Yangon Central Railway Station
A historic architectural marvel and the gateway to the unique Yangon Circular Train experience, offering a glimpse into local life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
Yangon Central Railway Station
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic architectural marvel and the gateway to the unique Yangon Circular Train experience, offering a glimpse into local life.
"The central station with circulation train around the city that would be one of the most interesting activities in the capital of Myanmar."
🎫 Circle Train Value
Ride the entire 3-hour Yangon Circle Train for about $0.13 USD (200 Kyat).
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Station
Use the second-floor walkway to easily access downtown Yangon from the station.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yangon Circular Train
Yangon Central Railway Station
Experience local life on a 3-hour loop around the city for a unique cultural immersion.

Architectural Grandeur
Yangon Central Railway Station
Marvel at the magnificent, historic architecture of this grand station, a testament to Yangon's past.

DEMU Air-Conditioned Express
Yangon Central Railway Station
Travel in comfort on the new DEMU trains for a pleasant journey to destinations like Naypyitaw or Mandalay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Commute
Station Charm and Modern Needs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎫 Circle Train Value
Ride the entire 3-hour Yangon Circle Train for about $0.13 USD (200 Kyat).
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Station
Use the second-floor walkway to easily access downtown Yangon from the station.
📱 Navigation App
Use the YBS navigation app for bus routes and travel info in Yangon.
🧥 Cool Train Ride
Newer trains like the Yangon-Bago express have powerful AC; bring a light jacket.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎫 Circle Train Value
Ride the entire 3-hour Yangon Circle Train for about $0.13 USD (200 Kyat).
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Station
Use the second-floor walkway to easily access downtown Yangon from the station.
📱 Navigation App
Use the YBS navigation app for bus routes and travel info in Yangon.
🧥 Cool Train Ride
Newer trains like the Yangon-Bago express have powerful AC; bring a light jacket.
💺 Upper Class Comfort
Opt for the 'Upper Class' air-cushioned express for a more comfortable long-distance journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Yangon Central Railway Station for its magnificent historical architecture and the incredible value of the Yangon Circular Train. The station is seen as a vital transport hub, offering a unique cultural experience. However, some reviews note that the station shows signs of age and could benefit from modernization and clearer signage.
"A very nice place in Yangon. The central station with circulation train around the city that would be one of the most interesting activities in the capital of Myanmar.
The construction is remained for long time but being in good condition in use.
It is not so hard to buy ticket for tourists like us, because they have all the guidance sign in each lane."
Nguyễn Quang Mạnh
"The train from Yangon to Bago is brand new - basically a metro with seats aligned on each side for a two hour ride. I took it today. But very pleasant and only cost 2.5k. Leaves every day at 16.45 hrs. The air con is just a wee bit too powerful. Bring a light jacket."
Peter Buerstedde
"Yangon Central Railway Station, a magnificent architectural marvel, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Its grand and massive infrastructure, though impressive, reveals signs of age. To cater to the demands of modern travelers, the station requires significant upgrades, including the installation of modern equipment and arrangements, clear direction signs, and user-friendly online systems. These enhancements will not only improve the overall passenger experience but also elevate the station's status as a vital transportation hub in Yangon."
Hein Thaw (ဟိန်းသော်)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yangon Central Railway Station is centrally located in the downtown area. You can easily reach it by taxi, Grab, or local buses. Many visitors find it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
From the station, you can catch the Yangon Circular Train for a city tour, take a taxi or Grab to your next destination, or use the second-floor walkway to access downtown areas.
Yes, the YBS (Yangon Bus Service) navigation app can help you find bus routes and travel information within the city.
Absolutely! Yangon Central Railway Station is a hub for inter-city travel. You can find trains to destinations like Bago, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay, including newer DEMU express trains.
While the station's architecture is grand, signage can be improved. However, for the circular train, there are guidance signs in each lane to assist passengers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Yangon Circular Train offers incredible value. A ride covering 8 stations costs approximately 500 MMK, and a full round-trip on the circular train is around 1,000 MMK.
