu. This might be challenging due to the language barrier.
  • Have Your Information Ready: Prepare your passport details (name exactly as it appears), travel dates, and desired departure/arrival stations.
  • Understand Train Types: China has various train categories (high-speed, regular speed). High-speed trains are faster but more expensive.
  • Ticket Collection: For tickets booked online (except official website with foreign ID payment), you'll need to collect them at the station ticket counter with your passport.
  • Prepare for Cash or Alternative Payment: Consider having cash (Chinese Yuan) or be ready to use mobile payment options like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Check the latest China E-pay Guide.
  • Consider Travel Agency: Why not opt for a reputable travel agency for a one-stop shop travel & English speaking service all the way?

Asia Odyssey Travel, leading your Asia Adventure since 2011. Get hassle-free all-covering travel service with everything you need including Trains from Chengdu to Kunming. Contact your travel expert now!

Panda Birthday
Panda Birthday
Elder Farmer at Yuepu Ao, Dongchuan
Elder Farmer at Yuepu Ao, Dongchuan

Departing Station for Chengdu to Kunming Train

There are two Train Stations in Chengdu where you can take a train to Kunming. Make sure you go to the right station.

Chengdudong Railway Station Address (成都东站): No. 333, Qionglai Mountain Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu (成都市成华区邛崃山路333号).

How to Get to Chengdudong Railway Station: You can reach Chengdudong Railway Station by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

If you are in Chengdu city center, it's about 7 miles (11 kilometers) away. You can take the Metro Line 2 and Line 7, or bus routes 4, 40, 47, 71, 91, 101, 136, 137, 147, 504, 857, G38, K12 and airport bus line 3.

Chengdunan Railway Station Address (成都南站): Tianren North Second Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu (成都市武侯区天仁北二街).

How to Get to Chengdunan Railway Station: You can reach Chengdunan Railway Station by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

If you are in Chengdu city center, it's about 7 miles (11 kilometers) away. You can take the Metro Line 1, Line 7, or Line 18, or bus routes 16, 19, 49, 109, 133, 236, 99, 76, 111, 187, 188, G903 to get there.

Tips for Tourists Going from Chengdu to Kunming By Train

  • Prepare Your Documents: Make sure you have your valid passport with China Visa
  • Get to the Right Train Station in Advance: There are several trains from Chengdu to Kunming every day. Make sure you know which train station your train departs from and plan to get there in advance
  • Collect Train Tickets: You can collect your train tickets at the train station. Make sure to bring your passport
  • Read Your Train Ticket: Make sure you understand the information on your train ticket, such as train number, departure time, and seat number
  • Pass the Security Control: Like airports, train stations in China also have security checks. Make sure to arrive early to allow time for this
  • Find the Right Waiting Room: The large LED screen in the entrance hall displays train numbers and corresponding waiting rooms
  • Get to the Right Platform: Follow the signs and staff directions to get to the right platform.

China is the new trending destination in 2024 and probably years to come. Traveling in a new destination is always exciting, and it can be a bit daunting when traveling with unfamiliar transportation. So some extra sense of security to know that someone has you covered is always a good thing. That's where we come in.

Asia Odyssey Travel, your best travel mate in China. Get all-covering travel service with everything you need including Trains from Chengdu to Kunming. Contact your travel expert now!

Chengdu to Kunming Flight: Fastest Option to Reach Kunming

Boarding Line at Kunming Airport
Boarding Line at Kunming Airport
Shuttle Bus at Kunming Airport
Shuttle Bus at Kunming Airport

Unlike flying from Guilin to Kunming, where there is only one direct flight, the Chengdu to Kunming flights have multiple flights running daily between the two cities. Here are the details of Chengdu to Kunming Flight:

Chengdu to Kunming Flight Departure Airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) / Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

Chengdu to Kunming Flight Arrival Airport: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)

Chengdu to Kunming Flight Travel Time: The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Chengdu to Kunming Flight Travel Distance: The flight distance between the two cities is approximately 615 kilometers (382 miles).

Chengdu to Kunming Flight Ticket Price: The price for a one-way economy class seat for Chengdu to Kunming Flight ranges from approximately ¥260. to ¥3,583 ($36 to $496 according to the exchange rate when this article is updated in May 2024).

Please note that the prices can vary based on the time of booking, the airline, and the current exchange rate.

Recommended Options for Chengdu to Kunming Flight

If you plan to go to Kunming from Chengdu by flight take the morning flight EU221 departing at 7:15 am in the morning to land in Kunming at 8:45 am so you will have plenty of time to check in the hotel and explore Kunming for the rest of the day.

Or take the late flight KY8246 run by Kunming airline departing at 9:15 pm to land in Kunming in 22:30 pm so the full day is cleared for your Chengdu Itinerary.

Note 1: The flight price varies greatly season wise since both Chengdu and Kunming are hottest destinations. Do book in advance. Find out when is Best Time to Visit Kunming

Note 2: We at Asia Odyssey Travel would recommend Chengdu Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Kunming Airlines, since they are the locally-run airlines at your starting point and destination, and operate the most frequent flights.

