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 Yangon to Bagan
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 630 kilometers (391 miles) from Yangon to Bagan by bus (10 hours), train (17 hours 30 minutes) and flight (1 hour 20 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 20 minutes to 17 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from $11 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.
Yangon to Bagan by Bus
If you are travelling on a budget, taking the bus from Yangon to Bagan is a good option. You can opt for either daytime or night buses with a travel time of about 10 hours.
A standard bus ticket starts at $11, while VIP buses with more comfortable seats can go as high as $21. We recommend travelling with JJ Express, a reputable bus company that provides a high level of service.
Bus schedules from Yangon to Bagan
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
You can use the button to see the available seats and more bus companies.
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.
How to get to Aung Mingalar Bus Station from downtown Yangon
All buses depart from Aung Mingalar Bus Station, 15 km from downtown Yangon. To get to the bus station, you can take a taxi that should charge about $7. For a cheaper option, it is advisable to take the Local Bus Line 36 for $0.10.
All buses arrive in Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Terminal located 10 kilometers from New Bagan. From the bus terminal, you can take a taxi to New Bagan for around $6.
Yangon to Bagan by Train
Travelling by train provides you an opportunity to observe the scenery and the occasional temples dotting countryside.
Currently, there is only one train going to Bagan that leaves at 4 pm. The journey takes 17 hours 30 minutes.
Upper-class seats cost around $16, while upper-class sleeping carriages cost about $25.
Train schedule from Yangon to Bagan
- Departure from Yangon Railway Station located in Kun Chan Rd, Downtown Yangon.
- Arrival is at Bagan Railway Station in Nyaung-U
In Bagan Railway Station, taxis are available to take you to Old or New Bagan for approximately $8. If rates offered by taxi drivers seem too high, you can walk 150 meters to the highway to hail a taxi ride at a cheaper rate.
Yangon to Bagan by Flight
The fastest way to travel from Yangon to Bagan is by taking the 1 hour and 20-minute flight from Yangon International Airport to Bagan Nyaung-U Airport.
Below we explain step-by-step how you can travel from Yangon to the airport and also how to travel from Bagan airport to the centre.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Yangon centre to Yangon Airport by Shuttle Bus or Taxi
To get to Yangon Airport from the city, there are several YBS airport shuttle buses that run from the airport to the centre of Yangon.
These air-conditioned buses stop at 16 designated bus stops within the city, run 24/7, and charge $0.30 per passenger. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the airport but beware that some drivers may charge exorbitant rates.
Step 2: Yangon to Bagan by Flight
Several airline companies serve this route including Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Air KBZ, and Myanmar National Airlines. These airlines operate up to 10 flights daily and one-way tickets typically start around $85.
PRO TIP: Ask for a window seat so you can witness the amazing view of the Bagan temples.
Step 3: Bagan Airport to Bagan centre by Taxi
Flights from Yangon will arrive in Bagan International Airport situated in Nyaung U, east of New and Old Bagan. Taxi drivers at the airport normally charge $5 to the town centre. If you already pre-booked your accommodation, check with the hotel if they have a free transfer service from the airport.
Klook offers private transfers from Nyang-U Airport to Bagan city in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Your driver will be waiting with a sign as soon as you arrive.
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 Yangon to Bagan
What is the distance from Yangon to Bagan?
The distance from Yangon to Bagan is 630 kilometers (391 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Yangon to Bagan?
The fastest way to get from Yangon to Bagan is by flight and takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Yangon to Bagan?
The cheapest way to get from Yangon to Bagan 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 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.
