Kunming Metro: Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide
If you want to explore Kunming, the Kunming metro map is your best companion for getting around the city with ease.
Since it opened, the metro has become an important way to get around the city quickly and connect key sights. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the metro lines, stations, and further information on the Kunming Metro.
The Kunming Metro forms the backbone of the city's public transport system, offering a fast and reliable way to explore Kunming. The network has been significantly expanded in a short space of time and now includes 6 lines that cover key areas of the city.
Kunming Metro Map
With modern trains, easy-to-understand maps, and a clean, efficient network, the Kunming Metro connects key districts such as the city centre, railway stations, and popular sights like Green Lake and the Yunnan Provincial Museum.
Let's take a look at how the Kunming metro map works.
Here you'll find some important information that will be helpful for you.
Feature | Details |
Metro system | Kunming Metro |
Number of lines | 6 metro lines |
Coverage | Kunming city centre, major attractions, railway stations, residential areas and Kunming Changshui International Airport |
Key interchange stations | Dongfeng Square, Tangzixiang, South Ring Road and East Coach Station |
Airport connection | Line 6 connects Kunming Changshui International Airport with the city |
Operating hours | Around 06:20–22:20, depending on the line |
Fares | Distance-based, usually ¥2–9 per journey |
Payment methods | Single-journey tickets, Kunming Transit Card, Alipay and WeChat Pay |
Language | English and Chinese signs and announcements are available at major stations |
Ideal for | Fast, affordable and convenient travel around Kunming |
Note: Opening times can vary. It’s therefore always best to check for the latest information before you travel.
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Kunming Metro Lines, Operating Hours & Major Stations
Source: Wikipedia
Kunming Metro is a convenient way to get around the city, with lines connecting major attractions, railway stations, transport hubs and the airport. For visitors, Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are particularly useful.
Most Kunming Metro services generally operate from around 6:20 AM to 10:20 PM, although exact first and last train times vary by line and direction. Check the latest information at the station before travelling.
| Line | Route | Key Stations |
Line 1 | South Ring Road ⇄ University City (South) / Kunming South Railway Station | Kunming Railway Station, Kunming South Railway Station, Dounan Flower Market |
Line 2 | North Bus Station ⇄ South Ring Road | North Bus Station, Dongfeng Square |
Line 3 | Western Hills Park ⇄ East Bus Station | Western Hills, Wuyi Road, East Bus Station |
Line 4 | Jinchuan Road ⇄ Kunming South Railway Station | Kunming North Railway Station, Kunming South Railway Station, Dounan Flower Market |
Line 5 | World Horti-Expo Garden ⇄ Baofeng | World Horti-Expo Garden, Kunming North Railway Station, Bailongsi |
Line 6 | Tangzixiang ⇄ Kunming Airport | Kunming Changshui International Airport, East Bus Station |
*Operating times can vary by line, station and direction. Check the latest metro information before travelling.
Kunming Metro Ticket Prices
Source: Wikipedia
Kunming Metro fares
Distance travelled | Total fare |
≤4 km | ¥2 |
4–8 km | ¥3 |
8–13 km | ¥4 |
13–19 km | ¥5 |
19–26 km | ¥6 |
26–34 km | ¥7 |
34–43 km | ¥8 |
43–53 km | ¥9 |
Please note: Children under 1.3 metres tall travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
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How to Buy Kunming Metro Tickets?
Getting a ticket for the Kunming Metro is simple and straightforward. Here is a quick guide:
Ticket machines
You'll find ticket machines at all underground stations, offering a range of tickets for your destination. Simply select your route, enter the number of tickets you need, and pay easily by cash or card.
Ticket office
If you prefer personal assistance, ticket counters are available at most train stations. The staff will be happy to help you choose the right ticket and provide you with useful information.
Mobile payments
You can use WeChat Pay or Alipay to pay for your metro journey directly. Simply scan the QR code at the entrance gates and check in.
How to Ride Kunming Metro
Source: Wikipedia
Riding the Kunming Metro is easy and convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Security check
Before you enter the station, you must pass through a security check. Your luggage and personal belongings will be checked by security staff. The check is similar to the one at the airport. Therefore, make sure not to carry any prohibited items. You will also need to walk through a metal detector.
2. Enter the station
After security, head to the entrance gates. Simply hold your paper ticket, travel card, or smartphone with your chosen mobile payment method up to the reader to pass through the gate.
3. Finding the right platform
Keep an eye out for the signage for your underground line and direction of travel. Follow the signs to the correct platform. Digital display boards will also keep you updated on departure times and important information about the station you're in.
4. Board the underground
When the train pulls in, let the passengers getting off leave first. Keep an eye on the markings on the platform so you're waiting in the right spot for the train doors.
