Last checked: November 2026
The best way to get around Bangladesh depends on distance. Use domestic flights for long legs, intercity trains for scenic and cheaper trips between big cities, and a hired car with a driver for short, flexible hops. In Dhaka, the metro, ride-hailing apps and rickshaws beat driving yourself.
Travel inside Bangladesh is slower than the map suggests, because roads are busy and rivers cut the country into sections. Plan fewer stops, and keep a buffer before any flight home.
Safety note: the US State Department rates Bangladesh Level 2, “Exercise increased caution”, and rates the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban), the refugee camp areas near Cox’s Bazar and the areas along the Myanmar border Level 4, “Do not travel”. The UK government advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Read the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you plan, and check both again before you leave.
How Long Do Main Journeys Take?
| Route | Mode | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka to Chattogram | Train | 5 to 6 hours | According to Bangladesh Railway |
| Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar | Flight | About 1 hour | Several airlines fly daily |
| Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar | Train | About 8 to 9 hours | Non-stop intercity services via Chattogram |
| Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar | Bus | 8 to 10 hours | Day and overnight services |
| Dhaka to Sylhet | Train | About 6 to 7 hours | Passes through tea country |
| Khulna to Mongla | Road | About 2 hours | Gateway for Sundarbans boats |
These are typical times from published schedules and local guides, not guarantees. Delays of 30 to 90 minutes are common on trains, so don’t plan tight connections.
Which Transport Should You Choose?
- Choose a domestic flight if speed matters most, for example Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar or Sylhet.
- Choose the train if you want to see the countryside and avoid highway traffic.
- Choose a bus if you want the cheapest option and accept crowds and long hours.
- Choose a car with a driver if you’re travelling as a family or need to stop often.
Domestic Flights
Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines are the main domestic carriers, and other airlines operate some routes. Published route lists show services from Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Jashore, Rajshahi, Saidpur and Barishal, although not every airline flies every route. Check the airline’s own website, such as US-Bangla Airlines, for the current timetable.
Seats sell out and fares rise around Eid and other holidays, so book early for those weeks. For international arrivals and airport details, see our flights to Bangladesh guide.
Trains in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Railway runs intercity trains from Dhaka’s Kamalapur station to Chattogram, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar and other cities. Some Cox’s Bazar services are non-stop and call only at Dhaka Airport station and Chattogram. Seat classes range from basic chairs to air-conditioned seats and berths, and the best choice for a daytime trip is an air-conditioned chair.
Official tickets are sold on the Bangladesh Railway e-ticket site, and the main Bangladesh Railway website lists services. Ask your hotel for help if the site is hard to use, because popular trains fill up before the date. Timetables change between seasons, so check the schedule close to your travel date.
Intercity Buses
Private companies run day and night buses between Dhaka and most large towns. They’re cheap and frequent, but they can be crowded and slow in traffic. The UK government says road travel in Bangladesh is dangerous, particularly after dark, so choose daytime departures and a reputable company where you can.
Ferries and Boats
Rivers are part of daily transport, and passenger boats and ferries cross them in many places. Long-distance river boats leave from Dhaka’s Sadarghat port for southern towns. Check the weather and the operator’s notices first, because cyclones and strong tides can stop services. Sundarbans trips use cabin boats booked through licensed operators, as our Bangladesh itineraries explain.
Car Rental and Driving
Traffic drives on the left in Bangladesh. If you plan to drive, carry your home licence and an International Driving Permit, and confirm the current rules with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority or your rental company. Most visitors hire a car with a local driver instead, which costs more than a bus but removes the stress of heavy mixed traffic.
Ask your hotel to arrange a licensed driver, agree the route and price first, and avoid long drives after dark. Bangladesh is also facing fuel shortages, and the UK government says authorities have announced limits on fuel sales, so allow extra time on road journeys.
Taxis, Rickshaws and Ride-Hailing
In Dhaka, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Pathao can be easier than hailing a taxi, because the app shows the fare and the route. Check each app for availability in your city. Cycle rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws suit short trips, and you should agree the fare before you get in.
Unofficial taxis and drivers who approach you at stations are a common source of overcharging. Use an app, a hotel booking or a clearly marked vehicle where possible.
City Public Transport
Dhaka’s MRT Line 6 is the only metro line in service. It runs on an elevated track for about 20 km between Uttara North and Motijheel, with 16 stations and an end-to-end time of roughly 35 minutes. Tickets are distance-based, and the MRT Pass and Rapid Pass cards give a discount, so check the current fares and hours at the station. Local buses in Dhaka are usually crowded, and most visitors prefer the metro or a ride-hailing car.
If you’re choosing a hotel around the metro, our guide to where to stay in Bangladesh compares Dhaka areas by access and traffic.
Common Mistakes
- Planning too many stops, then missing a flight or train.
- Taking an unofficial taxi without agreeing the fare.
- Travelling by road at night.
- Leaving trains and domestic flights unbooked around Eid, which you can plan around with our best time to visit Bangladesh guide.
- Assuming timetables stay the same all year.
Quick Checklist
- Check the timetable on the official operator site before you book.
- Carry your passport and a printed visa approval, as explained in our Bangladesh visa guide.
- Keep taka in small notes for rickshaws and local fares.
- Download offline maps and a ride-hailing app.
- Leave a buffer day before an international flight.
Getting Around Bangladesh FAQs
What is the easiest way to travel between cities?
Domestic flights are the fastest, and trains are the most scenic and comfortable on main routes such as Dhaka to Chattogram. Buses reach the most places but are slow and crowded. Choose by time, budget and comfort.
Can tourists use Bangladesh Railway?
Yes. Tickets are sold on the official e-ticket site, and air-conditioned seats are the most comfortable choice. Trains can run late, so keep your plans flexible and check the timetable close to travel.
Are ride-hailing apps available in Dhaka?
Apps such as Uber and Pathao operate in Dhaka, and they show the fare in advance. Availability varies by area and time, so keep a second option in mind, such as a hotel-arranged driver.
Can foreigners drive in Bangladesh?
You’ll usually need your home licence and an International Driving Permit, and traffic drives on the left. Most visitors hire a car with a driver instead, because traffic is heavy and road safety is poor.
How do I get around Dhaka without a car?
Use the metro along its Uttara to Motijheel line, ride-hailing apps for door-to-door trips and rickshaws for short distances. Avoid the busiest hours on main roads, because traffic can slow every option.