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
Outstanding6721 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.57km from city centre
What can I say about this hotel? I stay here every time I come to Kunming, so it's safe to say it's true love.
First, the location is unbeatable. It's right across from the Yunnan Provincial Library, just a short walk to Cuihu Lake, and surrounded by plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. It's a real gem.
Second, the value for money is outstanding. For this location, cleanliness, and comfort, you'd easily pay hundreds more in other cities. Here, it's a quiet oasis in the bustling city, all for under 500 yuan. Thumbs up!
Third, the breakfast is quite substantial.
Also worth mentioning, the bread from the hotel's pastry shop is delicious 😋 and not too sweet.FromTRY 2,747
Good5571 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.87km from city centre
The room is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of space for luggage and other belongings. The hotel is located in the heart of the old city, with many restaurants in the adjacent mall. For snacks, you can take a short walk to Kunming Old Street. The front desk staff, particularly GIN, was very professional and helpful. When I asked about buying tickets, he repeatedly reminded me to make sure I bought tickets for Kunming Station and not to get it mixed up, as the two high-speed rail stations can be quite confusing.FromTRY 2,431
Outstanding4223 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|1.59km from city centre
The hotel is in the city, so the room isn't huge, but I love the color scheme. The little tag on the mineral water bottle was a nice touch. I really enjoyed just relaxing in the room, drinking coffee, and reading a book. In the evening, I went to the 6th floor for a workout and was pleasantly surprised by the hotel's lighting decor – it was really photogenic! I spent half an hour taking pictures and picked one I liked to show off.FromTRY 2,159
Outstanding6988 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.72km from city centre
Facilities: This is an older five-star hotel with retro yet luxurious facilities.
Cleanliness: The bedding and bathroom were very clean.
Ambiance: The hotel hallways, with their warm lighting and wood-textured walls, along with the plush carpets, made me instinctively quiet my footsteps. The bedding was also very comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent, allowing for a peaceful rest.
Service: The service was very good and satisfactory.FromTRY 2,967
Outstanding9617 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.14km from city centre
I chose InterContinental Kunming, which has been open for over ten years, because of its location by Dian Lake. It's about a ten-minute walk to the lake, and the surrounding area is very quiet.
Old doesn't necessarily mean outdated. The lobby's central axis symmetrical layout gives off a strong and stable aura. The staff are present and attentive without being overly intrusive.
This sense of space and appropriate discretion is something many trendy 'influencer' hotels struggle to provide.
The hotel's garden area is quite large, with palm and coconut trees giving it a Southeast Asian resort feel. There were even fragrant osmanthus flowers in bloom.
The hotel's breakfast spread is very rich, with many Kunming specialties. I loved the rice noodles, each bowl freshly cooked in a copper pot, with both red broth and chicken broth options, catering to both strong and light palates. The 'posu bao' (flaky steamed bun), sticky rice, and the hotel's homemade flower cakes and Yunnan ham biscuits were just as good as, if not better than, those from famous brands outside. There was also yogurt from Gejiu, and you could tell by the taste that the ingredients were pure!
