Getting Around Myanmar
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use buses and trishaws for Yangon and Mandalay. Rural: Rent a car for Bagan exploration. Rivers: Boats on Irrawaddy. For convenience, book airport transfers from Yangon to your destination.
Train Travel
Myanmar Railways Network
Scenic but slow rail system connecting major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan with daily services.
Cost: Yangon to Mandalay $10-20, journeys 12-15 hours between key routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through agents, upper class seats recommended for comfort.
Peak Times: Book ahead for festivals like Thingyan, avoid night trains if possible.
Train Classes & Booking
Upper class offers fans and padded seats; no national passes but multi-stop tickets available.
Best For: Budget travelers seeking views of countryside, savings on long-distance travel.
Where to Buy: Major stations like Yangon Central, or use local agents for foreigners' quotas.
Circle Line & Scenic Routes
Yangon Circle Line loops the city; scenic routes to Hsipaw or Pyin Oo Lwin for hill country.
Booking: Reserve upper class 1-2 days ahead, especially for popular tourist lines.
Yangon Stations: Central Station main hub, with connections to suburbs and long-distance lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for flexible rural travel like Inle Lake. Compare rental prices from $30-50/day at Yangon Airport and hotels.
Requirements: International Driving Permit, passport, minimum age 21, often with driver included.
Insurance: Basic coverage standard, opt for comprehensive for remote areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal on major roads, pay small fees at checkpoints.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, animals common hazards.
Parking: Free in rural areas, $1-2/day in cities, use hotel lots when possible.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel available at $0.80-1.00/liter for petrol, stations sparse outside cities.
Apps: Google Maps useful but download offline, local apps like MiTA for traffic.
Traffic: Chaotic in Yangon with motorbikes, drive defensively in monsoon season.
Urban Transport
Yangon Buses & Trams
Affordable network covering the city, single ticket $0.20, day unlimited rare but passes emerging.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, crowded during rush hours.
Apps: Local apps for routes, but signage in Burmese; ask locals for help.
Bike & E-Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing limited, rent e-bikes $5-10/day in Mandalay and Bagan temple areas.
Routes: Flat paths ideal around lakes and pagodas, helmets recommended.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours for Inle Lake villages, combining culture and mobility.
Boats & Ferries
Essential for river cities like Mandalay, short ferries $1-3, longer Irrawaddy trips $10-20.
Tickets: Buy at docks, life jackets provided on tourist boats.
River Services: Connect Yangon to Dala, scenic and faster than roads in flood-prone areas.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Yangon or Bagan for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Nov-Feb) and major festivals like Thingyan.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Yangon, spotty 3G in rural Myanmar including remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MPT, Ooredoo, and Telenor offer prepaid SIMs from $5-10 with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $10, 10GB for $15, unlimited for $20/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and pagodas, but speeds vary due to infrastructure.
Public Hotspots: Airports and tourist areas have paid or free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, reliable for messaging but slow for video.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Myanmar Standard Time (MMT), UTC+6:30, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Yangon Airport 16km from city center, taxi $10 (30 min), or book private transfer for $15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations ($2-5/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps on trains and buses, many temples have stairs due to ancient sites.
- Pet Travel: Pets restricted on public transport, check guesthouse policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for $2, e-bikes rentable at stations.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Myanmar
Yangon Airport (RGN) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Yangon International (RGN): Primary gateway, 16km from city with taxi connections.
Mandalay International (MDL): Northern hub 40km from city, shuttle bus $5 (1 hour).
Naypyidaw (NYT): Capital airport with domestic flights, convenient for central Myanmar.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Nov-Feb) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Bangkok or Singapore and taking bus/train to Myanmar for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
AirAsia, Myanmar Airways, and Golden Myanmar serve domestic routes with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, typical withdrawal fee $3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in urban areas with mobile wallets like Wave Money.
- Cash: Essential for markets, transport, and rural areas, keep $50-100 in small USD notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but $1-2 appreciated for good service in tourist spots.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.