Complete Guide to Kunming Changshui International Airport

Hi everyone! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate traveler who loves exploring remote corners of the world. I also enjoy sharing tips on how to travel across China on a budget. Today, I’ll introduce you to one of Southwest China’s most important travel hubs—Kunming Changshui International Airport. This guide will help you navigate the airport with ease and discover the best ways to reach your destinations. Let’s get started!

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Overview of Kunming Changshui International Airport

• Airport Code: KMG
• Address: Changshui Street, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
• Distance to Downtown: 24.5 kilometers (approximately 15.2 miles)
• Terminal Information:
  • T1 Terminal: Kunming Changshui International Airport features a single terminal with two sections, T1 and the S1 Satellite Hall. Both domestic and international flights operate from T1.

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4 Best Ways to Get from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Downtown Kunming

1. How to Take the Metro from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Downtown Kunming

From T1 Terminal

• Metro Line: Kunming Metro Line 6
• Location: The Airport Center Station is located on the B2 level of the terminal.
• Operating Hours: 6:20 AM – 11:00 PM
• Price: CNY 7
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Buy Tickets

• You can purchase a single-ride ticket at the metro station’s ticket window or self-service machine. Payments can be made using cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Alternatively, you can scan a QR code generated by your WeChat or Alipay metro travel pass to board directly.

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2. How to Take the Airport Bus from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Downtown Kunming

From T1 Terminal

• Location: The airport bus station is located between Gates 3 and 4 on the B1 level.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Common airport bus Routes

• Kunming Train Station Route
  • Destination: Kunming Train Station
  • Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM (next day)
  • Price: CNY 25
• Kunming South Railway Station Route
  • Destination: Kunming High-Speed Train Station
  • Operating Hours: 9:40 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Price: CNY 25

How to Buy Tickets

• Tickets can be purchased at the airport bus ticket window or self-service machine. Payments are accepted in cash, via WeChat, or through Alipay.
• You can also purchase tickets through the official WeChat public account for added convenience.

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3. How to Take a Taxi from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Downtown Kunming

From T1 Terminal

• Location: Taxis are located directly opposite Gate 3 on the B1 level.
• Price: CNY 100–120 (depending on traffic and destination)
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

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4. How to Use a Ride-Hailing App to Get from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Downtown Kunming

Using apps like Didi Chuxing or Alipay makes it easy to book a ride. At Kunming Changshui International Airport, ride-hailing cars are parked at the electronic grid staging area. Once your ride is confirmed, the driver will take 7–10 minutes to arrive at the designated pick-up location.

From T1 Terminal

• Location: B3 level, Area H, designated pick-up point
• Price: CNY 80–100 (depending on the service type and distance)
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

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3 Best Ways to Get from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Dianchi Lake

From T1 Terminal

1. Metro

• Metro Route: Take Kunming Metro Line 6 from the Airport Center Station on B2. Transfer at East Bus Station Station to Line 3, and get off at Xishan Park Station.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (including transfer time).
• Price: Around CNY 10 in total.

2. Taxi

• Price: Approximately CNY 150.
• Duration: About 50 minutes.

3. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Price: CNY 120–150.
• Duration: About 50 minutes.
• Platforms: Use Didi Chuxing or Alipay to book your ride. Drivers will pick you up at the B3 Level, Area H, designated pick-up point.

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4 Best Ways to Get from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Kunming Train Station

From T1 Terminal

1. Metro

• Metro Route: Take Kunming Metro Line 6 from the Airport Center Station (located on B2). Transfer at East Bus Station Station to Line 3, and get off at Kunming Train Station Station.
• Duration: Around 1 hour 20 minutes (including transfer time).
• Price: About CNY 7.

2. Airport Bus

• Route: Take the direct airport bus to Kunming Train Station. The bus departs from the area between Gates 3 and 4 on the B1 level.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Price: CNY 25.
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM (next day).

3. Taxi

• Price: Approximately CNY 100–120.
• Duration: Around 40 minutes.
• Route: The fastest route is via the airport expressway directly to Kunming Train Station.

4. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Price: CNY 80–100.
• Duration: Around 40 minutes.
• Platforms: Use Didi Chuxing or Alipay to book a ride. The pick-up point for ride-hailing services is located on B3 Level, Area H.

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International to Domestic Flight Transfer at Kunming Changshui International Airport

Transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at Kunming Changshui International Airport is a streamlined and efficient process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Immigration Check

• Upon arrival, follow the signs to the International Arrivals Immigration Hall.
• Complete passport verification and visa inspection. Make sure to have your immigration card and other relevant documents ready.
• If a health declaration is required, ensure you’ve filled out the health declaration form accurately.

2. Baggage Claim

• Head to the Baggage Claim Area following the airport’s directional signs. Locate your baggage carousel based on your flight.
• After collecting your luggage, check the baggage tag to confirm if it needs to be rechecked for your next flight.

