Yangon to Inle lake: Bus or Plane?

There is no doubt that Yangon and Inle lake are the 2 most famous destinations of Myanmar where numerous magnificent highlights of the golden land locate. After seeing all the main spots of the former capital – Yangon, the second largest body of water in Myanmar – Inle lake should be your next stop. So how to travel from Yangon to Inle Lake ? There are many options for you to choose as this is a very popular tourist route in which bus and airplane are the 2 most recommended means of transport. Although they both have the advantages and disadvantages, the choice is yours depending on time and budget.

1.Bus

The distance from Yangon to Inle lake is about 570 km and normally, it will take about 10 hours to travel between the 2 destinations by bus. This kind of transportation is the easiest way to travel around Myanmar and also considered as budget friendly.

There are plenty of both regular and VIP buses that has the route from Yangon to Inle lake such as JJ Express, Elite.

The VIP buses are more spacious and comfortable with the huge leather reclining seats and air – conditioning. Moreover, some essential supplies such as light blankets, face wipes, sick bags and may be some snacks and drinks are provided for the long overnight trip. The price for the VIP bus trip from Yangon to Inle lake is around 20 – 25 dollars per person.

VIP bus with more space and comforts

The regular buses on the other hand, are small and usually full of people and there is no such thing like comfort and convenience in this type of bus. It will cost about $11 – 15 per person for a bus trip from Yangon to Inle lake.

Regular bus usually cramed with people

There is no toilet on buses but they will stop for refreshments during the trip.

Although ticket can be bought at the bus station, you should book for a few days in advance for this is a very popular tourist route. The tickets are usually sold out particularly in the peak season from November to April. You can have the hotel reserve the ticket for you or book online by yourself. The online procedures are quite easy and quick. The payment link will be emailed to you first, then the bus ticket.

The long – distance buses often departure in the evening and arrives very early in the following day so that you can have more time to enjoy yourself in the site. The bus from Yangon to Inle lake usually leaves at 5 and 7 p.m and arrives around 4 – 6 a.m in the following morning.

The bus will run from Aung Mingalar bus station in Yangon and drops you off in the Nyaungshwe township where most hotels Inle lake are.

2. Plane

The fastest way to reach Inle lake from Yangon is by domestic flight. The airfare is rather high, usually more than 100 dollars for a ticket depends on each airway company and the time of booking. However, a short flight is ideal for tourists who don’t have much time and don’t want to spend an uncomfortable bumpy journey on an overnight bus or train.

The flying time for a direct flight is only 1 hour and 8 minutes. There are about 20 weekly flights between these 2 destinations in which 12 is nonstop. A connecting flight stops at Mandalay.

Myanmar National airlines, Air KBZ, Yangon Airways, Air Bagan, Asian Wings Airway, Mann Yatanarpon Airline are 6 airway companies provide the flight from Yangon to Inle lake.

Yangon terminal is the Yangon International airport which is 15 km north from the city center. Heho airport is the Inle terminal which is 46km northwest from the Inle lake. Therefore, you will have to pay another fare for taxis or buses to get to the airport.

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