Myanmar Railways
- Reviews
About Myanmar Railways
A railway journey is a convenient way to explore the country. No matter whether you are after a quintessentially old school experience with a slow long-haul train or a super modern highspeed express, a train travel allows you to get to your destination in style and enjoy the trip at its most. Myanmar Railways is one of the operators you can book a train ride with. Before confirming your booking, remember to check the date of your travel, class, price and conditions of your fare.
What are the Main Stations of Myanmar Railways?
The main stations covered by Myanmar Railways’s route map include
- Yangon Central
- Mandalay Central
- Bagan
What are the Most Popular Routes of Myanmar Railways?
Here are some of the routes offered by Myanmar Railways which enjoy the greatest popularity with travellers:
What are the Train Classes & Prices of Myanmar Railways?
Depending on the length of your trip and your preferences you can choose a first or second class ticket in a sleeper coach for an overnight trip or opt for a hard or soft seat if available. Note that the choice of ticket classes depends both on the route and the length of your trip. Basically, your train may feature first class berths but you will not be able to book one if you are doing just a short two-hour stretch. In general, second class berths are a good choice for longer trips, and soft seats get you covered if your train ride is supposed to take under 4-5 hours.
Pros & Cons of Train Travel
Pros of Train Travel
- The best thing about railway travel is no traffic jams. Even on rush-hour, long weekends or during the high season
- An easy online booking process – you do not need to go to the railway station, which was the case in many places not so long ago!
- Prices for train tickets are usually more affordable compared to airplane tickets yet for certain destinations and trips the total travel time can be almost the same
- While rail travel is obviously slower than air travel, railway stations are often located in the centre of the city which saves you a sack of time getting to/from there while airports are almost always are quite a long way out of the city
- Travelling by night allows you to save on a hotel room and sleep well at the same time – opposite to a night bus where even the sleeping class is a huge compromise
- On certain routes luxury service is available
Cons of Train Travel
- For longer trips a train ride is definitely more time consuming than air journeys
- Trains do ride on schedule but being out of schedule is not unheard of for train travel – and delays can be huge, so if you are planning a connection to your flight, carefully check the time your train arrives at the station and think twice.
- Cleanliness is sometimes an issue with second and third class tickets, and with toilets, too.
- If your train makes a lot of stops, in some cases it is difficult to figure out when to get off as stops are not always clearly announced or marked with the exception of an electronic screen.
Myanmar Railways Company Reviews
C
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 25, 2020
So.... first class sleeper in Myanmar is not what you'd see elsewhere in the world. Take a jacket or extra blanket and pack snacks. The sleeper is not assessed from the rest of the train.... I'd do it again I. A heartbeat, just better prepared.
P
Train #11 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Mar 24, 2020
La réservation et la livraison de nos billets de train de Yangon à Mandalay à notre hôtel s’est déroulé sans faille
Faite vous livrer si vous partez tôt le matin car les guichets n’ouvrent qu’à partir de 8h
D
Train #131 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Mar 21, 2020
Ereignisreich,schön,jedoch um 2 Stunden zu lang. Irgendwann wusste man nicht mehr wie man sitzen sollte. Aber entschleunigend und günstig und alles super pnktlich
S
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 20, 2020
ok
C
Train #131 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Mar 12, 2020
Great ride, we even arrived earlier than expected
A
Train #3 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 11, 2020
2 berth sleeper was ok but train very noisy, rattling & shaky. Train broke down, didn’t move for 5 hours, then finally 7 hours late on arrival. No information or communication provided at all. No apology.
R
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 10, 2020
The train left on time and arrived in Bagan at 11am. The 12go arrival time of 9.30 is incorrect.
We booked all 4 berths and had lots of room. Watch out for people selling food for the journey on platform - they are charming but try to charge far too much. We ordered sweet and sour chicken with fried rice from the official train steward who advised we would get it at 7pm and sure enough we arrived at a station and the food was handed to us. It was very tasty and plenty for 2 people - cost 6,000 kyat.