3. Customs Inspection

• Proceed through the Customs Inspection Channel. Use the red channel if you need to declare items, or the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
• Once cleared, follow the airport signage to the domestic flight transfer area.

4. Domestic Flight Check-in

• Go to the Domestic Departure Check-in Counters or use a self-service kiosk to check in for your next flight. Some airlines may allow direct transfer without rechecking in, depending on your ticket.
• Drop off your luggage at the check-in counter and collect your boarding pass. Then proceed to the security check area.

5. Security Check and Boarding

• Complete the domestic flight security screening and head to your boarding gate.
• It’s recommended to arrive at the transfer area at least 2 hours in advance to allow enough time to complete the process smoothly.

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Domestic to International Flight Transfer at Kunming Changshui International Airport

The process of transferring from a domestic flight to an international flight at Kunming Changshui International Airport is straightforward and traveler-friendly. Here’s how it works:

1. Domestic Flight Arrival

• After landing, follow the airport signs to the International Transfer Area.
• If your domestic flight includes a through ticket, there’s no need to reclaim your luggage. Otherwise, collect your luggage before proceeding.

2. Baggage Claim and Recheck

• If no through ticket is issued, head to the Domestic Baggage Claim Area to retrieve your luggage.
• Proceed to the International Departure Check-in Counters and recheck your luggage according to your next flight’s requirements.

3. Immigration and Exit Inspection

• Bring your passport, boarding pass, and visa to the International Departures Immigration Hall.
• Complete the exit procedures, including passport verification, visa check, and immigration clearance.

4. Security Check and Boarding

• Proceed through the international security check and follow signs to your boarding gate.
• The International Boarding Area is located in the T1 Terminal. Follow the clearly marked signs to ensure you reach your gate on time.

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Guide to Kunming Changshui International Airport

Tax Refund

• Tax Refund Conditions:
  • The total amount of refundable goods purchased on the same day at the same designated store must reach at least CNY 500.
  • Goods must be purchased within 90 days before departure.
• Refund Amount:
  • The refund rate is 11% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 9% returned to the traveler.
• Refund Process:
  • Before Security Check: Visit the Tax Refund Customs Verification Window (signposted in the airport) for inspection and confirmation.
  • After Security Check: Follow the airport signs to the Tax Refund Counter to complete the refund process.

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Transportation Between T1 Terminal and S1 Satellite Hall

Kunming Changshui International Airport provides a tram service connecting the T1 Terminal and the S1 Satellite Hall. Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure to ensure enough time for transfers.

• Route Details: For flights departing from gates numbered 301–342, complete check-in and security at T1 Terminal. Then follow the signs to the tram station:
  • Go downhill as directed by signs.
  • Turn left at the inquiry counter and take the escalator down.
  • Board the “Green Dolphin” tram on B2, which will take you to the S1 Satellite Hall.

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Payment App Assistance Counter

To help international travelers use WeChat Pay and Alipay, Kunming Changshui International Airport offers a dedicated assistance counter at T1 Terminal.

• Services Provided:
  • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay.
  • Guidance on setting up international credit cards and activating payment functions.
  • Basic operational instructions and answers to common questions about these payment apps.
• Location: Near the International Arrivals Exit.

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Kunming Changshui International Airport Dining Options and Hours

After Security in T1 Terminal

• Starbucks
  • Location: Near Gate 26 in the T1 Terminal.
  • Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Offerings: Coffee and light snacks.

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Luggage Storage

• Location: On the 3rd floor, Area A. Follow the signs for the “Luggage Storage Area”.
• Hours: 24/7; drop-off is available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Prices:
  • 0–2 hours: CNY 10
  • 2–8 hours: CNY 20
  • 8–16 hours: CNY 30
  • 16–24 hours: CNY 40

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Currency Exchange

• Tongjilongfeng Currency Exchange
  • Location: B1 Level, near the International Arrivals Hall (East Side).
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Bohai Tonghui Currency Exchange
  • Location: 2nd floor, International Departures area.
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

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Free Wi-Fi at Kunming Changshui International Airport

Travelers can connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi service: Airport_Free_Wifi.

• Access Steps:
  • Scan the QR code using WeChat and enter your mobile number.
  • Receive a verification code via text message and log in.

Note: Accessing certain websites like Google may require a VPN connection.

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Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?

Yes, Kunming Changshui International Airport has two dedicated rest areas for travelers.

• B3 Level Overnight Rest Area
  • Offers beds and separate sections for men and women.
  • Location: B3 Level Overnight Rest Area.
  • Price: CNY 20
• B1 Level Transit Rest Area
  • Provides blankets and hot water.
  • Location: B1 Level Transit Rest Area.
  • Price: CNY 50

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Check-In Times for Flights

• Check-in closes 45 minutes before flight departure. Ensure you arrive with sufficient time to complete your procedures smoothly.