Meta Description: Planning your Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar trip? Get my personal guide to the train journey—real schedules, ticket prices, quirks, and 2025 updates, all from a travel lover who’s done it.
Want the real scoop on going from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train? I’ve done it. Heck, I’ve even missed my train once (long story, but it involved a very slow biryani lunch). So, if you’re tired of the same old generic advice, keep reading—I’ll share my personal tips, ticket prices, and some totally unexpected stuff that happened to me lately. Spoiler: The trains in 2025 are nothing like the rusty ones from a few years ago. Ready to roll?
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar: What’s New in 2025?
First things first—the rail journey has changed a lot recently. Back in the day, you’d have to catch a train to Chittagong and then switch to a bus (ugh, sweaty, noisy, and often late). But since December 2023, Bangladesh Railway runs direct trains between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar—the actual beach city, not just Chittagong. The Cox’s Bazar Express was the first to launch, and the Parjatak Express joined the party in January 2024. These aren’t old-school, cramped carriages either. The new trains have comfy Korean coaches, air-conditioning, and—get this—they even smell kind of nice. I’m not kidding.
- Cox’s Bazar Express: Launched December 2023, runs six days a week (off days: Monday for Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, Tuesday for return).
- Parjatak Express: Brand new since January 2024, off day is Sunday.
- Both trains have 16 coaches and seat about 780-785 passengers.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself inaugurated the new rail line. I wasn’t invited, but I did watch the ceremony on YouTube. Felt pretty fancy for a train launch!
Train Schedules: When Do They Run?
I always stress about departure times, because I have a talent for arriving either two hours early or five minutes late. Here’s what you need to know:
Cox’s Bazar Express Schedule
- Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar: Departs Kamalapur Station at 10:30 PM, arrives around 6:40 AM. It’s a night train, so pack a neck pillow if you can.
- Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka: Leaves at 12:40 PM, arrives at 9:10 PM.
- Stops only at Dhaka Airport Station and Chittagong Station. No random small-town stops—honestly, a relief.
Parjatak Express Schedule
- Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar: Leaves at 6:15 AM, arrives at 3:00 PM. If you’re an early bird, this is your train.
- Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka: Departs at 8:00 PM, reaches Dhaka by 4:30 AM.
I tried both trains last month. The night ride was weirdly peaceful—except for one guy who snored like a lawnmower. The morning train had better scenery, especially near the hills after Chittagong.
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train Ticket Price (2025)
Okay, let’s talk money. Ticket prices can be confusing, especially when everyone on Facebook seems to have different info. Here’s the latest, straight from the railway counter and their official portal:
| Seat Class | Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Ticket Price (Tk) |
|---|---|
| Sobhan Chair | 505 |
| AC Soft Class | 960 |
| AC Seat | 1156 |
| AC Berth | 1731 |
Yes, you read that right. The AC Berth is almost triple the price, but if you want to sleep like royalty (or just want a quiet place away from crying babies), it’s worth it. I’m cheap, so I usually take the Sobhan Chair. My back disagrees, but my wallet wins.
- Kids under 5 travel free. I saw a family with five kids take over an entire row!
- Tickets sell out fast, especially before holidays. I missed out last Eid and had to take the bus (never again).
Ticket sales usually open 7-10 days before departure. You can buy online (railway.gov.bd), at Kamalapur Station, or use the app. I’ve used all three, but the app crashed on me twice. Old-school counters still work best, honestly.
What’s the Journey Really Like?
Comfort & Vibes
Here’s the thing though—train travel from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar isn’t just about getting there. It’s the experience. I’ve met chatty grandmas, TikTok influencers, and one guy who tried to sell me mangoes at 3 AM. The new coaches are clean, with actual working toilets (finally!) and charging ports for your phone. The AC works, but sometimes gets a bit too cold—bring a jacket, trust me.
Scenery gets good after Chittagong. You’ll see hills, rivers, and tiny villages. Near Cox’s Bazar, the smell of saltwater hits you. Last trip, I spotted wild monkeys outside the windows. No joke.
Food & Snacks
Food is… okay. The train sells tea, samosas, and bottled water. I always pack biscuits and bananas (classic Bangladeshi train picnic). There’s no fancy dining car yet, but rumor says they might add one soon. Fingers crossed for biryani!
2025 Travel Trends & Tips
- Tourist rush! Since the direct trains launched, more locals and international tourists are skipping the bus and using the train. Be ready for crowds, especially during holidays.
- Online ticket sales are up—over 60% of tickets now sold digitally. But glitches happen, so check your booking twice.
- Durga Puja and Eid specials: Bangladesh Railway offers extra trains during major festivals. I got a seat last Puja only because I booked early.
- Eco-friendly travel: Trains produce less pollution than buses or flights. Good for your conscience and for bragging to your friends.
- Safety: Security is much better now. There are guards on board, CCTV in coaches, and platform checks. I feel way safer than I did five years ago.
One quirky thing: I saw a guy live-streaming his entire trip on Facebook. If you go viral, send me the link.
Quick FAQ
- How long does the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train take?
Usually 8 to 9.5 hours, depending on the train and stops. - Can you book tickets online?
Yes! Use the official Bangladesh Railway site or app (but keep trying if it crashes). - Is the train safe?
Yup. Security and hygiene have improved a lot. Still, watch your bags. - Do the trains run every day?
Nope. Each train has one weekly off day—Monday or Sunday, depending on which train you take. - Best seat class?
If you want to save money, Sobhan Chair. If you want comfort, AC Berth.
Conclusion: My Takeaways for Your Trip
If you’ve never taken the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train, just do it once. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and weirder (in a good way) than the bus. Book early, pack snacks, bring a blanket, and don’t forget a power bank. Oh, and get ready to make friends—Bangladeshi trains are the best for random conversations. If you see me onboard, say hi! I’ll probably be the one with a bag of bananas and a notebook full of travel tips.
Still got questions? Ping me anytime. I honestly think the train is the future of Bangladesh travel—at least until we get flying cars. Which, let’s face it, probably won’t be before 2050.