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How to Get to Comilla

How to Get to Comilla

Comilla Chittagong, Bangladesh Travel Guide

Major Airports & Airlines

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport DAC

This is the main international gateway to Bangladesh, located in Dhaka, approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles) from Comilla. Most visitors to Comilla fly into DAC. It serves a wide array of international airlines.

DAC Connectivity

  • Major carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, flydubai.
  • Connects from The middle ofdle East, Europe, Southeast Asia hubs.
  • Regional carriers: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair.

Shah Amanat International Airport CGP

Located in Chittagong, this airport is another international option, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Comilla. It serves fewer direct international routes compared to Dhaka, mainly regional connections.

CGP Connectivity

  • Fewer direct international flights.
  • Mainly regional connections within South Asia.
  • Some Middle Eastern carriers operate.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices increase during peak season (Nov-Feb) and major Bangladeshi holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha). Book in advance for these periods. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Direct Flight Availability

Direct flights to Dhaka (DAC) are obtainable from major hubs in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and some European cities. There are no direct international flights to Comilla itself.

Airport Facilities DAC

DAC offers duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, executive lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, and SIM card vendors. Pre-arranged private car hire is a common transfer option.

Transfer Options to Comilla

From Dhaka DAC

  • Private Car Hire: Most convenient, 2-3 hours journey, ৳3,000-5,000.
  • Inter-city Bus: Economical, take taxi/CNG to Kamalapur or Sayedabad terminals.
  • Train: Scenic, take taxi/CNG to Kamalapur Railway Station, book in advance.
  • Pre-arrange transfers for late arrivals or heavy luggage.

From Chittagong CGP

  • Private Car Hire: 2.5-3.5 hours journey, pre-arrangement advised.
  • Inter-city Bus: Regular departures from Chittagong bus terminals to Comilla.
  • CGP facilities are similar but more limited compared to Dhaka.
  • Consider traffic flow for all land transfers.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes

No specific exit fees beyond what is covered by your airfare.

Departure Procedures

For international flights from DAC, arrive THREE hours beforehand. For domestic, 2 hours prior. Allow 3-4 hours for travel from Comilla to Dhaka Airport.

Airport/Station Facilities

DAC (Dhaka) offers extensive facilities. Comilla's local railway/bus stations have basic amenities.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Comilla Train Terminal is on the main Dhaka-Chittagong railway line. Regular services connect Comilla with Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major cities. Bangladesh Railway offers Shovon Chair (Economy A/C), Snigdha (First Class A/C), First Berth (Sleeper A/C), and Shovon (Non-A/C Economy).

Booking & Classes

  • Reserve tickets online, at stations, or through authorized agents.
  • Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for AC classes and holidays.
  • Classes vary from basic non-AC to comfortable AC sleepers.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Comilla has excellent bus connectivity. Numerous private bus companies offer both AC and non-AC services to Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and other districts. Well-known operators include Green Line, Shyamoli Paribahan, and Hanif Enterprise. Purchase tickets at company counters or via online platforms.

Bus Travel Facts

  • Comilla has multiple bus terminals for various routes.
  • Journey from Dhaka to Comilla: ~2-3 hours (traffic dependent).
  • Journey from Chittagong to Comilla: ~2.5-3.5 hours.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving is not recommended for most foreign visitors due to challenging driving conditions, loosely followed driving regulations, and difficult navigation. Most car rentals for tourists come with a driver. If you insist on driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national driving license is necessary. Road conditions vary, and congestion is common.

Driving Facts

  • Aggressive driving and lack of lane discipline.
  • Night driving is risky due to poor lighting.
  • Navigating without local knowledge is stressful.

Border Crossing India

Comilla District is close to the India-Bangladesh border. The Akhaura-Agartala Integrated Check Post is the closest major land border crossing to India (Tripura state). A valid passport and a pre-obtained visa for the country you plan to enter are necessary. Visa on Arrival (VoA) is not available at land borders in Bangladesh. Arrange visas beforehand.

Border Crossing Details

  • Valid passport and pre-obtained visa required for entry to India or Bangladesh.
  • Visa on Arrival (VoA) is NOT available at land borders.
  • Akhaura-Agartala is the main land crossing nearby.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Road conditions vary from good (national highways) to poor (rural).
  • Congestion is common, especially near urban areas and during holidays.
  • Aggressive driving, varied vehicle types, pedestrians, and creatures create safety challenges.
  • Night driving carries higher risks due to poor lighting and unpredictable conditions.
  • Hiring a car with a local driver is strongly recommended for safety and convenience.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded bus/train stations.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Comilla is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrivals are not relevant for international tourists as a main mode of transport. The city is not located on a major navigable river for large passenger ferries or cruise ships that would serve as a tourist entry point.

Sea/River Arrival Facts

  • No direct international sea or river arrivals to Comilla.
  • City not on major river for large passenger vessels.
  • Coastal cities like Chittagong handle sea freight, but not tourist passenger services to Comilla.

River Transportation

River transportation is not applicable for direct arrival to Comilla for tourists. While local river transport exists in surrounding rural areas on smaller rivers for community travel, it is not a main mode of arrival to the urban area for visitors or a specific tourist service.

Local River Use

  • Small boats on local rivers serve rural communities.
  • Not a tourist service for reaching Comilla City.
  • Limited navigation for tourism from other main urban centers.

Rivers Nearby

The Gumti River flows through Comilla, mainly for local use, not major tourist transport.

Immigration Procedures

Not applicable for Comilla; no seaports or international river entrances in the city.

Land Connections

All major tourist connections to Comilla are via land from Dhaka or Chittagong.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for air travel from Bangladesh beyond what is included in your airline ticket. For international flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), intend to arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. For domestic flights within Bangladesh, arrive at least 2 hours before.

Departure Timeline

  • International Flights (DAC): Arrive 3 hours prior.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours prior.
  • From Comilla to Dhaka Airport: Allow 3-4 hours for traveling by road, plus buffer time.

Airport/Station Facilities

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka offers a range of facilities for departing travelers, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, plus lounges. In contrast, Comilla's local railway and bus stations provide more fundamental amenities, like waiting areas, local eateries, plus boutiques. Do not expect extensive facilities at these local stations.

Available Facilities

  • DAC: Restaurants, cafes, duty-free, lounges.
  • DAC: Shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Comilla local stations: Basic waiting areas, local eateries.

Affiliate Travel Resources

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for cheap flight alerts. Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Travel Insurance

World Nomads for adventurous travelers. SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Flight Compensation

AirHelp assists with delayed or canceled flight compensation.

Departure Reminder

Confirm your flight status and departure terminal before heading to the airport. Allow extra travel time from Comilla to Dhaka, especially during peak hours or holidays.