🌸 Hello kawan-kawan! ✋I’m a fellow Malaysian who just came back from Kunming, and seriously — the Kunming Metro is such a hidden gem for getting around this chill and beautiful city! 🚇
Kunming might not be as massive as Beijing or Guangzhou, but its metro is super clean, efficient, and tourist-friendly. Whether you’re heading to the Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, or just café-hopping around the city center, the metro will save you time and money.
🗺️ Kunming Metro Map
The Kunming Metro (昆明地铁) now has 6 operational lines — Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 — connecting the Kunming Changshui International Airport, city center, universities, and scenic areas.
👉 Pro tip: Download Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图) for real-time metro routes, fares, and station exits. Both apps are available in English and super accurate.
💡 Think of it as KL’s MRT + LRT combo, but surrounded by mountains and flowers all year round 🌸🌿
🚆 List of Kunming Metro Lines & Stations
Here’s a quick guide to the main lines you’ll use as a traveler 👇
🟥 Line 1 (Red Line)
Connects southern Kunming to the city center — essential for tourists!
Key Stations & Attractions:
- South Ring Road (南环路站) → Transfer hub with Line 2
- Wujiaba (巫家坝站) → New CBD & modern shopping malls
- Kunming South Railway Station (昆明南站) → High-speed trains to Dali, Lijiang, & Chengdu 🚄
🟦 Line 2 (Blue Line)
Runs north–south through central Kunming.
Key Stations & Attractions:
- South Ring Road (南环路站) → Transfer to Line 1
- Dongfeng Square (东风广场站) → Main city center, shopping & dining 🛍️
- North Bus Station (北部汽车站) → Intercity bus hub
🟪 Line 3 (Purple Line)
Cuts across the city from west to east — convenient for sightseeing!
Key Stations & Attractions:
- Western Hills (西山站) → For Dianchi Lake and Dragon Gate Scenic Area 🌊
- Dongfeng Square (东风广场站) → City center, transfer hub
- East Coach Station (东部汽车站) → Transfer to airport bus
🟢 Line 4 (Green Line)
Serves the northeast part of the city.
Key Stations & Attractions:
- Kunming North Railway Station (昆明火车北站) → For older railway connections
- Panlong District stops → Great for local markets & local eats 🍜
🟠 Line 5 (Orange Line)
Connects northern suburbs to downtown — popular with locals and commuters.
Key Stations:
- Xiaodong Village (小东村站) → Residential and business area
- Tangzixiang (塘子巷站) → Transfer to Line 3, near old Kunming streets
✈️ Line 6 (Airport Line)
Your gateway between downtown Kunming and Changshui International Airport (KMG)!
Route: East Coach Station ↔ Airport Center (机场中心站)
⏱️ Travel Time: ~25 minutes
💰 Fare: ¥5 (~RM3.50)
💡 Trains have luggage racks — super convenient for travelers!
⭐ Major Kunming Metro Stations
- Dongfeng Square (东风广场) → The city’s beating heart, major interchange (Lines 2 & 3).
- Kunming South Railway Station (昆明南站) → Bullet train hub 🚄.
- Changshui Airport (长水机场站) → Direct airport connection.
- Western Hills (西山站) → For lakeside walks & scenic views 🌄.
- Wujiaba (巫家坝站) → Modern business area, shopping, and dining.
🧭 How to Use the Kunming Metro
① Find the Metro Entrance
Look for the blue “M 地铁” signs — entrances are well-marked and easy to spot.
② Buy or Tap In
- Single Ticket 🎟️ – Buy at the machines (English available).
- Transportation Card (一卡通) – Works for metro + buses.
- QR Code 📱 – Just scan via Alipay or WeChat Pay at the gate.
③ Inside the Station
All signage is bilingual (Chinese & English). Follow color-coded directions for your line and transfer points.
④ On the Train
Trains arrive every 3–5 minutes. Listen for English stop announcements.
⑤ Exit
Tap your card or scan to exit. Paper tickets are collected automatically.
💰 Kunming Metro Fares
- ¥2 for the first 4 km (~RM1.40)
- ¥3 for 4–10 km
- ¥4–5 for longer rides
🎟️ 1-Day Pass: ¥20 (~RM13) for unlimited rides
💡 Affordable, easy, and perfect for budget travelers!
⏰ Kunming Metro Hours & Frequency
🕕 First Train: ~6:00 AM
🌙 Last Train: ~11:00 PM
🚇 Frequency: Every 3–6 minutes (depending on time of day)
Metro Line | Operating Hours |
Line 1 (Red) | About 06:20-23:30 |
Line 2 (Dark blue) | About 06:20-23:30 |
Line 3 (Purple) | About 06:20-23:00 |
Line 4 (Yellow) | About 06:20-23:30 |
Line 5 (Green) | About 06:20-23:40 |
Line 6 (Blue) | About 06:20-23:00 |
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🎡 Getting to Kunming Attractions by Metro
Line 3: Take to Western Hills Station (西山站) for Dianchi Lake & Dragon Gate 🌊
Line 2: Stop at Dongfeng Square (东风广场站) for city shopping & night markets 🛍️
Line 6: Direct ride to Changshui International Airport (长水机场站) ✈️
Line 1: Take to Kunming South Railway Station (昆明南站) for high-speed trains 🚄
💳 How to Pay for Kunming Metro
Method | Details |
|---|---|
Single Ticket | Buy from machines (English menu available). |
Transportation Card | Reloadable metro card (¥20 deposit). |
QR Code | Scan with Alipay / WeChat Pay directly. |
NFC Payment | Use Apple Pay, Huawei Pay, or Android Pay. |
💡 Tips for Taking the Kunming Metro
- Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:30 AM & 5:30–7:30 PM).
- Keep your ticket until you exit — gates collect paper tickets.
- Prepare small change or link your e-wallet before traveling.
- Security check required at every entrance (like at airports).
- Trains and stations are spotless and air-conditioned all year!
Recommended Kunming Hotels
Kunming Airport | Travel Guide
Here are must-sees and nice-to-sees:
Attraction | What to Expect / Why Go | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
A karst landscape with towering limestone pillars — very dramatic | About 1–1½ hour drive from Kunming. It’s one of the most famous natural sites near Kunming. | |
Pleasant urban park in city center with bridges, waterways, and local activity | In winter, migrating black-headed gulls arrive and attract visitors. | |
One of Kunming’s most historic Buddhist temples | A serene place in the city; good for a quiet moment among urban bustle. | |
Exhibits the culture, arts, traditions of the many ethnic groups of Yunnan | It has a large collection and is near Dian Lake / the Ethnic Village. | |
The lake on the edge of the city; good for sunset views and lakeside walks | On clear days, the lake and surrounding hills make for scenic views. |
🚇 Kunming Metro Map FAQs
Q1: Is the Kunming Metro easy to use?
✅ Yes! It’s clean, modern, and all signs are in English and Chinese.Q2: Does the metro connect to the airport?
Yes — Line 6 takes you directly to Changshui International Airport (KMG).Q3: How much is the fare?
Between ¥2–5 per ride, depending on distance.Q4: When does it open and close?
Daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.Q5: Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay?
Absolutely — just scan at the gate!