Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
International Airports
Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the country's main airport, located 15 km north of the city center. There are no direct flights from Europe — the most common connecting flights are via Bangkok (most frequent and cheapest route), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Dubai. Total flight time from Germany: approx. 12–15 hours including layovers.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) offers international connections to Bangkok and other Asian cities. 35 km south of Mandalay — an option if you want to start your journey in the north.
Flight Prices (Estimates from Germany)
| Period | Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| Low Season (Apr–Sep) | 400–600 EUR |
| Shoulder Season (Oct–Nov, Mar) | 500–750 EUR |
| High Season (Dec–Feb) | 600–900 EUR |
Transfer Airport Yangon → Center
At Yangon Airport, use the prepaid taxi stand (fixed price approx. 8,000–10,000 MMK / 3 EUR, 45 min. to the center). Alternatively: Grab (Asia's Uber) works in Yangon and is often slightly cheaper than taxis.
Tipp
The cheapest route to Myanmar almost always goes through Bangkok. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, or AirAsia fly several times daily from Bangkok → Yangon (approx. 1h, from 50 EUR one-way). Combine Myanmar with a few days in Thailand — it's worthwhile both financially and logistically. Skyscanner and Google Flights show the best connections.
Transport within the Country
Night Buses — Efficient and Affordable
Myanmar's night buses are the best means of transport for long distances: air-conditioned, with reclining seats (almost flat!), blanket, pillow, and snacks. You save a hotel night and wake up at your destination. The buses are surprisingly comfortable — at least with the better providers.
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Yangon → Bagan | 9–10h | 15,000–25,000 MMK (5–8 EUR) |
| Yangon → Mandalay | 8–9h | 12,000–20,000 MMK (4–6 EUR) |
| Bagan → Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) | 8–9h | 12,000–18,000 MMK (4–6 EUR) |
| Mandalay → Inle Lake | 8–9h | 12,000–18,000 MMK (4–6 EUR) |
| Inle Lake → Yangon | 10–12h | 15,000–22,000 MMK (5–7 EUR) |
Best Providers: JJ Express (premium, air-conditioned buses, punctual) and VIP Bus. Booking at the hotel, travel agencies, or online via Myanmar Bus Ticket.
Domestic Flights
For those in a hurry and for routes that are particularly long by bus: Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ, Mann Yadanarpon fly the main routes. Yangon → Bagan: 1h instead of 10h by bus. Yangon → Heho (Inle Lake): 1h. Prices: 60–120 EUR one-way. Baggage allowance: usually 20 kg.
Trains — Nostalgia on Rails
Myanmar's trains are slow, shaky, and an experience. The rail network mostly dates back to the colonial era and has hardly been modernized since. The trains roll through the landscape at 30–40 km/h and stop at every station, where vendors board to sell food, drinks, and newspapers. For travelers with time, a wonderful window into everyday life in Myanmar. The most famous route: Hsipaw → Pyin Oo Lwin over the Gokteik Viaduct.
E-Bikes in Bagan
The perfect mode of transport in Bagan: electric scooters for 5–8 EUR/day, silent, environmentally friendly, and fast enough for the sandy paths between the temples. No driver's license required. Battery lasts for 50–80 km — more than enough for a whole day of temple exploration.
Boats
The Irrawaddy River Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan and the boat tours on Inle Lake are standalone experiences and irreplaceable as means of transport. Details in the respective regional chapters.
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