Getting There and Travelling Around

International Airports

• Yangon (RGN): 19 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Myanmar (Burma) with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Air travel is the most efficient and the only permissible means of transport within Myanmar (Burma) for independent travellers. There are over 60 airstrips in the country, and there are daily flights to most towns. However, domestic flights in Myanmar (Burma) have a less than perfect safety record, and internal security can restrict ease of movement.

One of the best ways of seeing the country is by boat, and there are about 8,000km (5,000 miles) of navigable rivers. Trips may be taken between Bhamo and Mandalay and between Mandalay and Pagan (Bagan). However, these trips may only be arranged as part of an organised tour group.

Rail travel is also only available to visitors as part of an organised tour group. There are a number of routes, the principal line being Rangoon (Yangon) to Mandalay, and taking about 13 hours. There is also a good service from Mandalay-Lashio-Myitkyina. However, rail services are subject to delays caused by technical, climatic and bureaucratic difficulties and much of the railway equipment is dilapidated.

Visitors can only use certain public bus services to travel between towns, although privately operated buses have also recently been introduced. State-owned buses tend to be unreliable and uncomfortable and visitors may only pay using the Kyat currency. Private buses are air conditioned and accept payment in Kyat, US Dollars or FECs (foreign exchange certificates). There are also antiquated and overcrowded bus services in all cities.

Travel within the city of Yangon (Rangoon) may be carried out using the blue government taxis with set fares. Also available are unmetered three- and four-wheel taxis and rickshaws, for which fares should be agreed in advance. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Yangon also has a circular rail service.