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How to Get to Yangon

By Air: Yangon International Airport RGN

Airport & Access

Yangon International Airport (RGN) is Myanmar's main international gateway. It serves both international and domestic flights.

Transfer Options to City/Accommodation:

  • Taxi: Most common and easy. Official taxi stands outside arrival hall. Fares to downtown MMK 10,000-15,000.
  • Grab: Ride-sharing app, historically available. Check what's available locally/safety due to current conditions.
  • Bus: Cheaper local or air-conditioned airport express buses.

Flights & Facilities

International flight options are very limited as of 2024. Airlines like Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and some Chinese carriers may still operate, but with significantly reduced frequency.

Airport Features:

  • Terminals: T1 (international), T2 (domestic). T3 historically served budget airlines.
  • Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs (may be unreliable), duty-free, restaurants, cafes, lounges. Wi-Fi varies.
  • Direct Flights (2024): Unlikely from most global hubs. Connections typically transit through regional Asian hubs.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

High Season (Nov-Feb): Higher prices due to demand. Low Season (Jun-Oct): Lower prices, fewer options due to monsoon. Current (2024): Prices and availability are highly volatile due to the political situation, not just seasonal demand.

Departure Timing

Arrive at RGN at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international departure time. This allows ample time for check-in, immigration, and security procedures. Always confirm flight status and terminal.

Departure Procedures

Standard check-in procedures apply. Have your passport and e-ticket ready. Expect queues at immigration and security checkpoints. Exchange any remaining MMK before passing security.

Departure Essentials

Exit Fees & Taxes

  • Departure taxes for flights abroad from RGN are generally part of your flight ticket price.
  • Confirm this with your airline when booking your tickets.
  • Always reconfirm your flight status and departure terminal before heading to the airport.
  • Allow extra time for potential traffic jams in Yangon.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

  • RGN offers duty-free shops, various restaurants and cafes, and airline lounges in its international terminal.
  • Wi-Fi availability can be inconsistent, so do not rely solely on it for last-minute needs.
  • Exchange any remaining Myanmar Kyat (MMK) before passing security, as rates may be worse post-security.
  • Think about pre-booking-arranging an airport transfer with your hotel for seamless departure.

Flights & Discounts

Find Deals

Check Dollar Flight Club for flight discounts and savings.

Compare Flights

Use Skyscanner to compare various airlines and routes for the best options.

Car Rental

For car rental needs, explore options on DiscoverCars.com, though self-driving is not permitted for foreigners in Myanmar.

By Land: Trains & Buses

Train Travel

Myanmar Railways operates services across the country, with Yangon Central Railway Station functioning as a main hub. Trains join Yangon to major cities like Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake.

Considerations:

  • Quality: Trains are generally slow, older, and less comfortable than in many other countries.
  • Experience: They offer a unique cultural experience plus a chance to see the landscape at a slower pace.
  • Current (2024): Some services may be disrupted or unreliable due to the political situation and security concerns. Travel carries risks.

Long-Distance Buses

Yangon has two main bus terminals: Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station (north) and Dagon Ayeyar Highway Bus Station (west). Numerous private bus companies offer services.

Considerations:

  • Companies: Examples include JJ Express, Elite Express, Mandalar Min.
  • Quality: Modern, air-conditioned buses are available for major routes, especially overnight services.
  • Current (2024): Bus travel can be risky due to security checkpoints, potential for unrest, and road closures. Reliability is compromised. Consult local advisories.

Self-Driving & Roads

Self-driving is generally not recommended or permitted for foreigners. International driving permits are not recognized for independent driving.

Important Notes:

  • Private Driver: Hiring a car with a local driver is a safer and more practical option.
  • Road Conditions: Vary significantly. Major highways can be reasonable, but many rural roads are in poor condition.
  • Traffic: Congestion is severe in Yangon itself. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Border Crossing Information

Myanmar shares land borders with Thailand, Laos, China, Bangladesh, and India. Overland travel to Yangon from international borders was historically an option at certain points.

Current 2024 Status:

  • International Land Borders: Overland crossings for international tourists are extremely difficult.
  • Safety: Often closed, or highly unsafe due to ongoing armed conflicts, especially in border regions.
  • Recommendation: Overland travel into Myanmar is not recommended for tourists.

Road Safety & Risks

  • Road Conditions: Vary greatly. Major highways can be reasonable, but many rural roads are in poor condition.
  • Traffic: Extremely heavy and chaotic, especially during rush hours. Congestion is a constant challenge in Yangon.
  • Side Of the road for driving: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Myanmar.
  • Safety Concerns (2024): Road travel out of Yangon carries significant risks due to armed conflict, military checkpoints, and potential for arbitrary detention.
  • Night Travel: Night travel overland is generally ill-advised due to security risks.
  • Stay alert and always ask local advisories before planning any road journeys.

By Water: Ferries & Boats

River Transportation

Historically, river ferries operated on the Ayeyarwady River (e.g., to Bagan, Mandalay) and other waterways. These offered a slow, scenic, plus deep way to travel.

Current Status 2024:

  • Domestic ferry some services may be disrupted or unsafe due to the political situation.
  • Not recommended for tourists without current local verification.
  • Local river taxis and boats operate on the Yangon River for brief journeys (e.g., across to Dala).

Local Boat Trips & Cruises

Short boat trips across the Yangon River to Dala are available from Pansodan Jetty, offering a glimpse of local life. Safety standards on these regional boats can be low.

Immigration & Cruise Information:

  • Cruise Ships: International cruise ship activity to Yangon is highly restricted, if any, especially currently.
  • Safety: Safety standards on local boats may not be high.
  • Immigration: Procedures at seaports are not typically relevant for international tourist arrivals; most arrive by air.

Tour Buses

Limited or non-existent hop-on-hop-off services operate in Yangon. Some exclusive travel companies offer bus tours as part of their packaged itineraries.

Unique Transport

Yangon does not have cable cars or funiculars. The Circular Railway represents its most unique local transport experience for cultural immersion.

Motorcycle Taxis

You can get it in some areas, frequently less safe due to chaotic traffic conditions and lack of helmets. Not recommended for tourists.

Navigating Yangon City

Walking in Yangon

Downtown Yangon, with its colonial-era buildings, pagodas, and markets, is largely walkable. Kandawgyi Lake and Individuals's Park offer pleasant, greener spaces for strolling.

Walking Tips & Safety:

  • Pavements can be uneven, broken, or obstructed by street vendors, requiring caution.
  • Guided and self-guided walking tours are options for exploring areas around Sule Pagoda and Strand Road.
  • Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets, particularly after dark. Any zone with political demonstrations should be avoided.

Cycling in Yangon

Yangon has very limited to non-existent dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling within the city's traffic flow is generally not recommended for tourists.

Safety Concerns for Cyclists:

  • Heavy, chaotic traffic makes cycling dangerous.
  • Poor road conditions, including potholes, pose risks.
  • Lack of dedicated cycling lanes means sharing roads with fast-moving vehicles.

General Transport Advice

Emergency Travel

For serious medical emergencies, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore may be needed, which is very expensive without adequate travel insurance.

Airport Traffic

Always allow extra time for potential traffic congestion in Yangon when heading to the airport for your departure.

Local Advice

Check with local advisories and your place to stay for current safety information, especially regarding land or river journeys.

Traveler's Safety Reminder

Prioritize your safety above all. Use great caution if considering travel and without fail consult the latest official travel advisories from your government.

How to Get to Yangon. Flights, Transportation, Airlines