Dali to Lijiang High-Speed Train in 2025: Why It’s Not the Best Travel Option

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For travelers exploring Yunnan, the idea of hopping on a high-speed train from Dali to Lijiang might seem appealing at first. Covering approximately 157 kilometers (97 miles), the journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours with ticket prices starting around CNY 72 for a second-class seat and CNY 114 for first class. However, despite these seemingly convenient details, taking the high-speed train between these two cities is generally not recommended in 2025. Here’s why.

Limited Train Availability and Schedule Challenges

While several high-speed trains run daily between Dali and Lijiang, recent 2025 schedules indicate limited frequency and availability, sometimes with no suitable trains on certain days. This can make planning your journey around train times difficult and inflexible, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Distance of Stations from Tourist Areas

A significant drawback of train travel on this route is the location of the railway stations in both cities:

• Dali Railway Station is situated in the southwestern outskirts, approximately:
  • 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from Dali Ancient City
  • 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Xizhou Ancient Town
  • 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) from Shuanglang Ancient Town
• Lijiang Railway Station lies in the southern part of the city, about:
  • 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Lijiang Old Town

Reaching these stations from the major tourist hubs requires additional transportation, which can add an hour or more to your overall travel time. Public transit options may be infrequent or slow, leaving taxis or private transfers as the most practical but sometimes costly alternatives.

Practical Considerations for Travelers

• Additional Transit Time: The time spent traveling between stations and tourist sites may erase any time savings gained by the train ride itself.
• Inconvenience with Luggage: Carrying luggage between your accommodation and the distant stations can be cumbersome.
• Uncertain Train Schedules: The limited and sometimes inconsistent train schedules require flexible travel plans, which may not suit all travelers.

Alternative Travel Options to Consider

For these reasons, many travelers in 2025 prefer other methods for the Dali-Lijiang journey, such as:

• Private Car or Car Hire: Offering door-to-door convenience, flexibility for sightseeing stops, and comparable travel time.
• Tourist Bus Services: Budget-friendly and with multiple convenient stops in both cities.

Conclusion

Although the high-speed train between Dali and Lijiang offers a fast connection on paper, practical issues such as station locations, limited schedules, and extra transit time make it a less favorable option in 2025. When planning your Yunnan itinerary, consider private car services or tourist buses to maximize your comfort, flexibility, and overall travel experience.

LuxTourCN (LTC) remains committed to providing up-to-date travel insights to help you explore Yunnan smoothly and memorably.

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