Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Schedule 2026: Times, Off Days & Fare
The Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule for 2026 has five intercity trains each way: Dhumketu, Banalata, Silk City, Madhumati and Padma Express. The fastest one, Banalata Express, reaches Rajshahi in about 4 hours 15 minutes, and each train has one weekly off day.
In this guide you will find departure and arrival times in both directions, off days, journey time, seat fares, stations on the way and simple tips. The times come from the official Bangladesh Railway timetable (Time Table No. 54, in force since 10 March 2025). We checked them against other timetable sources in October 2026.
Quick answer: Five intercity trains leave Dhaka (Kamalapur) for Rajshahi: Dhumketu Express at 6:00 AM, Banalata Express at 1:30 PM, Silk City Express at 2:30 PM, Madhumati Express at 3:00 PM and Padma Express at 10:45 PM. The trip takes 4 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes. A Shovan Chair seat costs about Tk 405.
Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Schedule at a Glance
Here are the key facts of the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule in one place. Save this table on your phone before you travel.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Intercity trains each way | 5 (Dhumketu, Banalata, Silk City, Madhumati, Padma) |
| First train from Dhaka | Dhumketu Express, 6:00 AM |
| Last train from Dhaka | Padma Express, 10:45 PM |
| Fastest train | Banalata Express (about 4 h 15 min to Rajshahi) |
| Slowest intercity | Madhumati Express via Padma Bridge (about 7 h 30 min) |
| Rail distance | About 343 km on the Jamuna bridge route |
| Starting station in Dhaka | Kamalapur (Dhaka Railway Station) |
| Shovan Chair fare | About Tk 405 (plus Tk 20 online charge) |
| Where to buy | eticket.railway.gov.bd, Rail Sheba app, station counters |
Four of the five trains cross the Jamuna River on the new Jamuna Railway Bridge. This double-line bridge opened on 18 March 2025. Trains no longer wait long to cross the river, so the trip is smoother than before. Madhumati Express is different. It runs south through the Padma Bridge and reaches Rajshahi from the Kushtia and Ishwardi side.
Full Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Schedule 2026
The table below shows the full Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule. All trains start from Kamalapur. Times are the official timetable times. Real trains often run 30 to 90 minutes late, so keep some spare time in your plan.
| Train name & number | Departure (Dhaka) | Arrival (Rajshahi) | Off day | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhumketu Express (769) | 6:00 AM | 11:40 AM | Thursday | 5 h 40 min |
| Banalata Express (791) | 1:30 PM | 5:45 PM | Friday | 4 h 15 min |
| Silk City Express (753) | 2:30 PM | 8:20 PM | Sunday | 5 h 50 min |
| Madhumati Express (755) | 3:00 PM | 10:30 PM | Saturday | 7 h 30 min |
| Padma Express (759) | 10:45 PM | 4:00 AM (next day) | Tuesday | 5 h 15 min |
Banalata Express does not end at Rajshahi. It leaves Rajshahi again at 6:05 PM and reaches Chapainawabganj at 7:15 PM. So if your home is in Chapainawabganj, you can stay on the same train.
Madhumati Express takes the Padma Bridge line. It passes Bhanga, Faridpur, Rajbari, Kushtia and Ishwardi before it reaches Rajshahi. It is slower, but it is very handy for people going to those towns.
Budget option: Rajshahi Commuter
The Rajshahi Commuter (train 5) leaves Dhaka at 12:15 PM. It reaches Rajshahi at 7:55 PM and then goes on to Chapainawabganj by 10:00 PM. It is not an intercity train, so it sits outside the main Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule. The official list shows no weekly off day for it. It stops at many stations, so it is slow. Ask at the counter about its fare and seats.
Check the off day before you plan
Some websites still show old off days. For example, a few list Thursday for Madhumati Express. The current official timetable says Saturday. When you search on the e-ticket website for a date, a train normally does not appear on its off day. That is an easy way to double-check this Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule.
