Every year during Eid, Dhaka has one of the biggest travel crazes in South Asia. A lot of people leave the capital to visit family, especially on busy routes like Dhaka to Chittagong and Dhaka to Sylhet.
If you’ve been waiting until the last minute, you already know how hard it is: tickets sell out fast, prices go up, and there aren’t many options.
The good news is that there are still a few ways to get around that work, even at the last minute. You just need to know where to look.
1. Flights: The quickest and most dependable option
If you can afford it, flying is definitely the best last-minute choice.
Every day, US-Bangla Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines fly between Dhaka and major cities.
Important Information:
- Time to travel: 45 to 60 minutes
- One of the ways to get from Chittagong to Dhaka is by road.
- Price range: Higher during Eid because more people want it.
- Why planes work: They are easier to get on and off in real time than trains.
- Cancellations at the last minute might open up seats.
- Less work and faster
Advice from an expert: Look for flights that leave early in the morning or late at night. These times are usually less busy and have more seats open.
2. Trains: It’s hard, but not impossible
The train is usually the cheapest and most comfortable way to get around, but it’s the hardest to plan during Eid.
These routes are popular with people: Chittagong to Dhaka to Sylhet
Important Information:
- Five to six hours of travel time (the Chittagong route)
- Tickets often sell out days or even weeks before the show.
- Last-Minute Tips: If you have to cancel, go to the counters at the station.
- Try to get tickets that aren’t already sold out or that you have to wait in line for.
- Get off at the next station instead of going to Dhaka.
- Checking to see if it’s true: During the busiest Eid rush, this choice is mostly based on luck.
3. Buses are the best backup plan
Buses are usually the best backup plan when nothing else works.
Private operators see a big rise in travel during Eid, especially on busy routes.
Why do buses run?
- Things are easier to get when there is more than one operator.
- When there are a lot of people, more buses are added.
- It’s harder to book a train at the last minute.
- Issues: How long it takes to get there: 6 to 8 hours (traffic could make this longer)
- There is too much traffic on Eid.
Pro Tip: Instead of just using big terminals, look for hidden availability at smaller counters and local agents.
4. Private cars and ride-sharing: flexible but expensive
More and more people are using ride-sharing services and booking private cars for last-minute Eid travel.
You will often see:
- Shared microbuses
- Groups of private cars
- Reservations made using an app
Pros
- Time to leave is flexible.
- Depending on traffic, it’s faster than buses.
- Cons: Costs a lot during Eid’s busiest time
- Safety and dependability may not always be the same.
Before making a reservation, always check the driver’s information and reviews.
5. Ticket Brokers & Resale – High Risk Option
During Eid, informal ticket resale markets become active near stations and bus counters.
While you might find tickets here, there are serious risks:
Risks:
- Fake or duplicate tickets
- Extremely inflated prices
- No guarantee of entry
Only consider this option if you can verify authenticity completely.
Route Comparison: What Works Best?
| Route | Best Option | Backup Option |
| Dhaka → Chittagong | Flight | Bus |
| Dhaka → Sylhet | Bus / Flight | Car |
Essential Survival Tips for Last-Minute Eid Travel
These tips can help you a lot if you’re still trying to get a ticket:
- As soon as you see that there is space, book it.
- Be open to changing your travel plans.
- Use both online and in-person counters.
- Always have a backup plan, like a bus or car.
- To stay mobile, travel light.
FAQs
1. Can you still get train tickets at the last minute on Eid?
It’s hard, but sometimes cancellations and unreserved seats can help.
2. What is the safest way to travel at the last minute?
Flights are the safest and most dependable, followed by buses.
3. Are there bus tickets available on the busiest Eid days?
Yes, buses usually run more often, which makes them the easiest last-minute choice.
4. Why do ticket prices go up during Eid?
Prices go up for all types of transport because there is a lot of demand and not enough space.
Read Also: Last-Minute Eid Shopping in Bangladesh: Best Places to Buy Panjabi & Saree Under ৳5000
