The Dhaka to Khulna train route is served by three main trains: Jahanabad Express, Sundarban Express, and Chitra Express. The journey typically takes between 3 hours and 45 minutes to 9 hours, depending on which train you choose. Ticket prices range from 445 taka for Shovon Chair to 2,168 taka for AC Berth class. All trains operate daily except on their designated off days.
We’ve been helping travelers navigate Bangladesh Railway’s system for years, and we know how important reliable information is when planning your journey. Let’s explore everything you need to know about traveling from Dhaka to Khulna by train.
Train Schedule from Dhaka to Khulna
Here’s the current schedule for trains operating between Dhaka and Khulna:
| Train Name | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Journey Duration | Off Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jahanabad Express (826) | 8:00 PM | 11:45 PM | 3h 45m | Monday |
| Sundarban Express (726) | 8:15 AM | 5:10 PM | 8h 55m | Wednesday |
| Chitra Express (764) | 7:00 PM | 3:40 AM | 8h 40m | Monday |
The Jahanabad Express is the newest and fastest train on this route, traveling via the Padma Bridge. This significantly reduces travel time compared to the other trains that take the longer route.
Train Schedule from Khulna to Dhaka
For your return journey, here’s the schedule from Khulna to Dhaka:
| Train Name | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Journey Duration | Off Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jahanabad Express (825) | 6:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 3h 45m | Monday |
| Sundarban Express (725) | 9:45 PM | 5:10 AM | 7h 25m | Tuesday |
| Chitra Express (763) | 9:00 AM | 6:05 PM | 9h 05m | Sunday |
The Jahanabad Express is particularly convenient for business travelers as you can reach the capital city Dhaka early in the morning, conduct your business, and return to Khulna the same day if needed.
Ticket Prices for Dhaka to Khulna Trains
Ticket prices vary based on the class of service you choose. Here’s a breakdown of current fares:
| Seat Category | Ticket Price (with 15% VAT) |
|---|---|
| Shovon Chair/Shuvon Chair | 445-630 taka |
| Snigdha | 740-1196 taka |
| AC Seat | 885-1432 taka |
| AC Berth | 1330-2168 taka |
The Jahanabad Express offers the most competitive pricing, with Shovon Chair tickets at 445 taka, which is about 180 taka less than the Sundarban Express for the same class.
We’ve found that AC Berth is the most comfortable option for overnight journeys, while Shovon Chair offers good value for daytime travel. For budget-conscious travelers, the Shovon Chair class provides basic seating at affordable rates starting from 445 taka.
How to Book Train Tickets
Booking your train tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during holidays and weekends. Here are your booking options:
Online Booking
The easiest way to book tickets is through the official Bangladesh Railway E-Ticketing Service:
- Visit the Bangladesh Railway website or use the Rail Sheba app
- Select your departure station (Dhaka) and destination (Khulna)
- Choose your journey date and preferred class
- Select your desired train and available seats
- Complete payment using mobile banking, credit cards, or other online methods
- Download and print your e-ticket or save it on your mobile device
Online booking opens 10 days before the journey date and is available 24/7.
Station Counter Booking
If you prefer buying train tickets in person:
- Visit any railway station with a ticket counter
- Provide your journey details to the ticket officer
- Pay in cash to receive your printed ticket
Counter tickets are usually available 3-4 days before the journey date.
Mobile App Booking
The Rail Sheba app offers a convenient way to book tickets:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or the App Store
- Register using your National ID or birth registration number
- Follow the same booking process as the website
The app also provides real-time updates on train schedules and seat availability.
Train Facilities and Services
Each train offers different facilities based on the class of seats you choose:
Jahanabad Express: The newest train on this route features 12 coaches with 768 seats. It offers modern amenities and is known for its punctuality and cleanliness.
Sundarban Express: One of the most comfortable intercity trains in Bangladesh with good facilities. It’s train number 726 in the Bangladesh Railway system.
Chitra Express: A reliable option with standard facilities, though slightly older than the other trains.
All trains provide basic amenities like washrooms, dining options, and security personnel. AC coaches offer additional comfort with air conditioning and more spacious seating.
Classes of Service Available
Bangladesh Railway offers various classes of service to suit different preferences and budgets:
AC Berth (AC_B): Air-conditioned 2-berth & 4-berth sleeper compartments with bedding provided. This is the premium class and highly recommended for overnight journeys.
AC Seat (AC_S): Air-conditioned seats, usually arranged in sleeper compartments in day mode.
Snigdha: Air-conditioned reclining seats arranged in an open-plan layout with 2+2 seating across the car width. These coaches often include TV screens.
1st Class Berth (F_BERTH): Non-air-conditioned berths in 4-berth sleeper compartments are available on overnight trains.
1st Class Seat (F_SEAT): Non-air-conditioned seats arranged 2+3 across the car width.
Shovon Chair/Shuvon Chair (S_CHAIR): Better looking basic seating with reserved seats. This is the most popular option for center classes and lower-middle classes.
Route Information and Stops
The Dhaka to Khulna train route spans approximately 272 kilometers by rail, while the road distance is about 330 kilometers. The trains make several stops along the way:
Jahanabad Express Stops: Noapara, Singia Junction, Lohagada, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
Sundarban Express Stops: The train stops at multiple stations, including Daulatpur, Noapara, Jashore, Mubarakganj, Kotchandpur, Chuadanga, Alamdanga, Poradah, Kushtia Court, Rajbari, Faridpur, and Bhanga.