We enjoyed the journey through the countryside and slept reasonably well. A pillow and sheet are provided. As it got cooler we switched off the fan. For security during the night we closed the windows and doors.
The toilet facilities were fine - take own toilet paper. There was some water to ‘flush’ with.
All in all a trip well worth doing
B
Train #4 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 8, 2020
Train ride was as described. Tickets were delivered to our hotel for free as promised. Train did not have a dining car so it was a good thing we brought our own snacks. Train actually arrived on time. Overall an interesting adventure.
B
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 8, 2020
We elected to pick up our tickets at the office. It was very hard to find. The directions were not accurate, and when we finally find it we were sent to another office down the street. Very frustrating and unprofessional. The train ride was just as described.
L
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 7, 2020
Delivery of actual train tickets was prompt.
We were put in Cabin D with another couple from Belgium, so it wasn't a lonely night.
As I have done my research, I knew I had to bring longyi to cover myself. The operation did give pillow and sheet, but it's very random, some bed have, and some beds don't.
Make sure to download an off-line map to know whereabouts I am, as the announcement was in Burmese.
It was an experience that is enough, just for once. Won't do it again. I use my own scarf to cover. BTW Cabin F is more private as there are only 2 beds.
C
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 6, 2020
There is no glass on the window of the train so given there was also a fan in the train cabin, it was really cold and no cover is provided.
I think there was an issue on that night because for a very long time the train wasn't moving at all and we arrived 5 hours after what was scheduled. But it might be an isolated case.
S
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Mar 1, 2020
A must do once trip !. Not much sleep with the rocking and noise but what a way to see the countryside. Food good, though a little expensive for what is was. Toilet was basic , it’s all you need.
The county and the people , priceless !
L
Train #89 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Feb 26, 2020
Perfect service : nice trip!
L
Train #131 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Feb 16, 2020
12 go Asia are terrible but I finally got the ticket only 12 hours before the train.
Use BOOKAWAY instead. A far better service. Unlike twelve go asia, BOOKAWAY offers excellent and prompt service and a way to contact the company should you need or want to. Tickets came through very quickly with BOOKAWAY but too close for stress free travel with 12 go asia.
D
Train #3 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Feb 15, 2020
So nice experience to travel slowly through Myanmar, and share this moment with burmese families, monks, and all those who pick up the train to sell some food etc.
Upper class has very confortable seats.
G
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Feb 14, 2020
The only thing that was helpful - delivery of tickets to hotel.
The train station is difficult in navigation, no English instructions, no English speaking employees. I had to catch people outside to help me find train. The train itself is also stinky, dirty and cold. But at least it departures and arrives on time
T
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Feb 9, 2020
Overall good experience. Train was late, instead 9:30 arriving at 15:00. Was super hot at the day time.
N
Train #3 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Feb 7, 2020
12GoAsia were very good. Efficient & prompt.
The train was as previously reviewed by others : very noisy & bumpy, but a good insight into local life & scenery. At this time of year it is also quite cold at night. We were really pleased to have had the experience, but wouldn't be too inclined to repeat it soon (though the track upgrade work is visibly underway).
T
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Feb 7, 2020
Fun but freezing I felt like Jack on titanic at night! Get dressed. You can order a great food for the entire journey.
A
Train #120 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Feb 6, 2020
Service of 12GO was perfect, with my ticket delivered to the hotel in the morning of departure.
The train left Mandalay Central 9:00p.m. sharp, and arrived in Bagan only 15-20 mins. behind the schedule.
The floor under my seat was very dirty with lots of egg shells, however, all other places looked clean enough.
As the train sways a lot, you feel as if you were on boat. So, if you get motion sickness easily, I recommend that you should not take train.
The seat was big enough and comfortable to sleep in, but the window next to my seat was broken, and I couldn't close it. Freeeezing!!!
