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How to Get from Guilin to Kunming? 2 Best Ways to Get from Guilin to Kunming(By Train & Flight)

Written by Dean|Updated: 2024-06-27

Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring, and the travel hot spot in Southwest China, deserves a visit if you are travelling in China. Especially if you are already in Guilin, another celebrated destination located near Kunming. Guilin to Kunming would be a wonderful trip for your China visit!

The Guilin 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. The Guilin 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.

Choose train to go to Kunnming for availability: There are multiple trains Going to Kunming from Guilin and it costs less than flight in should/high season.

Choose flight to get to Kunming for swift Travel: Though not available on a daily basis the direct flight from Guilin is the fastest option to go to Kunming.

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

Content Preview

  • triangleGuilin to Kunming: Which is Better to Go to Kunming, Train or Flight?
  • triangleTravel from Guilin to Kunming by Train(High Speed Train): Frequent Service
  • triangleTips for Tourists Going from Guilin to Kunming By Train
  • triangleGuilin to Kunming Flight: More Direct & Faster Option with Varying Price
  • triangleAirports for Your Flight to Kunming from Guilin
  • triangleHow to Plan a Trip from Guilin to Kunming & Whole Yunnan
  • triangleGo to Kunming, Embrace the Eternal Spring with Asia Odyssey Travel

Guilin to Kunming: Which is Better to Go to Kunming, Train or Flight?

Here's the comparison chart for direct flights and trains from Guilin to Kunming.

Transport Distance Travel Time Price Range (CNY) Availability
Direct Flight (Air Guilin) 457 miles (736 kilometers) Approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes 280 to 2,000+ Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
High-Speed Train 681 miles (1,096 kilometers) 4.5 to 8 hours 370 to 420 Daily
Regular Train 681 miles (1,096 kilometers) 17.5 to 20 hours 280 Daily

Please note that these details are updated in May 2024, while subject to change. It's always a good idea to check the latest information. And we provide a real time search for trains from Guilin to Kunming below, do read on for up-to-date info.

Flights from Guilin to Kunming are the fastest option, taking only about 1.5 hours. However, flights are generally more expensive in high season to 1670 CNY.

Guilin to Kunming Trains offer a budget-friendly alternative. High-speed trains take 4.5 to 8 hours and cost between 371.5 CNY to 406.5 CNY. It's a balanced option to go from Guilin to Kunming.

In terms of availability, Guilin to Kunming trains run daily, while there's only one airline, Guilin Air, operating direct flights, which are only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays as of May 2024.

The regular train from Guilin to Kunming is only recommended for backpackers on a budget or those who really crave a down-to-earth travel experience, as it's a very basic mode of transportation from Guilin to Kunming.

Major Airlines at Kunming Airport
Major Airlines at Kunming Airport
Regular Train
Regular Train

Travel from Guilin to Kunming by Train(High Speed Train): Frequent Service

The distance Between Guilin and Kunming by train is approximately 1,096 kilometers (681 miles). The travel time for high speed train from Guilin to Kunming is around 4.5 to 8 hours, while regular trains take about 17.5 to 20 hours.

The ticket fare for Guilin to Kunming Train varies depending on the train type and class, with high-speed trains in second class costing approximately CNY 370 to 420.

Guilin to Kunming High-Speed Train

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Choose Train to Travel from Guilin to Kunming for a budget travel and flexibility since there are multiple trains running from Guilin to Kunming on a daily basis. Check out the grand China High Speed Train Tour

Note: Regular trains from Guilin to Kunming is really basic and takes way longer to go to Kunming, we at Asia Odyssey Travel wouldn't recommend it. Skip the research and simply Contact your travel expert for a hassle-free Guilin to Kunming Trip.

Guilin to Kunming High-Speed Train Schedule

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How to Buy Ticket for Guilin to Kunming Train

12306 (China Railway): This is the official website for booking train tickets in China, they have a app as well. 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.

Third Party Platform: There are a few third party platform where you can book domestic trains within China.

