Getting Around Bandarban
Bandarban is a small hill town on the Sangu River in Chittagong Division, and its compact size shapes how you move around it. The town itself is easy to explore on foot, while the surrounding hills, villages and viewpoints require some form of hired or shared vehicle. This guide covers the practical options, from rickshaws in town to jeeps and boats for the hills.
On Foot in the Town
The town centre of Bandarban can be easily covered on foot, so if you are staying near the main bazaar or the river, you can walk to most places you need. Walking is the simplest way to get a feel for the town and its riverside setting.
For anything beyond a short stroll, the most readily available transport inside town is the rickshaw. These are easy to find and are the default choice for short local trips.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Bandarban has no rail, metro or tram network of its own, and none of these modes serve the town. Trains are relevant only as a way of reaching the region: services such as Turna Nishitha, Mahanagar Godhuli and Subarna run from Kamalapur in Dhaka to Chittagong, from where you continue to Bandarban by road. If you are arriving by train, plan on completing the final leg by bus or hired car.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses are the main way visitors reach Bandarban, and they also connect it with other towns in the region.
- From Dhaka: Direct buses take about six hours. Services include Dolphin at Kalabagan, Unique, Shyamoli Paribahan (with counters at Gabtali, Asad Gate, Fakirerpul, Kamlapur and Saydabad) and S Alam at Kamalapur. In the high tourist season it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.
- From Chittagong: The ride takes about two hours, with Purbani at Bahaddarhaat being the most available service.
- From Cox's Bazar: A three-hour bus ride, most commonly with Purbani at Laaldighi.
- From Chittagong to Cox's Bazar: About four hours, with Purbani the most available option alongside Dolphin.
- From Rangamati: It is possible to reach Bandarban directly by way of Chandraghona, but this route is perilous and not advisable.
Purbani Bus Service can be contacted on 01820412800 (Chittagong) or 0361-62508 (Bandarban).
Within the town, the regular public transit system consists of ancient four-wheel-drive vehicles known locally as Chander Gari, or "Moon Car". These are available at the Ruma and Rowangchhari bus stations and near the Sonali Bank, and they serve the hill routes out of town.
Taxis, Jeeps and Ride-Hailing
Bandarban has no ride-hailing apps to rely on; instead, transport is arranged directly with drivers and owners. For places outside town, you have several choices:
- Three-wheeler taxis are found near the Traffic Mor (the circle or intersection).
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles for hire are available near Hotel Green Hill.
- A rent-a-car station operates near Hotel Hill Bird.
- Jeeps, Land Rovers and Land Cruisers are available at the Bandarban Jeep station, all under the Bandarban Jeep-Microbus Owners Association. Both small jeeps (five seats) and large jeeps (eight seats) are offered. Fares are presented as fixed, but there is plenty of room to bargain.
- Autos, locally called CNG, are also available, though they are not considered particularly safe.
Before renting any jeep, check that it carries a spare wheel, as tyre punctures are very common on hot days because of the high road temperatures. Hiring a driver who comes from Bandarban is the prudent choice, since plainland drivers are generally poor in the hills and do not know the locality.
If you prefer to arrive by private car, vehicles can be rented in Chittagong from Bangladesh Enterprise at Chandgao (+880 0 31 670512), Al-Amin Enterprise (+880 0 31 720600) or Alam Enterprise (+880 0 31 714566) at Hazi Para in Agrabad, Bismilla Fashion (+880 0 31 612749) at Reazuddin Bazar, or Samara Fashions (+880 0 31 615925) at Azimir Super Market on Monim Road. Renting a car in Dhaka for the whole journey to Bandarban is not advisable.
Boats on the Sangu River
It is also possible to travel by native boat along the Sangu River, boarding at either the Bazaar Ghat or the Kyaw Ching Ghat. This is a pleasant alternative for riverside trips and a different way to see the town and its surroundings.
Main Road Routes Out of Town
If you are heading into the hills, these are the major road routes serving Bandarban:
- Chimbuk–Ruma
- Bandarban–Rowangchhari–Ruma
- Aziznagar–Gojalia–Lama
- Khanhat–Dhopachhari–Bandarban
- Bandarban–Chimbuk–Thanchi–Alikadam–Baishari–Dhundhum
- Chimbuk–Tangkabati–Baro Aoulia
Reaching Bandarban from the Airport
Bandarban has no airport of its own, so the practical air gateway is Chittagong. From Dhaka you can fly to Chittagong and then continue to Bandarban by road, a bus journey of about two hours. The alternative is to fly from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar and take the three-hour bus ride to Bandarban, most commonly with Purbani from Laaldighi. Whichever airport you use, the final leg into Bandarban is by road, so arrange your bus ticket or hired car in advance, especially during the high tourist season.