Dhaka to Bhairab Train Schedule

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Planning a trip from the capital to the commercial hub of Bhairab? You have made a great choice by picking the railway. The bus journey on this route can get unpredictable due to traffic on the highway, but the train offers a smooth, scenic, and timely travel experience. Whether you are going home for the weekend or visiting for business, knowing the exact Dhaka to Bhairab train schedule is the first step to a stress-free journey.

Why Choose the Train for This Route?

Before looking at the numbers and times, let’s look at why this route is so popular. Bhairab Bazar is a massive railway junction. It connects Dhaka with Sylhet, Kishoreganj, and Chattogram. Because it is such a central point, many trains pass through here.

You have plenty of options. Unlike routes with only one or two trains a day, the Dhaka to Bhairab train schedule is packed with choices from early morning to late at night. The journey usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the train and the number of stops it makes. Plus, crossing the Meghna River over the Bhairab Railway Bridge is a visual treat you miss when traveling by bus.

Intercity Dhaka to Bhairab Train Schedule

Intercity trains are your best bet. They are faster, have better seating, and run on a stricter schedule than mail or local trains. Below is the detailed schedule for the primary intercity trains running from Dhaka (Kamalapur) to Bhairab Bazar.

Note: Timings can shift slightly due to operational reasons by Bangladesh Railway. Always double-check your ticket.

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Primary Intercity Train List

Train Name	Train No.	Off Day	Departure (Dhaka)	Arrival (Bhairab)
Egarosindhur Provati	737	Wednesday	07:15 AM	09:15 AM
Kishoreganj Express	781	Friday	10:45 AM	01:00 PM
Kalni Express	773	Friday	03:00 PM	04:45 PM
Egarosindhur Godhuli	738	Wednesday	06:40 PM	08:45 PM
Chattala Express	801	Tuesday	01:00 PM	03:15 PM
Upakul Express	711	Wednesday	03:20 PM	05:15 PM
Mahanagar Express	721	Sunday	12:20 PM	02:15 PM

Detailed Breakdown of Popular Trains

Getting the time is one thing, but knowing which train suits your needs is another. Here is a closer look at the most popular options for this specific route.

Egarosindhur Provati (737)

This is a top choice if you want to start your day early. Leaving Dhaka right after 7:00 AM, it gets you to Bhairab with plenty of the day left to work or visit family. It is generally clean and punctual because it originates in Dhaka.

Kishoreganj Express (781)

If the early morning rush isn’t for you, the Kishoreganj Express is a solid mid-morning option. It leaves at 10:45 AM. This train is often preferred by families who want a relaxed start to their trip.

Kalni Express (773)

Heading to Bhairab in the afternoon? The Kalni Express is a fantastic option. It is an intercity train bound for Sylhet but makes a stop at Bhairab. It is known for being relatively faster as it has fewer stops compared to other trains. The seats are usually in high demand, so booking early is smart.

Upakul Express (711)

While primarily a Noakhali-bound train, the Upakul Express stops at Bhairab. It leaves in the afternoon. This is a heavy-duty train with many coaches, giving you a decent chance of finding a seat if you book a few days ahead.

Dhaka to Bhairab Train Ticket Price

Budgeting is a big part of travel planning. The Dhaka to Bhairab train ticket price depends entirely on how comfortably you want to travel. Bangladesh Railway offers several classes, ranging from basic seats to air-conditioned cabins.

Here is the price list for the different seat categories. These prices are estimates based on the latest adjustments and include VAT where applicable.

Shovon (General): 85 – 100 BDT
Shovon Chair: 105 – 125 BDT
Snigdha (AC Chair): 200 – 242 BDT
AC Seat: 240 – 290 BDT
AC Berth (Cabin): 360 – 450 BDT

Which Class Should You Choose?

Shovon Chair: This is the most popular category. You get a designated seat with decent legroom. For a journey of roughly two hours, this offers the best value for money.
Snigdha: If you are traveling during the summer or simply want a quieter, cooler environment, spend the extra money for Snigdha. The AC coaches are sealed, meaning less noise from the tracks and station crowds.
Shovon (General): This is the cheapest option but often the most crowded. The seats are benches rather than individual chairs. I would suggest avoiding this unless you are on a strictly tight budget.

Mail and Commuter Trains

Sometimes intercity tickets are sold out, or maybe you just want a flexible travel time without pre-booking. In that case, Mail and Commuter trains are your backup.

These trains stop at more stations and might take longer than intercity trains. They do not have AC classes and seat numbering is often not strictly followed in the lower classes.

Titas Commuter: Runs daily. It is a very popular commuter train for daily office goers coming from that region.
Chattogram Mail: A slower train heading to Chattogram that stops at Bhairab.
Surma Mail: Stops at Bhairab on its way to Sylhet.

Note: The schedules for mail trains are less rigid than intercity ones. It is best to ask at the station counter for the current day’s timing.

