Kunming Changshui — Metro Line 6
Kunming Changshui (KMG) to Kunming — Updated 2026
Kunming Changshui Airport (KMG) connects to central Kunming via **Metro Line 6** — ¥10, 35 minutes to Tangshi (transfer to Metro Line 3 for the Bell Tower area). Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan province — onward connections to Lijiang (50 min flight, ¥350-700, daily) + Dali (45 min flight or 3h high-speed rail) + Shangri-La (50 min flight). The city is also a major hub for Lucky Air (KMG home base) + Kunming Airlines, with international connections to Bangkok, Yangon, Hanoi, and Vientiane. Line 6 opened in 2012 as one of China's earliest dedicated airport metros — recently modernised with high-frequency 8-minute service.
Metro Line 6 stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Changshui Airport | 0 min | Metro Line 6 platform under terminal |
| Caojiawan | ~10 min | Northern Kunming suburban |
| Dabanqiao | ~18 min | Residential |
| Tangshi | 35 min | Transfer to Line 3 → Bell Tower (5 more stops) |
Getting out of Kunming
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Kunming
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Kunming and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse KunmingJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Flights to Kunming
Compare KMG fares from 750+ airlines.
Metro Line 6 vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 6 + transfer | ¥10 + ¥2 = ¥12 | ~50 min to centre | Cheapest. Via Tangshi → Line 3. |
| Airport bus to Bell Tower | ¥25 | 60–80 min | Direct but slower than metro. |
| Taxi metered | ¥80–140 | 40–60 min | Door to door. |
| Didi (ride-hail) | ¥70–120 | 40–60 min | English app, transparent fares. |
FAQ
Connecting to Lijiang from Kunming airport?+
No direct rail. Either: (1) Onward flight Lucky Air / China Eastern KMG → Lijiang LJG (50 min, ¥350-700), most efficient. (2) Take Metro Line 6 to Tangshi, then transfer to bus/rail to Kunming Railway Station, then high-speed rail to Dali (1h 45min) + onward bus to Lijiang (3h). Total option 2: ~6 hours but scenic Yunnan landscape.
Kunming as a Yunnan tour base?+
Yes — Kunming is the standard entry point for Yunnan tourism. Most travellers spend 1-2 nights in Kunming (Stone Forest day trip, ¥130, 90 min by metro + bus), then onward to Lijiang (Naxi minority + Tiger Leaping Gorge), Dali (Bai minority + Erhai Lake), and Shangri-La (Tibetan Plateau, Pudacuo National Park). Multi-week Yunnan loop typical.
Stone Forest day trip from Kunming?+
Stone Forest (Shilin) is 90 km southeast of Kunming city. From the airport: Metro Line 6 to Tangshi, transfer to Line 3 east to Dongbu Bus Station, take Stone Forest tourist bus (¥34, 90 min). Park entry ¥130. Day trip from Kunming city centre is feasible (4-5 hours total round trip).
When does Kunming Metro Line 6 close?+
Operating hours: 06:30-22:30. After last train, Didi or taxi (¥80-140 to Bell Tower area). For arrivals after 22:30, the airport has a small 24-hour cafe + waiting area on the upper level; first morning train is 06:30 if you can wait it out.
Hotels in Kunming
Find hotels in Kunming
1.4M+ properties · Trip.com