How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

The aim of this blog is to give you an overview of various transport options in and around Myanmar and the approximate prices you can expect to pay. 

Myanmar buses

1 Pick up buses

For a short journeys: around town 300-500Ks is typical (0.25 – 0.30 USD / 0.15 – 0.20 GBP) 

For a long journey of around 70km expect to pay around 1,500Ks (1.20 USD / 1.00 GBP) per person. They will probably wait to depart until they have a full bus.

These small buses operate in some cities and towns. They even do some routes between towns and cities. The prices are much cheaper than shared taxis. You generally don’t even need to barter for these. Here are some prices to check that you are being charged fairly.

You flag pick up buses anywhere- but may start in specific areas. Ask in your guest house. Pick up buses can get busy so you may find yourself clinging on the back like James Bond. How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

2 Town buses

We had to use an umbrella inside this bus to stay dry in a rainstorm

Yangon also has city buses which look like the buses you will see in other countries. These buses are regular and follow specific routes around the city. They are also very cheap. In fact, we used the Yangon city buses several times and the conductors would not accept payment from us.

How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

3 Long distance buses

Price depends on the company and the class of bus: As a rough guide you can pay 10,000-18,000Ks (8.15 – 15.00 USD / £5 – 12) for a 350km, 12 hour, overnight journey. How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

Note: if you are only going a short distance the price may not be as cheap as you would expect.

There are plenty of long distance bus connections around Myanmar. Night buses are a good option because you save money on accommodation and save valuable travel days in Myanmar. In some cases a night bus may be your only option. The comfort and quality of a buses varies massively. Buses which are 3 seats wide may be a little more comfortable than those which are 4 seats wide. Seats may recline varying amounts. Paying more doesn’t necessarily mean you get more. We paid extra to try a VIP bus and found it less comfortable and arrived several hours early. This is pretty rough when you arrive at 3am, miles out of town with very little sleep! How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

Top tip: Bring a warm top and if possible a blanket. Many buses have high A.C. and some may not have blankets.

Bus tickets can be booked through some guest houses, at tour agents or from offices around town. If you are on a very small budget you may be tempted to try to buy your ticket directly from the bus station. This is generally not a good idea. Bus stations often seem to be quite a distance out of town and the prices are the same as booking through an office in town. Buses in Myanmar rarely have toilets on board. Make sure you go before you jump on the bus and avoid drinking too much water. Night buses will often stop late evening so you can buy food, drinks and use the toilet. The services were often a great price and serve a pretty good range of local food.

How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

Top tip: As with any night bus security is key. Keep your valuables in a small bag on you on the bus and if possible put a small lock on your bag. Sleep with your arms securely through the bag.

Bicycle

Rental price: In the region of 1,000 Ks – 3,000Ks (around 0.80 – 2.40 USD / 0.60 – 1.80 GBP) for a day.

In most towns and cities you can find bicycle rental. Rental may be close to or even from your guest house. One day rental is normally from morning until evening rather than 24 hours. However, if you wish to use the bicycle early the next morning to see sunrise, you may be able to negotiate an early return time after your morning adventures. Myanmar is a very hot climate so bring plenty of water and protection from the sun. Take care on the roads.

How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

Motor bike

Rental price: 5,000-10,000Ks ( 4 – 8 USD / 3 – 6 GBP) Manual bikes are cheaper. 

Petrol price: 1,000Ks per litre ( 0.80 USD / 0.60 GBP)

Rent a motorbike and head for the hills. Motorbike rental is a great option if you want an independent adventure. Most towns and cities around Myanmar have bike rental shops. Remember to check the bike carefully and make sure that you know exactly what is included in the rental cost.

Two Tryons sharing a bike (granted one is very little) will roughly use 1-2 litres of petrol for some short day trips. If you are going longer and further it’s probably best to fill up the bike. How to get around Myanmar travel and transport.

Top tip: Don’t spend ages looking for a petrol stations. Many little shops around Myanmar sell glass bottles of petrol.  

Taxis

Short journeys: 5-10 minutes 1,000Ks-2,000Ks (0.80 – 1.60 USD / 0.70 – 1.50 GBP)

Longer city journeys: 20-30 minutes may cost 3,000Ks – 5,000Ks (2.40 – 4.00 USD / 2.00 – 3.00 GBP)

Long journeys between towns: Example 150km journey may cost 8,000ks – 10,000ks (6.50 – 8.00 USD / 4 – 5 GBP)

Note: For longer journeys drivers may insist on filling it with passengers before they go.

Taxis are not the cheapest option but they are very convenient. Most towns and cities will have an abundance of taxis. But there is a catch- not all taxis are marked taxis! Some may be marked with a homemade sign. It is up to you whether you want to wait for an “official” marked cab”. If they’re unmarked how do you spot them? They will be looking for work so it is normally quite obvious. Agree on a price at the start of the journey and barter for the best price possible. It is very important that you can communicate clearly with the driver. So how do you figure out a fair price?

Romantic options

These options may not be fast, comfortable or smooth, but I have included them as you may want to take these options for the experience.

Trains

The railway system was built by the British in the 1940’s and has had very little maintenance since. Train tickets are super cheap but trains very slow. One train route takes 28 hours compared to 9 hours by road. Worth doing a short journey for the experience!

Horse and cart

Some towns such as Pyin Oo Lwin have horse and cart taxis. This wonderfully anachronistic method of transport is another remnant of the British colonial era. Personally I’m not a fan of colonialism, but I have to admit horse and cart are pretty cool! How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

Boat

There is a boat route between Mandalay and Bangan. Ticket prices depend on the season and the comfort of the boat. Prices range from $16 – $32 but be prepared to barter.

How to get around Myanmar travel and transport

Looking for a place to stay?

We have put together some great blogs on local guests houses you can book along the way…

Bagan>>     Inle Lake>>    Kalaw>>     Mandalay>>     Hpa An>>    Hsipaw>>      Pyin U Lwin>>     Myawaddy>>

Or if you prefer to get organised and book everything in advance, this should be uber helpful:

Book you room in Yangon HERE (Explore the golden cities temples)

Book your room in Nyaung U (Bagan) HERE (A base for exploring famous temples)

Book your room in Inle Lake HERE (See the famous local fishermen)

Book your room in Kalaw HERE (Prepare for the Iconic Inle Lake Trek)

Book your room for Mandalay HERE (Walk the beautiful U Bein Bridge)

Book your room in Pyin oo Lwin HERE (Explore stunning waterfalls)

Book your room in Hsipaw HERE (For beautiful hill tribe trekking)

Book your room in Hpa An HERE (For climbing Mt. Zwegabin)

First Time in Myanmar ?? 

Myanmar is changing rapidly, so up-to-date blogs (like this one, ahem!) will be a great source.  But If it’s you’re first time visiting Myanmar you will probably want to grab a travel guide too. I always think you don’t need more than a ‘Rough Guide‘ as it is about making it your own adventure! They have a pretty cheap kindle copy as well as the actual book.

Nowhere near Myanmar and needing to book a flight?

It’s important to check a range of big name flight comparison websites as sometime they manage to pip each other on certain destinations. Momondo are however my new favourite for getting the best deals …defiantly not just because they’re pretty and purple…