Getting Around Yangon, Myanmar

Globetrotter
22 May 2023 - 4 min read

Yangon served as the nation's capital until 2006, with the highest population in Myanmar, and is a commercial center. After that, the military government transferred administrative functions to the capital city of Naypyidaw, located in North Central Myanmar.

As a big city, Yangon is also known for having various types of public transportation that both the public and tourists can use. What are these? Let's check in full in this article.

Transportation Options in Yangon

YBT (Yangon Bus Transportation)

Advantages: The most recommended public transportation in Yangon is YBT or Yangon Bus Transportation. YBT is a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) or fast bus that serves routes within the city of Yangon, of which there are currently 65 buses and are already using air conditioning. This bus includes integrated transportation that only stops at terminals and bus stops. The operating hours of this bus start from 06.00-19.30 every day.

Route: There are 75 bus routes in Yangon, but currently, only 70 are operating. Almost all routes pass through exciting tourist spots in Yangon.

Fare: Long and short distances, only 300 Kyat. Payment methods can only use any payment cards or Myanmar prepaid cards.

Tips: Check the bus route beforehand that you will ride. Make sure you wait at the terminal or bus stop that is already available.

Yangon Circular Train

Advantages: Information and Pros: One of the cheapest modes of transportation in Yangon is the Yangon circular train. This is a commuter train with a network length of about 46 km. Currently, 21 trains are operating every day with a total of 200 carriages. The operating hours of this train are from 03.45-22.15, with a frequency of arrivals every 30 minutes. Every day this train can carry up to 150,000 passengers.

Route: This train route loops around the city of Yangon. 38 Yangon train stations are passed by this train.

Fare: Calculated by distance, for the first 15 miles, the fare is 10 Kyat, while for the next 15 miles, the fare is 20 Kyat. Especially for long trips, the fare is around 100 Kyat to 300 Kyat. You can buy tickets for this train at the counter at the station with cash payment.

Tips: You need to check the schedule first. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes before the train arrives so you don't have to wait too long.

Bus Truck

Advantages: Bus trucks provide public transit services in rural areas of Yangon. You can only find these shuttles in rural or suburban Yangon. The shape of this bus truck is not much different from the songthaew in Thailand. The car used is a modified half-truck pick-up car with a roof and benches. If the benches are full of capacity, many passengers stand hanging from the back door.

Fare: Depending on the distance you are traveling, usually for short distances, the fare is around 20 Kyat to 50 Kyat.

Tips: Before boarding, you can ask about the route first. Most of this transportation only has one route. Don't forget to pay with exact money because usually there will be no change, especially if you know you are a foreign tourist.

Rickshaw

Advantages: Do you want to take a leisurely walk in Yangon? Choosing a rickshaw as a means of transportation is the right choice. The Rickshaw in Yangon is unique because the driver is at the front. The shape of the rickshaw is like a bicycle with a cart or seat on the back. However, you can only find them on Yangon's outskirts or rural areas because rickshaws no longer operate in Yangon's center.

Fare: Depending on the distance, usually around 50 Kyat for short distances.

Tips: Do a price negotiation before going up. Make sure you have dealt with the fare before going up. Avoid changing destinations so as not to incur additional costs.

Bicycle Rent

Advantages: Renting a bike in Yangon can also be a choice of transportation to explore this city. Yangon is one of the cities that is still friendly to cyclists, and you can rent a bicycle to visit places in the city center or near tourist attractions.

Price: Bike rental rates usually start from 30 Kyat to 50 Kyat per hour.

Tips: Ask for a bicycle helmet to keep you safe while cycling here.

Taxi

Advantages: When visiting Yangon, the vibrant and bustling capital of Myanmar, one of the most convenient ways to get around the city is by taxi. With a mix of traditional and modern vehicles, the taxi system in Yangon provides a reliable and affordable means of transportation for tourists.

Fare: All taxis here don't use taximeters. You should prepare 100 Kyat for fares for short to long distances.

Tips: Yangon taxi drivers are usually friendly but remain alert and cautious. Ask about the fare before getting in the taxi, and pay the exact fare to avoid complicating things for the driver and yourself.

With many ways to get around, you'll have an easy and enjoyable vacation in Yangon. Use Traveloka to make your trip even more convenient. Book hotels and flights with ease!

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