Buy at Train Station: You can buy tickets directly at the train station in Guilin.This might be challenging due to the language barrier.

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 Guilin to Kunming.Contact your travel expert now!

Guilin Tianxincun Village
Guilin Tianxincun Village
Majestic Water Lilies at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Majestic Water Lilies at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

Departing Station for Guilin to Kunming Train

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

Guilin Railway Station Address: No.39, South Zhongshan Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin(桂林市象山区中山南路39号)

How to Get to Guilin Railway Station: You can reach the Guilin Railway Station by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about 45 minutes' drive (28km / 18.6 miles) from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.

Guilin North Railway Station Address: No.9 Zhanqian, Diecai District, Guilin (桂林市叠彩区站前路9号)12.

How to Get to Guilin North Railway Station: You can reach the Guilin North Railway Station by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about 40 minutes' drive (38km / 23.6 miles) from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.

There are also two arriving stations in Kunming for your train from Guilin.

Kunming Railway Station Address: No. 1, Beijing Road, Guandu District, Kunming (昆明市官渡区北京路1号)

How to Get to Kunming City Centre from Kunming Railway Station: You can reach the city centre from Kunming Railway Station by metro, bus, or taxi.

Metro line 1 is the most recommended public way to leave Kunming Railway Station that links the station with downtown of Kunming.

Kunming South Railway Station Address: Wujiaying Street, Chenggong District, Kunming (昆明市呈贡区吴家营街道)123.

How to Get to Kunming City Centre from Kunming South Railway Station: You can reach the city centre from Kunming South Railway Station by metro, bus, or taxi. It's about: 15 minutes' drive by taxi from therailway station to the city centre.

Tips for Tourists Going from Guilin 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 Guilin 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.
Boarding High Speed Train at Kunming Station
Boarding High Speed Train at Kunming Station
Inside of Kunming Train Station
Inside of Kunming Train Station

Guilin to Kunming Flight: More Direct & Faster Option with Varying Price

There are direct flights available from Guilin to Kunming operated by Air Guilin as of May 2024. Here are some details:

  • Flight Number: GT 1097
  • Origin: Guilin
  • Destination: Kunming
  • Scheduled Departure Time: 8:20PM
  • Scheduled Arrival Time: 9:50PM
  • Availability: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • Flight Distance: Approximately 457 miles (736 kilometers)
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes

Please note that these details are subject to change and it's always a good idea to check the latest information with the airline or your travel agent.

If there are no direct flights available from Guilin to Kunming, you can consider indirect flights. These flights usually have one or more stopovers, which could be in cities like Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Xi'an, which are all great travel destinations in China as well.

Do take a layover tour on the way to Kunming to make the most of your trip. Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, discover the untold China with a whole new perspective. Contact your travel expert now to plan your amazing adventure!

Airports for Your Flight to Kunming from Guilin

Your Guilin to Kunming flight will take off from Kunming Changshui International Airport

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport Address: Liangjiang Town, Lingui District, Guilin (桂林市临桂县两江镇).

How to Get to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport from Guilin City Centre: You can reach the Guilin Liangjiang International Airport from the city centre by airport shuttle bus, taxi, or private vehicle. It's about a 40-minute drive (28km / 17.4 miles).

Kunming Changshui International Airport Address: Changshui Village, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (昆明市官渡区长水村).

How to Get to Kunming City Centre from Kunming Changshui International Airport: You can reach the city centre from Kunming Changshui International Airport by metro, bus, or taxi. It's about a 40-minute drive from the airport to Kunming city centre.

How to Plan a Trip from Guilin 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 charming little town, 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.

Mosuo people, Lugu Lake
Mosuo people, Lugu Lake
Marvel at Hani Minority people's unique farming system
Marvel at Hani Minority people's unique farming system

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

Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring in 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 (Xishan).

When to Visit Kunming is never a question, because you can just pick anytime and go!

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel to Kunming, to Everlasting Spring

  • Authentic Experience: Discover the Most Unique Yunnan Cuisines with local guides
  • Genuine Service: Personalized itinerary, lock the Best time 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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