Yangon Layover Guide (RGN)

What are you looking for in RGN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Yangon Airport (RGN) is an international airport located in Mingaladon, about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Yangon. The airport first opened in 1947. Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and serves as its commercial and cultural hub. The city is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and historic landmarks like the Shwedagon Pagoda. It offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity for travelers and residents alike.

Can you leave Yangon Airport (RGN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers cannot leave Yangon International Airport (RGN) during layovers without a valid Myanmar visa. Myanmar does not provide free transit without visa. Travelers must secure an eVisa, visa-on-arrival (for eligible nationals), or apply for a transit visa prior to travel. Failure to do so will result in denied airport exit. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Shwedagon Pagoda Marvel at the shimmering golden stupa, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site, explore ornate terraces, witness local rituals, and enjoy panoramic city and sunset views amid serene monastery grounds during spiritual ceremonies. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 30 min.)
• Bogyoke Aung San Market Wander through colonial-era Bogyoke Aung San Market’s labyrinthine stalls offering exquisite lacquerware, gemstones, textiles, artworks, and handicrafts, bargain with friendly vendors, and sample Burmese snacks amid bustling indoor alleys. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 30 min.)
• Yangon Circular Train Board the Yangon Circular Train for a scenic three-hour loop through vibrant suburbs, rice paddies, local communities, and bustling markets, savor street snacks, interact with friendly passengers, and photograph everyday Burmese life. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to Yangon Central Railway Station, approx. 30 min.)
• Sule Pagoda & City Hall Visit the centrally located Sule Pagoda, admire its octagonal stupa and serene temple grounds, then stroll around adjacent colonial-era City Hall and Maha Bandula Park to observe Yangon’s urban heartbeat. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 30 min.)
• Karaweik Palace Step aboard the gilded Karaweik Royal Barge on Kandawgyi Lake, enjoy traditional Myanmar performances, savor authentic Burmese cuisine in opulent surroundings while gazing at shimmering lake reflections beneath evening lights. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 25 min.)
• Kandawgyi Lake Park Escape the city’s bustle at Kandawgyi Lake Park, walk tree-lined trails, picnic beside serene waterways, photograph the iconic Karaweik Palace reflection, and relax under shady tamarind trees with locals exercising. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 25 min.)
• 19th Street Food Experience Yangon’s famous 19th Street in Chinatown, indulge in smoky grilled skewers, fresh seafood, local beer, and communal sidewalk dining amid neon lights, live music, and convivial street-side atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 30 min.)
• National Museum of Myanmar Explore the National Museum’s extensive collection of royal regalia, ancient sculptures, lacquerware, and ethnographic exhibits, learn Myanmar’s rich history through curated galleries and informative displays in spacious colonial-era buildings. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, approx. 25 min.)

Things to Do in Yangon Airport (RGN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Yangon International Airport features the Plaza Premium Lounge in the international terminal offering comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and showers. Access via priority pass, lounge membership, or pay-per-use. Quiet areas, reading materials, and workstations create a relaxing environment for passengers seeking respite before departure. Operating daily, hours may vary by schedule. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Yangon International Airport offer convenient accommodations, including ParkRoyal Yangon and Novotel Yangon Max. Shuttle services connect properties to terminals. Rooms range from budget to luxury, featuring Wi-Fi, dining, fitness centers, and business facilities. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Daily rates depend on room. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Designated rest areas within the departures level offer reclining seats and quiet zones. Complimentary seating sections are available near Gates 3 and 7. Resting mats can be rented at information counters. These zones operate twenty-four hours, providing a safe, air-conditioned space for passengers to relax or nap between flights uninterrupted.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Yangon Airport for thirty minutes per session. Unlimited access passes can be purchased at Wi-Fi kiosks or through MPT and Telenor portals. Signal strength is strong in terminals, lounges, and eateries. Ethernet ports are unavailable, so wireless connectivity is the primary internet option for travelers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Myanmar SIM and eSIM cards are sold at telecom booths in the arrivals hall. Major providers include MPT, Ooredoo, and Telenor. Prepaid plans offer data, voice, and SMS bundles at affordable rates. Registration requires passport details. eSIM activation is instant via QR code, while staff install physical SIMs quickly, free. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis are available outside arrivals, operating twenty-four hours. Fares start with a meter; flat-rate options to downtown Yangon are offered. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so carry cash in kyat. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt operate, though availability may fluctuate depending on demand and time of day.

Train: Currently, there is no direct train link to Yangon International Airport. The nearest railway service is the Yangon Circular Railway, accessible via Yangon Central Station downtown. Passengers must travel by taxi or bus to the city center to connect to rail services. more info. Schedules vary by season.

Bus: Public airport bus services connect Yangon International Airport to city neighborhoods. The Yangon Bus Service (YBS) routes 7 and 7A run between the airport and downtown every twenty to thirty minutes. Tickets cost under 300 kyat. For route maps, stops, and schedules visit more info. Daily operation hours vary.

Shuttle: Several hotels and tour operators provide shared shuttle services between Yangon International Airport and central hotels. Shuttles are typically pre-booked, offering door-to-door transfers. Fares depend on route and group size, with discounts for round-trip bookings. Schedules align with flight arrivals; confirmations include pick-up details and driver contact information. Early booking advised.

Car rentals: International and local car rental companies operate at Yangon Airport, including Avis, Hertz, and local providers. Rental desks are located in arrivals; bookings can also be made online. Drivers must present a valid international or Myanmar driver’s license and passport. Insurance coverage options are available at additional cost. Fuel policies vary. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking facilities are available at Yangon Airport adjacent to the terminal. Rates are charged by the hour and day, payable at automated kiosks. Security patrols and CCTV monitor the lots. Oversized vehicle parking and EV charging stations are available at designated zones close to terminal entrances. 24/7.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Lockers and luggage storage services operate in the arrivals hall of Yangon Airport. Sizes range from small to large, with hourly and daily rates. Prepaid tokens or cash payments are accepted. Items are secured with surveillance cameras. Staff can assist with special requests such as oversized baggage or extended storage periods. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Yangon Airport (RGN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks