What to expect when visiting Mandalay
Mandalay is Myanmar’s second-largest city and last royal capital. Founded by King Mindom in 1857, the city is known for its unique architecture and white pagodas. Interesting fact: More than half of the country’s monks live in Mandalay and surrounding areas!
It’s a must to visit the Hsinbyume Pagoda, the U-Bein Bridge, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the Mandalay Palace, and the Zay Cho Market. Head up to Mandalay Hill — a pilgrimage site famous for its panoramic viewpoints — for the best views of Mandalay.
3 ways to get from Bagan to Mandalay
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Bagan to Mandalay by bus (5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes), train (8 hours) and flight (30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 30 minutes - 8 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from $8 for the bus.Where to stay in Mandalay?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Mandalay at the bottom of this page.
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 to 5 hours 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
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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Best places to stay in Mandalay
Ostello Bello Mandalay - Budget Friendly
Set 500 m from The Mandalay Palace, Ostello Bello Mandalay is in a great location and also the perfect place to meet other travellers. With its rooftop, bar and restaurant fellow guests gather together after a day of exploring. Grab one of the hotel’s board games and have a fun games night!
The hostel has both dorm rooms and spacious private rooms available. And whatever you need, the staff are more than willing to help.
- Fantastic location
- Amazing rooftop bar
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start at $23 per night.
79 Living Hotel - Budget Friendly
If you fancy more of a hotel than a hostel but are still on a budget, check out 79 Living. It’s set in a perfect location, only a 5-minute walk from Mandalay Palace.
The rooms boast a simple and traditional Myanmar design. The star of the hotel has to be the rooftop restaurant that offers incredible city views. The restaurant serves European, Thai and Chinese cuisines, plus a free breakfast every morning.
- Great rooftop restaurant
- Simple and clean rooms
- Perfect location
- Free breakfast
Private rooms start from $22 per night.
Dragon Phoenix Hotel - Mid Range
The Dragon Phoenix Hotel boasts more modern rooms with incredible views of the city with their huge windows. Opt for a high floor for even better views.
The staff are helpful and full of recommendations. There’s also an onsite restaurant and bar. Plus, a free breakfast is served every day.
- Stunning views
- Modern and clean rooms
- Great staff
- Free breakfast
Private rooms start from $45 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bagan to Mandalay
What is the distance from Bagan to Mandalay?
The distance from Bagan to Mandalay is 180 kilometers (112 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bagan to Mandalay?
The fastest way to get from Bagan to Mandalay is by flight and takes 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bagan to Mandalay?
The cheapest way to get from Bagan to Mandalay is by bus with ticket costs starting from $8.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bagan to Mandalay. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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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.
