Bagan's main gateway is Nyaung-U Airport, which receives direct flights from Yangon, Mandalay, and Heho (near Inle Lake). Flight time from Yangon is about 90 minutes. Domestic airlines including Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ, and Air Mandalay serve the route, though schedules change frequently.
By bus, Bagan is about 9 hours from Yangon and 5 hours from Mandalay on overnight coaches. The main bus companies (JJ Express, Shwe Mandalar) run air-conditioned services that are comfortable enough for the journey. Buses arrive at Nyaung-U bus station, a few kilometres from the temple zone.
The slowest but most atmospheric option is the government ferry from Mandalay, which takes about 12 hours downstream and longer heading back upstream. Smaller tourist boats also run the same route, with upper-deck seating and commentary.