Train Journey from Kolkata to Dhaka: The Maitree Express Guide

The Most Popular Travel Route

For Indian medical students, especially those from West Bengal, Bihar, and Northeast India, traveling to Dhaka is incredibly convenient. The most popular, cheapest, and comfortable mode of transport is the Maitree Express, an international passenger train connecting Kolkata (India) to Dhaka (Bangladesh).

The Journey Details

• Route: Kolkata (Chitpur) Station to Dhaka Cantonment Station.
• Duration: The journey takes approximately 8.5 to 9 hours, covering around 390 kilometers.
• Frequency: The train runs 5 days a week.
• Comfort: The train is fully air-conditioned (AC First Class and AC Chair Car) and offers a very comfortable ride with food catering services on board.

Ticketing and Customs

You cannot book Maitree Express tickets online. You must visit the designated counters at Kolkata Station or Fairlie Place in person, carrying your original passport and a valid Bangladesh Visa.

Customs and immigration checks are streamlined. They are conducted at the starting point in Kolkata and the end point in Dhaka, which means you don't have to get off the train at the border (Gede-Darshana) with all your heavy luggage. This is a massive relief for students carrying books, winter clothes, and food supplies for the semester.