Day-by-Day Off-Day Guide for Dhaka–Rajshahi Trains
Many travellers forget the off day and reach the station for nothing. This simple table turns the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule into a weekly view. It shows which train does not run on each day.
| Day | Not running from Dhaka | Not running from Rajshahi |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Madhumati Express (755) | Madhumati Express (756) |
| Sunday | Silk City Express (753) | Silk City Express (754) |
| Monday | All five trains run | All five trains run |
| Tuesday | Padma Express (759) | Padma Express (760) |
| Wednesday | All five trains run | Dhumketu Express (770) |
| Thursday | Dhumketu Express (769) | All five trains run |
| Friday | Banalata Express (791) | Banalata Express (792) |
Monday is the only day when every train runs in both directions. If you have a flexible plan, Monday gives you the widest choice of seats. Thursday and Saturday are usually busy, because many people travel for the weekend.
Use the left column of this table with the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule above. Use the right column with the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule below. Then you will never pick a train on its day off.
Rajshahi to Dhaka Train Schedule (Return Trains)
Going back to the capital? Here is the full Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule. Three trains leave in the early morning, one in the afternoon and one late at night. All of them end at Kamalapur in central Dhaka.
| Train name & number | Departure (Rajshahi) | Arrival (Dhaka) | Off day | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madhumati Express (756) | 6:40 AM | 2:00 PM | Saturday | 7 h 20 min |
| Banalata Express (792) | 7:00 AM | 11:35 AM | Friday | 4 h 35 min |
| Silk City Express (754) | 7:40 AM | 1:10 PM | Sunday | 5 h 30 min |
| Padma Express (760) | 4:00 PM | 9:15 PM | Tuesday | 5 h 15 min |
| Dhumketu Express (770) | 11:20 PM | 4:40 AM (next day) | Wednesday | 5 h 20 min |
Banalata Express starts its day in Chapainawabganj at 6:00 AM, so people from that district can also use this Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule. It reaches Rajshahi at 6:50 AM and leaves at 7:00 AM sharp. Board on time, because it does not wait long.
Notice one tricky point in the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule. Dhumketu Express has two different off days. It does not leave Dhaka on Thursday, and it does not leave Rajshahi on Wednesday. Padma, Silk City, Banalata and Madhumati keep the same off day in both directions.
Best return train for office goers
If you must reach Dhaka before noon, pick Banalata Express. It arrives at 11:35 AM. Silk City Express reaches by 1:10 PM, which suits a half-day plan. Students who want to save a hotel night often choose Dhumketu Express at 11:20 PM, which arrives before sunrise.
Families usually prefer Padma Express at 4:00 PM. It reaches Kamalapur at 9:15 PM, early enough to get home safely the same night. Keep this Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule handy when you plan meetings in the city.
Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Ticket Price by Seat Class
The fare is the same for every train on the Jamuna line in the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule. It depends on the seat class, not on the time of day. The table shows the commonly listed adult one-way fares on the Jamuna bridge route. AC fares include 15% VAT.
| Seat class | What you get | Adult fare (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Shovan Chair (S_CHAIR) | Reserved non-AC chair | About Tk 405 |
| Snigdha (SNIGDHA) | AC chair coach | About Tk 771 |
| AC Seat (AC_S) | Seat in an AC cabin | About Tk 926 |
| AC Berth (AC_B) | Sleeper berth in an AC cabin | About Tk 1,386 |
| Madhumati Express (Padma Bridge route) | Different, longer route | Check at station |
Some older charts still show lower numbers, such as Tk 340 for Shovan Chair. Fares on long routes went up when Bangladesh Railway ended its distance rebate on 4 May 2024. So always trust the price shown on the checkout page.
Online tickets carry a Tk 20 service charge per seat. Counter tickets have no service charge. Children aged 3 to 12 need a child ticket, which is cheaper. Not every train carries every class. The e-ticket site only shows the classes your chosen train has.
