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How to get from Bagan to Mandalay
To travel the 180 km distance from Bagan to Mandalay, you have 3 options: by bus, train, or flight. The lowest-priced options are either by taking a bus ($8) for 5 hours 30 minutes or by train ($8) for 8 hours. The fastest yet most expensive way to get from Bagan to Mandalay is a 30-minute flight ($44).
3 ways to get from Bagan to Mandalay
Bagan to Mandalay by Bus
There are two bus companies operating from Bagan to Mandalay. See the schedules below:
Bus Schedule from Bagan to Mandalay
The journey by bus or minivan from Bagan to Mandalay takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket for the bus only costs $8, while it costs $10 for the minivan.
OK Express
- Departs from OK Express Bus, Lanmadaw 3 Rd, Nyaung-U (Hotel pick up is available)
- Arrives at OK Express Bus stop located in 25th Street, between 86th & 87th Street in Mandalay
Moe Thout Tun Express (minivan)
- Departs from Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Terminal located 10 kilometers from New Bagan
- Arrives at Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Highway Station just 4 kilometers from the centre of Mandalay
Bagan to Mandalay by Train
Another low-cost option to travel from Bagan to Mandalay is by train. Tickets are priced at $8 and $13 for upper-class seats and sleeping carriages respectively.
Remember to book your tickets early as Myanmar Railways requires booking in advance for upper-class seats.
Train Schedule from Bagan to Mandalay
| Train company | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myanmar Railways (train #119) *sleeper | 21:00-05:00 | 8 hours | $8 $13* Check Train Tickets |
There is only one train that leaves Bagan Railway Station at 9 in the evening. Arrival time is at 5am in Mandalay Central Railway Station.
Bagan to Mandalay by Flight
If you want to get from Bagan to Mandalay the fastest possible way, there is an option to take a quick flight from Bagan Nyaung-U Airport to Mandalay Airport.
Bagan Airport is located 10 kilometers from Old and New Bagan. To get to the airport, you can take a taxi for $5.
Air KBZ, Myanmar Airways International, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Hahn Air, and Myanmar National Airlines operate up to 5 Bagan to Mandalay flights daily with decent departure times.
Travel time from Bagan to Mandalay is only 30 minutes and a one-way ticket starts at $44.
From Mandalay Airport, you can take a bus ($4) or taxi ($10) to the city centre.
Our favourite places to stay in Mandalay
Royal Yadanarbon Hotel
Royal Yadanarbon Hotel is located centrally within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and sights. Free WiFi access is available throughout the hotel. Other facilities offered at the property include a tour desk, bicycle rental, and luggage storage. The property offers free parking.
- Super friendly staff
- Restaurant
- Clean and comfortable facilities
- Excellent location
Private rooms start at $15 per night
Ostello Bello Mandalay
Set 500 m from The Mandalay Palace, the Ostello Bello Mandalay features a bar and restaurant. Guests can enjoy the music and great views from the rooftop lounge. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. The location is excellent and the staff is extremely friendly.
- Fantastic location
- Amazing rooftop bar
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Good food
Private rooms start at $29 per night
Thiri Thitsar Hotel
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and terrace, the Thiri Thitsar Hotel is a great choice for travelers. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant, 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi. The property provides a concierge service, ticket service and luggage storage for guests.
- Very friendly staff
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Spacious rooms and clean bathrooms
Private rooms start at $41 per night
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
