Kunming Train Stations: Where and How to Take a Train?

As the capital of Yunnan and nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild climate all year round, Kunming is also the main railway hub in south-west China!

The city has several stations, with two main hubs handling the majority of travellers. There's the South Station for High-speed train services across the country and to Laos, and the Central Station for long-distance conventional trains.

To help you make the most of your trip, Trip.com has put together a comprehensive guide to the main railway stations in Kunming!

Main Train Stations in Kunming

📌 Click the itinerary link in the table to book your ticket now!

Now, let's take a closer look at the two key railway stations you won't want to miss for your travels and adventures in Kunming.

Kunming South Railway Station – 昆明南站

Kunming South Railway Station is the jewel in the crown of Yunnan's rail network. Opened in 2016, this colossal station in the Chenggong District, east of the city centre, has firmly established itself as the essential high-speed rail hub for China's vast south-west.

With its architecture featuring curves inspired by the region's rice terraces, halls bathed in natural light, and bilingual signage, it is a station that is as beautiful as it is functional.

But what truly makes it unique is its international connectivity: from its platforms, trains zip off to Vientiane in Laos in just one day via the China–Laos railway, which opened in 2021. With four daily departures to the Laotian capital since July 2025, the South Station has become a genuine gateway to South-East Asia!

How do I get there?

How to book your tickets?

For this station or any others in Beijing, you have three options:

• On Trip.com (recommended ✅): book online in just a few clicks, and get an e-ticket on your phone or collect it in person at the kiosks using your passport.
• Via the 12306 app: the official ticketing platform for Chinese railways. It’s a handy solution, though it’s only available in Chinese.
• At the on-site ticket counters: head to level 1, where you'll find a dedicated desk for international travellers with English-speaking staff ready to help.

How to catch your train?

Catching your train from Beijing South Railway Station, or indeed either of the city's other two main stations, couldn't be easier!

1. Please arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure;
2. Head through security at the entrance (X-raying your luggage and checking your passport);
3. Collect your physical ticket from the self-service kiosks on level 1 using your passport if required;
4. Head through the ticket barriers to the platforms (have your ticket and passport ready);
5. Make yourself comfortable in the waiting area for your train (platform gates open 15 minutes before departure);
6. Boarding is upon presentation of your ticket at the carriage entrance.

Services available at the station

Just like most train stations, you'll find plenty of services and shops on-site to make your journey that little bit easier:

• 🍜 Dining: Yunnan specialities (Yunnan hot pot, mushroom rice, crossing-the-bridge noodles), national and international chains, plus Starbucks and KFC on levels 1 and 2
• 🛍️ Shopping: Pu-erh tea shops, Yunnan products, pharmacy, newsagent, and local souvenirs
• 🧳 Luggage storage: Level 1 (~15–20 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines are available on levels 1 and 2, and international cards are accepted.
• 🌿 Duty-free shops: a space dedicated to regional Yunnan products before international departures

The VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

Kunming South Railway Station features two separate VIP lounges (Business Waiting Room 1 and Business Waiting Room 2), each offering a relaxing space away from the hustle and bustle of the main concourses.

Available to First and Business Class passengers upon presentation of their ticket, our lounges offer self-service hot and cold drinks, snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and charging stations.

Main routes from Kunming South

Kunming Railway Station – 昆明站

Built in the heart of old Kunming in the Panlong district, the city's central station stands as a living testament to Yunnan's railway history.

For a long time, this was the only major station in the provincial capital, before the South Station arrived to steal the limelight for high-speed rail. Today, it remains an essential hub for travellers looking to catch the major conventional trains (T, K, Z) to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai, or Guiyang at much more affordable fares.

Its location in the historic centre of Kunming (with direct access to Metro Line 1) also makes it the most convenient station for travellers staying in the lively Panlong or Wuhua districts.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

Here too, you'll find plenty of services and shops available if you arrive at the station early or are just passing through:

• 🍜 Dining: Yunnan speciality restaurants, 'crossing-the-bridge' noodles, snack bars, and fast-food chains on levels 1 and 2
• 🛍️ Shops: pharmacy, newsagent, pu-erh tea boutiques, and local produce
• 🧳 Luggage storage: Level 1 (~15 CNY/day), perfect for exploring the city centre before you head off
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: Cash machines are available at the main entrance and in the central hall; international cards are accepted.
• 📍 A tourist hotspot: just a 20-minute walk from Dongfeng Market and Green Lake (Cuihu).

The VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

The VIP lounge at Kunming Central Station is open to first and business class passengers. It offers comfortable armchairs, hot drinks, power sockets, and enhanced Wi-Fi—a welcome haven of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the main concourses, which can get particularly lively during Chinese holiday periods.

Access is chargeable for other travellers (~40 CNY).

Main routes from Kunming Railway Station

Six Tips for Easy Train Travel from Kunming

💡 Choose your station based on your destination

Head to Kunming South for all high-speed G-trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dali, or Lijiang (it's also the gateway for the only rail link to Laos). The central station is your go-to for budget-friendly, conventional overnight trains to Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Guiyang. Always double-check the exact name of your departure station on your ticket before hopping on the metro.

💡 Book as soon as your dates are confirmed

Tickets go on sale 30 days before departure. On popular routes like Kunming–Dali or Kunming–Lijiang during peak season (May–October, Golden Week), seats can sometimes sell out in just a few hours. Book on Trip.com as soon as your itinerary is confirmed.

💡 Allow extra time for trains to Laos

For the Kunming–Vientiane international trains, customs formalities are handled directly at the South Railway Station. Make sure to arrive at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure, keep your passport handy, and check the visa requirements for Laos based on your nationality well in advance.

💡 Keep your passport handy at every step of your journey

In all Chinese train stations, you'll be asked for it at the entrance, at ticket collection kiosks, and when accessing the platform. Keep it in an outer pocket for easy access.

💡 Hop on a train and explore Yunnan

The South Railway Station is the perfect starting point for a high-speed train adventure across the province: reach Dali in 1 hour 40 minutes, Lijiang in 3 hours, and Xishuangbanna in 3 hours 30 minutes. Yunnan's rail network has expanded significantly in recent years, now connecting all the region's major tourist hotspots.

💡 Stay connected throughout your journey

Wi-Fi is free at both stations, but you'll need a VPN to access Western apps. Make sure to get a China eSIM before you travel, and download DiDi (available in English) to easily book taxis from the stations.

More Travel Guides