How to get around Myanmar
Navigating Myanmar is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Myanmar offers a range of options varying in cost and comfort. Buses are the most common and generally most affordable method for long-distance journeys.
VIP buses provide a more comfortable experience with reclining seats, air conditioning, bottled water, and sometimes snacks, costing around K6,000 to K30,000 (approximately $4.50-$22 USD) depending on the journey length, such as Yangon to Inle Lake. Standard buses are cheaper but may be less comfortable.
Overnight bus journeys are common and can save on accommodation costs.
Train travel is a scenic but slower and often less comfortable option. While tickets bought locally in Kyat are cheaper, prices can range from K1,000 to K10,000 (approximately $1-$20 USD) for long distances, with upper-class tickets for Yangon to Mandalay costing around K39,000 (approximately $13.68 USD). As of early 2025, train tickets may be restricted for foreign visitors for security reasons.
Domestic flights are the fastest and most expensive way to cover long distances. One-way flights for major routes like Yangon to Mandalay can cost from K32,000 (approximately $11.23 USD) to $150 USD, though they offer significant time savings compared to overland travel.
Shared taxis or vans are available on some routes, typically costing about 50% more than an air-conditioned bus ticket but offering the convenience of direct drop-offs.
Private cars with drivers are the most expensive option, providing comfort and flexibility for daily rates ranging from $50 to $100 USD, including fuel.
River boats and ferries are also available for specific routes, such as between Mandalay and Bagan, with prices ranging from $16 to $32 USD. Ferry fares for other routes typically range from $5 to $50 USD, depending on distance.
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, taxis are a widely available and generally affordable transport choice. In Yangon, short taxi journeys in the city center typically cost K1,500-K2,000 (approximately $0.70-$1.10 USD), with a starting price of K1,500 (around $0.65 USD) and K600 (around $0.26 USD) per additional kilometer. It is customary to agree on the fare before the journey as meters are not commonly used, though ride-hailing apps like Grab are available in Yangon and offer fixed upfront fares.
For very short distances, trishaws (cycle rickshaws) are a cheap and common option, costing around K500-K1,000 (approximately $0.40-$0.80 USD) for a short ride. Motorized tuk-tuks are also available and slightly more expensive. Local city buses are the cheapest way to travel within larger cities like Yangon and Mandalay, with journeys often costing as little as K300 (approximately $0.15-$0.20 USD). However, route information may be difficult to understand due to non-English signs.
In some towns and for sightseeing, horse and cart rides are available, costing similar to taxis for basic transport or K10,000-K15,000 for longer tours. Motorbike rentals can be found for K5,000-K10,000 (approximately $3.60-$8 USD) per day, and bicycle rentals typically range from K1,000-K3,000 (approximately $0.80-$2.40 USD) per day.