Cheapest and best-value seats
- Cheapest intercity seat: Shovan Chair, about Tk 405.
- Best comfort for the money: Snigdha, an AC chair at about Tk 771.
- Best for a night trip: an AC Berth if your train has one, so you can lie down.
- Cheapest of all: the Rajshahi Commuter, if you do not mind a slow ride.
Stations on the Way From Dhaka to Rajshahi
Four of the five trains in the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule follow the same line across the Jamuna. Not every train stops at every station, so check your ticket.
- Dhaka (Kamalapur)
- Dhaka Airport (Biman Bandar)
- Joydebpur Junction (Gazipur)
- Tangail
- Jamuna Railway Bridge crossing
- Shaheed M. Mansur Ali (Sirajganj)
- Ullapara
- Boral Bridge
- Ishwardi Bypass
- Abdulpur Junction
- Rajshahi
Banalata Express was launched in 2019 as a non-stop train, so it skips most of these stations. That is why it is the fastest.
Madhumati Express uses a different line. Its main stops include Mawa, Padma, Bhanga, Faridpur, Rajbari, Pangsha, Kushtia Court, Poradah, Bheramara and Ishwardi Junction.
Live in Uttara or Gazipur? Many trains on this line also stop at Dhaka Airport or Joydebpur, so check your train’s stops when you book. Our Joydebpur to Dhaka train schedule explains the stations in that area.
Best Train From Dhaka to Rajshahi: Which One to Pick?
Every train has its own strong point. Use this simple guide to match the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule with your needs.
- Fastest: Banalata Express. Only about 4 h 15 min from Dhaka. Remember it is off on Friday.
- Day trip or early start: Dhumketu Express at 6:00 AM. You reach Rajshahi before lunch.
- After a half day of work: Silk City Express at 2:30 PM. It reaches by 8:20 PM.
- Overnight saver: Padma Express at 10:45 PM. You sleep on the train and save a hotel night.
- For Faridpur, Rajbari or Kushtia: Madhumati Express through the Padma Bridge.
- Families with children: a daytime train in Snigdha class. It is cool, clean and calm.
One warning about Padma Express. It reaches Rajshahi at about 4:00 AM. If you are not being picked up, wait inside the station until dawn. Rickshaws and CNGs are easier to find after first light.
What if tickets are sold out at 8 AM?
Seats on this route go fast, mainly on Thursday and before holidays. Even a perfect Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule plan fails without a ticket. Do not give up. Try these steps:
- Pick a different train on the same day. A slower train such as Madhumati may still have seats.
- Try another class. Snigdha may still have seats when Shovan Chair is gone.
- Look at the next day. Sales open 10 days before the journey date.
- Check again later. Seats from cancelled tickets sometimes come back.
- Visit the station counter, but never buy from people outside the station.
How to Buy Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Tickets Online
Tickets are sold only on the official Bangladesh Railway e-ticket website, in the Rail Sheba app and at station counters. Online sales open at 8:00 AM, up to 10 days before your trip. Follow these steps:
- Register with your mobile number and a verified NID. Teens aged 12 to 18 can use a birth certificate. Foreigners use a passport.
- Log in and choose From: Dhaka, To: Rajshahi, the date and the seat class.
- Pick a train from the list and select up to 4 seats.
- Enter passenger names and press “Continue Purchase”.
- Type the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
- Pay with bKash, Nagad, Rocket, Upay or card before the timer ends.
- Download the e-ticket from Purchase History. It is also sent to your email.
Prefer your phone? Read our Rail Sheba app guide for screenshots and tips. For every step in detail, see our full Bangladesh Railway ticket guide.
Refunds are allowed until 6 hours before departure. The cut grows as the time gets closer. You cannot change the date or name. You must cancel and buy again.
Travel Tips for the Dhaka–Rajshahi Route
A little planning makes this trip much easier. Keep these tips in mind along with the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule.
