Yangon-Pyay Highway Complete Guide: Route 2 & Travel Information 2025
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Yangon-Pyay Highway Complete Guide
System: Toll-free national highway - No payment required
Coverage: Route 2 - Yangon to Pyay via Tharrawaddy (279 km)
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK) - Transport and fuel costs only
Technology: Traditional 2-lane highway, good road conditions
Operators: Ministry of Construction, Government of Myanmar
Do I Need to Pay Tolls on Yangon-Pyay Highway? 2025 Update
No, the Yangon-Pyay Highway (Route 2) is completely toll-free. This 279-kilometer road connecting Myanmar's largest city to the historic town of Pyay requires no payment at any point along the journey. It's one of Myanmar's primary toll-free highways in good condition.
Key Reality: Unlike the tolled Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, Route 2 offers free travel but takes longer due to two-lane configuration and passing through Tharrawaddy town center. Journey time is 4-5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
2025 Update: Road conditions remain good following recent maintenance. Heavy truck traffic restricted during daytime hours (6 AM - 9 PM) in Yangon metropolitan area, but Route 2 continues to serve as major freight corridor to western Myanmar.
Yangon-Pyay Highway Costs: Transportation Expenses
While the highway itself is toll-free, travelers need to budget for fuel, transport tickets, and other travel expenses along this important north-western route.
Current Travel Costs by Transport Mode (2025)
| Transport Mode | Cost (MMK) | USD Equivalent | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Bus (VIP) | 8,000-12,000 | $2.81-4.21 | 4-5 hours |
| Local Bus (Standard) | 5,000-8,000 | $1.75-2.81 | 5-6 hours |
| Private Car (Fuel Cost) | 15,000-20,000 | $5.26-7.02 | 4-5 hours |
| Taxi (Full Journey) | 120,000-150,000 | $42.11-52.63 | 4-5 hours |
| Train (if available) | 3,000-7,000 | $1.05-2.46 | 8-10 hours |
Route Details & Key Stops
Total Distance: 279 kilometers (173 miles)
Major Stops: Yangon → Hlegu → Tharrawaddy → Letpadan → Pyay
Road Type: Two-lane national highway with occasional passing zones
Condition: Good condition, regularly maintained primary road
How to Travel the Yangon-Pyay Highway
You can use the following transport methods to travel the Yangon-Pyay Highway:
1. Express Buses (Recommended):
- VIP air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating
- Direct service with minimal stops
- Departures from Yangon Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal
- Arrive Pyay central bus station near Irrawaddy River
2. Private Vehicle (Car/Motorcycle):
- Myanmar driving license required (international permits not recognized)
- Fuel stations available in major towns along route
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Beware of mixed traffic including ox-carts and motorcycles
3. Railway Connection (Limited):
- Train service via Yangon-Pyay railway line (separate from highway)
- Much slower but scenic journey along Irrawaddy River
- Foreign visitor restrictions may apply (check current policy)
- Unreliable schedule and frequent delays
To calculate travel costs and compare transport options for the Yangon-Pyay route, use TollGuru Myanmar transport calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Road Maintenance Updates:
- Route 2 confirmed in "good condition" according to logistics assessments
- Regular maintenance program ongoing by Ministry of Construction
- Road surface improvements completed in Tharrawaddy section
- Bridge repairs completed following monsoon season damage
Traffic Management:
- Heavy truck restrictions continue in Yangon metropolitan area (6 AM - 9 PM)
- Increased freight traffic using Route 2 as alternative to tolled expressway
- Bus priority measures being studied for Pyay Road section in Yangon
- Improved traffic management in Tharrawaddy town center
Tourism & Access:
- Pyay remains accessible for tourists visiting ancient Pyu sites
- Shwesandaw Pagoda festival (February-March) increases traffic
- Sri Ksetra archaeological site access improved via Route 2
- Irrawaddy River connections enhanced for boat tours
Highway Route & Key Destinations
Yangon Starting Point - Pyay Road:
- Highway begins in western Yangon at Pyay Road
- Major north-south thoroughfare through Yangon city
- Passes Yangon University, Junction Square, and key landmarks
- Bus priority corridor serving downtown business district
