Dali, located between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the serene Erhai Lake, is one of Yunnan's top destinations. Its transportation network has evolved significantly, now offering a robust mix of high-speed rail, air, and road connections, making it more accessible than ever. Based on recent information and updated data, the following guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to get to and around Dali.
External Transportation: Getting to Dali
1. By Air: Dali Fengyi Airport (DLU)
Dali Airport is located at the junction of Fengyi Township and Haidong Village. It is 12km from Dali downtown. There are only provincial flights to
Kunming and
Xishuangbanna. From Xiaguan to Dali, you could take No.7 local bus. If you take taxi to the airport, it will costs you about 80 Yuan. You can buy air tickets at some big hotel and travel agencies on Xiaguan Jianshe Road. The fights to Dali and Xishuangbanna fly every day. From Kunming to Dali, the voyage is about 30 min, and to Xihuanbanna is about 50min.
- Key Routes: Daily flights to Kunming (40 min), Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Changsha. International flights are rare.
- Convenience: Best for travelers coming directly from major eastern hubs to save time, though the HSR from Kunming is often a more flexible and scenic choice.
Airport Transfer:
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Operates to the Dali Urban Area (near the train station). Fare ~¥15-25.
- Taxi: To Dali Ancient Town costs ¥80-100 (40 mins). Agree on the price beforehand or insist on using the meter.
2. By High-Speed Rail (The Top Recommendation)
The Dali-Lijiang High-Speed Railway and its connection to the national network have revolutionized travel to Dali. The Dali Railway Station (大理站) is the primary gateway, located conveniently in the Xiaguan (new city) district.
Key Routes & Travel Time:
- From Kunming: This is the most popular route. High-speed trains (D/G-series) depart frequently from Kunming Station (not South Station) with a journey time of just 2 to 2.5 hours. It’s fast, comfortable, and scenic.
- From Lijiang: Direct high-speed trains connect the two ancient towns in about 1.5 hours, making a combined Dali-Lijiang itinerary extremely efficient.
- From Shangri-La (Xianggelila): With the new Lijiang-Shangri-La railway, travel from Shangri-La to Dali now takes approximately 3-3.5 hours with a transfer in Lijiang.
Station Transfer: Upon arrival at Dali Station, you can take:
- Public Bus: Buses (e.g., Triple Pagodas Special Line, No. 8) go directly to Dali Ancient Town (Gucheng), taking about 40-50 minutes for ¥3-5.
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing: A taxi or Didi to the ancient town costs ¥40-60 (30-40 mins).
- Ticketing: Book via 12306.cn app, Ctrip, or at the station. Advance booking is essential during holidays.
3.Highways:
It is easy to travel by bus in Dali. Now the highway from Kunming to Dali is opened. From Kunming to Dali, it takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours. The ticket price is about 120-150 Yuan. To scenic areas in Dali, you can only take bus or minibus. The scenic spots in Dali are not too far from Dali Downtown. There are 3 long-distance bus stations in Dali: Dali Passenger Station, Xiaguan Passenger Station, Dayun Bus Station. There is one departure point: Dali Passenger Station Gucheng Departure Point.
Key Routes & Updated Times:
- From Kunming: Departs from Kunming West Bus Station. The journey on the expressway now takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours, not 6. Fare: ¥120-150.
- From Lijiang: Takes about 2.5-3 hours by expressway. Fare: ¥70-90. Frequent departures from Lijiang Bus Station.
- From Shangri-La: Direct buses take 5-6 hours. Fare: ¥100-130.
Major Bus Stations in Dali:
- Dali East Bus Station (大理汽车客运东站): The main hub for long-distance routes to Kunming, Lijiang, etc. Located near the train station in Xiaguan.
- Dali Ancient Town Tourist Bus Center (古城旅游车场): Conveniently located near the South Gate of the ancient town, offering buses to nearby attractions like Xizhou, Zhoucheng, and Shaxi.
Local Transportation: Getting Around Dali
1. Between Xiaguan (New Town) and Dali Ancient Town (Gucheng)
These are the two main hubs. Public Bus No. 8, No. 4 (Triple Pagodas Line), and the Tourist Special Line connect the train station/bus stations with the ancient town frequently and cheaply (¥3-5).
2. Public Buses & Tourist Shuttles
- Local Buses: Dali's city bus network covers Xiaguan and connects to major landmarks like the Three Pagodas (Bus C2) and Cable Car Stations (Bus 4). Fares: ¥1-3.
- Inter-County Minibuses: For exploring the Erhai Lake region, minibuses depart from the North Gate of Dali Ancient Town or the special tourist bus center. Destinations include:
- Xizhou (喜洲): 45 mins, ¥7-10.
- Zhoucheng (周城, for Tie-Dye): 1 hour, ¥8-12.
- Shuanglang (双廊): 1-1.5 hours, ¥15-20.
3. Taxis & Ride-Hailing (Didi)
- Taxis: Readily available. Flag fall is ¥8 (daytime) for the first 3km, then ¥1.6/km. A trip across the ancient town is ~¥10. For longer trips (e.g., to the airport or Shuanglang), negotiate a fixed price.
- Ride-Hailing: Didi Chuxing is highly recommended for transparent pricing and ease of use. Often cheaper than taxis for cross-town trips.
4. Bicycle & E-bike Rental
This is one of the best ways to explore the lakeside villages and countryside at your own pace.
- Regular Bicycles: Rent from shops in the ancient town for ¥20-30/day.
- Electric Bicycles/Scooters: More powerful for longer trips around Erhai. Rentals cost ¥50-80/day. Ensure the battery is fully charged.
5. Erhai Lake Cruise
It's classic Dali experience. The main cruise pier is at Taoyuan Port (桃源码头) near Xizhou or Cai Village Dock (才村码头) near the ancient town.
- Operations: Multiple departures daily, typically between 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
- Routes & Price: Cruises visit islands like Jinsuo Island and Nanzhao Folklore Island. Prices range from ¥140 to ¥180 for a 3-4 hour cruise. Book through your hotel or at the pier.
6. Chartered Car Service (Top Recommendation for Day Trips)
For maximum flexibility and efficiency in exploring the wider Dali region—such as a full-day "Erhai Lake Loop" including Xizhou, Zhoucheng, and Shuanglang, or a trip to the remote Shaxi Ancient Town—chartering a private car with a driver is ideal.
- Advantages: Customizable itinerary, door-to-door comfort, saves time on waiting for buses.
- Cost: A standard sedan/SUV for a full-day Erhai loop is ¥400-600. A day trip to Shaxi is ¥600-800.
- Booking: Easily arranged through hotels, local travel agencies, or online platforms.
Strategic Travel Recommendations
Best Way to Arrive: Take the high-speed train from Kunming (2-2.5 hours) for the best combination of speed, scenery, and value.
For Exploring Erhai Lake: Rent an electric scooter or bicycle for the lakeside trails. For a more comprehensive loop covering distant villages like Shuanglang, charter a car for a day.
For Visiting Nearby Villages: Use the inter-county green minibuses from the ancient town's North Gate for an affordable and authentic experience.
For a Relaxing Perspective: Don't miss the Erhai Lake cruise for stunning views of the lake and Cangshan Mountains.
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