Traveling within Myanmar
Getting around by Air: This is still the most efficient way to move within Myanmar. There is a rather limited schedule of flights, and a rather less than perfect safety record. Air Mandalay and Air Yangon operate internal flights. Internal security can restrict ease of movement. There are daily flights to most towns, charter flights are also available. There are over 60 airstrips in the country.
Getting around by train: Myanmar Railways does provide services on several routes. The principal line is Yangon to Mandalay which takes an estimated 12 to 14 hours. Overnight trains have sleeping carriages. There is also good service from Mandalay to Lashio to Myitkyina. The state-run railway has 4300 km (2700 miles) of track and serves most of Myanmar. First class is available but, with the exception of the Yangon to Mandalay line, services are regularly afflicted with delays caused by climatic, technical and bureaucratic difficulties. Tickets must be purchased as part of an organized tour group. Visitors should be aware that much railway equipment is decrepit and some accidents are unreported.
Getting around by Road: The traffic drives on the right and there has been some modernization of Myanmar's once-antiquated vehicles. Visitors must remember that, under Burmese law, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault. Buses are generally operated by the state-owned Road Transport Enterprise. Public bus services tend to be unreliable and uncomfortable, visitors may pay using the Kyat currency on certain lines only. Owing to the ongoing privatization program of the transport industry, a fleet of privately operated buses is also available. The main lines are from Yangon to Meiktila, Pyay, Mandalay and Taunggyi. Private buses are air conditioned and accept payment in Kyat, US Dollars or FECs. Bicycles are available for rent. An International Driving Permit is required. This must be presented to the police, who will endorse it or issue a visitor's license.
Getting around in the city: Yangon has a circular rail service and there are also antiquated and overcrowded bus services in all cities. Yangon has blue government taxis with set fares. Un-metered three and four wheel taxis are available in cities, as are rickshaws; it is wise to pre-arrange fares. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Traveling to and from Myanmar
Getting There by Air: The national airline is Myanmar Airways International (UB). Yangon has direct air links with Abu Dhabi, Bandar Seri, Bangkok, Bangladesh, Begawan, Bombay, Calcutta, Jakarta, Kunming, London, Moscow and Singapore. Airlines serving Myanmar include Air China, Austrian Airlines, Bangladesh Airlines, Indian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Silk Air and Thai Airways International.
Main Airports: Yangon (RGN) is 19 km (12 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Buses go to the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Taxis are also available (travel time – 45 minutes). Facilities include restaurants, bars, snack bars, banks, post offices, duty free shops and tourist information.
Departure tax: USD$10, payable also in FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates; see Money section for details). Passengers in direct transit are exempt.