The usual Myanmar transportation options include cars, buses, trains, and flights. Utilizing every mode of transportation to move around the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia isn’t uncommon. Even boat travel is possible between Mandalay and Bagan, when there is enough water in the river.

Read on to determine which method for getting around in Myanmar works best for your trip.

Taxis in Myanmar

Taxis are a surprisingly good deal in Yangon, especially given the amount of jammed-up traffic.


Travelers can pretty much get anywhere in the city for 3,000 kyat or less. Some mild negotiation may be required to lower inflated prices for visiting tourist hotspots such as the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Tips for using taxis in Myanmar:

• Taxis aren’t metered, so you’ll need to agree on a price before getting inside.
• Many drivers don’t speak English. Ask your hotel staff to write down your destination in Burmese to avoid miscommunication.
• Taxi drivers won’t have much change.
• Tipping drivers isn’t the norm, however, you can round up the fare in 500-kyat increments to show appreciation for exceptional service.

When arriving in Yangon International Airport, arrange your taxi at the counter inside. A coupon-based taxi will cost around US $7, depending on your destination.

Drivers can be hired at reasonable rates ($40 - $60) for a full day of exploring. Some experienced drivers will even act as guides/interpreters for your group. Your hotel can arrange a private car for the day to increase the chances that you get an English-speaking driver.

Myanmar by Bus

Up until 2012, vehicles couldn’t be imported into Myanmar. The nation’s fleet of buses was largely made up of ancient, rusting hand-me-downs from other countries. While plenty of those rattle-traps are still on the roads, the newer VIP buses can actually be luxurious for long trips.

Traveling by local bus is a slow, crowded, and uncomfortable experience. Tourist minibuses booked through travel agencies are hit or miss: you could be crammed three across on a seat made for two, or even worse, end up sitting in one of the fold-down baby seats in the middle aisle.

On the other hand, the long-haul ‘VIP’ buses are surprisingly comfortable. Many travel companies include snacks, a bottle of water, cold cloth for cleaning up, and even headphones to take advantage of the eight-channel music selector. Reclining seats with armrests and space between make the upgrade well worth a few additional kyat or dollars!

Even with modern buses covering the highways now, road conditions haven’t kept up. Many roads are potholed, winding, and potentially dangerous. The journey by road to and from Hsipaw has so many switchbacks and sharp turns that bus assistants have to walk beside of the bus to ensure it doesn’t plummet over the cliff. Vehicles occasionally do -- opt for the scenic train instead!

Train Travel in Myanmar

Trains in Myanmar are something to be experienced. While the rail network is rickety and left over from colonial days, the scenery well makes up for a loud and bumpy journey. Tickets are reasonably priced for distances covered, however, train is certainly the slowest way to travel in Myanmar. Train travel in Myanmar provides a chance to relax, watch small villages pass by, and reflect on what you’ve seen so far.

Find out why you should plan to travel Myanmar by train.

By Bicycle and Motorbike

As of 2015, both bicycles and motorbikes are illegal in Yangon. But in other parts of Myanmar such as Hsipaw and Bagan, exploring on two wheels is an ideal way to see the sights.

Motorbike rentals in Myanmar tend to be much more informal than in other parts of Southeast Asia. You may simply be renting personal-use motorbikes from a shop or business. Motorbikes are usually of the semi-automatic variety and have heavier tires to better handle the poor road conditions.

In Bagan, tourists typically rent the quirky, Chinese-made electric bicycles for getting around between pagodas. The eBikes are a crossover between a scooter and a bicycle. While you’ll wonder if there’s enough horsepower to get you up steep hills, at least you won’t have to worry about buying fuel!

Some safety tips for driving in Myanmar:

• Despite road infrastructure and vehicles set up to drive on the left, you drive on the right in Myanmar!
• Driving can be chaotic at times. Always expect the unexpected from fellow drivers. Traffic signals are often considered as “suggestions” rather than law.
• Wear a helmet, whether locals are doing so or not.
• Larger vehicles -- especially buses and trucks -- always have the right of way.