Bus, Rangoon / Yangon, Rangoon

Bus 43 (burmese 43 looks like a mirrored 9) to Aung Mingalar bus terminal (for Mandalay, Bagan, Inle...) leaves from Sule Pagoda road between Sule Pagoda and Anawrahta road, 200 Kyat, over 1 hour. Taxi probably 6000 Kyat.

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There are a range of bus services around Yangon - but, there is a major need for you to either have the phsical space needs of a sardine, or exceptionally good holding on skills if you end up on the back!

The buses were generally as old as the hills, and obviously a major people moving mode of transport in this city. Bicycles and motorbikes are not permitted in Yangon, so mass people moving is the only option, if you don't own your own car.

In addition to the bus option, there is a train, which we did not sample.

There are numerous buses in Yangon, and they all look like the one pictured. They are absolutely ancient and are probably as much a testament to the skill and ingenuity of Burmese mechanics as they are to the original manufacturers. I was told most of them predate the Second world War! A few kyat will take you just about anywhere in the city, although be warned, they are extremely crowded. No Yangon bus is complete until there are a couple of dozen people hanging on the outside.

There don't seem to be any destination boards, and the fare collector shouts out the destination of the bus at every stop.

I didn't actually venture on one myself - I'm just too big.

The public bus system is easily the cheapest way to get around the city. Unfortunately it is likely the most confusing and uncomfortable way to see the sites of this sprawling city. When I visited we had hired a tour guide ($3 for the whole day) who took us on the buses and saved many many kyat in doing so. It only costs a few dozen (at most) kyat to ride these ex-World War 2 tranporters, which i only a few US cents. Like I said it is also quite uncomfortable in these crowded 60 years old machines, especially for lanky western tourists. There are rarely ever seats and the roof is quite low, so be ready to make like a sardine. Your back may hate you but if you're on a tight budget, your money belt will thank you!

Buses in Yangon are really funny and looks like those Laurel and Hardy cartoon ones. They look bulky instead of a rectangular shape.. they have curvy features at the tips.
Travelling in them is ony for the braveheart.. More often than not they are packed to the brim. I am not sure if many people would understand the name of the place and the bus stops didn;'t appear that helpful..
Even if you are on a budget trip keep yourself restricted to cabs... read my other transport tip for help..

The public buses that travel the streets of Yangon are very packed with people! If you decide to get on one be prepared to be squished. I didn't ride in any as I spent most of my time walking and for the longer distances I used a taxi which was VERY cheap. Of course not nearly as cheap as riding a bus. But I didn't have time to learn the routes.
I watched a full bus still fit 10 more people into it! And there were people hanging off the sides of the bus too. I'm sure the conductor can't collect all of the money that is due.

A typical Burmese public bus (see photo below... and zoom in on the white and green vehicle). It is not uncommon for you to spot an overly crowded bus with these Burmese men clinging on for their dear lives to the railings of the vehicle! (Not kidding).

I had an experience riding on one of these buses... and let's just say that it was an experience I'd NEVER DARE forget!!! ;-)

Don't use the local bus network, It's crowded and you have to be used to it to use it safely.

2 Guys I met at the hotel said they were refused entry to a local bus and told to get a taxi.