Travelling by Train

   Travelling by train can be one of the most alluring ways to explore Myanmar, as railway journeys often afford scenic views and chances to mix with locals that are often not otherwise possible. In upper class and overnight sleeper carriages, a sometimes more comfortable journey is possible than on buses - albeit with significantly bouncier ride than you will be used to on trains elsewhere.

   In April 2014, Myanmar Railways ended the price differentiation for rail tickets between Myanmar locals and foreigners; previously, foreigners paid in dollars and at a substantially higher rate. Now, at railway station ticket offices, tickets are paid for in kyat at the same rate for everyone. On this website, prices are listed in US dollars where it is possible to book tickets online (price includes booking fee); where it is not possible to book online, we quote the price in kyat. Tickets range from US$10 to $25 when booking long-distance journeys online, depending on the length of the journey and the class of seat or bed (see below for more information). Buying tickets in kyat at railway stations will usually cost between K1,000 and K10,000.

   Taking the train is invariably slower than taking the bus and, for reasons that range from flooded tracks to mechanical problems, trains are less reliable than buses; apart from the usually reliable to Mandalay express train, journey times can vary wildly.

Please note that the map above indicates primary train routes accessible to foreigners, not all train routes.

Different types of train and classifications

   Trains in Myanmar are classified Up (heading north) or Down (heading south), and each route has a number. Each train route also has a designated two- or three-digit number.
Classes are divided into:

• Ordinary class: simple wooden seats, usually very crowded. Available on all trains.
• First class: usually wooden seats with cushioned bottoms. Only available on certain trains.
• Upper class: comfortable, large seats. Be prepared for general lack of cleaning and upkeep – and broken adjustment mechanisms! Available on all trains.
• Standard sleeper: four-berth and two-berth lockable compartments, with bedclothes provided. Washbasin and toilets at the end of each sleeper carriage. Available on to Mandalay, to Bagan, and Mandalay to Myitkyina routes.
• Special sleeper: self-contained compartments (maximum four people), with privacy (separate entrance, toilet, sitting and sleeping areas) but no access to the rest of the train. Water and fresh bedclothes provided. Usually only available on to Mandalay route.

   Note that, Ordinary Class sales in advance one day. Upper Class sales in advance 3 days. In general, train conditions on the main to Mandalay route are superior to other lines around the country: trains are cleaner and air conditioning systems are more likely to work. Trains in more remote part of Myanmar tend to be the slowest and least reliable.

Important notes on train travel in Myanmar

• As trains are unreliable, arrival and departure times can vary. station has a digital departures board (in English), but few other stations offer this facility.
• You will need your passport to buy a train ticket.
• Tickets are usually paid for in US dollars.
• Many train journeys have multiple stop-off points, often allowing you to get out of the train, stretch your legs, and grab some refreshments.
• Trains can get cold at night, so make sure to take warm clothes.
• Buying train tickets can take a long time (sometimes as long as half an hour), as station staff go through the antiquated and bureaucratic form-filling that is required for foreigners, and friendly station masters take an opportunity to practice their English.
• Even in upper class, seats can sometimes be a little smelly and greasy. Also, toilets are basic, and can be dirty.
• Monks have free upper class travel; they are often very chatty and offer interesting conversation!
• Trains, and transport in general, tend to be heavily booked during then Thingyan festival in April.

Classic Myanmar railway journeys

Mandalay to Pyin U Lwin and Hsipaw

   One of the most visually stunning journeys in Myanmar, made famous by Paul Theroux in The Great Railway Bazaar and later in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, is this line which takes in the beautiful hill country of Shan State and the towering Gokteik Viaduct. When completed in 1900, this steel structure was one of the largest of its kind in the world and was considered an engineering triumph. It is said that repairs over the years are not what they should have been, so the train slows down to a snail's pace when crossing the dramatic Gokteik Gorge, meaning that it is not just the stunning scenery that leaves travellers breathless!    This journey has many fascinating stops, such the old colonial hill station of Pyin U Lwin and the rustic charms of Hsipaw. But it should be noted that unless you are coming over land from China, or heading beyond the eastern end of the line at Lashio with a special permit (for more information, go to arriving and departing over land), you will have to double back on yourself at some point. The best option is to take the bus one way, and the train the other.

