Yangon Circular Train (Circle Line)

The basics

The Yangon Circular Train departs from the historic Yangon Central Railway Station. While the entire loop takes roughly three hours, it’s also possible to ride just one section, continuing to your next destination by taxi or with a tour operator. Some tours of the Yangon Circular Train include stops for market visits or neighborhood excursions—opportunities to experience the city in greater depth.

Things to know before you go

• Great for railroad enthusiasts or for travelers looking for a less-visited side of Yangon.
• Bring a passport to present when purchasing tickets.
• Windows don’t open on air-conditioned cars.
• Though they can be hot, the cars without air conditioning are best for photography.
• Vendors step on and off the train selling snacks; bring small change for purchasing food along the way.

How to get there

The Yangon Central Railway Station, where the Yangon Circular Train departs, is located on Kun Chan Road. Just north of downtown Yangon, the station is easy to reach by taxi or with a tour operator. Pansoedan Bus Stop is a short walk from the station on Bo Gyoke Road, though navigating the Yangon bus system can be intimidating for visitors who don’t speak Burmese.

When to get there

Train cars tend to be cooler and less crowded in the morning hours, and that is also prime-time for purchasing snacks from roving vendors. Those vendors—who hawk everything from noodles to sliced watermelon—cater to workers who start their days early, and sometimes sell out by mid-afternoon.

Buying Tickets for the Yangon Circular Train

Tour operators generally take care of tickets if you’re riding the Yangon Circular Train as part of an excursion. If you’re hoping to experience the Yangon Circular Train on your own, head to platform seven in the Yangon Central Railway Station. There, tickets are sold in an office marked “Enquiries.” You can choose between trains that make the trip clockwise or counterclockwise.