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How to get from Mandalay to Bagan
Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, is a relatively new city in historical terms. The vehicle clogged streets and haphazard architecture are a testament to this fact.
Bagan, on the other hand, has much more ancient roots. A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, it is the site of the Bagan Archeological Zone. It has a vast area containing the largest concentration of Buddhist temples and pagodas in the world. The 26-square mile area has over thousands of temples that were built during the Pagan Kingdom beginning in the 9th century.
3 ways to get from Mandalay to Bagan
To travel the 180 km journey from Mandalay to Bagan, you have 3 options: by bus, train, or flight. The bus ($10) journey takes about 4 hours, while a train ($8) takes roughly 8 hours. The fastest option is by flight ($62), which takes only about 30 minutes.
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 to $10 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* Check Train Tickets |
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.
Our favourite places to stay in Bagan
Shwe Nadi Guest House
Ideally situated in central Bagan, Shwe Nadi Guest House is within walking distance to the Nyaung U Market and plenty of restaurants and shops. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The Guesthouse also offers e-bike rentals.
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Excellent breakfast
- E-bikes rentals
- Fantastic location
Private rooms start at $16 per night
Ostello Bello Bagan
Ostello Bello Bagan is set in an ideal location, within walking distance of many restaurants, sights, and amenities. The on-site bar is great for having a cold drink and relaxing. The on-site restaurant is open early and serves both local and Western dishes. Snacks, coffee, tea, and water can also be found at the shared lounge throughout the day.
- Cozy and clean rooms
- Great food
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Convenient location
Private rooms start at $29 per night
Bagan Wynn Hotel
The Bagan Wynn Hotel is set in a quiet, peaceful location not too far from the sights. The hotel offers a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
- Accommodating staff
- Restaurant and bar
- Peaceful location
- Spacious rooms
Private rooms start at $33 per night