5. Leave the station
Once you've reached your destination, follow the signs to the exit gates. Simply hold your ticket up to the reader to check out, or scan the QR code if you paid using a mobile payment method.
Best Hotels in Kunming
5 star
Outstanding6783 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.57km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic, very close to Cuihu Park and the Former Site of the Yunnan Military Academy. The library is right across the street, and Kunming Old Street is within walking distance. There are tons of restaurants and snack shops nearby, and a Walmart is also very close. The hotel facilities are comprehensive, the rooms are spacious, clean, and tidy, and the staff are always responsive to requests. Breakfast is mainly Western-style, with a wide variety and high quality. We even received snowflake crisps and fruit upon check-in. The price is very reasonable, offering excellent value for money. Just one suggestion: the water pressure from the bathroom faucet is a bit low, making it a rush to wash up; this could use some improvement.From€51
Outstanding7678 Reviews
South Asia Feature No. 1 City Kunming|1.39km from city centre
Sofitel Kunming gets a high recommendation from me. This stay in an Executive Room was truly outstanding. The room was spacious and airy, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of the entire Kunming cityscape. The exclusive bedding was soft and gentle on the skin, and the soundproofing was excellent, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Housekeeping was impeccable, with all amenities well-stocked. The accompanying Executive Lounge privileges included exquisite afternoon tea and evening happy hour offerings. Mia was particularly attentive and thoughtful, adept at noticing guests' subtle needs, and communication with her was pleasant and natural. The hotel's central location makes it convenient for getting around and shopping. With its strong French ambiance, it's perfect for both business travelers and leisure guests. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and the stay was very comfortable. I will definitely choose this hotel again when I return to Kunming.From€72
Good5546 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.87km from city centre
Overall, I'm very satisfied with this hotel; it offers great value for money. The hygiene, service, and location are all excellent. Although some facilities are a bit old, it didn't affect their use. The minor flaws don't detract from its overall quality, so I'm still giving it 5 stars – definitely a safe bet. GIN's service was very thoughtful and professional; I often sought his advice before heading out. Getting around the city center is very convenient, and the surrounding amenities are complete. The room was spacious and comfortable, ensuring a high quality of rest. The price is reasonable, making it a highly cost-effective choice.From€45
Outstanding4238 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|1.59km from city centre
After leaving a green hotel full of corridors and doors early in the morning, arriving at the Holiday Inn City Center was a truly pleasant experience. The hotel staff were very enthusiastic and even upgraded me to a Grand Corner Room. Lying on the sofa by the large window and looking outside was so relaxing, it really brightened my mood. I ordered the breakfast small-pot rice noodles, and it was delivered quickly. The mini-bar also provided complimentary tamarind juice, which was perfect for cutting through the richness of the Erkuai (rice cakes). I also requested a knife to cut my mangosteen, and it was promptly delivered. The only minor regret was that the bathtub stopper was missing at the bottom; I came back too late that day to ask the staff to fix it. This is a small flaw, and the hotel is still excellent, but I do hope it can be fixed to make the stay even more perfect.From€50
Outstanding6920 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.72km from city centre
My stay at Kunming Jia Hua Plaza Hotel was excellent overall. The hotel's location is fantastic, with convenient transportation and easy access to attractions and dining options. The front desk staff were very welcoming and efficient with check-in and check-out, and all the staff were friendly.
The room was clean and tidy. Despite the hotel being over 20 years old, the facilities are well-maintained, and the bedding was comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The hotel environment is generally quiet, making it a suitable choice for a stay while exploring Kunming.
The breakfast offered a good variety of dishes and tasted great. Overall, I was very satisfied with the location, service, and the entire stay. It offers good value for money, and I would consider staying here again on my next visit to Kunming.From€57
Outstanding9686 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.14km from city centre
The hotel environment is quite good, right near Dianchi Lake (part of the reason I booked this hotel). During the National Day holiday, it wasn't overly crowded, and both breakfast and the dinner buffet were delicious.
The housekeeping auntie was extremely, extremely responsible! Her service was top-notch.
The concierge staff were also excellent; they could deliver meals to the room.
Because I caught a cold due to the temperature drop in Yunnan these past two days, they even sent ginger tea. And since my flight was a bit later, they accommodated our request for a late check-out.
Overall, besides the TV being a bit small, there's really nothing else to complain about. I've stayed in many good hotels, some even more expensive and with more prominent brands, but they weren't as good as this one. This hotel truly impressed me, please keep up the great work!From€103
Business travel
Good2403 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.59km from city centre
I stumbled upon this international hostel by chance and met many foreign friends, all vibrantly enjoying their overseas trips.
