Cox’s Bazar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. Earlier, most people relied on buses or flights to travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. Now, with the introduction of direct rail connectivity, Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train has become a comfortable and attractive travel option for many tourists.
Especially when traveling with family, children, or elderly members, a train journey can be relatively relaxing. The experience of traveling by train during the day is also quite enjoyable, seeing the scenery of different regions of Bangladesh outside the window.
However, before going to Cox’s Bazar by train, it is important to know a few things: which trains run, when they depart, how much the ticket costs, where to buy the ticket, and how to get to the hotel or beach after reaching Cox’s Bazar Railway Station.
Is it better to go to Cox’s Bazar by train?
If you value a relatively comfortable journey over arriving in the fastest time, then going to Cox’s Bazar by train may be a good option.
The main advantages of traveling by train
- Relative comfort is available on long journeys.
- It is convenient to travel with family.
- It may be easier for children and the elderly to travel sitting or in appropriate seats.
- You can enjoy the scenic views on the day train.
- You don’t have to sit in the same seat for a long time like on a bus.
- As there are different classes of seats, tickets can be selected according to the budget.
- Using the night train can provide the advantage of arriving in Cox’s Bazar in the morning and starting your journey directly.
Advantages and disadvantages of trains compared to buses
Train travel is generally comfortable but depends on a specific schedule. In the case of buses, there are many trips available from different companies, but train tickets are limited.
Cox’s Bazar train tickets can be difficult to get during holidays, Eid, major government holidays, or tourist season, so it’s important to plan.
How to travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train?
There are currently multiple intercity trains available to travel directly from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. According to the latest schedule, Parjotak Express and Cox’s Bazar Express are operating on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route. However, the schedule and weekly closure days may change.
Step 1: Where will you take the train from Dhaka?
Passengers from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar usually plan a trip from Kamalapur Railway Station. You can also take the train from the airport station.
When purchasing a ticket, you must carefully check your travel date and designated origin station. If the designated station or time of the train changes, you should follow the official information of Bangladesh Railway.
How to travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train?
There are currently multiple intercity trains available to travel directly from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. According to the latest schedule, Parjotak Express and Cox’s Bazar Express are operating on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route. However, the schedule and weekly closure days may change.
Step 1: Where will you take the train from Dhaka?
Passengers from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar usually plan a trip from Kamalapur Railway Station. You can also take the train from the airport station.
When purchasing a ticket, you must carefully check your travel date and designated origin station. If the designated station or time of the train changes, you should follow the official information of Bangladesh Railway.
Cox’s Bazar train schedule
According to the recently published timetable, the following trains are available on the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar route:
| Journey type | Train | Train number | Departure time | Estimated time of arrival | Travel time | Weekly off |
| Day Trip | Parjotak Express | 816 | 6:15 Am | Around 2:40 PM | About 8 hours 25 minutes | Wednesday |
| Night Trip | Cox’s Bazar Express | 814 | 11:00 PM | Around 7:20 AM | About 8 hours 20 minutes | Monday |
According to the recently published timetable, the following trains are available on the Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka route:
| Journey type | Train | Train number | Departure time | Estimated time of arrival | Travel time | Weekly off |
| Day Trip | Cox’s Bazar Express | 813 | 12:30 PM | 09:00 PM | About 08h 30m | Tuesday |
| Night Trip | Parjotak Express | 815 | 07:45 PM | 04:20 AM | About 08h 35m | Wednesday |
Choosing a morning train allows you to enjoy the journey in daylight. On the other hand, choosing a night train can make it easier to reach Cox’s Bazar in the morning, check into a hotel, rest, and start the day’s journey.
Which train is best for you?
You can choose the day train if:
- Traveling with family.
- Want to see the view outside the window.
- You want to reach Cox’s Bazar by daylight.
You can choose the night train if:
- Want to save time.
- Want to reach Cox’s Bazar in the morning.
- Feels comfortable on a night journey.
Cox’s Bazar train ticket price
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train fare depends on the seat class.
