Rajshahi Division Bangladesh Travel Guide
Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH) serves Rajshahi, a domestic airport about 15 kilometers north of downtown. It handles flights exclusively within Bangladesh. Airlines operating here include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair. Flights connect chiefly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka. There are no direct international flights to Rajshahi, so international travelers fly into Dhaka first, then connect domestically.
Domestic flights are available year-round. Prices may see slight increases during peak tourist season (From november To february) and around major Bangladeshi festivals (like Eid holidays). Booking domestic flights in advance during these busy periods helps secure preferred times and potentially better fares. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are useful resources.
Domestic flights run consistently throughout the year.
Recommended during peak seasons and holidays for better fares.
International travelers first arrive in Dhaka, then connect to Rajshahi.
Sign up for Dollar Flight Club for notifications on inexpensive flights.
Skyscanner helps compare prices across various airlines and dates.
Official airport websites provide updated flight schedules and facilities details.
Train travel has a comfortable and scenic way to reach Rajshahi, specifically from Dhaka. Rajshahi Railway Station, centrally located, offers good connections to Dhaka (Kamalapur Railway Station), Khulna, and other main urban centers. Daily intercity trains like the Silk City Express offer various classes: Shulov (economy), Shovon (standard), AC Chair, and AC Cabin. Booking tickets in advance, especially for AC classes and during holidays, is advisable through the Bangladesh Railway web page or agents.
Long-long-haul buses offer an extensive network of connections to and from Rajshahi. The city has several bus terminals, including the Rajshahi Central Bus Terminal and Bornali Bus Stand. Reputable coach operators like Green Line, Hanif Enterprise, National Travels, and Desh Travels operate here. Routes connect Rajshahi to Dhaka, Khulna, Bogura, Rangpur, and numerous other regions. Both air-conditioned (AC) and non-AC buses are available; AC buses are better for longer journeys. Get tickets at terminals or through online platforms.
Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists from other countries in Bangladesh due to challenging road conditions, traffic patterns, and local driving habits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required with your a driver's license from your own country if you choose to drive. Roads vary; major highways are paved however narrow and congested. Heavy traffic flow is common, and night driving presents higher risks due to poor lighting. Consider hiring a private car with a driver for inter-city travel for safety and convenience. DiscoverCars.com offers options for car rentals with drivers.
For travelers combining Bangladesh with India, several land border crossings exist. Benapole (Bangladesh) / Petrapole (India) is the major and most used crossing, connecting to Kolkata, about 6-SEVEN hours from Rajshahi. Burimari (Bangladesh) / Changrabandha (India) is a northern crossing. Chapai Nawabganj (Bangladesh) / Mahadipur (India) is geographically closest to Rajshahi (1.5-2 hours drive) but mainly handles cargo; confirm its status for overseas travelers before planning to use it.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged separately at Shah Makhdum Airport for domestic flights; these costs are typically part of the airfare. For international departures out of Dhaka, any applicable taxes are also generally a portion of your international ticket price. Arrive at Shah Makhdum Airport at least 1 to 1.5 hours before your scheduled domestic flight. For train or bus departures from Rajshahi Rail Depot or coach terminals, arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior.
Shah Makhdum Airport offers basic facilities for departing travelers, featuring a waiting area, restrooms, and limited food stalls for snacks and beverages. Rajshahi Rail Depot and coach terminals also possess waiting areas, small shops selling refreshments and newspapers, food stalls, and lavatories. These facilities are functional but typically basic, offering necessary amenities for waiting passengers.
Allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
Keep your printed or digital tickets accessible.
Streamlined process with prior planning.
While Rajshahi is situated on the Padma River, it doesn't serve as a main point of entry or departure for international tourists via sea or river for inter-city travel. No direct sea or river arrivals are relevant for international tourists to Rajshahi.
Small vessels are available for short, leisurely rides on the Padma River, specifically around the Padma Garden area. These trips are for fun purposes, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic views and the river's tranquility. They do not constitute a main mode of inter-city transport for tourists aiming to arrive or depart Rajshahi.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for travel to or from Rajshahi, as it does not work as an international seaport.
Connections to land transportation are not applicable for main arrival or departure by sea/river for international tourists.
Focus on air or land travel for arrival and departure to Rajshahi.