How to Purchase Your Tickets

Gone are the days when you had to stand in lines for hours at Kamalapur Station. You have two main ways to secure your spot.

Online Booking (The Easy Way)

Bangladesh Railway’s “Shohoz” system allows you to buy tickets from home.

Register: Go to eticket.railway.gov.bd and sign up using your NID and phone number.
Search: Select “Dhaka” as your starting point and “Bhairab Bazar” as your destination. Pick your date.
Select Seats: Choose your preferred train and seat class. The system will show you the available layout.
Pay: You can pay using mobile financial services like bKash, Nagad, or your debit/credit card.
Print/Save: You will get a PDF ticket. You can print it or just show it on your phone along with your NID during the journey.

Pro Tip: Online tickets open 10 days in advance at 8:00 AM. For popular trains like Upakul or Kalni, try to log in exactly at 8:00 AM, as seats vanish quickly.

Counter Booking

If you prefer a physical ticket, you can visit the counters at:

Kamalapur Railway Station: The main hub.
Dhaka Airport Railway Station: Many trains stop here, and they sell tickets too.

Go to the station a few days before your trip if possible. Buying a ticket on the day of travel is risky for intercity trains, as they are often fully booked.

Boarding: Kamalapur vs. Airport Station

You have a strategic decision to make regarding where to board.

Kamalapur Station:

This is the originating station for most trains.

Pros: You have more time to settle into your seat. The train starts empty.
Cons: Getting to Kamalapur through Dhaka traffic can be a nightmare.

Airport Station:

Pros: Easier to access if you live in Uttara, Mirpur, or Banani.
Cons: The train stops here for only a few minutes. You need to be quick. The train might already be slightly crowded with standing passengers from Kamalapur.

If you are traveling with heavy luggage or elderly family members, I recommend braving the traffic and going to Kamalapur. It allows you to board calmly without the rush at the Airport station.

Arriving at Bhairab Bazar Junction

Bhairab Bazar is a busy, lively station. Once you step off the train, here is what you can expect.

The Station Layout

It is a large junction. Platforms can be crowded. If you have heavy bags, look for red-shirted porters (Kulis), but negotiate the price before they touch your bags. A standard fee is usually around 50-100 BDT depending on the load, but they may ask for more.

Local Transport

Outside the station, you will find:

Rickshaws: The most common way to get around the town.
CNG Auto-rickshaws: Available for longer distances or trips to nearby villages.
Tomtoms (E-bikes): Great for short hops.

Food and Facilities

Bhairab is famous for its snacks. You might see hawkers selling local sweets or savory snacks. The station area has plenty of small restaurants, but for better quality food, head into the main town area which is a short rickshaw ride away.

Important Travel Tips for This Route

To make your journey even better, keep these practical tips in mind.

Luggage Limits: While trains are lenient, try not to carry excessive luggage. Overhead racks in Shovon Chair coaches can fill up fast.
Check the “Off Day”: Look at the schedule table again. Every train has a weekly holiday. For example, if you plan to travel on Wednesday, do not rely on the Egarosindhur Provati as it does not run.
Keep Your NID: Ticket checkers are strict about the name on the ticket matching the passenger’s ID. Always carry a copy or the original NID/Birth Certificate.
Food on Board: Most intercity trains have a catering car (Pantry car). You can buy tea, chips, and simple meals like Chicken Biryani or Tehari. The prices are reasonable, but the quality varies. Carrying your own water and dry food is always safer.
Safety: Keep your valuables close. Do not leave your phone charging unattended near the window, especially when the train slows down near stations. Snatch theft can happen through open windows.

What is the first train from Dhaka to Bhairab?

The first intercity train is usually the Egarosindhur Provati (737), which departs Kamalapur at 07:15 AM.

Q: How long does the train take to reach Bhairab from Dhaka?

A: It typically takes between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the train and the number of crossings.

Q: Can I buy a standing ticket for Intercity trains?

A: Yes, if seat tickets are sold out, the station counter often sells “Standing tickets” just before departure. However, you cannot buy these online.

Q: Is the Bhairab Railway Bridge visible from the train?

A: Yes! As you approach Bhairab, you will cross the mighty Meghna River. If you want a view, try to get a window seat on the right side if you are coming from Dhaka (though this depends on which track the train takes, views are generally great on both sides).

Q: Do all Sylhet and Chattogram trains stop at Bhairab?

A: No. Some non-stop trains like the Subarna Express or Sonar Bangla Express (Chattogram route) do not stop at Bhairab. Always check the specific stops for the train you are booking.

Wrapping Up Your Trip

Traveling from Dhaka to Bhairab by train is efficient, affordable, and scenic. It saves you from the dust and delays of the highway and drops you right into the heart of the town. By choosing the right train from the Dhaka to Bhairab train schedule and booking your ticket in advance, you can ensure a smooth experience.

Remember to check the off-days and reach the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Whether you choose the comfort of the Snigdha class or the economy of the Shovon Chair, the railway remains the best link between these two cities.