Bangladesh

Brief History

Rail transport in Bangladesh has a significant history dating back to 1862 when the British introduced the first railway line. Over time, the rail network expanded during different phases. Initially, from 1862 to 1947 as part of British India, railways rapidly grew, covering about 2,800 km by 1940. These lines were primarily used to transport materials like jute and tea, with limited passenger service.

Between 1947 and 1971, as East Pakistan within Pakistan, neglect and underinvestment affected the railways, worsened by partition and resource allocation. The system was nationalized in 1961, named Pakistan Eastern Railway.

After gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh's railway network faced challenges due to war damage, funding issues, and maintenance problems. Despite this, efforts were made to modernize, including electrification, introducing new trains, and enhancing passenger services. The railway system was restructured in 1972 as Bangladesh Railway.

Today, Bangladesh Railway operates about 3,600 km of rail lines, carrying millions of passengers and freight annually. The railway is overseen by the Ministry of Railways and plans to improve capacity through projects like new lines, upgrades, and mass transit systems like Dhaka Metro Rail. Rail transport continues to be vital for daily commuting, travel, and trade, offering potential for sustainable growth and prosperity.

General Information and Statistics

The main passenger train operator in Bangladesh is Bangladesh Railway (BR), the state-owned rail transport agency of the country. BR has a total length of about 3,600 kilometers of railway lines, serving about 65 million passengers and 2.52 million tonnes of freight annually. According to the list of railway stations in Bangladesh on Wikipedia, there are 498 train stations in the country as of August 2015.
Bangladesh currently has no electrified tracks, but BR plans to electrify some of them in the near future. This will be an important step towards improving the country's rail transportation system.

What connections to other countries there are.

There are currently two international trains that operate between Bangladesh and India, the neighboring country that shares most of its border with Bangladesh

Are trains fast in Bangladesh in general? How much time to cross the country?

The average train speed in Bangladesh is about 40 kilometers per hour, which is below the world average of 60 kilometers per hour. Some trains, such as intercity and express trains, can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour or more on some parts of the network. Travel times vary across the country due to factors such as station locations, train availability, and connections. For example, it takes about 10 hours to travel from Dhaka to Chittagong, two major cities in central and southeastern Bangladesh, but about 17 hours to travel from Dhaka to Khulna, major cities in central and southwestern Bangladesh, because of the need for train transfers.

What railway companies are available?

In Bangladesh, two main railroad companies operate:

Bangladesh Railway: This is the state-owned rail transport agency responsible for all railways in the country. It covers about 3,600 kilometers of railway lines, carrying millions of passengers and freight each year. It has two operational zones, East Zone and West Zone, offering various types of passenger trains and an online ticketing service.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited: This public limited company manages the Dhaka Metro Rail, a mass rapid transit system aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the capital. The first line, Line 6, opened in 2021, with advanced technologies like automatic train operation and energy storage systems. The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and is set for completion by 2023.

Train types are available in Bangladesh

Certainly, here's a concise summary of the train types operated by Bangladesh Railway:
    • Intercity Trains: These are the highest quality and fastest trains in Bangladesh, connecting major cities and towns. They offer various classes including air-conditioned compartments, restaurant cars, AC class seats, first class seats, and second class seats. Online ticketing and reservation options are available. Examples include Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, Ekota Express, and Padma Express.
    • Express Trains: These trains are faster than mail trains but slower than intercity trains. They connect significant destinations with fewer stops and amenities. Express trains offer air-conditioned compartments, first class seats, and second class seats. Examples include Rupsha Express, Sagardari Express, Chitra Express, and Nilsagar Express.
    • Mail Trains: Mail trains are the slowest and most economical option, stopping at nearly every station along the route. They serve both passengers and carry mail and parcels. The available classes include AC class 2-berth sleepers, first class 4-berth sleepers, first class seats, second class seats, and third class seats. Examples include Dhaka Mail, Chittagong Mail, Rajshahi Mail, and Khulna Mail.
These three main train types offer different levels of comfort, speed, and affordability for travelers in Bangladesh.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

Currently, there are no high-speed trains in Bangladesh. However, BR has ambitious plans to introduce high-speed trains as part of the modernization and expansion of its network. One of the significant projects is the Dhaka-Chittagong high-speed rail linking the capital Dhaka with the second largest city Chittagong. The project is estimated to cost $11.4 billion and aims to significantly reduce travel time, increase capacity and promote economic development.

