Transport in Yangon

In Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, most of the roads are used cars that have been eliminated in other countries. It is like an active history museum of vehicle, with cargo trucks, open-top jeep, and double-cars during World War II. How is transport in Yangon? If you have a plan to travel to Yangon, how to get there and get around Yangon? Public transportation in Yangon is basically dependent on second-hand buses, which are very dangerous and are not recommended for tourists. Considering that Yangon’s taxi fare is low, it is suggested choosing a taxi for the first-time traveler.

How to get to Yangon?

If you plan a trip to Yangon, you may think of what kind of transport that you can take for arriving at Yangon? There are 4 main kinds of transportation for you for arriving at Yangon.

• No.1 Airplane

Yangon is a hub of Myanmar aviation and has 34 routes leading to major cities across the country. Yangon International Airport, 21 km from north of the suburb, is a major domestic and international airport and one of the best civil airports in Asia. From Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Gaya, Kolkata, Kunming, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Taipei, there are direct flights to Yangon.

• No.2 Train

There are 2 kinds of trains in Yangon. One type is long-distance train, which can go to other tourist destinations in Myanmar, such as Mandalay, Bagan, etc. The advantages are cheap and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. But you need to book tickets in advance. Another is the Yangon train around city, which is a train line that surrounds Yangon and the nearby villages. You can see the most original living conditions of the people in Yangon, but there are many passengers in the morning and evening hours. It is recommended to avoid this time to ride the train. There are 3 types of trains to choose from, which are 50 kyats ordinary train ticket, 200 kyats train with fan ticket and 300 kyats air-conditioned train ticket. In addition to the hot month in March, April and May, it is recommended to take air-conditioned trains. It is more fun to take a regular train in the rest of the month of the year.

• No.3 Automobile

There are 2 major bus stations in Yangon: the Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal and the Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal, which have long-distance buses to other cities in Myanmar. Most long-distance buses start at night and can sleep at night in the car. Most cars require passengers to travel to the station by themselves, such as to Bagan, Mandalay, etc. Some cars will pick you up near your home, such as to Ngwes Saung Beach and Chaung – Tha Beach, etc. It is worth reminding that the air conditioning temperature on the long-distance bus in Yangon is very low, so you must bring some clothes!

• No.4 Steamship

Most cruises start at Mandalay and Bagan, and occasionally from Yangon. Cruise ships are mostly expensive and slow. There are ships in Yangon City that can take a ride to the village on the other side of the Yangon River. The journey takes about 15 minutes. It takes only 2,000 kyats to book a steamship for foreigners.

How to get around Yangon?

When you arrive in Yangon, how can you get around Yangon? There are 3 main kinds of transportation for getting around Yangon.

• No.1 Bus

The buses in Yangon are all privately operated. They are basically old cars that were eliminated in Japan during World War II. They have far exceeded the end of life and are very unsafe. Some cars are heavily tilted to one side after they are full of people. The steering wheel of the bus is on the right, the road is also on the right, and the door to get on and get off is close to the left side of the road, so it is very dangerous. In addition, there are no Arabic number on the Yangon bus, no English station and stop sign, only the Burmese figures. Overall, first-timers are not recommended to try this kind of transportation. Bus fares range from 100 kyats to 500 kyats.

• No.2 Taxi

Take a taxi to get around Yangon is about 1,500 kyats to 5,000 kyats. The taxis in Yangon are basically used cars imported from Japan or Thailand. Most of them are sedan Toyotas. The cars are different, some are very old and some are also almost new. You can bargain when taking a taxi in Yangon. There is no limit on the number of passengers, but the more people sitting, the higher the price. With the increase in foreigners coming to Yangon, taxi drivers have begun to raise the price, so you must to make a counteroffer when taking a taxi in Yangon. In addition, before taking a taxi, talk to the taxi driver about the price including air conditioning, otherwise the driver will ask for an air conditioning fee of 1,000 kyats to 2,000 kyats. From the airport to old city, the air-conditioning is generally 7,000 kyats, even if the price is high. In addition, you can find a general taxi to discuss the chartered service. It is a one-day package with the driver, generally that is, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

• No.3 Rickshaw

In Yangon, motorcycles and bicycles are prohibited from driving on the main road. Rickshaws which are legal can only be used to pull passengers in some alleys. Because of the poor condition of road in Yangon, rickshaws generally only go within a kilometer. The price is about 500 kyats to 1000 kyats.