Overview Compare Bus Train Flight To Stay
How to get from Mandalay to Yangon
When travelling the 630 km from Mandalay to Yangon you have 3 options, you can take a bus for 8.5 hours, board a train for the 16.5-hour journey, or hop on a plane and arrive in just 1.5 hours. To save some money, we suggest taking the bus with ticket prices starting at just $9.
3 ways to get from Mandalay to Yangon
Mandalay to Yangon by Bus
There are several bus companies operating daily from Mandalay to Yangon. See the schedules below:
Bus schedules from Mandalay to Yangon
We suggest booking with a well-known bus company such as; Boss Express, Man Shwe Pyi, Gi Group Express, or JJ Express. These companies have all received fairly good reviews from passengers and are well known in Myanmar for providing good services at affordable prices.
You also have the option of choosing a standard bus or a VIP Bus. The VIP buses will offer more comfortable seats and legroom, although they do cost a little extra. You can expect to pay somewhere between $9-$21 depending on which you choose.
The first departure of the day leaves at 09:00 and the final departure leaves at 21:30, the journey will take about 9 hours. We recommend taking a night bus to catch up on some rest and save a few dollars on accommodations for the night.
Departure and arrival
All buses depart from the Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Highway Station (also known as the Highway Bus Station), located 4 kilometers from central Mandalay. A taxi ride to the bus station will cost about $4.
Buses all arrive at the Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station which is 15 kilometers from downtown Yangon. From the bus station to the city centre, you can take a taxi for about $5 – $7. There is also a shuttle van going to the Sule Pagoda in the centre of Yangon which costs just $1. For a cheaper option, you can take Local Bus Line 36 for only $0.10.
Mandalay to Yangon by Train
For a truly Burmese experience, you can take the train for the 16.5-hour journey. Traveling by train is a great way to see the country and interact with the locals along the way. It may not the quickest option, but it will surely be a very unique adventure.
The journey takes 16.5 hours and the schedules are quite reliable so you can expect to arrive at your destination by the time indicated in your ticket.
Currently, there are 3 daily trains from Mandalay to Yangon. See the schedules below:
Train schedules from Mandalay to Yangon
| Train company | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myanmar Railways (train #12) | 05:00-23:00 | 18 hours | $17 Check Train Tickets |
| Myanmar Railways (train #6) | 15:00-07:30 | 16hrs 30m | $17 Check Train Tickets |
| Myanmar Railways (train #4) *sleeper | 16:30-10:00 | 17hrs 30m | $17 $22* Check Train Tickets |
Upper-class seats cost $17 and upper-class sleeping carriages cost $22. We suggest spending the few extra dollars to book a sleeping carriage. This is a very long journey and you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible.
The 2 final departures of the day are the best options as they travel through the night. This will allow you to rest and save a few dollars on accommodation. By taking the night train, you will arrive in Yangon in the morning, ready to drop your bags at your accommodation and start exploring the city!
All trains depart from the Mandalay Central Railway Station located along 78th Street in downtown Mandalay. Arrival is at the Yangon Central Railway Station located along Kun Chan Road in downtown Yangon.
Mandalay to Yangon by Flight
The quickest way to travel from Mandalay to Yangon is by taking a 1.5 hr during flight. Flights are more expensive than the other two options, with prices starting at $100, but it will save you hours of travel time.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) is located 40 kilometers outside of the city centre. Unfortunately, there is no public transport going to the airport so your only option is to take a taxi. Taxi prices are a flat rate of $10 or $4 per person if there are 3 or more passengers.
There are several airlines operating along this route to choose from; Golden Myanmar Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Myanmar National Airlines, or Air KBZ. Ticket prices start at about $100 for the one-way journey.
When you arrive at the Yangon International Airport (RGN), you can take a taxi to downtown Yangon for about $10. There are also YBS airport shuttle buses that run from the airport to the centre of Yangon, these red-colored buses run 24/7 and charge just $0.30 per passenger.
Our favourite places to stay in Yangon
The Rangoon Hotel - Budget Friendly
Situated in Downtown Yangon, The Rangoon Hotel is great value for money considering how nice it is. The rooms are actually nicer than some of the more expensive hotels in Yangon. They’re modern, clean and offer stunning views of the city.
You have to make time to visit the rooftop terrace and bar during your stay. It’s beautifully designed and boasts great city views. Grab a cocktail here and watch the sunset!
- Modern and clean rooms
- Amazing rooftop bar
- Great staff
- Delicious free breakfast included
Private rooms start from $22 per night.
Summit Parkview Yangon - Mid Range
Summit Parkview Yangon is set in the perfect location for visiting Downtown Yangon and also its most popular sites. The 4-star hotel offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and even views of nearby famous landmarks.
Onsite you’ll find a gym, spa, nice gardens to relax in and a restaurant. The staff re great and will make you feel instantly welcome.
- Great views
- Perfect location
- Amazing staff
- Onsite gym and restaurant
Private rooms start from $48 per night.
Park Royal Yangon - Treating Yourself
If you feel like treating yourself, Park Royal Hotel is the place to do that! They have an outdoor swimming pool, a modern gym and a spa for a bit of pampering. There are 3 restaurants to choose from offering a variety of cuisines and dishes.
Staying here puts you in a great location. You’re close to the bus station in Downtown Yangon. The rooms are top quality and luxurious, just like the decor in the rest of the hotel.
- 3 restaurants
- Gym, spa and swimming pool
- Great location
- Comfortable and clean rooms
Private rooms start from $64 per night.
Routes from Yangon
Most popular routes in Myanmar
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.
