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Transportation Options from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet

Sylhet is a metropolitan city in northeastern Bangladesh and one of the largest cities in the country, built on the right bank of the Surma River. It has an interesting history and rich heritage from different cultures and is known for its shrines, tea gardens, and tropical forests. You can reach Sylhet from many different airports near the city but it’s also possible to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet, which is about 235 km southwest.

The most convenient option is to take an airport taxi that will take you directly from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet and the door of your hotel or apartment. Taxi service is available 24/7 at the airport but for a smooth, air-conditioned, stress-free experience, it’s best to pre-book a private airport transfer and enjoy peace of mind knowing a driver will be waiting for you after landing. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes in average traffic conditions and you can expect to pay around €90 (BDT 10,680) for a standard taxi.

If you prefer to use public transport, the train is the best option. There is a railway station at the airport, where you can take a train to Dhaka Railway Station in the city centre; from there, there are trains to Sylhet daily. The total trip duration is around 7 hours and costs on average €3.10 (BDT 365) per traveller.

Finally, you can reach Sylhet by bus, which also takes around 7 hours and costs on average €6.30 (BDT 745) per traveller. Again, you will first need to take the train, or better yet a taxi, to reach the city centre, as there is no direct Dhaka Airport to Sylhet bus service. However, the are many bus service providers to choose from that operate routes from Dhaka to Sylhet.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Dhaka at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €90 330min 24/7
Train €6.20 420min 06:30–22:00
Bus €12.60 420min 05:00–00:00

How to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by taxi

The best way to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet is to take an airport taxi or pre-book your personalised ride for comfortable door-to-door service. If you choose to take an on-demand taxi, head for the taxi rank at the airport but keep in mind that service may be limited late at night. The trip takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes and your taxi will take you directly to the door of your accommodation.

What's the cost of a taxi from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet?

This route is inexpensive compared to most taxi rides around the world, and may save you money in comparison to flying to a different airport.

Local cabs in Dhaka and most major cities in Bangladesh are metred and their fares are calculated based on distance using a taximeter. For long-distance trips, your driver will give you a fixed fare. Since there are no pre-set fares by the local authorities, you will need to negotiate and agree on the fare before setting off. Factors like the time of day and luggage may affect the total fare; for a standard taxi that can accommodate up to 4 passengers, you can expect to pay around €90 (BDT 10,680).

Cost

€90

Trip Duration

5 Hr. 30 Min.

*Fares will vary unless the taxi is booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis service is available 24/7 at Dhaka Airport.

Where do I take a taxi from?

The official taxi rank at Dhaka Airport is located in front of the Terminal after you exit the Arrivals Hall. Follow the relevant signage and look for the line of yellow taxis, offering on-demand services 24/7.

Convenience

An airport taxi or a private transfer is the most convenient transportation option to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet. It’s also the only 24/7 option, allowing you to make your schedule and even take a break before setting off on yet another trip. Make sure to choose an air-conditioned vehicle to ensure a comfortable trip and sit back and relax while your driver takes you non-stop to your accommodation.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling with multiple other people and can split the cost, taking a taxi is the best value-for-money option for a comfortable, quiet trip with a private vehicle.

Useful Tips

Make sure to negotiate and confirm the total fare with the driver before getting in the taxi.
It's a long trip to Sylhet so make sure to choose a yellow taxi; they're newer, air-conditioned vehicles that will take you comfortably to your destination.
Dhaka taxis rarely accept card payments so make sure to carry cash in small notes.
Tipping your driver isn’t required in Dhaka but it’s well-received for good service, especially for long-distance trips.

How to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by train

Bangladesh Railway’s network is extended, connecting most major cities in the country. The Dhaka Airport to Sylhet train schedule is daily but there is no direct connection; you will need to go through Dhaka Railway Station in the city centre. The entire trip can be done by train and takes approximately 7 hours depending on the train connections you choose.

How much does a train ticket from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet cost?

The average fare for the trip from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by train is €3.10 (BDT 365) per person. The breakdown is €0.40 (BDT 45) for the train from Dhaka Airport to Dhaka and €2.70 (BDT 320) for the train from Dhaka to Sylhet. The total fare will vary depending on the train and ticket class you book. Keep in mind the need to navigate to your final destination once you reach Sylhet, which can add to the total cost of the trip.