Most important train stations / hubs.

Important train stations in Bangladesh include:

    • Kamalapur Railway Station: Largest in Dhaka, hub for various trains, 10 platforms.
    • Chittagong Railway Station: Second-largest, gateway to southeastern region, 8 platforms.
    • Khulna Railway Station: Third-largest, serves southwestern region, 6 platforms.
    • Rajshahi Railway Station: Oldest, connects northwestern region, 5 platforms.
    • Sylhet Railway Station: Beautiful, links northeastern region, 4 platforms.
    • These stations play a vital role in providing efficient rail services, supporting daily commute, travel, and trade, contributing to the country's growth.

Websites to buy train tickets for Bangladesh?

eticket.railway.gov.bd, 12go.asia

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Bangladesh?

Rail Sheba: This is the official app of Bangladesh Railway, where you can book and pay for your tickets using mobile financial services or debit/credit cards

Possible to buy a ticket at Bangladesh railway station?

It is possible to buy a ticket at Bangladesh railway station. However, this option is only available for express and mail trains, which are slower and cheaper trains that stop at almost every station along the route. You have to buy tickets for these trains at the station counters or from agents. You cannot book or pay for these tickets online .

For intercity trains, which are the best quality and fastest trains that connect major cities and towns in the country, you have to book and pay for your tickets online using mobile financial services or debit/credit cards

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

It is not possible to purchase a ticket by phone call in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Railway, the state-owned rail transport agency of Bangladesh, does not offer any phone call service for booking or paying for train tickets. You can only buy tickets online using mobile financial services or debit/credit cards, or at the station counters or from agents .

Return the ticket.

Brief summary of the cancellation and refund processes for railway train tickets in Bangladesh:
Online Ticket Cancellation and Refund:
    • Log in to your account on the Bangladesh Railway E-Ticketing Service website or app.
    • Go to Purchase History and select the ticket you want to cancel.
    • Click the Cancel button and confirm the cancellation.
    • Receive an OTP on your registered phone number and verify it.
    • After OTP verification, a success message will appear, and the refund will be in progress.
    • Refund will be completed within 7 working days.
Note: If an online ticket is printed from railway counters before the journey date, it's eligible for refund only from station counters, not online.

Counter Ticket Cancellation and Refund:
    • Return the ticket to the counter where it was purchased.
    • Pay a cancellation fee based on the time left before the journey.
    • Refund policy varies:
    • 48 hours before journey: BDT 40 or 10% of fare (whichever is more) deducted.
    • 24 to 48 hours before journey: BDT 40 or 25% of fare (whichever is more) deducted.
    • 4 to 24 hours before journey: BDT 40 or 50% of fare (whichever is more) deducted.
    • Fewer than 4 hours before/after departure: No refund allowed.
    • You'll receive an instant refund at the counter after deducting the cancellation fee.

Train ticket prices

Buy tickets online ten days before your trip. You can pay for your tickets using mobile financial services or bank cards. In some cases, you can get a discount of up to 10%.
Download the official Rail Sheba app published by Bangladesh Railway from Google Play. You can check train schedules, seat availability and ticket prices in real time.
Avoid traveling during holidays and religious festivals like Ramadan or Durga Puja. During these periods, demand for tickets is high and prices may increase .
Choose the class of service according to your budget and needs. Bangladesh Railway offers various options ranging from air-conditioned to second class.
 You can buy tickets for most long-distance journeys within Bangladesh for as little as EUR 16 - even on major routes such as Dhaka to Chittagong.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

Bandhan Express appears to be the cheapest option to travel from Bangladesh to India by train. The cheapest ticket on the Bandhan Express costs 1,000 Bangladeshi taka (about US$12) for a seat in first class.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on railway.portal.gov.bd/site/page/988258c9-5f11-4719-91e2-fbc898d4c2a9, eticket.railway.gov.bd/train-information/en

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

If you want to buy tickets just before the train, you may have to face some challenges, such as long queues, limited seats, higher prices and possible scams. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid any inconvenience and enjoy a safe and comfortable journey.

Types of tickets.