Tharrawaddy - Major Midpoint Town:
- Important trade center and district capital
- Highway passes directly through town center
- Fuel stations, restaurants, and rest stops available
- Connection point for roads to Delta region
Pyay Destination - Historic River Town:
- Located on banks of Irrawaddy River, 260km northwest of Yangon
- Gateway to ancient Pyu capital Sri Ksetra (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Major Buddhist pilgrimage site with Shwesandaw Pagoda
- Trade center connecting central Myanmar with Rakhine State
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Budget travelers: $2-3 for express bus, most economical option
- Car rental: $5-7 fuel cost plus rental fees (if driving legally)
- No toll charges - significant savings versus Yangon-Mandalay Expressway
- Food and rest stops: $1-3 along route in major towns
Travel Times & Scheduling:
- Express buses: Frequent departures throughout day
- Early morning departure recommended to avoid afternoon heat
- Allow extra time during festival seasons (February-March)
- Monsoon season (June-October) may cause minor delays
Road Safety & Driving Tips:
- Two-lane road requires careful overtaking - exercise extreme caution
- Mixed traffic includes slow-moving agricultural vehicles
- Road conditions generally good but watch for potholes after rain
- Night driving not recommended due to limited lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yangon-Pyay Highway safe for tourists?
Yes, Route 2 is generally safe for tourists. The road is in good condition and regularly used by buses and private vehicles. However, exercise normal travel precautions and avoid night driving. Mixed traffic requires careful attention if driving yourself.
How does this route compare to the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway?
The Yangon-Pyay Highway is toll-free but goes to a different destination (Pyay instead of Mandalay). It's a two-lane road versus the expressway's four lanes, so journey times are longer. However, it offers scenic views and access to historic sites that the expressway bypasses.
Can I drive this route with an international license?
No, Myanmar does not recognize international driving permits. All drivers, including diplomats, must obtain a Myanmar driving license from the Department for Road Transport and Administration in Yangon. Most tourists use buses or taxis instead.
What are the main attractions accessible from this highway?
The highway provides access to Pyay's Shwesandaw Pagoda, the ancient Pyu capital of Sri Ksetra (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Akauk Taung Buddha cliff carvings, and connections to Irrawaddy River boat tours. It's also the gateway to western Myanmar and Rakhine State.
Are there alternative routes to Pyay?
The Yangon-Pyay railway line offers a slower but scenic alternative following the Irrawaddy River. Boat connections are also possible via Irrawaddy River from Mandalay or other river ports, though these take much longer and are seasonal.
Yangon-Pyay vs. Other Myanmar Highways
| Highway | Route | Toll Status | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangon-Pyay Highway (Route 2) | 279 km via Tharrawaddy | Toll-Free | Good |
| Yangon-Mandalay Expressway | 587 km via Naypyidaw | Tolled (4,500 MMK) | Excellent |
| National Highway 1 (Old Road) | Yangon-Mandalay via towns | Toll-Free | Variable |
| Yangon-Pathein Highway | 196 km west to Delta | Toll-Free | Good |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Yangon Transport - Starting point transport information
- Pyay Attractions - Destination highlights and sites
- Myanmar Bus Routes - Inter-city bus connections
- Route 2 Myanmar - Complete highway system information
- Tharrawaddy Transport - Midpoint town connections
- Irrawaddy River Transport - Alternative boat connections
Official Agencies:
- Ministry of Construction - Highway maintenance and development
- Department for Road Transport and Administration - Driving licenses and regulations
- Ministry of Transport and Communications - Transport policy and oversight
- Yangon Regional Government - Metropolitan area transport management
Transport Services:
- Yangon Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal - Departure point for Pyay buses
- Express bus operators - VIP services to Pyay and western destinations
- Local bus services - Standard transport options along the route
- Fuel stations and rest stops - Available in major towns along highway