Cost

From €3.10

Trip Duration

7 Hr.

The average waiting time at Dhaka Railway Station (Biman Bandar) is 60 minutes. It's best to check the Dhaka Airport to Sylhet train schedule online for more information.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Trains from Dhaka Airport to the city run from 04:07 until 21:09 and from Dhaka to Sylhet from 06:30 until 22:00.

Where do I take the train from?

You can take the train from Dhaka Airport Railway Station, also known as Biman Bandar; it takes around 10 minutes on foot to get there from the Airport Terminal and there should be relevant signage guiding you there. Once you reach Dhaka Railway Station, walk to the platform where your next train to Sylhet will depart.

Convenience

Getting from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by train is a great value-for-money option if you don’t mind the longer trip duration and you’re experienced with using public transport when travelling abroad. Keep in mind that trains are a popular transportation option and you may need to purchase your tickets online several days in advance.

Editor’s Note

The low ticket fare makes the train a popular choice and it's a good value-for-money option if you're travelling on a tight budget.

Useful Tips

You can purchase your ticket from the railway station or online through Bangladesh Railway's official website or application.
Make sure to keep all your personal belongings close to you; local trains are usually overcrowded and petty theft is common.

How to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by bus

Even though there is no direct Dhaka Airport to Sylhet bus service, it’s still a good value-for-money option if you find taking a taxi too pricey. You will need to reach Dhaka first, which can be easily done by train in about 40 minutes. For the Dhaka to Sylhet part, you can use the local Bus Ticketing Portal to search all available bus service providers that operate the specific route. The average travel duration is around 7 hours so it’s best to choose an air-conditioned bus; it will be slightly more expensive but it’s worth it to ensure a comfortable trip.

What's the cost of getting from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by bus?

The average fare for the trip from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by bus is €6.30 (BDT 745) per traveller. This includes the minimum fare for the train from Dhaka Airport to Dhaka which costs €0.40 (BDT 45) and the cheapest bus ticket from Dhaka to Sylhet which costs €5.90 (BDT 700). The total fare will vary depending on the train and bus operator you choose. Keep in mind the need to navigate to your final destination once you reach Sylhet, which can add to the total cost of the trip.

Cost

From €6.30

Trip Duration

7 Hr.

Multiple bus service providers operate routes to Sylhet so you usually won't need to wait more than 1 hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Bus providers operate routes to Sylhet from 05:00 until 00:00 daily.

Where do I take the bus from?

Most operators depart from a central bus or train station in the city centre so you will need to get from Dhaka Airport to Dhaka; you can take the train from Biman Bandar to Dhaka Railway Station. Since multiple bus service providers operate Dhaka to Sylhet routes, you will need to check each one’s departure point; this information will be available when you purchase your ticket online.

Convenience

Using the bus is a convenient transportation option to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet, especially for solo travellers or travellers on a budget. Also, there are many operators to choose from, giving you flexibility when it comes to scheduling. However, this option involves walking, changing means of transport, and dealing with crowds; if you prefer to avoid the hassle, taking an airport taxi is a much better choice.

Editor’s Note

If you're carrying multiple pieces of luggage, the bus may not be the best option; not only you will need to use the train to reach the city but you may also need to walk to reach the station the bus will depart from.

Useful Tips

Finding information on each operator may be challenging; it's safer to use an official platform like the Bus Ticketing Portal in Bangladesh.
Buses are almost always full so make sure to purchase your ticket online in advance to secure a seat onboard.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Sylhet from Dhaka Airport?

The distance from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet is approximately 235 km northeast by road. Getting there by car or taxi takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and your exact destination in Sylhet.

How can I get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet?

The fastest way to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet is by taking an airport taxi or booking your personalised private transfer in advance. The average fare for up to 4 passengers is €90 (BDT 10,680) and the trip duration is around 5 hours and 30 minutes. A cheaper option to get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet is to use the train. There is a train station at the airport but you will need to get through Dhaka Railway Station first. The total trip duration is around 7 hours and the average fare is €3.10 (BDT 365) per traveller. Finally, you can get from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet by bus. Again, there is no direct service from the airport so you will need to use the train to get to Dhaka first. From there, you can choose from multiple operators running routes to Sylhet. The total trip duration is around 7 hours and costs €6.30 (BDT 745) per traveller.

Is there a direct Dhaka Airport to Sylhet bus service?

There is no direct bus service from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet but there is from the city of Dhaka. Multiple bus operators run daily routes from Dhaka to Sylhet; the trip takes approximately 7 hours and tickets start at €5.90 (BDT 700) per traveller.

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