Subarna Express (Train No. 701 Dhaka-Chittagong; Train No. 702 Chittagong-Dhaka) is Bangladesh's most celebrated intercity train and the flagship service on the country's busiest rail corridor. The word "Subarna" means "golden" in Bengali — a name that reflects the train's premium status in the Bangladesh Railway network.
The 701 service departs Dhaka Kamalapur Railway Station in the morning and arrives in Chittagong approximately 6 hours 30 minutes later, making stops at major intermediate cities including Comilla and Feni. The return service (702) departs Chittagong in the evening, completing the daily round trip. The 702 is particularly in demand on Sunday evenings when travellers return from the port city to Dhaka.
Subarna Express offers three seat classes. Snigdha (AC Chair) is the most popular: air-conditioned coaches with reclining push-back seats, individual charging points, and improved interior design. Fare is approximately 480–650 taka depending on origin-destination. AC Berth (sleeping cabins with bedding provided) is available at 800–1100 taka — primarily used by overnight travellers. Shovan Chair (non-AC numbered seat) runs approximately 100–360 taka and is the most economical option.
Ticket booking strategy: Snigdha class tickets open 10 days in advance online via eticket.railway.gov.bd. On the Dhaka–Chittagong corridor, Snigdha class for Subarna Express typically sells out within 2–4 hours of the booking window opening. For weekday travel, booking 5–7 days ahead is generally sufficient. For weekend and holiday travel, book the moment the 10-day window opens.
Passenger experience: The train is well-maintained relative to other Bangladesh Railway services. Coaches are cleaned between runs at Kamalapur and Chittagong. A pantry car provides hot meals, tea, and snacks. Vendors board at station stops selling local snacks. The Comilla stop (approximately 2 hours into the journey) is the longest intermediate halt — 5–10 minutes — and a good opportunity to use station facilities.
Fun fact: Subarna Express was introduced in the 1990s and quickly became the reference point against which all Dhaka–Chittagong rail services are measured. Today it remains the benchmark of punctuality and service quality on the Bangladesh Railway intercity network.