A
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Feb 3, 2020
Like the previous review, our schedule was fixed and we only got confirmation 2 days before departure. The service charges seemed high for the anxiety, minimal communication and service. The train was as expected from other reviews and l have experienced sleeper trains in India, but it took much longer and was swaying so much that l was actually concerned for my safety. Typically l enjoy the train to see the countryside but l trip is enough in Myanmar.
T
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Feb 1, 2020
An incredible experience. Facilities were adequate but expected.
L
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 27, 2020
Wir haben die Tickets direkt zu unserem Hotel bringen lassen. Hat alles prima geklappt. 1A Service und absolut empfehlenswert!
T
Train #3 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 27, 2020
Blankets would be amazing
V
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 26, 2020
Les draps sales pas très rassurant, le compartiment rempli de moustiques, voyage très bruyant et secouée comme dans une diligence
C
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 26, 2020
We ordered the tickets on line on 12go.asia they replied immediately. We had them delivered to our hotel . I had a few questions which I submitted and they were very quick with a response. The tickets arrived a day ahead it was very professional
A
Train #119 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 20, 2020
Perfekt service !
J
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 20, 2020
Being in a sleeper didn’t have access to restaurant car, which made Food very expensive - paid 55k for 3 people for dinner and breakfast
L
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 15, 2020
We had nice seats and the staff was very kind. Only the food and drinks onboard were a bit more expensive then if you’d buy it outside. But overal good experience!
D
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 9, 2020
Schlafwagen war super(für Myanmar).
4 Liegemöglichkeit, eigene Toilette.
Stecke ist relativ laut. Aber mit Oropax okay. Fenster hatten Lichtschutz.
Fahrt ist lang aber okay und ein besonders Erlebnis
C
Train #120 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Jan 4, 2020
I chose train because this was the only transportation that I found for traveling during the night. Overall was ok except a bit bumpy..
K
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Jan 3, 2020
It is quite comfortable to sleep for the sleeping class. However, it is a bit cold as there is not provide enough thing for you to cover the body.
J
Train #4 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 31, 2019
Train was on time leaving Mandalay and arriving in Yangon. We were travelling as a family of four and our kids loved the trip. The staff come around with a menu and take food orders or you can go to the restaurant car, food not included in the ticket price. The train rolls around a lot but that’s all part of the experience.
L
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 23, 2019
及时收到车票、单个包间、单个卫生间非常好！没有被子、卫生较差不好！半夜能把人冻醒！能够理解缅甸这样的国家有这样的条件。起码应该配被单或薄毯。
T
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 21, 2019
Personally I'd rate our experience 5 stars because it worked out for us, but the train left nearly 7 hours late and was slower than expected. We left at 10:30pm(meant to be 4pm) and arrived in Yangon at 6pm the next day (meant to be 9:30am). We didn't have any connections to make though, and the ride through the vast farming land and villages was actually quite a relaxing way to spend the day. The 2 of us were the only ones in the sleeper berth carriage which has 2 long thin beds and 8 more regular seats which flatten out into very short "beds", surprisingly easy to sleep even with the loud noise and rocking of the train. No food in the carriage as its separate from the rest of the train, but people in villages will come up to the window with reasonably priced fruits and food. If you've got the time and no flights to make I'd recommend the train, otherwise avoid it.
A
Train #3 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 20, 2019
Nice alternative to avoid flight. Tickets were ready to pick up two days before. Absolutely no problem. Train is loud and not really clean, not for everybody, but my children loved iti
A
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 20, 2019
Mauvaise organisation de l'agence à yangon nous avons du nous déplacer 3 fois pour avoir nos billets .
Sinon arrivé à la gare on nous à pris en main jusqu'au wagon couchette, ce n'était pas le grand luxe mais tout était opérationnel .les toilettes
et les couchettes, avec 2 draps et 2 coussins. C'était interminable dans un vieux train qui nous secoue pendant 17h. Pour le retour nous avons opter pour le bus plus moderne JJ moins cher de 5 € on passons par la guest , et normalement plus confortable et moins long.