Chitra Express: Similar to Sundarban Express, with multiple stops along the way.
The Jahanabad Express travels via the Padma Bridge, which has dramatically reduced travel duration on this route since its introduction. The Padma Bridge, at 6,150 meters, is Bangladesh’s longest bridge and has transformed rail connectivity between Dhaka and the southwestern regions.
Baggage Allowance
Bangladesh Railway allows passengers to carry:
- 20kg of luggage for AC Berth and First Class passengers
- 15kg for other classes
- Excess baggage requires additional payment
Keep valuable items with you and use the under-seat storage or overhead racks for your bags.
Tips for a Comfortable Journey
Based on our experience helping travelers, here are some tips for a pleasant journey:
- Arrive at the station 30-45 minutes before departure
- Keep your ticket and ID ready for verification
- Secure your luggage with locks and keep valuables with you
- Bring water and snacks, though food is available for purchase on the train
- For overnight journeys, consider booking an AC Berth for better comfort
- Be vigilant with your belongings, especially in crowded stations
We’ve noticed that train stations can get quite busy, especially during peak hours. When your train arrives, look for your coach number right away to avoid the rush.
Seasonal Considerations
Ticket availability becomes limited during:
- Eid holidays
- Winter vacation (December-January)
- Summer vacation (May-June)
- National holidays
During these peak seasons, book your tickets at least 7-10 days in advance. Prices remain stable throughout the year, but finding available seats becomes challenging during festivals.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a priority when traveling by train in Bangladesh. Some important safety tips:
- First-class or AC compartments are generally recommended for solo travelers
- Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy
- Stay alert at stations and while boarding/deboarding
- Follow the instructions of the railway staff
The ticket counter staff often advise foreign travelers or women traveling alone to opt for first-class or AC compartments for added security.
Contact Information
For inquiries or assistance, you can contact:
| Station | Contact Numbers |
|---|---|
| Kamalapur Station (Dhaka) | 02-8315857, 02-9330522, 01843-220622, 01711691612 |
| Dhaka Airport Station | 02-8924239 |
| Khulna Railway Station | 041-723222 |
These numbers can help check last-minute schedule changes or address any concerns during your journey.
Popular Train Routes Connected to Khulna
Besides the Dhaka-Khulna route, there are several other popular train routes connected to Khulna:
- Khulna to Jessore: Served by multiple trains, including Kapotaksha Express, Sundarban Express, and Rupsha Express.
- Khulna to Rajshahi: Connected via interchange at key junction stations.
- Khulna to Benapole: Served by the Benapole Express.
These connections make Khulna an important hub in the Bangladesh Railway network, offering flexibility for travelers planning multi-city journeys.
Historical Context of the Dhaka-Khulna Route
The Dhaka-Khulna rail connection has seen significant improvements in recent years. The most transformative development was the opening of the rail line across the Padma Bridge in December 2024, which cut travel time between these cities by more than half. Before this, trains had to take a much longer route, making the journey time-consuming and less appealing compared to road transport.
The introduction of the Jahanabad Express marked a new era in Bangladesh’s rail transport, showcasing the country’s commitment to modernizing its railway infrastructure. This development has made train travel a truly competitive option for the Dhaka-Khulna route.
Conclusion
The train journey from Dhaka to Khulna offers a comfortable and affordable travel option. With the introduction of the Jahanabad Express via the Padma Bridge, travel time has been significantly reduced to just under 4 hours. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, planning and booking your tickets in advance will ensure a smooth journey.
We recommend trying the Jahanabad Express for its speed and modern facilities if your schedule allows. For overnight travel, the Sundarban Express with an AC Berth provides a comfortable option for a lengthy journey between the capital city and Khulna.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the train journey from Dhaka to Khulna take?
The journey takes between 3 hours 45 minutes on the Jahanabad Express to approximately 9 hours on the Sundarban or Chitra Express, depending on which train you choose.
What is the cheapest train ticket from Dhaka to Khulna?
The cheapest ticket is the Shovon Chair class on the Jahanabad Express at 445 taka.
How can I book a train ticket online?
You can book tickets through the official Bangladesh Railway website, the Rail Sheba mobile app, or third-party platforms. Select your route, date, and seat preference, then complete payment using mobile banking or cards.
Which train is the fastest between Dhaka and Khulna?
The Jahanabad Express is the fastest train, completing the journey in just 3 hours and 45 minutes via the Padma Bridge route.
What are the off days for trains on this route?
The Jahanabad Express doesn’t operate on Mondays, the Sundarban Express on Wednesdays, and the Chitra Express on Mondays.
Is it safe to travel by train from Dhaka to Khulna?
Yes, train travel is generally safe, but it’s recommended to book AC or first-class tickets for added security, especially for solo travelers or tourists.
Can I get food on the train?
Yes, food and beverages are available for purchase on the trains, but it’s also advisable to bring your snacks and water for the journey.
How far in advance should I book my train ticket?
It’s recommended to book at least 3-7 days in advance, especially during weekends and holidays when trains fill up quickly.
