How to get from Yangon to Mandalay by bus, train, or plane

The cities of Yangon and Mandalay are some of the best tourist destinations in Myanmar. Yangon, the country's largest city and most important trading center, is famous for its beautiful gilded Shwedagon Pagoda and has very well-preserved colonial-era architecture, while Mandalay, further north, is the cultural center of Myanmar.

Mandalay, the former royal capital, has a restored palace, beautiful pagodas and temples, and a bustling atmosphere. Since the cities are connected by road, rail, and air, getting from Yangon to Mandalay is easy and affordable.

Travel options from Yangon to Mandalay

By road, the most direct route from Yangon to Mandalay is about 625 kilometers (390 miles), and there are buses leaving several times a day if you prefer to travel this way. But this is not the only way.

The Myanmar railroads have trains between the two cities and, if money is not an issue for you, there are also planes. Flying from Yangon to Mandalay is easy, but also expensive, however, great if you need to get there quickly. Trains, on the other hand, weave forward at leisurely speeds, allowing you to admire the countryside, providing a wonderful, relaxed way to travel!

Bus from Yangon to Mandalay

Let's start with buses, as this is the cheapest way to get from Yangon to Mandalay. JJ Express runs both express and VIP bus services between the cities and has four trips a day, two in the morning and two in the evening. If you choose the express, you get a very affordable ticket on a comfortable bus that is air conditioned and has stewards, so you have someone to talk to if you need to ask any questions along the way!

The VIP service raises the level of service and amenities a few notches by giving you even more comfortable seats that have TVs in the backs of the seats, as well as snacks served along the way. The only drawback is that the price of a seat on the VIP bus is almost double that of the Express, so if you want to save a few pennies, you may decide that it's not worth the extra money for VIP service.

Buses are a good option because they are much faster than trains, taking somewhere between eight and a half and nine hours. In the mornings, the VIP and express buses leave at 9 a.m., arriving around 6 p.m. In the evenings, the express bus leaves at 9pm and arrives in Mandalay at 5:30am, and the VIP bus leaves at 9:30pm and arrives at 6am. In Yangon, you will depart from Aung Mingala Bus Station and arrive at Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Highway Station in Mandalay.

Trains from Yangon to Mandalay

Look through the travel reviews between Yangon and Mandalay and you will probably find that most travelers taking this route prefer to use the railroad. There is no doubt: there is something special about traveling by train, and here in Myanmar, there are no exceptions to that rule! Trains are affordable, with ticket prices for a 1st class seat being somewhere between the cost of the Express and the VIP buses mentioned above, plus there is a good sleeping compartment option.

Trains from Yangon to Mandalay run on the Myanmar railroad and, depending on which train you take, the travel time will be 14 to 15 hours. It is definitely not the fastest way to travel, but it is great for those who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery.

If you choose 1st class, you'll have a comfortable seat and can easily wander around stretching your legs when you need to - something you really can't do on the bus. Trains leave at 6am, arriving around 9pm the same day, or you can take the night train leaving at 3pm and arriving at 5:10am , or the 5pm and arriving at 7:45am.

The disadvantage of traveling overnight is that you won't get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but you will save money, and you won't need a hotel for that night.

If you prefer to travel at night, you may be better off taking a sleeping compartment so that you have a bed to lie on and hope to get some sleep. The cost is more, but it's actually comparable to the cost of VIP buses, so instead of paying for a seat on the bus, consider the train from Yangon to Mandalay.

There is only one thing to keep in mind if you want to take the train. You should book your tickets at least 5 days in advance, although we recommend booking as early as possible, just to make sure you get the train and ticket you want.

Planes from Yangon to Mandalay

When you value your time, trains and buses are not a good option. In these circumstances, flying from Yangon to Mandalay makes the most sense. It is significantly more expensive than traveling by bus or train, but if you are not able to spend all day or night on the road, flying is a good idea.

There are several airlines to choose from, so finding one that fits your schedule shouldn't be too difficult. However, be sure to check what each airline offers you within the cost of your ticket. Cheaper airlines don't always give you the option of free luggage, so if you have a large suitcase that has to go in the luggage compartment, see if that is included or if there is an additional charge.

The airlines you can choose from are Air KBZ, Air Mandalay, Asian Wings Airways, Mann Yatanarpon Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Myanmar National Airlines and Yangon Airways.So when you are in no hurry, take the train, but if you are in a hurry and you have money, flying Yangon to Mandalay is definitely the best option for you!