I
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 16, 2019
The experience was great. We knew the train was slower than the bus and the conditions were a bit more rudimentary. We got a 4 bed cabin with toilet. Beds were ok. The train is noisy and in the night it gets cold (no glass for the windows). Bring your own food or expect to pay quite a lot for the fried rice and vegetables that the train offers. Once we got in the train we were asked for what we'd like for dinner and breakfast. We thought the meals were included as they didn't mentioned the price and it was the first thing we had to do once in the train. Our surprise came the day after when we had to pay 34.500mmk for x4 fried rice, x4 vegetables, x2 coffees and a water. If we had known the meals weren't included we wouldn't have ordered so much food.
B
Train #89 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Dec 8, 2019
My emails have always been responded very quickly. The train journey was fun. Though it departed on time, arrived 30mins late. Good overall experience anyway.
W
Train #89 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Dec 4, 2019
Beatiful ride through Myanmar
A
Train #3 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 3, 2019
Le voyage en train de nuit Yangon Mandalay est une superbe expérience que je conseille fortement ! La prestation de 12go Asia est top ! Billets de train achetés sur internet et livrés directement à notre hôtel !
A
Train #62 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Dec 2, 2019
Der Preis der hier auf der Seite verlangt wird ist total überteuert! Das Ticket an sich kostet 10€ (16.500MMK)! Mein Ticket wurde 3 Tage im Voraus von 12go.asia am Bahnhof Bagan reserviert, als ich es am Reisetag holen wollte hat der Mann am „Ticket Office“ versucht mir nochmal das Geld abzuziehen!!!
Die Reise an sich war eine Erfahrung, die man mal machen sollte. Schlafen wird man nicht viel, der Zug schwangt ständig von der einen zur anderen Seite.
K
Train #131 Upper Class, Myanmar Railways, Nov 30, 2019
Dirty, unstable
C
Train #119 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 29, 2019
I love train travel and always take the option when available. I’m glad I had this experience. I was prepared in understanding the conditions. However be aware, it is the most violent train ride you’ll ever take. Similar to driving high speed over speed bumps while trying to sleep.
A
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 27, 2019
All was perfect
D
Train #3 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 27, 2019
I give it 4* because our tickets were delivered to our hotel in time, the day before we travelled. Their support team had emailed before to reassure all was well, and our 2 person sleeper was probably best on the train. So 12GoAsia deserve 4*. The train probably 2*, as it was very bumpy and most of the time was dark so nothing to see either. Maybe day time train more interesting!
Y
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 27, 2019
The train itself was not very clean, the toilet is more like an “insect museum” with “specimens” of dragonflies and spiders. There are no English-speaking staff, all announcements are made in Burmese which makes it difficult for foreigners not traveling with a local.
P
Train #61 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 26, 2019
We are seasoned travellers in our very early 60’s and love to experience all forms of transport in the countries we visit. My main concern after booking the tickets was that they could not be confirmed until a few days before travel which could have caused a problem for the rest of our trip. However this is not the fault of 12goasia and their communication via email on questions I asked could not be faulted. Picking the ticket up was an interesting experience as although we had a full address, buildings were not easily identifiable. Of course we could have paid $10 to get tickets delivered to our office but their emails about ticket pick up were very detailed concerning office hours etc. The first class train was definitely not to same standard as those we have used in Thailand or Vietnam. I was glad I had booked all 4 beds in our carriage so we could relax and spread out. The trip took 19 hours in the end from Yangon to Bagan. Very bumpy journey but I must have slept more than I realised. Food we bought on the train was actually very tasty with dinner and breakfast delivered to us, which was just as well as we could not move from our carriage! Not for the faint hearted but a great way to see the countryside and relatively cheap dinner, bed and breakfast with transport included!
Y
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 26, 2019
Train is really old and dirty. It’s really loud and sways a lot as well. The only plus point is that you get clean sheets. It would be fun to experience it once, but you probably wouldn’t want to go through it again.
A
Train #120 Sleeper, Myanmar Railways, Nov 26, 2019
All fine. Tickets come to hotel in mandalay at the day, I come.