How to travel from Dhaka to Sylhet
Sylhet is a metropolitan city in northeastern Bangladesh and the administrative seat of Sylhet Division. The city has a population of more than half a million and is one of Bangladesh’s most important spiritual and cultural centres.
Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley alongside the Surma River, amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green highland terrain and tropical forests, greater Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Lying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north and the Tripura hills on the south.
It is one of the most important cities of Bangladesh, after Dhaka and Chittagong due to its importance to the country’s economy. Sylhet is known for its cane products and produces tea, fertilizer, and liquefied petroleum (propane) gas. There are also several handicraft cottage industries, including mat weaving and bamboo work. Tea estates southeast of Sylhet provide most of Bangladesh’s yield.
There are many places to visit in the region include Ratargul swamp forest, Lalakhal, Sreemangal, Luvachora and Jaflong.
How to Travel from Dhaka to Sylhet
Basically there are 5 options, based upon price, time and convenience.
- Air
- Train
- Bus
- Private transfer
- Self-drive
According to personal taste, available time and finances, various advantages exist within each mode of transport.
- Air travel is indisputably the quickest way to travel, though it offers little by way of scenery en-route.
- Travel by train is time consuming but offers views of the countryside and life along the journey.
- Travel by bus, with a long and sometimes unpredictable journey time and road conditions offers the least benefits to travellers.
- Travel by private transfer and self-drive offers flexibility by way of being able to stop off anywhere along the route, but as with bus travel, both the journey time and road conditions are unpredictable.
Now let’s break it down to make it easier for you to decide which mode of transport will best fit into your travel plans.
Travel to Sylhet By Air from Dhaka
The distance by air from Dhaka to Sylhet is 194 kilometres, and with a journey time of just 40 minutes, makes it by far the quickest mode of travel, and arguably also the most comfortable. Three airlines offer scheduled services between Dhaka and Sylhet: Biman, NovoAir and US-Bangla Airlines. The average cost of a return flight between Dhaka and Sylhet is BDT 6800 or US$80.
Tickets can be purchased online before arrival in Bangladesh or from airline offices and travel companies in country.
Travel to Sylhet by Train from Dhaka
The distance by rail from Dhaka to Sylhet is 235 kilometres, with a journey time of between 5.5 and 7.5 hours. Frequent services by Intercity and mail express trains cover this route – see below schedules. Be aware of the ‘off days’ as listed, and like anywhere, trains can run late.
Train travel in Bangladesh is very affordable. See the below list of prices, to which 15% VAT is applicable. Tickets can be purchased online before or after arrival in country or from the railway station. As the most popular mode of transport, there is a high demand for tickets, as such, purchasing tickets as early as possible prior to your journey is strongly recommended. For further information on how to book tickets online go to the following link: Bangladesh Railway ticket booking
Surma Mail operate the only express mail service on this route, but with a journey time of around 13 hours, it’s not recommended for those without extra time on their hands.
Travel to Sylhet from Dhaka by Bus
The distance by road from Dhaka to Sylhet is 245 kilometres, with a journey time of around 6 hours. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses operate this route and the fare will vary accordingly see below tables.
If deciding to use this mode of transport, be sure to check the standard before purchasing your ticket. Buses from Dhaka to Sylhet depart from Gabtali, Sayedabad, Fakirapul, Mohakhali and various other terminals in the city of Dhaka.
Non-AC bus service from Dhaka to Sylhet
- Ena Paribahan
- Hanif Enterprise
- Shyamali Paribahan
- Unique Service
- Al-Mubaraka.
Ac bus services from Dhaka to Sylhet
- Green Line Paribahan
- Ena Paribahan
- London Express
- Golden Line Paribahan
Dhaka to Sylhet Bus Fare & Contacts
Non-AC Buses
A non-AC bus fare is BDT. 470. Most buses depart from Sayedabad bus station, except Ena Paribahan, which also operates buses from Mahakhali bus station.
Hanif Paribahan Sayedabad Counter: 01713-049559
Ena Paribahan Sayedabad Counter: 01869-802738, 01872-604478
Ena Paribahan Mohakhali Counter: 01760-737650, 01619-737650, 01869-802725
AC Buses
An AC bus fare from Dhaka to Sylhet is BDT. 1200.00
Green Line Paribahan: 09613316557
Ena Paribahan Mohakhali Counter: 01760-737650, 01619-737650, 01869-802725
Please note that tickets for all buses can be purchased from the following websites:
Dhaka to Sylhet Private Transfer
There are lots of rental vehicle providers available in Dhaka. Depending on the size and standard of vehicle required, a transfer from Dhaka to Sylhet would cost in the region of BDT 4000.00 to 8000.00 for a sedan car or microbus. App based taxi services such as Uber are also available, offering intercity services between the major cities in Bangladesh.
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