Yangon-Mandalay Expressway Complete Guide: Myanmar's Only Toll Road 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Yangon-Mandalay Expressway Complete Guide
Official Name: Yangon-Mandalay Expressway (also known as Bagan Highway)
Length: 587 kilometers (365 miles)
Type: Four-lane divided highway, Myanmar's only toll road
Speed Limit: 100 km/h (62 mph)
Opened: Completed in phases, fully operational since early 2010s
Yangon-Mandalay Expressway Overview
The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway is Myanmar's premier highway and the country's only toll road, connecting the commercial capital Yangon with the cultural capital Mandalay via the administrative capital Naypyidaw. This four-lane divided highway represents Myanmar's most significant transportation infrastructure achievement.
Key Features: The expressway features 842 box culverts, 1,396 bridges, and 116 underpasses across its 587-kilometer length. The road surface comprises two concrete layers designed to withstand 80-ton loads, making it suitable for heavy passenger traffic.
Important Restriction: Trucks are completely prohibited from using this expressway and must use the parallel toll-free old Yangon-Mandalay Highway, making this a passenger vehicle-only toll road.
Toll Rates and Payment Information
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Full Journey Toll | USD Equivalent | Per Kilometer Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | 4,500 MMK | ~$2.15 | ~7.7 MMK/km |
| Passenger Buses | 22,500 MMK | ~$10.75 | ~38.3 MMK/km |
| Motorcycles | Lower rate | ~$1.00 | Variable |
| Trucks (All Types) | PROHIBITED | N/A | Must use old highway |
*Flat rate charged regardless of exit point. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 2,100 MMK (subject to change)
Payment Methods
Cash Only System:
- Myanmar Kyat (MMK) - only accepted currency
- Manual toll booths with government staff
- Payment required at expressway entry
- No electronic payment systems available
- No credit cards or foreign currency accepted
Toll Stations and Route Details
Five Toll Station Locations
| Station Name | Location/Region | Distance from Yangon | Major Access Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangon Toll Station | Yangon Region | 0 km (Start Point) | Yangon International Airport, Downtown Yangon |
| Pyu Toll Station | Bago Region | ~150 km | Pyu Ancient City, Bago connections |
| Naypyidaw Toll Station | Naypyidaw Union Territory | ~320 km | Capital city, Government buildings, Airport |
| Meiktila Toll Station | Mandalay Region | ~470 km | Meiktila Lake, Central Myanmar hub |
| Mandalay Toll Station | Mandalay Region | 587 km (End Point) | Mandalay Palace, Mandalay Airport, Royal city |
Technical Specifications
Road Construction:
- Two concrete layers: 8.2m wide x 15cm thick lower layer, 7.6m wide x 30cm thick upper layer
- Two 7.6m wide carriageways divided by 9.1m wide traffic islands
- Road designed to withstand 80-ton loads
- 842 box culverts for water management
- 1,396 bridges spanning various terrain
- 116 underpasses for local traffic and wildlife
Safety Information and Concerns
"Death Highway" Safety Issues
The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway has earned the unfortunate nickname "Death Highway" due to numerous accidents and safety concerns identified by news agencies and safety experts.
Primary Safety Concerns:
- **Excessive speed** - Major cause of accidents according to police records
- **Non-banked curves** - Turns not built for safe high-speed navigation
- **Inadequate brake strips** - No exit brake strips provided during extensions
- **Non-international standards** - Highway traffic signs don't comply with international standards
- **Unsafe vehicles** - Many vehicles in poor mechanical condition
- **Driver inexperience** - Many drivers lack highway driving experience and Highway Code knowledge
Infrastructure Deficiencies:
- Rest areas, police stations, and gas stations below international standards
- Inadequate emergency services and response capabilities
- Poor road surface conditions in some sections
- Government planning road widening projects after numerous accidents
Driving Safety Tips
Essential Safety Precautions:
- Strictly observe the 100 km/h speed limit
- Exercise extreme caution on curves and turns
- Maintain safe following distances
- Ensure vehicle is in good mechanical condition before travel
- Plan rest stops at available service areas
- Avoid night driving when possible due to limited lighting
- Carry emergency supplies and communication devices
Alternative Routes
Old Yangon-Mandalay Highway (Toll-Free)
The parallel old Yangon-Mandalay Highway runs alongside the expressway and serves as the mandatory route for trucks and freight vehicles.
Old Highway Features:
- Completely toll-free for all vehicle types
- Two-lane road (some four-lane sections near Yangon and Mandalay)
- Generally good condition with recent improvements
- Primarily used for cargo traffic and budget travelers
- Longer travel time but no toll charges
- Better access to local towns and services
| Route Comparison | Expressway | Old Highway |
|---|---|---|
| Toll Cost | 4,500 MMK (~$2.15) for cars | Free |
| Lanes | Four-lane divided highway | Two-lane (some four-lane sections) |
| Travel Time | Shorter (when driving safely) | Longer but more reliable |
| Truck Access | Prohibited | Mandatory for all trucks |
| Services | Limited, below international standards | Better access to local services |
Historical Context and Development
Project History
The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway project has a complex history spanning several decades of planning and construction.
Development Timeline:
- **1960s**: Initial surveys completed but deemed too expensive
- **1961-1963**: US-funded alternative studies delayed by 1962 military coup
- **1960s-1990s**: Plans delayed due to political and economic factors
- **2000s**: Construction began under military government
- **Early 2010s**: Expressway completed and opened to traffic
Strategic Importance:
- Connects Myanmar's three most important cities
- Serves as backbone for Myanmar's limited highway network
- Critical for passenger transport between major urban centers
- Part of regional connectivity initiatives (when political situation allows)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can trucks use the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway?
No, trucks are completely prohibited from using the expressway. All trucks, regardless of size, must use the parallel toll-free old Yangon-Mandalay Highway. This makes the expressway unique as a passenger vehicle-only toll road.
Is the expressway safe to drive?
The expressway has significant safety concerns and has been called the "Death Highway." Major issues include excessive speed, non-banked curves, and infrastructure below international standards. Drive cautiously, observe speed limits, and consider using the safer old highway if you're concerned about safety.
What payment methods are accepted for tolls?
Only Myanmar Kyat cash is accepted. There are no electronic payment systems, credit cards, or foreign currency options. Bring exact change in Myanmar Kyat for smoother transactions at the manual toll booths.
Can I exit at different points or is it a flat rate?
It's a flat rate system. You pay the full toll (4,500 MMK for cars) regardless of where you exit the expressway. This differs from distance-based toll systems used in other countries.
Are there services like gas stations and rest areas?
Yes, but they are below international standards according to safety assessments. Plan your journey carefully, ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel, and consider the old highway route if you need better access to services and amenities.
Useful Links & Resources
Related Myanmar Transport:
- Myanmar Toll Roads - Complete overview of Myanmar's toll system
- Old Yangon-Mandalay Highway - Toll-free alternative route
- Myanmar Highway Network - National road system
- Naypyidaw Transport - Capital city access and connections
Major Cities Connected:
- Yangon Transport - Commercial capital transportation
- Mandalay Transport - Cultural capital connections
- Naypyidaw - Administrative capital access
- Pyu Ancient City - Historical site connections
Safety and Travel Information:
- Myanmar Driving License - License requirements for foreigners
- Myanmar Road Safety - Safety guidelines and tips
- Myanmar Emergency Services - Contact information
- Myanmar Travel Advisories - Current security situation
Regional Connectivity:
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway - Regional connectivity project
- Asian Highway Network - AH1 route through Myanmar
- Greater Mekong Subregion - Regional transport integration
