Five trains run from Dhaka to Rajshahi: Silk City Express, Padma Express, Dhumketu Express, Bonolota Express, and Madhumati Express. These trains leave at different times of the day. The trip takes about 4.5 to 6 hours to travel the 245 km distance.
We want to help you plan your train trip from Dhaka to Rajshahi. We have all the latest info about train times, ticket costs, and other things you need to know. This guide will tell you everything about this train journey.
Complete Train Schedule from Dhaka to Rajshahi
Bangladesh Railway runs five trains on the Dhaka to Rajshahi route. Each train has its own time and weekly day off. Here is the current intercity train schedule:
| Train Name | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Off Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhumketu Express | 06:00 AM | 11:40 AM | Thursday |
| Bonolota Express | 01:30 PM | 06:05 PM | Friday |
| Silk City Express | 02:40 PM | 08:30 PM | Sunday |
| Madhumati Express | 03:00 PM | 10:40 PM | Thursday |
| Padma Express | 10:45 PM | 04:25 AM | Tuesday |
Bonolota Express is the fastest train on this route. It takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes to reach Rajshahi. It only stops once at Ishwardi Junction.
The other trains stop at more places, so they take longer. Silk City Express takes about 5 hours and 50 minutes. Padma Express takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach Rajshahi from Dhaka.
Return Train Schedule: Rajshahi to Dhaka
For your trip back to Dhaka, here is the train schedule from Rajshahi:
| Train Name | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Off Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonolota Express | 07:00 AM | 11:35 AM | Friday |
| Silk City Express | 07:40 AM | 01:20 PM | Sunday |
| Madhumati Express | 06:40 AM | 02:00 PM | Thursday |
| Padma Express | 04:00 PM | 09:20 PM | Tuesday |
| Dhumketu Express | 11:20 PM | 05:00 AM | Wednesday |
These times let you plan both your going and coming trips. We suggest you check with Bangladesh Railway’s official website before your travel date to make sure these times haven’t changed.
Ticket Prices for Dhaka to Rajshahi Trains
Bangladesh Railway has different types of seats for different budgets. Here are the current Dhaka to Rajshahi train fare options:
| Class | Ticket Price (with VAT) |
|---|---|
| Shovon Chair | 340-405 Taka |
| Snigdha | 656-771 Taka |
| AC Seat | 782-926 Taka |
| AC Berth | 1173-1386 Taka |
| First Class Seat | 897 Taka |
| First Class Berth | 1024 Taka |
Prices may be a bit different based on which train you take. These prices include 15% VAT (Value Added Tax).
Shovon Chair is the cheapest option. AC Berth is the most comfortable with air conditioning and beds. Snigdha class is in the middle – not too expensive but still comfy.
Child Ticket Policy: Children under 3 years travel free. Children between 3-12 years get a 50% discount on the adult fare.
How to Purchase Train Tickets
You can buy tickets for Dhaka to Rajshahi trains in two main ways:
Online Booking
The easiest way to get tickets is through Bangladesh Railway online ticket website. Here’s how:
- Go to the Bangladesh Railway e-ticketing website
- Make an account or log in if you already have one
- Pick Dhaka as your starting point and Rajshahi as where you want to go
- Choose the date you want to travel and which train you want
- Select your seat type and how many tickets you need
- Pay with a card or mobile banking
- Download and print your e-ticket or save it on your phone
You can book tickets up to 10 days before your trip. We really suggest booking early, especially for weekend trips or holidays, because seats sell out fast.
Mobile App Option: You can also use the Rail Sheba app to book tickets and check train status in real-time.
Station Counter Booking
If you want to buy tickets in person, you can go to the ticket counters at Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka or Rajshahi Railway Station. The counters are usually open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
For buying at the station, bring your ID card and the exact money for your ticket. Be ready to wait in line, especially during busy travel times.
Payment Methods: The station counters accept cash only. ATMs are available at Kamalapur Railway Station if you need to withdraw money.
Key Stations on the Dhaka-Rajshahi Route
The train from Dhaka to Rajshahi passes through several stations. The main ones are:
- Dhaka (Kamalapur Railway Station) – Where you start
- Joydebpur Junction
- Tangail
- Bangabandhu Bridge East
- Sirajganj
- Ishwardi Junction
- Natore
- Rajshahi – Where you end
Bonolota Express only stops at Ishwardi Junction. The other trains stop at most or all of these stations. These stops let people get on or off at places in between.
Scenic Highlight: When crossing the Bangabandhu Bridge, you’ll see beautiful views of the Jamuna River, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Kamalapur Railway Station Facilities
Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka offers these facilities:
- Ticket counters
- Waiting rooms
- Food stalls and restaurants
- Restrooms
- Luggage storage
- Prayer rooms
- ATM booths
- First aid center
The station is located at Kamalapur, Dhaka-1217, and is the main railway station in Bangladesh’s capital.
