How to Go to Dhaka from Kolkata
Dhaka from Kolkata: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re planning a trip from Kolkata to the bustling and vibrant city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, you’re in for an exciting journey. Dhaka is known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality. To help you navigate this trip successfully, let’s explore the various ways of how to go to Dhaka from Kolkata.
1. Dhaka from Kolkata by Air:
The most convenient and time-efficient way to travel from Kolkata to Dhaka is by air. There are regular flights connecting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka). Several airlines operate on this route, making it accessible for travelers.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on Dhaka from Kolkata by air:
- Step 1: Start by booking your flight ticket well in advance. You can do this online or through a travel agency.
- Step 2: Arrive at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on your departure date, ensuring you have all the necessary travel documents, including your passport and visa for Bangladesh.
- Step 3: After boarding your flight, enjoy a comfortable and relatively short journey, which typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Step 4: Upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, complete the immigration and customs procedures. You’ve successfully made it from Kolkata to Dhaka by air!
2. Dhaka from Kolkata by Train:
While there is no direct train route between Kolkata and Dhaka, you can opt for a combination of train and bus travel to reach Dhaka. This journey includes traveling by train from Kolkata to the border town of Petrapole, followed by a bus ride to Dhaka.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on Dhaka from Kolkata by train and bus:
- Step 1: Start by booking a train ticket from Kolkata (usually Sealdah or Howrah railway stations) to Petrapole, the last railway station on the Indian side of the border. This train journey typically takes around 4-5 hours.
- Step 2: Upon reaching Petrapole, complete the immigration and customs procedures to exit India.
- Step 3: Cross the border on foot or by cycle-rickshaw and enter Benapole, the Bangladeshi side of the border.
- Step 4: From Benapole, you can take a bus to Dhaka. The bus journey can vary in duration, taking approximately 6-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Step 5: Upon arrival in Dhaka, complete the immigration procedures, and you’ve successfully made it from Kolkata to Dhaka by train and bus.
3. Dhaka from Kolkata by Road:
Traveling from Kolkata to Dhaka by road is an option for those who prefer a scenic road trip. The route involves crossing the India-Bangladesh border at Petrapole-Benapole, similar to the train and bus combination mentioned earlier.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to go to Dhaka from Kolkata by road:
- Step 1: Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition for a long journey, and prepare all the necessary documents, including passports, visas, and vehicle permits.
- Step 2: Start your road trip from Kolkata and drive to Petrapole, the last Indian town before the border. This journey can take around 4-5 hours.
- Step 3: At Petrapole, complete the immigration and customs procedures to exit India.
- Step 4: Cross the border into Benapole, Bangladesh, and complete the immigration procedures on the Bangladeshi side.
- Step 5: Continue your road journey from Benapole to Dhaka. The road trip can take approximately 6-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Step 6: Upon reaching Dhaka, complete the immigration procedures, and you’ve successfully made it from Kolkata to Dhaka by road.
4. Dhaka from Kolkata by Water:
For a unique and adventurous journey, consider traveling from Kolkata to Dhaka by water. The journey involves taking a series of river ferries along the Padma River, which flows through both India and Bangladesh.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on Dhaka from Kolkata by water:
- Step 1: Start your journey by traveling from Kolkata to the town of Haldia in West Bengal, India.
- Step 2: At Haldia, you can board a cargo ferry that will take you along the Padma River, which forms a natural border between India and Bangladesh.
- Step 3: Enjoy a picturesque and adventurous journey as you pass through the riverine landscapes of both countries.
- Step 4: The ferry will eventually reach the port city of Mongla in Bangladesh.
- Step 5: From Mongla, you can continue your journey by road to reach Dhaka.
- Step 6: Upon arriving in Dhaka, complete the immigration procedures, and you’ve successfully made it from Kolkata to Dhaka by water.
5. Dhaka from Kolkata by Air and Land Combination:
Another option is to take a flight from Kolkata to Jessore Airport in Bangladesh and then continue your journey by road to Dhaka. This approach offers a combination of air and land travel.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on Dhaka from Kolkata by air and land:
- Step 1: Book a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) to Jessore Airport (Bangladesh).
- Step 2: Upon landing at Jessore Airport, complete the immigration procedures and enter Bangladesh.
- Step 3: From Jessore, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to continue your journey to Dhaka. The road journey can take approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Step 4: Upon arriving in Dhaka, complete the immigration procedures, and you’ve successfully made it from Kolkata to Dhaka by air and land.
In Conclusion:
How to go to Dhaka from Kolkata offers various transportation options to suit different preferences and schedules. Whether you choose to travel by air, train and bus, road, water, or a combination of air and land, your journey to Dhaka promises an enriching experience filled with culture, history, and the warmth of Bangladeshi hospitality. Once you arrive in Dhaka, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its vibrant streets, historical sites, and cultural attractions, making your trip a memorable adventure in this dynamic capital city.