According to the latest published information, the possible fare structure is as follows:
| Seat type | Published estimated fare |
| Shovan Chair (S_CHAIR) | ৳754 |
| Snigdha | ৳1,443 |
| AC Seat | ৳1,728 |
| AC Berth | Up to ৳2,644 |
The final price may vary depending on the travel date, train, seat, and railway charges. Therefore, before purchasing a ticket, please consider the price displayed on the official booking platform as final.
Which class to choose?
Shovan Chair: Good for traveling on a low budget.
Snigdha: Suitable for passengers who want a relatively comfortable environment and AC facilities.
AC Seat: A more comfortable option on long journeys.
AC Berth: It may be suitable if you prefer sleeping facilities for overnight journeys.
How to buy Cox’s Bazar train tickets?
Currently, Bangladesh Railways allows passengers to purchase tickets through an approved online system. The railway authorities have warned against falling victim to fraud by purchasing tickets from social media or unauthorized sources and have issued a notification stating that rail services suggest using the app. Rail Sheba and Shohoz are authorized apps to purchase train tickets in Bangladesh.
Online Ticket Booking
General process for purchasing tickets online:
1. Register
First, create an account on the e-ticketing system designated by Bangladesh Railway. An active mobile number and NID are required to register on an online train ticket platform.
2. Log in
Log in to your account using your registered information.
3. Select trip information
Select:
- Departure date
- Source station
- Destination station
- Train
- Seat class
- Number of passengers (Maximum 4 passengers)
4. Select seat
If seats are available, select your preferred class.
5. Complete the payment.
Pay for the ticket using an approved payment method.
6. Save E-ticket
Keep a copy of your ticket safely and carry the necessary identification with you during your journey.
According to Bangladesh Railway’s e-ticketing rules, the process of registration, selection of journey information, checking seat availability, and purchasing tickets through approved payment methods must be followed.
Important Booking Tips
- Arrange tickets as soon as possible during the holiday season.
- Try to purchase the ticket at least 10 days before the journey day
- Check if you entered the travel date incorrectly.
- Check if the source and destination stations are correct.
- Check the train’s weekly closing days in advance.
- Do not purchase tickets from unauthorized Facebook pages or individuals.
- Save the ticket information after the booking is complete.
What should you take with you when going to Cox’s Bazar by train?
Since the journey to Cox’s Bazar is long, a small travel checklist comes in handy.
Necessary items
- National ID card or required identification card
- Train tickets
- Mobile phone
- Mobile charger
- Power bank
- Water bottle
- Dry food
- Essential medicines
- Children’s essentials
- Light jacket or cloak
- Sunglasses
- Small travel bag
It is also a good idea to take an umbrella or raincoat if you go during the rainy season.
How to reach the hotel from Cox’s Bazar Railway Station?
After getting off at Cox’s Bazar Railway Station, your next destination is usually a hotel or beach area.
Various local transport options are available to get from the station, such as:
- Auto rickshaw
- CNG
- Reserve car
- Hotel’s own transportation, if available
An important tip before traveling
Before getting off at the station and getting into the first car you see:
- Say the name of the destination clearly.
- Set the fare in advance.
- If possible, get fares from multiple drivers.
- Please inform us in advance if you have large luggage.
- Use safe and familiar transportation if arriving at night.
Local fares can vary depending on time, season, and passenger demand, so it is not wise to assume a fixed fare without specific, verified information.
Estimated total cost of traveling to Cox’s Bazar by train
Your total cost will depend on:
- Which class of train ticket should you take?
- How long will you stay?
- What kind of hotel will you stay in?
- Where to eat
- Whether to use local transportation or not
Below is an example of a general plan.
Budget Travel
| Cost type | Possible budget |
| Train ticket (return) | Dependent on seat |
| Hotel | Less if you take a shared or budget room. |
| Food | Controlled in general restaurants |
| Local transportation | Less on shared or planned trips |
| Total | Varies according to travel type |
Mid-range Travel
| Cost type | Planning |
| Train | Gentle or comfortable class of your choice |
| Hotel | Mid-range hotel |
| Food | Simple and good quality restaurant |
| Local travel | Reserved or planned transportation |
Comfortable Travel
| Cost type | Planning |
| Train | AC seat or berth |
| Hotel | High-quality hotel or resort |
| Food | Various good restaurants |
| Local travel | Private or reserved transportation |
The best way to cut costs is to plan train tickets and hotels and use some local transportation in groups.
