What to expect when visiting Bagan
Bagan is one of the world’s richest archaeological sites and has become a primary draw for visitors to Myanmar. This ancient city boasts over 2,000 surviving temples — dating from as early as the 9th century and spread across more than 100 square kilometres.
Some of the most beautiful photos of Bagan were taken from a hot air balloon, hundreds of which often dot the city’s skies during sunrise. With its huge size, it’s not really practical to explore the city on foot. It’s best to go around by bicycle, motorbike, private car, or even by horse cart when in Bagan.
3 ways to get from Mandalay to Bagan
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Mandalay to Bagan by bus (4 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 Bagan?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bagan at the bottom of this page.
Mandalay to Bagan by Bus
At present, there are two bus companies operating from Mandalay to Bagan. See the schedules below:
Bus schedules from Mandalay to Bagan
Note: All international tourists are required to pay $16 Bagan Zone Fee. The pass is valid for 3 days and can be bought from any of the many checkpoints leading into Bagan.
The 4-hour journey from Mandalay to Bagan costs roughly $8 depending on the bus company and the type of bus.
OK Express
- Departs from OK Express Bus Stop between 86th & 87th Street, Mandalay, Myanmar (hotel pick up is available)
- Arrives at Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Terminal located 10 kilometers from New Bagan
Moe Thout Tun Express
- Departs from Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Highway Station just 4 kilometers from the centre of Mandalay
- Arrives at Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Terminal located 10 kilometers from New Bagan
When you arrive at Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Terminal, you can take a taxi to the centre of Bagan for about $6.
Mandalay to Bagan by Train
If you are not pressed for time, you can take the train from Mandalay to Bagan for 8 hours. It is cheap and comfortable with spacious carriages if travelling upper class. Tickets starting at around $8.
However, note that only 1 train per day connects Mandalay Central Railway Station to Bagan and it departs at 9 in the evening. Arrival is at 5 am at Bagan Railway Station in Nyaung-U.
Train schedule from Mandalay to Bagan
| Train company | Schedule | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Myanmar Railways(train #120)*sleeper | 21:00-05:00 | $8 $13 |
Make sure to book your tickets early, as Myanmar Railways requires booking in advance for upper-class seats.
At the railway station, there are private taxis that will take you to Bagan town centre for about $8. If you want to save money, shared taxis are also available for $1. Another option is to walk 150 meters to the highway and flag down a car for slightly cheaper than a private taxi, usually about $3.
Mandalay to Bagan by Flight
The fastest and most convenient option to travel from Mandalay to Bagan is by taking a flight from Mandalay Airport to Bagan Nyaung-U Airport. Travel time between these two cities is only 30 minutes, and a one-way ticket starts at around $62.
Mandalay International Airport is located 40 km south of the city centre. A taxi to the airport should set you back $10.
Air KBZ, Myanmar Airways International, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Hahn Air, and Myanmar National Airlines operate up to five Mandalay-Bagan flights daily with convenient departure times. The first flight takes off at 7:00 and the last one departs at 18:20.
From Bagan Airport, you can take a taxi to the city centre for approximately $5. Klook also offers private transfers from Nyang-U Airport to Bagan city in a comfortable airconditioned vehicle.
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 Bagan
Ostello Bello Bagan - Budget Friendly
Ostello Bello Bagan is set in an ideal location, within walking distance of many restaurants, sights, and amenities. The onsite bar is great for having a cold drink, relaxing and meeting other travellers.
The hostel is super modern, clean and friendly. They even have a pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. There are both bunk beds and private rooms available.
- Modern and clean rooms
- Delicious free breakfast
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
Private rooms start at $20 per night.
A Little Bit of Bagan Hotel - Budget Friendly
A Little Bit of Bagan Hotel is a great find. The staff are incredibly friendly and will help you with booking buses, renting bikes, exchanging money and anything else you could want.
The rooms are simple but comfortable. And the hotel itself is nicely designed and homely. One of the best parts about this place has to be the free Asian breakfast. The portions are huge and it’s delicious!
- Amazing staff
- Comfortable and cosy rooms
- Good location
- Free tasty breakfast
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Bagan Wynn Hotel - Mid Range
The Bagan Wynn Hotel is not too far from the sights and close to the airport. This hotel offers a beautiful swimming pool and grounds that are filled with plants.
The rooms are cosy, comfortable and come with a balcony for you to relax on. The staff are very friendly and the onsite restaurant serving Asian and European food is great. Plus, you get a complimentary breakfast every morning.
- Friendly staff
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Great location
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start at $48 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandalay to Bagan
What is the distance from Mandalay to Bagan?
The distance from Mandalay to Bagan is 180 kilometers (112 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Mandalay to Bagan?
The fastest way to get from Mandalay to Bagan is by flight and takes 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Mandalay to Bagan?
The cheapest way to get from Mandalay to Bagan is by bus with ticket costs starting from $8.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Mandalay to Bagan. 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.
