LijiangTransportation Guide
Travel Essentials — A Complete Guide to Subways, Taxis, Airport Shuttles, and Payment Methods
Lijiang Transportation Guide
There is no subway in Lijiang. You can only get around the Old Town on foot (stone-paved roads and stairs—be prepared to carry your luggage). Within the city, take a taxi or the bus. To get to Yulong Snow Mountain: the scenic area shuttle takes about 40 minutes. The high-speed train from Dali to Lijiang takes about 2 hours (52 yuan). A taxi ride from the Old Town to the train station takes about 20 minutes (20–30 yuan).
Practical Advice
- •You can only walk inside the Old Town—the cobblestone streets make it impossible to drag a suitcase.
- •To get to the Snow Mountains, take the scenic area shuttle bus
- •High-speed train from Dali to Lijiang: 2 hours, 52 yuan
Taxis & Didi
The starting fare for taxis in Lijiang is 7 yuan. Short trips around the Old Town cost 10–15 yuan. A round-trip private car to Yulong Snow Mountain costs about 150–200 yuan. A taxi to Baisha Ancient Town costs about 30 yuan. It’s more convenient to use Didi. During peak season, taxis are hard to come by, so it’s recommended to book in advance.
Practical Advice
- •Hailing a ride with Didi is more reliable than hailing a taxi on the street
- •A round-trip private car to the Snow Mountains costs about 150–200 yuan
- •It’s hard to get a taxi during peak season, so book in advance
Airport Shuttle Guide
Sanyi International Airport (LJG): No subway service. The airport shuttle bus costs 20 yuan to the Old Town (about 40 minutes). A taxi ride costs about 80–100 yuan (about 30 minutes). The airport is approximately 28 kilometers from the Old Town.
Practical Advice
- •The airport shuttle bus to the Old Town is the most economical option at 20 yuan
- •Taxi fare: approximately 80–100 yuan
- •The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the Old Town
High-Speed Rail Guide
Lijiang has one high-speed rail station: Lijiang Station (Kunming–Dali–Lijiang High-Speed Rail). A 20-minute taxi ride to the Old Town costs 20–30 yuan. The high-speed train from Dali to Lijiang takes 2 hours and costs 52 yuan, while the high-speed train from Kunming to Lijiang takes about 3.5 hours and costs 220 yuan.
Practical Advice
- •Choose the station closest to the scenic area