Travel Time: Inle Lake To Yangon By Bus

Yangon and Inle Lake are two of the most famous destinations in Myanmar. The distance between the two is about 570-650km, and the bus is one of the most popular ways to travel between them. The journey takes between 9 and 12 hours, and there are several bus companies that operate this route, including JJ Express, Elite, and Shwe Lun Pyan. The cost of a bus ticket depends on the type of bus and level of comfort, ranging from $11 to $25 per person.

VIP vs. local bus

The bus journey from Inle Lake to Yangon takes around 9 to 10 hours. There are different types of buses that operate this route, including minivans, regular buses, and VIP buses. Here's a detailed comparison between the regular and VIP buses:

Regular Bus

Regular buses are usually smaller in size and tend to be crowded with people. They do not offer much in terms of comfort and convenience. The cost of a bus trip from Inle Lake to Yangon on a regular bus is around $11 to $15 per person. These buses do not have toilets on board, but they will make stops along the way for refreshments. Regular buses are a budget-friendly option, but they might not be as comfortable for long journeys.

VIP Bus

VIP buses, on the other hand, offer a more spacious and comfortable experience. They are equipped with large leather reclining seats and air conditioning. Some essential supplies, such as light blankets, drinking water, and snacks, are provided for the overnight trip. The price for a VIP bus trip from Inle Lake to Yangon is around $20 to $25 per person. The price difference between regular and VIP buses is not significant, ranging from $7 to $10. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for VIP buses for a more comfortable journey.

Booking and Boarding Tips

It is advisable to book your tickets a few days in advance, especially during the peak season from November to April, as this route is very popular among tourists. You can book your tickets online or through your hotel. The buses usually depart in the evening and arrive early in the following morning, allowing you more time to enjoy your destination. The buses depart from the Aung Mingalar bus station in Yangon and drop passengers off in the Nyaungshwe township, where most hotels in Inle Lake are located.

How to book a bus ticket

The bus from Yangon to Inle Lake is about 570-650 km and takes around 9 to 10 hours. There are plenty of buses available, including minivans, regular buses, and VIP buses.

Booking a bus ticket for this route is straightforward. You can either book your ticket online or buy it at the bus station. However, it is recommended to book a few days in advance, especially during the peak season from November to April, as tickets tend to sell out.

Booking Online

• Visit a bus booking website or download a bus booking app. Some popular options include 12Go Asia, redBus, and Easybook.
• Enter your travel details, including your origin, destination, and travel date.
• Choose your preferred bus operator, bus type, and service (e.g., express or luxury).
• Select your desired seats and review the fare.
• Make a secure online payment using your credit or debit card, e-wallet, or online banking.
• Receive your e-ticket via email or an app notification.

Booking at the Bus Station

• Go to the Aung Mingalar bus station in Yangon, where buses to Inle Lake depart from.
• Purchase your ticket at the bus ticketing counter.
• Pay for your ticket using cash or other accepted payment methods.

Remember to arrive at the bus station early, especially if you're taking a public bus to get there, as Yangon's traffic can cause delays.

How much do bus tickets cost?

The cost of bus tickets from Inle Lake to Yangon varies depending on the type of bus and the company providing the service. The distance between the two destinations is about 570 to 650 kilometres, and the journey takes around 9 to 13 hours.

Regular buses are typically small and crowded, with limited comfort and convenience. The cost of a regular bus ticket from Yangon to Inle Lake ranges from $11 to $15 per person.

VIP buses, on the other hand, offer more space and comfort. They are spacious, with leather reclining seats and air conditioning. Some essential supplies, such as light blankets, face wipes, sick bags, snacks and drinks, are also provided for the long overnight trip. The price for a VIP bus ticket from Yangon to Inle Lake is around $20 to $25 per person.

One source mentions that the price difference between regular and VIP buses is not significant, suggesting that choosing a VIP bus for a more comfortable journey is recommended.

It is worth noting that foreigners need to pay an entry fee of 15,000 Kyat (approximately $11 to $12) upon arriving in Nyaung Shwe town, the gateway to Inle Lake. This fee must be paid in cash, so it is important to carry enough money.

Additionally, there are options for minivans, which may be available at a lower cost, but they might not be as comfortable, especially for overnight trips.

It is recommended to book bus tickets a few days in advance, especially during the peak season from November to April, as tickets can sell out quickly.

How long is the bus journey?

The bus journey from Yangon to Inle Lake is a popular option for tourists and locals alike. The distance between the two destinations is about 570-650km, and the bus journey takes between 9 and 12 hours.

There are a few different types of buses that service this route, including minivans, regular buses, and VIP buses. The regular buses are a budget-friendly option, costing between $11 and $15 per person. However, they tend to be small and cramped, and tickets can be difficult to come by during the peak season from November to April.

The VIP buses, on the other hand, offer a more comfortable experience with spacious leather reclining seats and air-conditioning. Some essential supplies, such as light blankets, face wipes, sick bags, and snacks, are also provided for the long overnight trip. The price for a VIP bus ticket is around $20-$25 per person.

Both types of buses depart from the Aung Mingalar bus station in Yangon and drop passengers off in the Nyaungshwe township, where most hotels in Inle Lake are located. It is recommended to book your tickets a few days in advance, especially for the popular VIP buses, which tend to sell out quickly during the peak season.

The long-distance buses usually depart in the evening, arriving early the following morning, allowing passengers to make the most of their time in Inle Lake. Typical departure times are between 4 pm and 7 pm, with an arrival time between 4 am and 9 am the next day.

While the bus journey is a great option for those on a budget or those looking to experience the local Burmese lifestyle, it is important to note that the journey can be long and tiring, with some buses making multiple stops along the way.

Overall, the bus journey from Yangon to Inle Lake is a popular and affordable option for many travellers, offering a unique and adventurous experience.

What is there to do at Inle Lake?

The bus from Yangon to Inle Lake is about 570km to 650km and takes around 9 to 10 hours. Now, onto the fun part: what to do at Inle Lake!

Inle Lake is the second-largest lake in Myanmar and is famous for its leg-rowing Intha people. It is a beautiful place to visit, and most travellers will head to Nyaung Shwe, the town closest to the lake.

• Take a boat trip from Nyaung Shwe pier to Inle Lake.
• Rent a motorbike or bicycle in Nyaung Shwe to get around Inle Lake.
• Stay in budget-friendly accommodation and enjoy the local food in Nyaung Shwe.
• Experience the unique leg-rowing style of the Intha people.
• Visit the local temples and pagodas.
• Take a trek to Inle Lake from Kalaw, a hill town about 5 hours away by train from Thazi station. The trek can last 2 to 3 days, with overnight stays in monasteries in local villages.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscape.
• Explore the nearby towns and villages, such as Yangon and Mandalay.

Frequently asked questions