Bangladesh Railway offers different ticket types tailored to train class and destination:
    • General Ticket: Basic, economical ticket for seat-less travel on any train within 24 hours. Suitable for short distances or budget-conscious travelers.
    • Shovon Ticket: Slightly pricier with a reserved seat on a specified train and date. Ideal for medium-distance travel or those seeking a guaranteed seat.
    • Shovon Chair Ticket: Similar to Shovon, but with chair seats. Reserved for specific trains and dates, great for longer journeys or those desiring a reclining seat.
    • Snigdha Ticket: Premium ticket with air-conditioned coaches, comfortable seats, plus snacks and drinks. It is reserved for specific trains and dates, suitable for luxury travel.
    • E-Ticket: Purchase online via the Bangladesh Railway website or app. Choose train, class, seat, and payment. Valid for a designated train and date, printable or accessible on a mobile device. Ideal for convenience and avoiding queues.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Bangladesh

Neither Interrail nor Eurail operate in Bangladesh as it is not part of Europe

Saver price.

There is no mention of any “saver price” type tickets on the website

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

There are no flexible tickets on Bangladesh trains

Rules of boarding.

Starting March 2023, Bangladesh Railways mandates passengers to carry ID copies while traveling by train to curb ticket fraud and evasion. Accepted IDs include national ID cards, birth certificates, or passports. Online and app ticket purchases require ID registration, while foreigners need a passport number and photo.

Discounts for group travel.

It seems that there are currently no discounts for group travel on Bangladesh trains. You may have to pay the full fare for each passenger in your group. Alternatively, you could try contacting Bangladesh Railway directly and see if they have any special offers or promotions for group travel.

Age groups and discounts.

According to the official website of Bangladesh Railway, children under 3 years old can travel for free, and children between 3 and 12 years old can get a 50% discount on the ticket price . However, this discount is only applicable for the second class seats, which are the lowest quality and most crowded. For other classes, such as first class, AC class, or chair seats, there is no discount for children.

Age limitations for minors.

There is no clear policy on whether children can travel unaccompanied on Bangladesh trains. Some sources state that railway companies cannot take responsibility for children traveling alone, and that they do not allow children under the age of 12 to travel alone unless accompanied by an adult over the age of 16. 

Therefore, it is advisable to contact Bangladesh Railway or the specific railroad operator before booking a ticket for a child traveling alone.

Handicapped passengers.

Train travel in Bangladesh can be difficult for people with disabilities. Legislative steps have been taken but implementation is difficult. Several initiatives are working to improve the accessibility of public transportation.

Passengers with disabilities are advised to:

    • Check with the railroad or operators about accessible services.
    • Contact local disability organizations for support.
    • Prepare for possible difficulties and have the necessary items for comfort.

Seat reservations in Bangladesh trains.

Seat reservation is available for most trains in Bangladesh, especially the fast and high quality InterCity trains between major cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong. Seat reservation can be done online through Bangladesh Railway's official e-ticketing service or through a reliable agency such as 12go.asia.
Seat reservation is not mandatory but is highly recommended for a comfortable and hassle-free journey. If you do not book a seat, you may have to travel in the cheapest and most crowded class called "shulov" where seating is not guaranteed and you may have to stand for long hours

Comfort classes on the trains.

Certainly, here are the comfort classes available on trains in Bangladesh:

    • AC First Class: This is the most luxurious and comfortable class. It features air-conditioned 2-bed sleeping berths or seats.
    • Snigdha Class: Similar to AC First Class, it offers air-conditioned seats or reclining chairs instead of sleeping berths.
    • First Class: Non-air-conditioned seats or berths, provide a higher level of comfort compared to lower classes.
    • Shovan Chair Class: A class with slightly more comfortable seating than a regular Shovan class, typically with cushioned chairs.
    • Shovan Class: Basic class with wooden or steel benches. Seating may be less comfortable and without cushions.
    • Shulov Class: The lowest class, featuring basic wooden seats without backrests.

Food and drink in Bangladesh trains / train restaurant.

Some Bangladeshi trains, especially intercity trains and long-distance express trains, have dining cars. Intercity and long distance trains have a dining car in the center of the train. All intercity trains are partially air-conditioned, have soft leather seats and provide passengers with sheets, pillows, blankets and meals in the dining car on request.
The dining cars offer a variety of food such as rice, curry, biryani, fish, chicken, beef, vegetables, salads, desserts and beverages. The prices are reasonable and the quality is decent. However, some travelers prefer to take food with them or buy snacks from vendors who get off the train at different stations.

