Travel

Here are the best ways to travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, ranked by popularity and convenience.

1. By Train 

The direct train service is currently the favorite choice due to its safety, comfort, and scenic route through the countryside.

  • Trains Available:

    • Cox’s Bazar Express (813/814): Departs Dhaka (Kamalapur) at 10:30 PM and arrives at 7:20 AM. (Off-day: Monday)

    • Parjatak Express (815/816): Departs Dhaka at 6:15 AM and arrives at 3:00 PM. (Off-day: Sunday)

  • Ticket Prices:

    • Shovan Chair (Non-AC): ৳695

    • Snigdha (AC Chair): ৳1,325

    • AC Berth (Sleeper): ৳2,380

  • Travel Time: ~8 hours 30 minutes.

  • Pro Tip: Tickets are extremely hard to get. You must try booking online (on the eticket website) exactly at 8:00 AM, 10 days in advance of your travel date.

2. By Air 

The quickest way to reach the beach. The flight duration is only 60 minutes.

  • Airlines: US-Bangla Airlines, Air Astra, Novoair, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

  • Schedule: Flights run daily from 7:30 AM to ~5:00 PM.

  • Ticket Price: Typically ranges from ৳4,500 to ৳10,000+ (one-way). Prices spike during weekends and holidays (Dec-Feb).

  • Airport Transfer: The Cox’s Bazar airport is right in the city; a Tomtom (electric rickshaw) to your hotel will cost only ৳50–৳100.

3. By Bus 

Buses run 24/7 and offer the widest range of budget options.

  • Premium / Sleeper AC: (Green Line, Saintmartin Paribahan, Hanif, Shyamoli NR).

    • Price: ৳2,000 – ৳2,800.

    • Experience: Very comfortable, often with “Business Class” style reclining seats or full sleeper bunks.

  • Economy AC: (Ena, Saudia, Unique, Hanif).

    • Price: ৳1,400 – ৳1,800.

  • Non-AC:

    • Price: ৳900 – ৳1,100.

  • Travel Time: 10–12 hours (Traffic dependent).

  • Departure Points: Sayedabad, Fakirapool, Arambagh, and Kalyanpur.

Summary Comparison

Mode Time Cost (One Way) Best For
Train ~8.5 hrs ৳695 – ৳2,380 Comfort & Scenery
Flight ~1 hr ৳4,500+ Saving Time
Bus ~10-12 hrs ৳900 – ৳2,700 Last-minute plans

Recommendation: If you can plan ahead, take the train. It avoids the highway traffic jams at the Chittagong entrance. If you are short on time, fly.