How To Reach Bagan (Myanmar (Burma)) In 2024

Traveling to Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan is a popular travel destination known for its impressive archaeological zone, with thousands of ancient temples, stupas, and pagodas spread across its landscape. Here are several ways to reach Bagan:

By Air

Nyaung-U Airport (NYU) is the closest airport to Bagan, located around 4 kilometers from Nyaung-U town and a short distance from the main temple area. It's a domestic airport connected to major cities in Myanmar:

Yangon (RGN) - Flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Mandalay (MDL) - Flight duration is about 30 minutes.
Heho (for Inle Lake) and Thandwe (for Ngapali Beach) also have connections to Bagan.

By Bus

There are bus services from many cities in Myanmar to Bagan. Major routes include:

From Yangon: Overnight buses run regularly, taking around 9-10 hours.
From Mandalay: Several bus options are available, with travel time around 5-7 hours.
From Inle Lake: Buses also connect Bagan with Inle Lake, generally taking 7-8 hours.

By Train

Myanmar Railways operates daily trains from Yangon and Mandalay to Bagan. This mode of travel offers a unique experience but may take longer compared to the bus or air:

From Yangon: It takes about 18 hours to reach Bagan by train.
From Mandalay: The train journey is around 7 hours.

By Boat

Traveling from Mandalay to Bagan by boat is a scenic option:

Public ferries and private river cruises run between Mandalay and Bagan.
The journey takes approximately 9-11 hours depending on the type of service and river conditions.

By Private Car or Taxi

Hiring a private car or taxi might be a more comfortable and flexible option. Travel time from Mandalay is about 4 hours depending on road conditions.

Please note that travel times can vary based on the season and local conditions. Always check the latest travel advice and transportation schedules before planning your trip to Bagan.