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Leaving behind the misty, vertical cityscape of Chongqing for the eternal spring of Kunming marks a transition from China's industrial heart to the gateway of Southeast Asia. While Chongqing is famous for its spicy hotpot and steep hills, Kunming offers a gentler pace with its blooming flowers and plateau sunshine. The journey south takes you through the rugged karst landscapes of Guizhou and Yunnan.
The high-speed railway is the practical way to make this trip. You can compare schedules and book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Chongqing to Kunming by Train
In October 2026 the 12306 timetable listed 21 trains from Chongqing to Kunming, 19 of them high-speed G-trains, with departures from 06:41 to 18:13.[1]
High Speed Rail Options
The fastest train, G2881 from Chongqing West at 17:31, reaches Kunming South at 22:22 (4 hours 51 minutes). Most G-trains leave from Chongqing West and take 4 hours 51 minutes to 5 hours 55 minutes; the few that leave from Chongqing North take up to 6 hours 25 minutes.[1] A second-class seat costs CNY 342 to 513 and first class CNY 546 to 820, depending on the train. Some services also sell premium first class (CNY 614 to 922) or business class (CNY 1,084 to 1,173), and standing tickets cost the same as second class.[1]
Traditional Sleeper and Budget Trains
Two slower K-trains run on this route: K691 (18:13 to 06:04 the next day, 11 hours 51 minutes) and K985 (10:31 to 23:30, 12 hours 59 minutes). On these trains a hard seat costs CNY 124, a hard sleeper CNY 215 and a soft sleeper CNY 336.[1] The overnight K691 lets you save on a night's accommodation.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (CNY) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Train (second class) | 342 - 513[1] | 4h 51m - 6h 25m | High |
| High Speed Train (first class) | 546 - 820[1] | 4h 51m - 6h 25m | High |
| Normal Speed Train (K) | 124 - 336[1] | 11h 51m - 12h 59m | Moderate |
Tips for Traveling from Chongqing to Kunming
- Book in Advance: The 12306 date selector currently shows the next 15 days. Book as soon as your date appears, especially for weekends and public holidays.[1]
- Station Selection: Most trains leave from Chongqing West, a few from Chongqing North, and most arrive at Kunming South rather than Kunming station. Double-check the station names on your ticket.[1]
- Altitude Awareness: Kunming lies on a plateau. You might feel a bit more tired than usual on your first day, so stay hydrated.
- Passport and Luggage: Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same passport to enter the station and board. Each passenger may bring up to 20 kg of cabin luggage free of charge, and you must be able to carry your bags up and down stairs.[2]
Timetable
| Flight Chongqing - Kunming $ 75.97–95.54 1h 25m – 1h 45m | |
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| Train Chongqing - Kunming $ 25.15–164.33 4h 51m – 13h 1m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chongqing to Kunming, including current prices and schedules.
A hard seat on a K-train costs CNY 124 according to 12306 in October 2026, but the trip takes nearly 12 to 13 hours. The cheapest high-speed seat (second class) cost CNY 342.
The fastest train listed in October 2026 was G2881, which took 4 hours 51 minutes from Chongqing West to Kunming South.
High-speed G-trains take about 4 hours 51 minutes to 6 hours 25 minutes. The slower K-trains take 11 hours 51 minutes to 12 hours 59 minutes.
Most trains to Kunming leave from Chongqing West. A few leave from Chongqing North, which are slower. Check your booking confirmation for the station name.
Yes. The K691 leaves Chongqing West at 18:13 and arrives in Kunming at 06:04 the next day. It offers hard seats, hard sleepers and soft sleepers.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Chongqing to Kunming, 16 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ: real-name tickets, ID and free cabin luggage. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.