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How to get from Inle Lake to Mandalay
There are 2 options to get from Inle Lake to Mandalay: by bus or flight. The cheapest option is by taking a bus for $11 with a travel time of 9 hours. Otherwise, you can take a 35-minute flight for $48.
2 ways to get from Inle Lake to Mandalay
Inle Lake to Mandalay by Bus
There are only two bus companies operating from Inle Lake to Mandalay. See the schedules below:
Bus Schedule from Inle Lake to Mandalay
Travel time and ticket cost depends on the bus company and the type of bus. The cheapest ticket you can get is from OK Express company which costs $11. The journey from Inle Lake to Mandalay should take about 9 hours.
If you go with JJ Express, a reputable bus company, you take a VIP bus for $12. It is merely a $1 difference from OK Express but travel time only takes 6 hours.
OK Express
- Departs from Famous Express located about 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Hotel pickup is available
- Arrives at OK Express Bus Stop between 86th & 87th Street, Mandalay
JJ Express (VIP bus)
- Departs from Odyssey JJ Express located about 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Arrives at Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Highway Station just 5 kilometers from the centre of Mandalay
Inle Lake to Mandalay by Flight
The fastest option to travel from Inle Lake to Mandalay is by taking a quick 35-minute flight from Heho Airport, the closest airport to Inle Lake, to Mandalay International Airport.
To reach Heho airport, you can take a taxi from Nyaungshwe (main town in the Inle Lake area) for $20.
Myanmar National Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Air KBZ, and Myanmar Airways International operate up to 5 direct Heho-Mandalay flights daily with decent departure times. A one-way ticket starts at $48.
When you land at Mandalay airport, you can take a bus to the city centre for $4. Otherwise, taxis are also available for $10.
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.