Alternatively you can leave it all to our travel expert to sort out everything including ticket for Chengdu to Kunming Flight. Simply contact your travel expert and enjoy your journey.

Airports for Chengdu to Kunming Flight: Make Sure You Go to the Right Airport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Address: Airport Road, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China (成都市双流县北部).

How to Get to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport from Chengdu City Centre: You can reach Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport from the city centre by metro, bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of downtown Chengdu.

By Metro: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport can be reached by Metro Line 10 and 19. Airport Shuttle Bus Line 2 will take you from Tianfu Square to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport.

"Walking Marriage" Bridge of Lugu Lake
Mosuo people, Lugu Lake
Mosuo people, Lugu Lake

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport Address: Lujia Town, Jianyang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China (成都市简阳市芦家镇).

How to Get to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport: You can reach Chengdu Tianfu International Airport from the city centre by metro, bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about 63 kilometers (39 miles) southeast of downtown Chengdu.

Chengdu Tianfu Airport can be reached by Metro Line 18. The journey takes around 2 hours from Chengdu downtown. There is an airport bus No.1 to the airport from the city centre. The journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Note: The airports in Chengdu are a bit far from the City centre and some would get confused and go to the wrong airport. Consider sign up for a tour by Asia Odyssey Travel and get personalized transfer to catch your Chengdu to Kunming Flight for a smooth journey all the way!

Blossom Kunming at Green Lake Park
Blossom Kunming at Green Lake Park
Panda Eat Bamboo Shoots
Panda Eat Bamboo Shoots

How to Plan a Trip from Chengdu to Kunming & Whole Yunnan

Kunming, The City of Eternal Spring, your gateway to Yunnan. Boasting a delightful climate, and endless things to do, Kunming is a must-visit destination for at least a few days. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Yunnan Province itself is well worth a grand exploration. Go to Kunming, the perfect starting point for your adventure. Here are some travel ideas on How to Plan Your Kunming Tour and beyond:

Kunming (2-3 days)

Start your journey in Kunming, known for its year-round spring-like weather. Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO site with unique karst formations. If you're a fan of vibrant landscapes, make sure to visit Dongchuan Red Land, and along the way make a side trip to Jianshui.

Dali (2-3 days)

Next, head to Dali, a charming town with a laid-back atmosphere. Explore the historic sites of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and enjoy the beautiful Erhai Lake. Also you can visit Zhoucheng Village, embrace the local way of life with Jing Ethnic Group.

Lijiang (2-3 days)

Journey on to Lijiang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled among snow-capped mountains. Visit the Lijiang Old town and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Consider a side trip to Lugu Lake, a serene escape with natural beauty and ethnic diversity.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (0.5-2 days)

Add this to your itinerary if you're up for an adventure. One of the deepest gorges in the world, it offers challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Jinsha River. Spend half a day for Sightseeing here.Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking from Lijiang would take one day at least.

Shangri-La (2-3 days)

Shangri-La in Yunnan, a hidden delight with Tibetan influence. Visit the Dukezong Ancient Town and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Optional Destinations:

Xishuangbanna (1-2 days)

Consider a visit to Xishuangbanna . Known for its tropical climate and rich biodiversity, it's a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the rainforests, visit the Dai ethnic villages, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Tengchong (1-2 days)

If you have extra time, visit Tengchong. Known for its hot springs and volcanic landscapes, it's a great place for relaxation and nature exploration.

Pu'er (1-2 days)

Another optional stop is Pu'er, famous for its distinct tea and its surprisingly predominant coffee production as well. Visit during the spring tea harvest to learn about tea production and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.

Tibet(4-8 days)

Since you are in the western region of China why not go west all the way up to Tibet, a pristine destination that needs not further introduction!

To Southeast Asia(Multiple Days)

With newly constructed China-Laos Railway you can even extend your Yunnan Trip to Laos and whole Southeast Asia.

Go to Kunming, Embrace the Eternal Spring with Asia Odyssey Travel

Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring in Southwestern China, welcomes you any time. Experience the awe-inspiring Stone Forest, take a leisurely stroll around Dianchi Lake, or capture the stunning views from Western Hills. Open your horizon by embracing the culture of 25 ethnic groups - explore the Yunnan Nationalities Village or the historic sites at Kunming Western Hill.

Choose your own path to the Everlasting Spring of Kunming.

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel to Kunming, to Spring, to Yunnan & Beyond

  • Authentic Experience: Discover the Most Unique Yunnan Cuisines with local guides
  • Genuine Service: Personalized itinerary, lock the Besttime to visit Yunnan
  • Skip the Tourist Routine: Walk into Everlasting Spring, live like a local
  • Exclusive Access: Secure your tickets and beds even in high seasons
  • Travel Made Easy: Flights, hotels, activities - all taken care of!
  • 24/7 Support: Peace of mind throughout your trip

Spring awaits, like always, in Kunming.

Asia Odyssey Travel, leading your Asia Adventure Since 2011. What's your travel idea? Let's talk!

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