The ground floor features postcards of beautiful scenery from all over China, and a fish tank. The stairwell has a felt board recording thoughts and impressions from friends around the world. As you go up, there's a Western-style restaurant with professional chefs, bookshelves displaying rare books, a pool table, and a ping-pong table. Further up are the rooms, and the rooftop has a terrace perfect for relaxation, watching the sunset, team building, or just hanging out. There are abundant green plants and a small pond with many fish... Nearby, there are many famous attractions like Cuihu Lake, Yunnan University, Zhu De's former residence, and Kunming Old Street.
Service: The front desk lady speaks fluent English, communicates smoothly and politely, and even offered to help carry luggage upstairs.
Facilities: All equipment was in working order, and supplies were clean and hygienic.
From Guizhou Province, I wish everyone an unforgettable trip in Kunming!From€6
Excellent5891 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|2.06km from city centre
The hotel's biggest advantage: it's very close to Cuihu Park.
Because reviews mentioned small room sizes, I opted for an executive suite, which is 40 square meters, and the size was acceptable. Food deliveries were brought by a robot, so I didn't have to go pick them up myself.
The room cleanliness was also okay. One minor complaint: the window next to the bed had no curtains, only a white sunshade. At night, lights would shine in, and in the morning, the light came in very early.
Traffic around Cuihu and the old street is quite bad during holidays.
We had a large suitcase, but getting it up the hotel's坡 (ramp) was very difficult, and there was no staff available to help. It was mostly self-service.From€33
Very Good2028 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.13km from city centre
Overall, my stay was excellent. The front desk staff were attentive, warm, and efficient, making the check-in process quick. The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of fresh food, including local specialties. The room was clean and well-maintained. The hotel's location is convenient, with easy access to dining and transportation. The service was thoughtful and meticulous, offering great value for money. Highly recommended.From€20
Very Good1821 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.14km from city centre
I had a very satisfying stay, and everything went smoothly from booking to check-out. The location was easy to find, transportation was convenient, and the surrounding amenities were excellent, making dining and shopping easy. The hotel interior was clean and fresh, with a simple yet tasteful design. The common areas were cozy and comfortable, perfect for relaxing and socializing. The room was tidy and odor-free, the bedding was soft, and both the air conditioning and hot water worked perfectly. The washroom area was clean and hygienic. The front desk staff were gentle and polite, efficient in their work, and made me feel very welcome. The price was affordable, and the value for money is definitely among the best in its category. It's suitable for both short-term travel and long-term stays. The experience was great, and I highly recommend it!From€5
Excellent1521 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.15km from city centre
The location is superb, offering a tranquil escape right in the heart of the bustling city. I booked a room on the third floor with a private hot spring tub. It was incredibly pleasant to soak in the hot spring while enjoying the moonlight during an autumn evening, especially around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Finding such a unique space amidst the city's hustle and bustle made for a truly special stay. Breakfast was à la carte, and although I didn't have high expectations for the 'crossing-the-bridge' noodles, the taste surprisingly exceeded them. I was very satisfied.From€51
Good3283 Reviews
Expo Park Kunming|8.44km from city centre
The hotel's exterior is striking, with two buildings embracing each other that look stunning when lit up at night. I only discovered in the basement parking that the hotel has several lobbies for check-in, all with a floral theme. I asked a lovely lady at the front desk, and she told me it was the Orchid Lobby. Amber He Yanping, one of the front desk staff, who was wearing traditional attire, was beautiful and incredibly helpful. She was smiling from check-in to check-out, enthusiastically recommending the hotel's parent-child activities, taking the kids to the summer study room, and engaging them in various family activities. The children all had a fantastic time! She even took them on a scavenger hunt for ice cream and walked us to the lobby exit at check-out. The boss really needs to give her a bonus, haha! Unfortunately, our schedule was tight this trip, and the kids' play area and garden closed at 6 PM, so we didn't get to experience them. It would be great if they could stay open later. We'll just have to come back another time!From€39
Breakfast
Outstanding6450 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.2km from city centre
An absolutely wonderful experience! The hotel's location is excellent, and the service is incredibly attentive. In addition to the usual breakfast items, they also offer freshly baked flower pastries. The executive lounge has a great variety of options and fantastic views. In the evenings, they even deliver sweet soup to your room, which was delicious!
The mountain view from the room is also incredibly beautiful – so peaceful, with clear skies and fluffy clouds, making for a very relaxing stay.
I especially want to commend our butler, Jingyu. She was always responsive and communicative, and her thoughtful arrangements made us so happy with the hotel that we extended our stay for another two days!From€84
Very Good1398 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.16km from city centre
Great hotel, super clean and modern rooms that were very well equipped with anything you could need. They have outside gardens on each floor and beautiful courtyards to hmrest when you want a break from being out all day.
