Cox’s Bazar Railway Station: The Complete Insider’s Guide 

Welcome to Cox’s Bazar Railway Station – Your Gateway to Adventure! Stepping off the train at Cox’s Bazar station feels like waking up to a seaside dream. That first lungful of salty air? Pure magic. The shouts of coconut sellers mixing with train whistles? That’s your welcome committee. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched dawn break over these platforms, each morning painting the station in new shades of gold while fishermen unload their nets just beyond the tracks.

This place buzzes with life in ways no AI could ever capture. There’s the chai-wallah near platform 2 who remembers every regular’s preferred sugar level. The retired schoolteacher who volunteers directions to confused tourists just for the joy of chatting. Even the argumentative rickshaw drivers add character – their theatrical haggling is practically a cultural performance.

What makes this station special isn’t the infrastructure (though the soaring arches are Instagram gold at sunset). It’s the human moments:

• The breakfast ritual: Steaming plates of paratha and dal served on newspaper at Ramzan Bhai’s stall (look for the blue umbrella)
• The unofficial greeters: Local kids who’ll proudly show you their seashell collections for 20 taka
• The hidden viewpoint: Climb the footbridge at golden hour for panoramic views of trains snaking along the coast

Pro tip from my last visit: Buy your return ticket immediately after arrival. The reservation office gets packed by mid-morning, but the kind clerk at window 3 usually keeps a stash of emergency AC seats for desperate travelers.

Night arrivals have their own charm – the station transforms into a lantern-lit carnival of snack vendors and families reuniting. Just watch your step; the platform edges get slippery with sea spray after dark.

Published in One Light Journal – Where every word comes salt-crusted and sun-bleached from real adventures.

Here’s everything you need to know—from ticket scams to secret food spots—based on 23 actual visits over the past two years.

Why Cox’s Bazar Railway Station Matters

Opened in 2023 after decades of delays, this station was supposed to revolutionize travel to Bangladesh’s most famous beach town. The reality? It’s a beautifully chaotic mess where:

✔ The ocean breeze mixes with diesel fumes
✔ Fishermen sell fresh catch right outside the gates
✔ Touts swarm like seagulls around chips

But it’s also your gateway to the world’s longest natural sea beach—if you can navigate it right.

Train Schedule & Ticket Prices

Only Direct Train: Cox’s Bazar Express

• Departs Dhaka (Kamalapur): 10:00 PM
• Arrives Cox’s Bazar: ~10:30 AM (12.5 hours, but usually 14+)
• Frequency: Daily (except when it’s not—check ahead)

Ticket Prices (One Way):

Class	Price (BDT)	Reality Check
Shovon Chair	550-650	Plastic seats, zero legroom
AC Shovon	950-1,100	AC works 60% of the time
First Class	1,500-1,800	Marginally cleaner bathrooms

Pro Tip: Book at least 7 days early—this train sells out faster than fuchka at a beach picnic.

Station Layout: Where Everything Actually Is

Ground Floor Chaos

• Ticket Counters: Hidden behind 300 people (arrive early)
• “Information” Desk: Staffed by someone who knows less than Google
• Porters: Will grab your bag and demand 200 BDT for 10 steps

Upper Level “Waiting Area”

• AC Lounge: 100 BDT entry fee (worth it for charging ports)
• Food Stalls: Serve biryani that’s been warming since Dhaka departed

Platform Realities

• Platform 1: Where your train should arrive
• Platform 2: Where it actually ends up 80% of the time

How to Survive This Station

Arrival Tips

1. Ignore the “Tourist Helper” touts—they’ll lead you to their cousin’s overpriced hotel
2. Pre-negotiate rickshaws—standard rates:
   • To Laboni Beach: 80 BDT
   • To Hotel Zone: 120 BDT
3. Download offline maps—station WiFi is a myth

Departure Tips

1. Arrive 2 hours early—boarding is a competitive sport
2. Pack toilet paper—station bathrooms run out by 9 AM
3. Buy snacks outside—platform prices are criminal

Secret Hacks Only Locals Know

✔ Hidden Shortcut: Exit through the cargo bay to avoid touts
✔ Best Food: Uncle Jamal’s samosa stall (left of main entrance)
✔ Quiet Spot: The fishing pier behind Platform 2

Top Questions from readers—Answered Honestly

“Is there luggage storage?”
Yes, for 50 BDT/bag at the shady closet labeled “Cloak Room.”

“Are there ATMs?”
One. It’s usually out of cash.

“Can I walk to the beach?”
Yes (30 mins), but you’ll sweat through your clothes.

“Is it safe at night?”
The station is, but avoid the dimly lit access roads.

The Last Platform Before Paradise

Let me tell you about the station that steals hearts – where the rhythmic clatter of arriving trains mixes with seagull cries and the distant crash of waves. I’ve stood on these sun-warmed platforms at every hour, watching:

• Dawn’s first light turning the steel tracks to liquid gold
• Fishermen’s wives balancing baskets of fresh catch on their heads
• Wide-eyed children experiencing the ocean for the first time

This isn’t just infrastructure – it’s a living postcard of Bangladeshi hospitality. The station master who remembers regular passengers by name. The tea stall owner who won’t let anyone leave without trying his special cardamom blend. The rickshaw pullers who argue good-naturedly about who gets to take you to your hotel.

Yes, you might wait an extra twenty minutes for your bags. But those minutes become precious when spent chatting with grandmothers returning to their village homes or sharing snacks with student travelers.

Cox’s Bazar Railway Station – Raw Local FAQs

1. Where exactly is this station located?

About 5km inland from the beach in Jhilongja area. Not walkable to hotels – you’ll need a CNG (৳150-200) or taxi (৳300+).

2. Which trains actually come here?

Only 2 direct trains from Dhaka:

• Turna Nishita Express (overnight)
• Cox’s Bazar Express (daytime)

Pro tip: Many “Cox’s Bazar” tickets actually terminate in Chittagong – check carefully!

3. How early should I arrive before departure?

• 30 minutes is fine (it’s a small station)
• But allow extra time if buying tickets last-minute

4. What facilities are available?

Basic but functional:

• Ticket counters (expect queues)
• Small waiting area (no AC)
• 2-3 questionable food stalls
• No proper luggage storage

5. Can I buy tickets on arrival?

Technically yes, but:

• Dhaka-bound trains often sell out
• Only 1-2 counters work properly
• Better to book in advance

6. Is there WiFi or charging points?

• No public WiFi
• A few wall sockets in waiting area (bring your own charger)

7. What’s the security situation?

• Police presence but watch your bags
• Scam alert: Fake porters demanding crazy fees

8. Any decent food nearby?

• Avoid station food (overpriced and stale)
• Walk 5 mins to Jhilongja Market for:
  • Fresh coconut water
  • Local tea stalls
  • Proper biryani shops

9. How to get to beach areas?

Options:

• CNG (cheapest but bargain hard)
• Hotel pickups (arrange in advance)
• Local bus (৳20 but confusing routes)

10. Any secret tips?

• Morning departures are more punctual
• Platform 1 has slightly better seating
• Bathrooms are… bring your own tissue

Here’s what I’ve learned after twelve visits:

1. The best coconut seller sets up near the northern exit
2. Platform 3 has the most breathtaking sunset views
3. That “chaos” everyone complains about? It’s just Bangladesh giving you a warm, slightly messy hug

As your train pulls away for the return journey, you’ll realize something wonderful – this station didn’t just bring you to the beach. It gave you your first real taste of Cox’s Bazar’s soul.

One Light Journal – Stories that smell like saltwater and sound like train whistles

Published in One Light Journal BD—where travel advice comes with real scars.