What to expect when visiting Inle Lake
Surrounded by high hills, Inle Lake is a travellers highlight for its floating villages and towns inhabited by the indigenous Intha people. Inhabited by almost 70,000 people of the Intha ethnic group who subsist primarily from its waters at its’ 22-kilometre-long lake.
The lake hosts several floating markets, a monastery, handicraft workshops, and the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda visited by Buddhist celebrants from across the country.
3 ways to get from Yangon to Inle Lake
There are three ways to travel the distance of 650 km (404 miles) from Yangon to Inle Lake: by bus (9h-12h), train (30 hours) and flight (1hr 10m). The journey takes between 1h 10m - 30h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from $11 for the bus.Where to stay in Inle Lake?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Inle Lake at the bottom of this page.
Yangon to Inle Lake by Bus
It takes 9h-12h to get from Yangon to Inle Lake by bus and prices start from $11 depending on the bus company and the type of bus.
Most buses depart from Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city except for Shwe Lun Pyan bus company which departs from Oak Thar Street.
To get to Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station, you can take Local Bus Line 36 for $0.10. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for $7.
Bus schedules from Yangon to Inle Lake
Important to note that all international tourists are required to pay $10 Inle Zone fee.
Shwe Lun Pyan (VIP Bus)
- Departs from Shwe Loon Pyan Express Bus Terminal in Oak Thar Street located about 10 kilometers from Yangon International Airport
- Arrives at May Bus Ticket Centre (May Gate) located 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
Elite Express
- Departs from Aung Mingalar Highway Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city
- Arrives at Full Moon Bus Ticket Office opposite Ever Green Restaurant located 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Passengers can choose from Economy, Business or Executive class seats
- Bus has airconditioning, reclining seats, blankets for passengers, and tv
Lumbini
- Departs from Aung Mingalar Highway Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city
- Arrives at Ko Kyaw Lwin Oo Lumbini Bus Gate in front of Nyaung Shwe Wet Market and next to KBZ Bank, Nyaungshwe, Myanmar
JJ Express (VIP Bus)
- Departs from JJ Express Bus Gate in Aung Mingalar Bus Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city
- Arrives at Odyssey JJ Express located 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Bus has airconditioning, reclining seats, blankets for passengers, and charger sockets
Yangon to Inle Lake by Train
The closest train station to Inle Lake is in the town of Shwenyaung, about 13 km north of the town Nyaungshwe.
There is only one direct train from Yangon to Shwenyang, which takes 30 hours. The train leaves Yangon Central Station at 11 am and reaches Shwenyaung by 5 pm the next day. Tickets should cost you about $16.
Train Schedule from Yangon to Inle Lake
At the Shwenyaung train station, several tuk-tuk drivers can take you to Inle Lake for $8.
Yangon to Inle Lake by Flight
The fastest way to reach Inle Lake is by taking a flight of 1hr 10m from Yangon International Airport to Heho Airport located 40 km northeast from Inle Lake.
To get to Yangon International Airport from the city, there are several YBS airport shuttle buses that stop at 16 designated bus stops within the city. These buses operate 24/7 and charge $0.30 per passenger.
At least 5 airlines with a decent choice of departure times serve the route between Yangon and Heho. Expect to pay $85 for a one-way ticket.
The journey from Heho Airport to Nyaungshwe (the main town in the Inle Lake area) takes one hour by taxi and costs around $20.
For an easy and efficient transfer, Klook offers a convenient pickup service from the airport to your hotel.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Inle Lake
Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel - Budget Friendly
Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel is located in Nyaung Shwe, 15 km from Inle Lake. The hotel is super helpful and will organise a tour of Inle Lake for you. The hotel feels traditional and modern at the same time, offering a very comfortable stay.
The rooms are individual bungalows with a private balcony surrounded by lush greenery. There’s also an onsite bar and restaurant where you can enjoy your delicious complimentary breakfast every morning.
- Restaurant and bar
- Beautiful bungalows
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Delicious free breakfast
Bungalows start at $28 per night.
Innthar Lodge Home Stay - Mid Range
Staying at Innthar Lodge will be an unforgettable and unique experience. Have you ever slept in a stilted house above water? Here you’ll find simple but comfortable bungalows with nothing but water underneath you. It’s unbelievably calming.
The family who runs the lodge take your stay to another level, cooking you some of the best food you’ll taste in Myanmar and taking you on tours of the lake. This is a truly local experience.
- Stilted bungalows over the water
- Amazing hosts
- Unique experience
- Delicious free breakfast
Bungalows start from $34 per night.
Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min - Treating Yourself
If you want to experience ultimate luxury during your trip to Inle Lake, Novotel is the place to stay! Set right on the lake, you can enjoy lake views from the swimming pool or your private balcony.
The spacious suites and villas boast a contemporary style with a touch of traditional Myanmar. And wait until you see the size of the bathtubs! You have everything you need at the hotel. There’s a delicious onsite restaurant, bar, fitness centre and spa.
- On Inle Lake
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Modern and spacious rooms
- Onsite restaurant, bar, gym and spa
Private rooms start from $62 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yangon to Inle Lake
What is the distance from Yangon to Inle Lake?
The distance from Yangon to Inle Lake is 650 km (404 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Yangon to Inle Lake?
The fastest way to get from Yangon to Inle Lake is by flight and takes 1hr 10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Yangon to Inle Lake?
The cheapest way to get from Yangon to Inle Lake is by bus with ticket costs starting from $11.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Yangon to Inle Lake. 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.