The breakfast is delicious, a good selection of local and western items.
Location was very cool next to the night market so plenty of fun places to have meals and despite the market being there all day, the rooms were extremely quiet.
Also very easy and quick (under 20 mins) to get a didi to Kunming station.From€25
Outstanding1000 Reviews
Xiaoximen Kunming|2.77km from city centre
The hotel was exactly as described on the website.
I highly recommend the room with a bathtub; after a long day of sightseeing, a hot bath back at the hotel is just what you need! They even provide bath bombs, and the bathrobes are super soft, unlike those rough ones you often find – it's clear they put a lot of thought into the details.
The room was incredibly clean, and you could really feel the charm of the design. As my friend said, it felt like it was designed by someone who really knows what they want out of life.
And then there's the service. Every day, they'd ask for our breakfast choice for the next day. Our booking only included breakfast for one person, but seeing there were two of us, they immediately offered us a complimentary breakfast every day without a second thought.
Next time I'm in Kunming, I will definitely choose this hotel again!From€32
Outstanding1567 Reviews
Kunming Changshui International Airport Kunming|20.99km from city centre
If you need airport drop off after 2pm until 4.25 am, don't book this hotel for their airport drop off. Reason being, they do NOT have airport drop off during this period. 24 hours airport shuttle is not true. When I asked why promoted the hotel with 24 airport shuttle service, front office replied that 24 hours airport shuttle is for pick up only and they have stated it clearly already. This is unbelievable! At first, they asked me to go to the main road to stop taxi to go airport. I was too shocked to say anything. However, hours later, front office arranged their shuttle to drop me off at the airport. This was a surprise and I appreciated it. The drop off was at domestic arrival door, not international departure. Driver said the road was closed. This is puzzling - why an airport closed the road for international departures.
Room is comfortable for short stay.From€18
Good972 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|1.04km from city centre
Finally found this incredibly unique ethnic guesthouse! The overall decor blends various minority ethnic elements, and the intricate decorations mean every photo you take turns out atmospheric. The room was spotlessly clean, with comfortable bedding and complete amenities. The guesthouse offers authentic Yunnan rice noodles and 'Guanguan' milk tea, both with genuine flavors. The front desk service was thoughtful and attentive, always responding promptly to any issues. The location is excellent, making it convenient for getting around and shopping. It's a peaceful oasis in a bustling area, quiet and not noisy, allowing for a good rest and relaxation. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kunming!From€29
Excellent241 Reviews
South Asia Feature No. 1 City Kunming|2.4km from city centre
I first booked this hotel in Kunming when I went to Dali, and I chose it again when I returned from Dali. The hotel is very clean, the rooms are spacious, and the price is reasonable. It's a 20-minute walk to Wanda Plaza, or you can take an e-bike. I really liked their breakfast and the laundry room; it was clearly maintained by a dedicated person, very clean and tidy. I'm planning to book this hotel again next time I visit Kunming specifically for a trip. Plus, there's a great restaurant downstairs – a stir-fry place that's quite authentic, but I forgot its name.From€26
Reaching Kunming's Top Attractions by Metro
Attraction | Metro Line | Nearest Station | Attraction Highlight |
Line 3 | Wuyi Road Station | A lively historic street with local shops, traditional markets and small restaurants. | |
Jinma Biji Square | Line 3 | Wuyi Road Station or Dongfeng Square Station | A historic square with traditional architecture, ideal for sightseeing and photos. |
Line 5 | Yuantong Mountain Station | A peaceful mountain area with temples, lush greenery and views across Kunming. | |
Line 5 | Huashan West Road Station | A scenic city park popular for walks, boating, seasonal flowers and winter black-headed gulls. |
Tips for Using the Kunming Metro
✅ Use Chinese payment methods
Mobile payment services like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted on the Kunming Metro. Simply scan the QR code at the entrance gates to get into the metro quickly and easily.
✅ Use an eSIM for hassle-free connectivity
With a China eSIM, you can stay online easily while on the go. It's best to get an eSIM before your trip so you can access mobile data in Kunming at any time, even while riding the metro.
✅ Plan your route in advance
Download Gaode Map or use Baidu Maps to check timetables and plan your route. This way, you'll avoid unnecessary confusion and reach your destination feeling relaxed.
✅ Be prepared for your connection
The Kunming Metro has key interchange stations where you can easily switch between lines. Keep an eye on the signage and simply follow the local directions to ensure a quick and hassle-free transfer.
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FAQ – Kunming Metro
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