Ways to travel
Domestic flights
The fastest way to cross the country. Dhaka connects to Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Sylhet, Jashore, and Saidpur in under an hour. Book early for the best fares on Biman, US-Bangla, and Novoair.
Buses
The backbone of long-distance travel. Air-conditioned 'coach' services run between all major cities and are cheap and frequent. For overnight routes, choose a reputable operator and a business-class seat.
Trains
Scenic and comfortable on key corridors like Dhaka–Sylhet and Dhaka–Chattogram. Reserve a seat in AC chair or a sleeper berth in advance; intercity trains are popular and sell out.
Taxis & ride-hailing
In cities, apps like Uber and Pathao (car and motorbike) are the easiest way to get around and avoid fare haggling. CNG auto-rickshaws are everywhere — agree the price or insist on the meter first.
Driving
Self-driving is not recommended for visitors: traffic is dense and rules are loose. Hiring a car with a local driver for a day or a multi-day trip is affordable and far less stressful.
Boat travel
Rivers are highways here. Ferries and launches connect river towns, and a Sundarbans visit is done entirely by boat. The classic Dhaka–Barishal overnight launch is a journey in itself.
Distance & time between cities
Approximate journey times from Dhaka and other hubs. Road times vary widely with traffic and weather.
| Route | By road | By air |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka → Cox's Bazar | ~10–11 hr | ~1 hr 10 min |
| Dhaka → Chattogram | ~6 hr | ~55 min |
| Dhaka → Sylhet | ~6 hr | ~45 min |
| Dhaka → Khulna (Sundarbans) | ~7 hr | — |
| Chattogram → Bandarban | ~3 hr | — |
| Dhaka → Rangamati | ~8 hr | — |
Tips for a smoother trip
- Book domestic flights and intercity trains a few days ahead, especially around Eid and public holidays.
- Keep small notes handy for rickshaws, CNGs, and ferry tickets.
- Allow generous buffers around Dhaka — city traffic can turn a short hop into an hour.
- For the hill tracts, check whether your route needs any local permits and travel in daylight.
- Screenshot your route and hotel address in Bangla to show drivers.