Myanmar Toll Roads Complete Guide: Yangon-Mandalay Expressway & Highway Network 2025
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Myanmar Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Limited toll network with single major expressway
Coverage: Yangon-Mandalay Expressway (587 km) - Myanmar's only toll road
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
Technology: Five toll stations with manual collection
Operators: Government of Myanmar, Ministry of Construction
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Myanmar? 2025 Update
Yes, if you use the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway - Myanmar's only toll road and the country's premier highway connection. This 587-kilometer four-lane expressway connects the country's largest city (Yangon) with the cultural capital (Mandalay) via the administrative capital (Naypyidaw).
Key Reality: Myanmar has only one toll road - the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway (also called Bagan Highway). All other roads in Myanmar's 148,690 km network are toll-free, including the parallel old Yangon-Mandalay highway that trucks must use.
2025 Update: Despite political instability, the expressway remains operational with five toll stations. However, trucks are prohibited from using the expressway and must use the parallel toll-free highway, making this a passenger car-only toll road.
Myanmar Toll Costs: Current Rates
Myanmar operates one of Southeast Asia's most limited toll networks, with only a single expressway requiring payment for passenger vehicles.
Yangon-Mandalay Expressway Toll Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Full Journey (MMK) | USD Equivalent | Access Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars | 4,500 MMK | ~$2.15 | Permitted |
| Buses | 22,500 MMK | ~$10.75 | Permitted |
| Motorcycles | Lower rates | ~$1.00 | Permitted |
| Trucks (All Types) | PROHIBITED | N/A | Must use old highway |
*Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 2,100 MMK (approximate). Rates subject to change due to political situation.
Toll Station Locations (2025)
| Station Location | Region/Division | Distance from Yangon | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangon Station | Yangon Region | 0 km | Entry/exit point |
| Pyu Station | Bago Region | ~150 km | Intermediate point |
| Naypyidaw Station | Naypyidaw Union Territory | ~320 km | Capital city access |
| Meiktila Station | Mandalay Region | ~470 km | Regional hub |
| Mandalay Station | Mandalay Region | 587 km | Terminal point |
How to Pay Myanmar Tolls
Myanmar uses a simple manual toll collection system on its single expressway:
1. Cash Payment (Only Option):
- Myanmar Kyat (MMK) - only currency accepted
- Manual toll booths with government staff
- No electronic toll collection systems available
- Exact change recommended for smoother transactions
2. Toll Collection Process:
- Flat rate for full journey regardless of exit point
- Payment required at entry to expressway
- Receipt provided for record keeping
- No credit cards or foreign currency accepted
3. Alternative Routes:
- Old Yangon-Mandalay Highway: Completely toll-free
- Longer journey time but no toll charges
- Mandatory route for all trucks and freight vehicles
- Generally good condition but two-lane road
To calculate toll costs for cars, buses, motorcycles on Myanmar's expressway, use TollGuru Myanmar toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Political and Security Situation:
- 2021 military coup continues to impact transportation infrastructure
- Ongoing conflict between military junta and resistance groups affects regional travel
- Expressway remains operational but security concerns persist
- International infrastructure projects delayed due to political instability
Infrastructure Developments:
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project severely delayed (now targeting 2027)
- Myanmar needs $60 billion in transport infrastructure investments for 2016-2030
- Road user fees can cover only one-third of required infrastructure investment
- Paved highway network increased by 35% in recent years but remains limited
Safety and Operational Issues:
- Expressway dubbed "Death Highway" due to safety concerns and accidents
- Excessive speed identified as major cause of accidents
- Road infrastructure not built to international standards (non-banked curves)
- Government planning road widening projects after numerous accidents
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Car toll: 4,500 MMK (~$2.15) for full 587 km journey
- Bus toll: 22,500 MMK (~$10.75) for passenger buses
- Alternative: Use toll-free old highway (longer but free)
- Currency: Carry sufficient Myanmar Kyat - no foreign currency accepted
Route Advantages:
- Four-lane expressway vs. two-lane old highway
- Significantly reduced travel time between major cities
- Access to Naypyidaw (capital city) via dedicated exit
- 100 km/h speed limit (when safe to drive at this speed)
Safety Considerations:
- Road safety awareness is generally low in Myanmar
- Many vehicles imported from Japan (right-hand drive) on right-hand traffic roads
- International driving licenses not recognized - Myanmar license required
- Rest areas, police stations, and gas stations below international standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Myanmar tolls completely?
Yes, easily. Myanmar has only one toll road (Yangon-Mandalay Expressway). The parallel old Yangon-Mandalay Highway is completely toll-free and covers the same route, though it takes longer and is a two-lane road.
Can trucks use the expressway?
No, trucks are completely prohibited from using the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. All trucks and freight vehicles must use the parallel toll-free old highway, making the expressway passenger vehicle-only.
What payment methods are accepted?
Only Myanmar Kyat cash is accepted at toll stations. There are no electronic payment systems, credit cards, or foreign currency acceptance. Manual toll booths are staffed by government personnel.
Is the expressway safe to drive?
The expressway has safety concerns and has been called the "Death Highway" due to accidents. Issues include non-banked curves, excessive speed, and infrastructure not meeting international standards. Drive cautiously and follow speed limits.
Do I need a Myanmar driving license?
Yes, international driving licenses are not recognized in Myanmar. All drivers, including diplomatic missions, must apply for a Myanmar driving license at the Department for Road Transport and Administration in Yangon.
Myanmar vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myanmar | Single toll road | $2.15 full journey | 587 km expressway only |
| Thailand | Electronic + cash | THB 10-240 per trip | Extensive network |
| Laos | Limited tolls | Minimal charges | Few toll roads |
| Vietnam | Expanding network | Distance-based | Major highways |
| Bangladesh | Select highways | Bridge tolls | Limited network |
| India | FASTag electronic | Distance-based | Extensive network |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Yangon-Mandalay Expressway - Complete expressway information
- Myanmar Highway Network - Overall road system details
- Myanmar Transport - Comprehensive transportation overview
- Naypyidaw Roads - Capital city road network
Major Highway Routes:
- Old Yangon-Mandalay Highway - Toll-free alternative route
- Yangon-Pyay Highway - Western route in good condition
- Mandalay-Lashio Road - Important China trade route
- Yangon-Pathein Highway - Western Union Highway
Government Agencies:
- Ministry of Construction - Highway construction and maintenance
- Ministry of Rail Transportation - Railway and transport coordination
- Department for Road Transport and Administration - Licensing and regulation
Regional Toll Information:
- Thailand Toll Roads - Eastern neighbor's comprehensive network
- Laos Toll Roads - Northern neighbor's limited system
- Vietnam Toll Roads - Eastern neighbor's expanding network
- Bangladesh Toll Roads - Western neighbor's bridge tolls
- India Toll Roads - Western neighbor's extensive FASTag system
International Development:
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway - Regional connectivity project
- Asian Development Bank - Transport infrastructure assessments
- ASEAN connectivity initiatives - Regional integration efforts
- China-Myanmar economic corridor - Infrastructure development projects
