Most travellers to Mawlamyine arrive by overnight bus. It's the cheapest option with tickets ranging from 2500 kyat for a standard non aircon bus to 8000 kyat for the "spacious" service offered by some operators.

 

Catching the train to Mawlamyine is so much easier now with the completion of the new Mawlamyine train station at Myay Ni Gone quarter in February 2006. Direct services over the Thanlwin Bridge now completes the journey with much convenience and safety. Prior to the bridge's completion in early 2005, train travellers were required to terminate at Mottama on the west bank of the Thanlwin river and catch ferries or long tail boats across the river to the central market at Zeigyi. Those days are now long gone. Currently two train services operate between Yangon and Mawlamyine including an air-conditioned car with dining facilities. There is also a daily train service from the nation's capital, Nay Pyi Daw to Mawlamyine.

 

Air services between Yangon and Mawlamyine is provided twice a week on Thursday and Saturdays on the government carrier, Myanma Airways. The journey takes only 40 minutes using a brand new AVIC MA60 aircraft. Unfortunately, at the moment, you can only fly from Yangon to Mawlamyine, but not return as the flight continues on to Kawthaung. Be sure to check the latest dates and times from the Myanmar Airways office as the flight schedule changes without much prior notice, and may not operate to Mawlamyine when demand is low.