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How to get from Yangon to Inle Lake
With over 4.5 million inhabitants, Yangon is Myanmar’s largest and most populous city. The beautiful region of Inle Lake, on the other hand, is a freshwater lake situated in the western Shan State part of Myanmar. In this 13.5 miles-long and 7 miles-wide lake, you will find floating gardens, pagodas, and stilt-houses that rise above the water. One of Myanmar’s top destinations, Inle Lake also features traditional villages with floating markets, monasteries, and several handicraft workshops.
We recommend taking a flight when travelling the 650 km journey from Yangon to Inle Lake. The flight only takes 1 hour and 10 minutes, while the bus takes 12 hours and the train almost 1.5 day!
3 ways to get from Yangon to Inle Lake
Yangon to Inle Lake by Flight
The fastest way to reach Inle Lake is by taking a 1 hour and 10-minute flight 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.
Yangon to Inle Lake by Bus
It takes 12 hours to get from Yangon to Inle Lake by bus and costs between $11 and $21 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.
Our favourite places to stay in Inle Lake
BaobaBed Hostel Nyaung Shwe Inle Lake
BaobaBed Hostel is located in Nyaung Shwe, just a 15-minute boat ride from Inle Lake. The hostel offers free bicycle rentals, a rooftop spa bath, a restaurant, and a bar. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the staff is known to be extremely friendly and welcoming. You will feel right at home here!
- Restaurant and bar
- Rooftop spa bath
- Friendly staff
- Clean and spacious rooms
Private rooms start at $19 per night
Inle Inn
Offering an on-site restaurant, bar, and garden, Inle Inn is located in Nyaung Shwe, just a short boat ride from Inle Lake. All rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning. Breakfast is included with your stay and can be eaten in the restaurant or delivered to your room.
- Breakfast included
- Excellent location
- Restaurant and bar
- Helpful and cheerful staff
Private rooms start at $21 per night
Thousand Island Hotel Inle Lake
Set along the river in Nyaung Shwe, which links to Inle Lake, Thousand Island Hotel Inle Lake features large comfortable rooms. The hotel offers bicycle rentals, daily cleaning services, and 24-hour front desk. You can enjoy a snack at the riverfront café or a cold drink at their rooftop bar.
- Perfect location
- Café and bar on-site
- Wonderful rooftop view
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
Private rooms start at $41 per night
More routes to Inle Lake
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About the author(s)
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.