I stayed for a week and didn't get tired of breakfast. Hope to see you again next time!FromTRY 5,575
Good3330 Reviews
Expo Park Kunming|8.44km from city centre
This hotel is incredibly thoughtful. They helped us with a late check-out and even have a dedicated homework room for kids, which is fantastic for families traveling with children. It solved the problem of the room being too dim for my child to do homework or crafts. We were a bit rushed this time so we couldn't participate in the activities, but we'll definitely try to next time. A special thanks to the hotel butler; their service was excellent and they were very patient with the kids.FromTRY 2,203
Business travel
Good2372 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.59km from city centre
I felt quite comfortable during my stay, no disappointments whatsoever. The room was meticulously cleaned, making it very relaxing to settle in, and all the daily essentials were well-stocked. It was super convenient for going out to eat or catching a taxi. The host was very genuine, responded to messages promptly, and check-in/check-out was a breeze, with no unnecessary fuss. It's rare to find such a great place to stay while traveling, I genuinely think it's excellent, and I'd definitely consider coming back next time.FromTRY 345
Excellent5914 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|2.06km from city centre
The location of the hotel is perfect as it's right in the centre of Old Kunming Street. The amenities are good, the staff are friendly and helpful. They also helped me clean my laundry on the house and were quick and efficient. The very nice touches were offering us sweet and tangy water while waiting to be checked in. And also lending us umbrellas when it was raining. The rooms with the extended balconies are great with the cushion area and the only downside of the design is the transparent curtains outside the bathrooms. Apart from that, Citigo Huan Ge Hotel is a great place to stay in, with good breakfast at a very reasonable price and also a lovely barbeque and craft beer lounge offering their guests nice supper.FromTRY 2,218
Good1793 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.14km from city centre
This hostel in Kunming offers incredible value for money! The common areas are huge, and the terrace view is absolutely stunning. It's so comfortable to sunbathe during the day and enjoy the breeze at night. The place is cleaned very diligently, and the bedding is fresh and odorless. The staff at the front desk are all super enthusiastic and proactively recommend local snacks and travel routes. As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe and secure here!FromTRY 338
Excellent1515 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.15km from city centre
Facilities: A bit old, but generally pretty good. The bed is neither too soft nor too hard. The duvet is fine with the AC on, but it can get a bit warm without it, given Kunming's large temperature variations. There's a small garden and an outdoor hot tub, but apparently it's not usable. It's very photogenic though!
The living room and bedroom are separate, which is great for families or multiple families staying together as you can chat comfortably. There are also seating areas in the room corridors where you can relax and talk.
Being inside the scenic area, the courtyard rooms are quiet. Other room types might be a bit noisier. At midday, it can feel quite bustling outside with traffic and vendors calling out. The courtyard suites, however, are not noisy at all.
The location is in the Jinbi area, not far from Nanping Old Street. Just cross a road and walk through Nanping Hui, and you're in a commercial area. For food and drinks, there are snacks right downstairs, though not many main courses. I think the options across the street are better. The hotel breakfast is à la carte and needs to be ordered a day in advance. We tried it one day, but after that, we opted for takeout or ate out.
The hotel service is quite good. They have a butler service, and the staff's attitude is very pleasant. When we had a delay, they helped us coordinate a later checkout.
For transport, since it's within the scenic area, you'll probably need to walk a bit after getting off the car. However, you can also have your car drive to the parking lot, and there's an elevator near the exit that takes you up.FromTRY 2,718
Outstanding4630 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.72km from city centre
The hotel's central location was perfect for my 5-day stay. I checked with AI, and it confirmed that if you don't want to switch hotels, this location is the most efficient for visiting Dianchi Lake, Western Hills, Kunming Old Street, Dounan Flower Market, and the Yunnan Provincial Museum. The hotel is a bit old but very well-maintained. The swimming pool water was a comfortable temperature, and the staff were incredibly nice. After checking out, I thought I'd left my phone and put them through a lot of trouble, but they patiently helped me search everywhere, almost tearing the room apart. I later realized I had clumsily put it in my suitcase, which was truly embarrassing. The breakfast dining area was lovely, quiet, and peaceful. There's also a large shopping mall next door, which was very convenient for shopping.FromTRY 3,357
Very Good1221 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.18km from city centre
A pleasant and comfortable stay, located right in the bustling part of Kunming so it’s convenient and easy to get to the main destinations like the Temple, Green Park, mall and cute cafes, but it is a bit noisy due to the street stalls in the Old Town. It’s clean and has everything you need for a comfortable stay, the shampoos smell amazing and the bed is comfortable too. The ladies are very helpful and there is delicious rose tea or coffee available.FromTRY 1,381
Breakfast
Outstanding6465 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.2km from city centre
This hotel is quite old overall. The carpets in the hallway were a bit stained, and the facilities were rather basic. At over 3500 yuan per night, the value for money is very low.
