Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) is Yunnan's main hub, with flights from all major Chinese cities and international routes to Southeast Asia, South Korea, and Japan. Lijiang Sanyan Airport (LJG) has direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Kunming. Dali Airport (DLU) and Shangri-La Airport (DIG) also have regional flights. For inter-city travel within Yunnan, flights between Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and Shangri-La are available but short (45-60 minutes). Book domestic flights via Ctrip or airline websites.

High-speed rail connects Kunming to Dali (2 hours) and Lijiang (3.5 hours), making train travel the most convenient option between these cities. The Kunming-Dali high-speed line opened in 2018, and the extension to Lijiang in 2019. A high-speed line to Shangri-La is under construction. Conventional trains connect Kunming to Chengdu (18h), Beijing (34h), and Shanghai (37h). Book via 12306.cn. The train journey from Kunming to Lijiang passes through beautiful countryside and is recommended over flying for the scenery and convenience.

Long-distance buses connect all Yunnan cities. Kunming to Dali (4-5 hours by express bus), Dali to Lijiang (3 hours), and Lijiang to Shangri-La (4 hours) are the most common routes. Buses to Tiger Leaping Gorge (Qiaotou) depart from Lijiang (2 hours). Buses to Yuanyang rice terraces depart from Kunming (6-7 hours). For Xishuangbanna, flights from Kunming (1 hour) are recommended over the 8-hour bus. Express buses are comfortable and air-conditioned; book at the bus station or through your hotel.

In Kunming, the metro has 6+ lines covering major attractions. In Lijiang, the old town is pedestrian-only; walk or take electric carts. Taxis from the old town to attractions start at 8 RMB. In Dali, e-bike and bicycle rentals (30-50 RMB/day) are ideal for the Erhai Lake loop. In Shangri-La, taxis are the main transport within the city. For inter-city travel, high-speed rail (Kunming-Dali-Lijiang) or buses are the options. Ride-hailing via Didi is available in Kunming and Lijiang. For Tiger Leaping Gorge, hire a car from Lijiang or take a bus to Qiaotou.