For the entire 3-hour journey, it's only about 200 Kyat (USD 0.13).Tickets for the Yangon Circular Train can be purchased at the station. While signage could be better, there are guidance signs in each lane to help tourists.
Yes, for longer routes like Yangon to Mandalay, you can opt for 'Upper Class' air-cushioned express trains for a more comfortable experience.
For the Yangon Circular Train, advance booking is generally not necessary as tickets are readily available at the station. However, for inter-city express trains, checking schedules and booking in advance might be advisable.
The Yangon Circular Train completes its loop in about three hours. While specific departure times can vary, it's a popular local commute, especially on weekdays.
📸 📸 Photography
The station's grand architecture itself is a photographic highlight. Look for the intricate details, the vast concourse, and the historic facade. Capturing the bustling activity of commuters and vendors can also make for dynamic shots.
Yes, taking photos on the Yangon Circular Train is generally welcomed. It's a fantastic opportunity to capture candid moments of local life and the passing scenery.
Expect to capture vibrant street scenes, local vendors, diverse passengers, and the changing landscapes as the train circles the city. The open doorways offer unique perspectives.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of passengers and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals without their consent.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography. However, the station is always active, providing opportunities for interesting shots at any time.
🎫 🚆 Onboard Experience
Riding the Yangon Circular Train is a unique cultural immersion. You'll see local life, vendors, and diverse neighborhoods. Sitting in the doorway with legs hanging out offers a thrilling perspective.
Comfort levels vary. The newer DEMU trains, like the Yangon-Bago express, are modern and air-conditioned, offering a pleasant ride.
Older carriages on the circular train can be more basic but offer an authentic experience.The circular train passes through suburban areas, local markets, and residential neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into everyday Yangon life.
The views are a significant part of the experience.Weekdays can be very crowded with local commuters and vendors. Weekends tend to be quieter and more relaxed.
Yes, you can alight at any stop you like on the circular train route. If the full 3-hour journey is too long, you can hop off and use Grab to reach your destination.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For longer family trips, the newer DEMU express trains offer air-conditioned comfort, which can be a lifesaver in Yangon's climate. Ensure children are supervised, especially if sitting near open doors, and be mindful of the powerful air conditioning on some newer trains.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the train, the station itself is a free attraction, showcasing impressive historical architecture. For travel to other cities, while newer express trains exist, opting for standard class on older routes can still be very economical.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for softer light, but the station's constant activity offers photographic opportunities throughout the day. Remember to be respectful when photographing people, and always ask for permission if possible.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Yangon Circular Train Experience
For an authentic experience, consider riding in the open doorways, allowing you to feel the breeze and get an unobstructed view of the passing scenery. While weekdays can be packed with commuters and vendors, weekends offer a more relaxed atmosphere. The fare is incredibly affordable, with a full round trip costing around 1,000 MMK (approximately $0.65 USD).
Key Takeaways:
* Duration: Approximately 3 hours for the full loop.
* Cost: Extremely budget-friendly, around 1,000 MMK for a round trip.
* Experience: Immersive cultural insight, vibrant local life, scenic views.
* Crowds: Higher on weekdays, lower on weekends.
Yangon Central Railway Station: A Historical Gem
While its beauty is undeniable, the station could benefit from modern upgrades to enhance the passenger experience. Recommendations include installing modern equipment, improving directional signage, and developing user-friendly online systems. Despite its age, the station remains a vital transportation hub, connecting Yangon to various parts of Myanmar.
Architectural Highlights:
* Grandeur: Impressive scale and historical design.
* Charm: Signs of age contribute to its unique character.
* Functionality: Remains a key transport hub.
Modern Comforts: The DEMU Trains
One notable example is the Yangon-Bago express, described as a modern metro with comfortable seating. While the air conditioning can be quite powerful, making a light jacket advisable, these trains offer a pleasant and efficient way to travel. The 'Upper Class' option on express trains further enhances the comfort for those looking for a premium journey.
DEMU Train Features:
* Modern: Contemporary design and amenities.
* Air-Conditioned: Provides a cool and comfortable ride.
* Routes: Serves destinations like Bago, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay.
* Comfort: 'Upper Class' options available for enhanced travel.
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