Attractive Transportation of Yangon

Yangon provides several means of transportation, but the most ubiquitous and convenient for visitors are the numerous taxis. The main reason for this is because motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed within the city of Yangon whereas taxis are available everywhere. There are thousands of public buses in Yangon; but unfortunately they are not visitor friendly. The circular train is more of an activity than a mode of transportation, and taking a ferry is an adventure.

Walking

For those who like to walk, Yangon is not bad. If your hotel is somewhere near the downtown area, it is possible to walk to some attractions. Because of traffic congestion, it may even be faster to walk downtown, plus you can see a lot more by walking and with a good map, and if you take it easy, you can walk to many places. Unfortunately, the sidewalks in Yangon are in very bad shape. There are large holes, loose paving, and missing drain covers. You really need to be careful, and watch where you are walking. However, there is now a program of concreting over sidewalks and side streets in the city. Also, as in some other Asian countries, traffic does not stop for pedestrians, and you need to be careful when crossing the street.

Remarks: Visitors are not allowed to drive in Myanmar

Taxis

For longer distances, the easiest way to get around is by taxi and there are many taxis on the streets of Yangon day and night. However, only a few are well looked after, and most are dilapidated and in very bad condition. Standing taxis are almost always more expensive than roving taxis. Taxis waiting outside your hotel may be more convenient, but will be two or three times more expensive, than those flagged down on the street. Taxis have meters, but they are never used. You will need to negotiate the fare before you get in. Drivers know the major landmarks, and they can understand basic English. The fare for locations in and around downtown should be about 1,000 to 2,000 Kyat. Taxis can be hired by the hour (3,000 kyat), or by the day for about US$20 to $30.

City Buses

There are thousands of city buses running on approx. 250 bus lines, taking millions of passengers every day. Of course, like other large Asian cities, they are very crowded with commuters during rush hours. The fare is very cheap, but the buses here are old, non-air-conditioned, and mostly decrepit. They would be a good way to get around, but the conductors do not speak English, and unfortunately all the numbers and destinations on the buses are written in Burmese script!