10 Most Scenic Train Routes in Bangladesh You Must Experience

Bangladesh by Rail: More Beautiful Than You Think

Most people think of Bangladesh as flat river delta — and while that is largely true, the country hides some surprisingly stunning train journeys. Rolling tea gardens, misty hills, wide braided rivers, and bustling market towns all pass outside the window if you pick the right route.

We have travelled all of these routes ourselves (or collected first-hand accounts from regular passengers) to bring you this honest list. The routes are not ranked — every one of them is worth the trip.

1. Dhaka to Sylhet (Subarna Express / Parabat Express)

This is the one most Bangladeshis recommend first, and for good reason. The journey from Kamalapur Station takes roughly six to seven hours and passes through Brahmanbaria, Akhaura junction, Habiganj, and the lush green tea country surrounding Srimangal.

The section between Srimangal and Sylhet is genuinely beautiful. If you can get a window seat on the left side (going up), you will see tea gardens rolling all the way to the horizon as the train curves through gentle hills. Early morning departures give the best light.

Best train: Subarna Express (724 UP) — the fastest and most comfortable option. Book Snigdha or AC_S class if possible.

2. Dhaka to Chittagong (Sonar Bangla / Turna-Nishitha)

The Dhaka–Chittagong route is Bangladesh's busiest intercity corridor and carries the most modern rolling stock. The Sonar Bangla Express is the flagship train — fully air-conditioned, with onboard food service and clean toilets.

The interesting scenery starts around Comilla and Feni, where the train crosses several wide rivers and you can see the hill outlines of Tripura in the distance on clear days. Arrival into Chittagong winds through hilly terrain unlike anywhere else on the Bangladesh Railway network.

Best train: Sonar Bangla Express for daytime travel, or Turna-Nishitha overnight if you want to save hotel cost.

3. Chittagong to Cox's Bazar (New Route, 2023)

Bangladesh's newest railway line, opened in late 2023, connects Chittagong to Cox's Bazar — the world's longest natural sea beach. The route passes coastal villages, shrimp farms, and open countryside before arriving at the brand new Cox's Bazar Railway Station, designed to look like a conch shell.

This route is still building ridership and trains are not always fully booked, so you can often get seats even a day or two before travel.

4. Dhaka to Rajshahi (Silk City / Padma Express)

The western corridor passes through the Jamuna bridge crossing — a genuine engineering marvel. Watching the train cross the 4.8 km Bangabandhu Bridge over the Jamuna River is a highlight in itself. On the Rajshahi side, the landscape turns drier and the famous mango orchards start appearing around Chapainawabganj.

Best season: May to June when the mango orchards are heavy with fruit.

5. Dhaka to Khulna (Sundarban Express)

Named after the Sundarbans mangrove forest, this train skirts the edges of one of the world's largest river delta systems. The route is long (around 9 hours), but the crossing of the Madhumati, Rupsha, and multiple smaller rivers keeps things interesting. Khulna itself is the gateway city for Sundarbans boat tours.

6. Sylhet to Dhaka (Night Return)

Taking the night train back from Sylhet is almost a rite of passage for Bangladeshi travelers. Board the Kalni Express or Jayantia Express in the evening, find your berth, and wake up rolling into Dhaka at dawn. The morning mist over the rivers as the sun rises is quiet magic.

7. Dhaka to Mymensingh (Aggarpur Commuter)

A shorter journey (about two hours) but hugely popular with day-trippers heading to the old Zamindari town of Mymensingh. The train passes paddy fields and river ghats. The Brahmaputra river views near Mymensingh are genuinely lovely, especially in the dry season.

8. Comilla to Noakhali

A quiet branch line not many tourists take, but locals swear by it. The train passes through narrow gauge countryside past small market towns, and the pace of rural Bangladesh life is on full display outside the windows. Bring snacks from Comilla's famous roshomalai shops before boarding.

9. Dhaka to Dinajpur (Drutojan Express)

The far northwest of Bangladesh is largely unexplored by visitors. The Drutojan Express takes you through Sirajganj, Bogura, Natore, and Santahar junction — a fascinating route through Bangladesh's agricultural heartland, passing ancient terracotta mosques and mustard fields in winter.

10. Dhaka to Jamalpur (Jamuna Express)

A day trip option close to Dhaka. Jamalpur is a small city on the Brahmaputra river banks and the train journey passes through some of the most productive agricultural land in the country. The old Brahmaputra bridge crossing near Jamalpur town is a memorable moment on this otherwise gentle route.

Practical Tips for Train Travel in Bangladesh

• Always book in advance for the Dhaka–Sylhet and Dhaka–Chittagong routes, especially on Fridays, Eid seasons, and public holidays.


• Bring your own water for long journeys. Vendors board at major stations but quality is inconsistent.


• Check the live running status on our homepage before heading to the station — delays are common, especially during monsoon season.


• The first-class waiting rooms at Kamalapur and Chittagong stations are clean, air-conditioned, and free to use with any reserved ticket.