Thazi to Kalaw and Inle Lake

   Another charming Myanmar rail journey is the branch off the main to Mandalay line that veers off at Thazi, heading to Kalaw and Shwe Nyaung (for Inle Lake), and further onwards to Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State. This line winds its way very slowly through beautiful hill scenery, and is a wonderful alternative to the (much faster) bus route that most people take. It also connects travellers to two of the tourist highlights of Myanmar - the hill trekking around Kalaw and the numerous delights of Inle Lake.

Mandalay to Myitkyina

   For the truly adventurous, the train journey north from Mandalay to Myitkyina is an epic, taking in remote parts of the country that few foreigners ever see, including the beautiful expanses of Indawgyi Lake; the journey lasts between from 24 to 40 hours along rough and bumpy tracks. As with the Mandalay to Lashio route, you will have to double back on yourself at the end of your journey north. However, some of this journey offers you a parallel boat route that is equally adventurous; go to getting around Myanmar by boat for more details.

Travelling by Car / Express

   Travelling by bus is the simplest way to get around Myanmar if you are on a budget - and it is the only way to get to certain destinations (unless you are prepared to pay for a private car). Bus schedule is frequent with 5 trips at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 9pm and 9.30pm (all night trips with air-conditioners). The 9-hour trip is cheap and comfortable for most tourists.
    Highway bus station at "Saw-Bya-Gyi-Gone" only about 4 km from the international airport. Here there are both airconditioned and non-airconditioned buses leaving for many destinations such as Bagan, Meikhtila, Mandalay, Kalaw, Heho, Taunggyi, Kyaikhtiyo, Mawlamyaing, etc. Normally almost all buses going long distance (such as to Bagan, Mandalay and Shan state) leave in the afternoon and arrive at their final destinations in the next day morning.

   In larger cities such as and Mandalay, there are local bus networks, which are popular and sometimes crowded. Understanding routes can be difficult for visitors as signs are not written in English and numbers are in Myanmar script, but with a little help from locals, buses can be a fun and cheap way to get around. Journeys rarely cost more than K300.

Getting around Myanmar by bus Please note that the map above indicates primary bus routes accessible to foreigners, not all bus routes.

Important notes on bus travel in Myanmar

• The long-distance buses on major routes are modern, air conditioned vehicles, but some older buses in less touristy areas are in worse condition. In extreme cases, they may have no working windows, and may have people, sacks of grain, or even live animals filling the aisles!
• On most major routes it is possible to choose between different levels of luxury, which is reflected in the price of the ticket. VIP buses (sometimes called Express buses, although they are not always faster) are very comfortable, usually having reclining seats and 2+1 seating (as opposed to the usual 2+2). For more comprehensive information on routes, go to individual destinations.
• Many bus schedules operate over night, which allows you to make the most of your days.
• Most longer journeys feature at least one refreshment stop. These offer you the opportunity to stretch your legs and get a drink and a bite to eat. Buses do not generally have toilets.
• Water, and perhaps a small snack, are sometimes supplied on buses; ironically these are usually to be found on the most comfortable buses, on which you need them least. Take your own bottled water for longer journeys – just in case.
• Air conditioned buses can get cold. It’s a good idea to have another layer to cover up with, although blankets are sometimes provided.
• Myanmar pop and rock videos or romantic movie dramas (not the most sophisticated of styles) are often played on buses – loudly. A personal music player is highly recommended.
• Some off-the-beaten-track routes cover very rough, dusty roads – and can become impassable in the rainy season, so journey times can vary. Although buses tend to be more reliable than trains and public boats, on less well-trodden routes it is possible your bus might need to cool off or have minor repairs.
• If you do travel to less touristy parts of the country (particularly border areas), it is a good idea to have photocopies of your Myanmar visa and passport photo page, which may be demanded by officials.