Night trains in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has several night trains that run between major cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Rajshahi. Night trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel long distances in Bangladesh as they usually have air-conditioned compartments and dining cars. Some of the popular night trains include:

    • Turna Express: This is a fast intercity train that runs daily between Dhaka and Chittagong. It departs from Dhaka at 23:30 and arrives in Chittagong at 06:20. The train has AC class 2 berths, AC class seats, AC class seats, 1st class seats, shovan seats, shovan & shulov seats.
    • Surma Mail: It is a regular fast train that runs daily between Dhaka and Sylhet. It departs from Dhaka at 22:50 and arrives at Sylhet at 08:40. The train has 1st and 2nd class compartments with air-conditioning, as well as shovan and shul seats.
    • Rajshahi Express: This is an intercity train that runs between Dhaka and Chapai Nawabganj via Rajshahi every day except Saturday. It departs from Dhaka at 21:15 and arrives at Chapai Nawabganj at 07:10. The train has snigdha chair, shovan chair, shovan & shulov chairs.

Important train routes in Bangladesh.

Chattogram – Dhaka /from 6:25 hours / from 16EUR / 3 trains a day
Dhaka – Sylhet /from 6:50 hours / from 16EUR / 2 trains a day
Khulna – Dhaka /from 8:27 hours / from 16EUR / 1-2 trains a day
Dhaka – Rajshahi /from 5:10 hours / from 16,57 EUR / 1 train a day

International train routes.

Bangladesh has only two international trains that connect to India. These are:

    • Maitree Express: This train runs between Dhaka and Kolkata through the Gede-Darshana border crossing. The train runs six days a week on each side and takes about 10 hours. A one-way ticket for the Maitree Express train costs between US$10 and US$20 depending on the seat class.

    • Bandhan Express: This train runs between Khulna and Kolkata via the Benapole-Petrapole border crossing. The train runs once a week from each side and takes about 4.5 hours. A one-way ticket costs between $8 and $12.

Tourist / scenic routes in the Bangladesh.

Some of the most popular and scenic train routes in Bangladesh are:

    • Dhaka-Chittagong: This is the busiest and most important rail route in Bangladesh, connecting the capital city with the port city of Chittagong. The journey takes about 6 hours on an Inter-City train, passing through green fields, rivers, bridges, and small towns. The train also stops at Comilla, a historic city with ancient Buddhist ruins and Hindu temples.
    • Dhaka-Sylhet: This route takes you from the bustling metropolis of Dhaka to the serene and picturesque city of Sylhet, known for its tea gardens, waterfalls, forests, and shrines. The journey takes about 7 hours on an Inter-City train, crossing the mighty Meghna River and the scenic Sylhet plains. The train also stops at Brahmanbaria, a cultural hub with many mosques and monuments.
    • Chittagong-Sylhet: This route offers a scenic ride along the eastern coast of Bangladesh, from the port city of Chittagong to the hill city of Sylhet. The journey takes about 5 hours on an Express train, passing through lush green hills, valleys, rivers, and tea estates. The train also stops at Feni, a town famous for its pineapple cultivation and sweetmeats.
    • Khulna-Rajshahi: This route connects the southwestern city of Khulna with the northwestern city of Rajshahi, both known for their historical and cultural significance. The journey takes about 8 hours on a Mail train, traversing through the fertile Ganges delta and the arid Barind tract. The train also stops at Jessore, a town renowned for its literature and music.

Luggage information.

There is no official limit on the amount of luggage you can carry on Bangladesh trains, but you should be prepared to pay extra fees if your luggage exceeds a certain weight or size. The fees vary depending on the type and class of train, but they are usually nominal. You can also hire porters to help you with your luggage at the stations, but you should negotiate the price beforehand

Bicycle on the train.

In Bangladesh, you can take your bicycle on the train. However, you may have to pay a toll for it

Ski or snowboard on the train.

There is no information about the possibility of carrying skis or snowboards on Bangladesh trains

Luggage lockers on the stations in Bangladesh.

I couldn’t find any specific information about the availability of luggage rooms at train stations in Bangladesh

Lost and Found Items.

No specific information on lost and found items on trains in Bangladesh could be found

Pets on the trains.

The web search results do not provide any specific information on whether pets are allowed on trains in Bangladesh. However, one source suggests that if you want to take your pet out of Bangladesh, you will need to obtain several documents and permissions from the government authorities and use a qualified and licensed shipping company(https://bd.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/living-in-bangladesh/traveling-with-pets/). This implies that traveling with pets in Bangladesh may not be very easy or common.