Myanmar’s second largest city and last royal capital, Mandalay is full of religious sites and bustling markets that have been rebuilt after the destruction it suffered during World War II. Although Mandalay has impressive buildings and a rich culture, many travelers spend little time in the city before heading to other destinations such as the ancient city of Bagan. Visitors to Bagan compare it to Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat. It is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world with over 2,000 Buddhist temples, dating back several centuries. If you’re thinking of traveling from Mandalay to Bagan, read on to find out how you can travel between these cities.
Transportation options to get from Mandalay to Bagan
Irrawaddy River Cruise from Bagan to Mandalay © Sun_Shine / Shutterstock.com
There is not much distance between Mandalay and Bagan and traveling is easy as there are several transportation options between the two cities. The road is 180 kilometers (112 miles), so if you travel by private car or taxi, it will take about 4 hours to get there, depending on traffic. Another option is buses which take a bit longer and trains which are even slower. Another popular option is to travel by boat from Mandalay to Bagan, a different and fun alternative, but not the most suitable if you are short on time. The fastest way to get there is by plane, but tickets are expensive. In this article, we will present the pros and cons of each mode of transport so that you can make the best decision.
The fastest way to get from Mandalay to Bagan: by plane
Bagan Nyaung U Airport in Bagan Nyaung U © Poczttos / Shutterstock.com
The fastest way to travel from Mandalay to Bagan is by plane, which far surpasses all other means of transport. The flight time between the two cities is 30 minutes, so even if you add the waiting and arrival time to the airport, the flight will undoubtedly be the fastest option anyway.
But speed also has its downsides, mainly cost. Flights from Mandalay to Bagan are expensive as Myanmar does not have low cost airlines. There are four airlines to choose from, so there is some competition and you can find a flight that suits your plans well. Airlines include Air KBZ, Asian Wings Airways, Mann Yatanarpon Airlines and Yongon Airways which fly to Nyaung U Airport, the gateway to the Bagan region.
While you’ll miss out on some very beautiful landscapes that you can see by road or train, you’ll have an excellent bird’s eye view of the Bagan temples that may well compensate for the high ticket price.
Find the cheapest flights from Mandalay to Bagan
Myanmar Bus Station © jkcDesign / Shutterstock.com
For many travelers, the bus is the best way to get from Mandalay to Bagan due to the low fare. There are several companies serving this route, and comfort levels and prices can vary greatly. If you want to save money and are not very demanding on comfort, you can opt for a bus with wooden benches, where you will travel shoulder to shoulder with the locals. While it’s an interesting cultural experience, it’s not comfortable at all, so if you want to travel on a bus with air conditioning and padded seats, you’ll have to choose one of the more expensive options for a more relaxing journey. Travel time by bus is around 5 hours, so it might not be the best idea to take the cheapest bus.
Train from Mandalay to Bagan
First Class Seats at Burma Railway © Poczttos / Shutterstock.com
Traveling by train from Mandalay to Bagan is another possible option, but not if you’re in a hurry or short on time. The train is very slow and it takes at least 7 hours to reach your destination. The good thing is that it is an economical and quite comfortable mode of transport with wide wagons, especially if you are traveling in the upper class.
Normally, Myanmar Railways runs two trains a day, one during the day and one at night. There are not many advantages to taking the night train as there are no compartments with beds, so if you want to sleep you will still have to sit in a normal place. Still, the Mandalay to Bagan train travels through fantastic scenery, so it’s best to travel during the day to enjoy the views.
Be sure to buy your train ticket in advance as Myanmar Railways requires advance booking (5 days) if you want to travel first class.
From Mandalay to Bagan by boat
The last option is the slowest trip from Mandalay to Bagan, but probably the most fun. We recommend traveling by boat between the two cities if you have enough time as the journey along the Irrawaddy River is spectacular.
You will be on board the ship for 10 hours and as with the buses and trains, there are several options to choose from depending on your budget and the comfort you are looking for. The boats are not designed to offer a high level of comfort, but they are cheap and we advise you to spend a little more to ensure the most comfortable trip possible. There are several companies that offer this service, although we recommend looking for one with good passenger reviews so you know ahead of time what to expect. Tickets are more expensive than train or bus tickets, but breakfast, lunch and snacks are included, so you’ll save some money.
Here are the available travel options from Mandalay to Bagan. If money is not an issue and you don’t have a lot of time, it’s best to travel by plane. On the contrary, if you intend to travel around Myanmar with peace of mind, choose a boat and enjoy the fabulous landscapes.