Heading north, buses to Lancang leave regularly from the main bus station. The trip takes one and a half hours, and costs 13元.

Southward, local buses depart from the south bus station on Da Jie' (大街), near the bridge, just in front of the Menglian Hotel. They cost 3元 to Mengma, and 5元 to Meng'a. Buses leave when the driver considers them 'full enough', so there is no fixed schedule. As a guide, in winter, the first bus south left just after 8AM, which is early enough to catch the market at Meng'a.

Most distances are small, and the town center is flat, most will find walking the easiest way to get around. If you need extra help or want to get out of town, private vehicles (mostly minivans) can be hired from the corner of Bai Xiang Jie and Hai Guan Lu - bargaining is essential.

Menglian is divided in to two by the Bin He River, which flows north/south through the middle of town. The old town, now largely developed, lies to the west of the river, while the new town lies to the east. The old town is mostly interesting for its three major attractions: Mid-level Temple, the Minorities History Museum and the Top-level Temple, as well as for Gold Hill (jin shan) behind them. The new town's major landmarks are the China Customs building on Hai Guan Lu, the Menglian Market on the corner of Hai Guan Lu and Pa Dang Lu, and the Golden Pagoda in the north of town.