Train Facilities and Amenities
Bangladesh Railway has been making its trains better on the Dhaka-Rajshahi route. Here’s what you can expect:
Seating Arrangements: Different classes have different comfort levels. AC classes have soft seats with air conditioning. Shovon chairs don’t have AC but are still okay to sit in.
Food Services: Most trains have food carts or a dining car. You can buy snacks, drinks, and sometimes full meals during your trip. But we suggest bringing some water and snacks, especially for longer trips.
Restrooms: All trains have toilets, but some are cleaner than others. AC coaches usually have cleaner toilets.
Luggage Storage: You can put your bags under and above the seats. For bigger items, there are special luggage racks at the ends of each coach. The luggage allowance is 20kg per passenger.
Charging Points: AC coaches usually have places to charge your phone and other devices.
Security: Railway police are on the trains to keep passengers safe.
Accessibility: Some trains have special seats for disabled passengers and elderly people. Ask about these when booking your ticket.
Travel Tips for Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Journey
To make your train trip better, here are some helpful tips:
Arrive Early: Get to the station at least 30-45 minutes before your train leaves. This gives you enough time to find your platform and get on the train without rushing.
Carry ID: Always bring an ID that matches the name on your ticket.
Pack Light: Even though there’s space for bags, traveling with less makes your trip more comfortable.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle, especially when it’s hot.
Entertainment: The trip takes several hours, so bring books, movies, or music to keep yourself busy.
Network Coverage: Mobile phone signal is usually good for most of the trip, but might not work in some areas.
Medication: If you need any medicine, make sure to bring it with you.
Weather Considerations: During summer (March to June), it can be very hot. AC coaches are best during this time for a more comfortable trip.
Seasonal Travel: Avoid traveling during Eid holidays if possible, as trains get extremely crowded. The monsoon season (June-September) can sometimes cause delays.
Best Trains for Different Travel Needs
Depending on what you need, some trains might be better for you than others:
For Business Travelers: Bonolota Express is best because it’s faster and has fewer stops. Its daytime schedule lets you reach Rajshahi by evening.
For Budget Travelers: Padma Express or Silk City Express with Shovon Chair tickets are the cheapest options that are still comfortable.
For Overnight Travel: Padma Express, which leaves Dhaka at 10:45 PM and gets to Rajshahi early morning, is perfect if you want to save on hotel costs and have a full day in Rajshahi.
For Families: The morning Dhumketu Express or afternoon Bonolota Express are good choices because they travel during daylight and arrive at good times.
History of the Dhaka-Rajshahi Railway
The Dhaka-Rajshahi railway line has been operating since the British colonial period. The line was developed as part of the Bengal-Assam Railway network. Today, it serves as one of the most important transport routes in Bangladesh, connecting the capital with the northwestern region.
Conclusion
Taking the train from Dhaka to Rajshahi is a comfortable and pretty way to travel between these two important cities. With many trains running every day, different seat types, and fair ticket prices, it’s a popular choice for many travelers.
We suggest booking your tickets early, especially on weekends and holidays, to get the train and seat type you want. The online booking system makes this easy to do.
Whether you’re traveling for work, school, or fun, the trains between Dhaka and Rajshahi give you a good way to travel that balances comfort, cost, and ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the train journey from Dhaka to Rajshahi take?
The trip takes between 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the train. Bonolota Express is the fastest at about 4 hours and 40 minutes. Other trains like Madhumati Express take longer because they stop more times.
Which is the best train for traveling from Dhaka to Rajshahi?
Bonolota Express is thought to be the best train because it’s the fastest and only stops once. But the best choice depends on when you want to travel. Silk City Express and Padma Express are also good options.
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book tickets up to 10 days before your trip through the Bangladesh Railway website or at station counters.
Are there any food services available on the train?
Yes, most trains have dining cars or food carts that sell snacks, drinks, and sometimes full meals. But it’s a good idea to bring some water and snacks for the trip.
What happens if I miss my train?
If you miss your train, your ticket usually can’t be used. But you can go to the station master’s office to see if you can change your ticket to a later train, if there are seats available.
Is there Wi-Fi available on the trains?
Right now, Bangladesh Railway doesn’t have Wi-Fi on the Dhaka-Rajshahi route. But mobile data usually works well for most of the trip.
Can I cancel my ticket and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your ticket and get some money back, but there will be cancellation fees. How much you get back depends on how early you cancel. If you cancel at least 48 hours before the train leaves, you usually get more money back.
Are there currency exchange facilities at the stations?
Kamalapur Railway Station has currency exchange services for international travelers near the main entrance.