Although the hotel has a small animal area, a mini-train, and some children's activities, the mini-train requires advance booking and only runs once an hour, on the hour. All the children's activities also incur extra charges. During our 3-day stay, there were business meetings every day, with a check-in desk set up in the lobby. In short, it's not very suitable for a family vacation.
Additionally, the swimming pool and outdoor hot spring area were pitch black at night; you could barely see anything (I went out on the first night and couldn't even find the hot springs). When I wanted to swim during the day, there were kids having swimming lessons, occupying three lanes...
The breakfast was standard, nothing special. Sweet soup was delivered to the room in the evenings.
The only positive was the very enthusiastic housekeeping auntie; she deserves a good review.
Dianchi Lake is not far from the hotel, just a few minutes by taxi, and you can rent a bicycle to ride around.FromTRY 4,348
Very Good1382 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.FromTRY 1,814
Outstanding1001 Reviews
Xiaoximen Kunming|2.77km from city centre
The room was unexpectedly retro-styled, and although the hotel isn't located right by tourist attractions, it's in a private courtyard which felt very safe, secure, and quiet. The craft beer every night was actually the biggest reason I chose to stay here – it felt like a beer lover coming home! They serve until 11 PM, but I arrived late and messaged them a few minutes before closing, and they still delivered it to my room. Overall, I'm very satisfied. The breakfast was also delicious, and for the Western option, they contact you 15 minutes in advance to deliver it to your room. I'll definitely prioritize staying here again next time and will recommend it to friends. My only regret is that I missed the afternoon tea ice cream because I was out sightseeing.
If I had to offer some suggestions, first, I think the quality of the toothbrushes could be improved. The current disposable ones really don't match the overall vibe of the hotel, and they even shed bristles. Second, it would be great if they could add another set of washing machines and dryers for laundry. Waiting too long to do laundry after coming back in the evening, and then having to wait an extra hour for drying when I wasn't able to keep an eye on it after washing, was a bit inconvenient.FromTRY 1,822
Outstanding1634 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.FromTRY 911
974 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|1.04km from city centre
Overall we enjoyed our stay at 26 Life hotel thank to the staffs and its location.
What we like most here:
1. Staff: Xiao Bai and Xiao Wan, the 2 receptionists are lovely guys. Xiao Bai pick us up outside of the buiding to help us with the luggage. He is also professional in handling his work. he seems a bit serious on his face but once you know him, he is a nice guy. Xiao Wan is a lovely young boy. We talked a lot, he made us yummy milk tea, bought for us ice crea, fruit tea....and gave us some sourvenir. They are the ones made my stay here. Thank you guys! Moreover the hotel staffs also helped to received a package for me before my check in.
2. Location: it locates on the 4th floor of a building. It has a good location, where we can access easily to the shopping mall, the food stores. There is a small food court on the ground floor of the same building. The 1st store after the stair case once you enter the building sells pretty good noodles.
3. The balcony: my room is 201, with a balcony overlooking the garden on the ground and an open space to the big building in front, which gave us a peaceful corner to sit and talk and enjoy the nice spring weather.
4. The costume: the hotel offers free Miao costume to wear and take photo inside the hotel. Xiao Wan, the receptionist also help to take soem nice photos for us.
What should be improved:
1. The cleanliness: the room facilities were a bit old but the cleanliness is definitely something can be changed and improved: like the table in the balcony, which should have been clean the surface.
2. The amenities: the big bath towels are torn out at the 2 edges. They can be reused as footmat or rag to recycle. New bath towel should be seriously considered.
3. The TV: A slow internet connection is causing the TV to stutter and lag, making it impossible to watch.making it not enjoyable to watch.FromTRY 1,697
Excellent220 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.FromTRY 1,866
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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