- Reach early: Be at Kamalapur 30 minutes before departure. The station is big and platforms can change.
- Expect delays: Trains in Bangladesh often run 30 to 90 minutes late. Do not plan a tight meeting right after arrival.
- Eid rush: The Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule can change in holiday weeks. Before Eid ul-Fitr 2026, the railway cancelled weekly off days of all intercity trains from 16 March until the day before Eid. Seats sell out in minutes in these weeks, and the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule after Eid is just as busy.
- Carry your ID: Keep your NID or the ID used for booking. Checkers may ask for it.
- Pack light: Overhead racks are small. One bag and one small backpack per person is ideal.
- Food: Carry water and dry snacks, mainly on the night trains.
- Stay safe from fraud: Bangladesh Railway warned in September 2025 about fake ticket sellers on Facebook. Never share your OTP or password.
Rajshahi station is close to the city. Rickshaws and CNGs are usually easy to find outside during the day.
How to Track Your Dhaka–Rajshahi Train Live
Whether you use the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule or the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule, you can check where your train is with a simple SMS. Type TR, a space and the train number, then send it to 16318. A small fee applies.
- Silk City Express: TR 753 (to Rajshahi) or TR 754 (to Dhaka)
- Padma Express: TR 759 or TR 760
- Dhumketu Express: TR 769 or TR 770
- Banalata Express: TR 791 or TR 792
- Madhumati Express: TR 755 or TR 756
The SMS reply shows the last station the train passed. Compare it with the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule or the Dhaka trip table to guess your delay. You can also call the railway hotline 131 for help. This is very useful when a train is late and you do not want to wait on the platform for hours.
FAQs about Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Schedule
What is the Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule for 2026?
Five intercity trains leave Dhaka: Dhumketu at 6:00 AM, Banalata at 1:30 PM, Silk City at 2:30 PM, Madhumati at 3:00 PM and Padma at 10:45 PM. Each one has one weekly off day. The Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule has the same five trains coming back.
Which is the fastest train from Dhaka to Rajshahi?
Banalata Express is the fastest. It takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to Rajshahi and 4 hours 35 minutes back to Dhaka. It does not run on Friday.
Which trains are in the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule in the morning?
Three trains leave Rajshahi in the morning. Madhumati leaves at 6:40 AM, Banalata at 7:00 AM and Silk City at 7:40 AM. Padma leaves at 4:00 PM and Dhumketu at 11:20 PM.
How much is a train ticket from Dhaka to Rajshahi?
A Shovan Chair seat costs about Tk 405. Snigdha is about Tk 771, AC Seat about Tk 926 and AC Berth about Tk 1,386. Online booking adds Tk 20 per seat.
Is the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule the same on all days?
No. Each train has one weekly off day. Madhumati is off on Saturday, Silk City on Sunday, Padma on Tuesday, Dhumketu on Wednesday and Banalata on Friday. Only on Monday do all five trains leave Rajshahi.
How many days before can I buy the ticket?
You can buy up to 10 days before your journey. Online sales open at 8:00 AM each day. Log in a few minutes early, because that is the busiest time.
Final Word on the Dhaka to Rajshahi Train Schedule
The Dhaka to Rajshahi train schedule gives you a choice for almost every plan. Choose Banalata for speed, Dhumketu for an early start, Silk City for the afternoon, Padma for the night and Madhumati for the Padma Bridge towns. For the trip home, keep the Rajshahi to Dhaka train schedule table saved on your phone.
Book early, check the off day and reach the station on time. If you are new to online booking, our step-by-step page on how to buy a Bangladesh Railway ticket online will help you get a seat. You can also see the official Bangladesh Railway website and the Rajshahi railway station page for more background. Have a safe trip!
Last checked: October 2026. Train times and fares can change. Always confirm on the official Bangladesh Railway e-ticket website before you travel.