Advantages and disadvantages of traveling to Cox’s Bazar by train
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Relatively comfortable journey | Tickets may be limited. |
| Traveling with family is convenient. | Have to rely on a specific schedule |
| Different classes of seats are available. | Travel time is relatively long. |
| The scenery can be enjoyed on the day train. | Tickets may be difficult to get during holidays. |
| Opportunity to arrive in the morning by night train | Train delays may affect plans |
Important Tips for Traveling to Cox’s Bazar by Train
1. Plan your tickets.
Demand for tickets is especially high during winter, public holidays, and major vacations.
2. Check the schedule again before the travel date
Train schedules may change.
3. Book tickets by checking the weekly closing days
It is not advisable to book a hotel without knowing the train’s off-day.
4. Consider seating arrangements if you are bringing your family.
Seat position is important if you have small children or elderly members.
5. Keep essentials in an easily accessible bag on the night train
Keep chargers, medicine, water, and ID cards handy.
6. Keep valuables safe.
Always keep your mobile phone, money, and important documents with caution.
7. Arrive at the station well before the train departs.
Please allow plenty of time considering Dhaka traffic.
8. Keep enough water and light food.
These come in handy on long journeys.
9. Upon arrival in Cox’s Bazar, first confirm the location of the hotel.
You can save Google Maps or the hotel’s contact number in advance.
10. Plan your return ticket.
It can be difficult to get a return ticket to Cox’s Bazar.
11. Do not buy tickets from unauthorized sources.
Bangladesh Railway has advised using designated platforms to avoid ticket fraud.
FAQ: Common questions about going to Cox’s Bazar by train
How long does it take to travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train?
According to the current published timetable, it can usually take around 8 hours 20 minutes to 9 hours. Actual times may vary due to train and operational conditions.
How much is a train ticket to Cox’s Bazar?
Varies by seat class. According to the latest published information, the fare for the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route from a comfortable chair to an AC berth is approximately ৳695 to ৳2,380. Please check the final price on the official platform at the time of booking.
Which trains go from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar?
According to the latest schedule information, Tourist Express and Cox’s Bazar Express operate on this route. The availability of trains on a particular day should be checked on the official ticketing platform.
How to buy Cox’s Bazar train tickets online?
Tickets can be purchased by logging into your account using Bangladesh Railway’s approved e-ticketing system or the designated rail service app, selecting the travel date, source, destination, train, and seat.
Where does the train to Cox’s Bazar leave from?
For journeys from Dhaka, Kamalapur Railway Station is generally considered the main departure station. However, be sure to verify the origin station mentioned on the ticket.
How far in advance do I need to buy a ticket to go to Cox’s Bazar by train?
It is best to book your tickets as early as possible during the holiday season. Ticket sales times and rules may change, so please follow the current rules on the official railway ticketing platform.
Is it good to go to Cox’s Bazar by train with your family?
Yes, trains can be a comfortable option for many families. Especially if you have children and elderly members, the train environment may seem more convenient than a long bus journey.
Day train or night train—which is better?
If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, a daytime train is better. And if you want to make the most of the daylight hours by arriving in Cox’s Bazar in the morning, a night train may be convenient.
Conclusion
Going to Cox’s Bazar by train. Now, Bangladeshi tourists can enjoy a beautiful and relatively comfortable travel experience. Trains can be a good option, especially when traveling with family, friends, or children.
However, the most important thing for a good trip is to plan. Traveling to Cox’s Bazar will be much more comfortable if you check train schedules, weekly closures, ticket availability, and hotel bookings in advance.
Finally, remember that train schedules, fares, and ticketing rules are subject to change. Therefore, it is safest to check the latest information from Bangladesh Railway’s official information and authorized ticketing platforms before traveling.
