Rajshahi Division Bangladesh Travel Guide
Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH) serves Rajshahi, a domestic airport about 15 kilometers north of the city center. 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 (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 look at prices from various various airlines and dates.
Official airport websites provide updated flight schedules and facilities details.
Train travel has a comfortable and picturesque method to reach Rajshahi, specifically from Dhaka. Rajshahi Railway Station, centrally located, has good connections to Dhaka (Kamalapur Railway Station), Khulna, and other main urban centers. Daily intercity trains like the Silk City Express provide different 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 site or agents.
Long-distance buses offer a comprehensive system of connections to and from Rajshahi. The city features various 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) plus without-AC buses are available; AC buses are of higher quality for extended trips. Get tickets at terminals or via online platforms.
Self-driving is generally not recommended for foreign tourists 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. You might want to hire 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 6-7 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 foreign tourists 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 from Dhaka, any applicable taxes are also generally part of your international ticket price. Arrive at Shah Makhdum Airport at least 1 to 1.FIVE hours ahead of your scheduled domestic flight. For train or bus departures from Rajshahi Railway Station or coach terminals, arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior.
Shah Makhdum Airport offers basic facilities for departing travelers, including a waiting area, restrooms, and limited food stalls for snacks and beverages. Rajshahi Rail Depot and bus terminals also possess waiting areas, small shops with refreshments and newspapers, food stalls, and lavatories. These facilities are functional but generally basic, offering necessary amenities for waiting passengers.
Allocate adequate time for check-in and security procedures.
Keep your printed or digital tickets accessible.
Streamlined process with prior planning.
While Rajshahi is found on the Padma River, it does not 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 rides are for fun purposes, allowing visitors to savor 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 function 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.
