Sylhet is one of Bangladesh's most popular travel destinations — home to the sacred Hazrat Shah Jalal Dargah, the spectacular Ratargul swamp forest, the emerald waters of Lalakhal, and the rolling tea gardens of Srihatta. Travelling from Dhaka to Sylhet by train is widely considered the best way to make this journey: comfortable, scenic, and far more relaxed than the overcrowded bus alternatives.
The Dhaka–Sylhet rail corridor offers three main intercity train options. Parabat Express (Train 709, outbound; Train 710, return) is the flagship service — it runs the fastest schedule, offers the most seat class options including Snigdha (AC) and AC Berth, and departs Dhaka Kamalapur in the morning for an ideal midday arrival in Sylhet. Jayantika Express (Train 723/724) and Kalni Express (Train 717/718) are also popular services with Shovan Chair and Shovan class options, providing more affordable alternatives and additional departure times.
The journey from Dhaka to Sylhet covers approximately 320 kilometres and takes around 6–7 hours depending on the service. The most striking section is the northeastern corridor through Brahmanbaria and the haor (wetland) districts of Habiganj and Sunamganj. During monsoon season (June–September), the haor landscape floods into a vast inland sea — a completely unique and breathtaking panorama visible from the train window. Even in the dry season, the wetland channels, bamboo groves, and rolling wetland plains of this corridor distinguish it from any other Bangladesh rail journey.
Ticket booking: Parabat Express Snigdha class opens 10 days in advance online. Due to the strong diaspora connection — thousands of Bangladeshi-British families travel this route particularly during UK school holidays (July–August, October half-term, December–January) — tickets can sell out very quickly during these peak periods. Book as early as the window allows.
In Sylhet: The main attractions are Hazrat Shah Jalal Dargah Sharif (15 min by auto from station), Ratargul Swamp Forest (45 min; hire a boat for the interior), Lalakhal turquoise river (1.5 hours), and Jaflong stone-gathering villages at the India border (2 hours). The city also offers excellent Sylheti cuisine — try the seven-layer tea at Srimangal's tea stalls.