Getting Around Mymensingh
Mymensingh is a compact city, and most of the places a visitor wants to see sit within a short ride of one another. The city centre runs along Ganginarpar Road, described as the life line of Mymensingh, with other busy spots at Chorpara Moor, Town Hall Moor, Zero Point Moor and Bridge Moor. The railway line that connects Dhaka with the northern districts passes through the city and divides it into two sides, which is a useful mental map when you are working out which side of town you are on.
On Foot
The city centre is walkable, and the railway station sits close enough to the centre that you can reach it on foot or with a very short rickshaw ride. Walking is a reasonable way to cover the traditional shopping area, which stretches between Durgabari Road and Maharaja Road and includes Ganginarpar, Boro Bazaar, Choto Bazaar and Mechua Bazaar. Do bear in mind that Mymensingh is one of the most densely populated cities in Bangladesh, so the central streets are busy and you should keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.
Rickshaws and CNG Auto-Rickshaws
Cycle rickshaws are the cheapest way to make short trips around the city, and CNG auto-rickshaws are the usual choice for longer distances. Rickshaws are also the practical way to link the railway station with the commercial heart of town. Carry small cash denominations, since change can be hard to come by.
Buses
Buses are the main intercity option rather than a way of touring the city itself. Several companies run frequent services from Dhaka's Mohakhali and Sayedabad terminals, and buses arrive at Mymensingh's main bus stand, which is about a kilometre from the railway station. Fares and travel times are comparable to the train, and buses are frequent enough that you normally do not need a reservation. Direct buses also run from Sylhet and Chittagong, though less frequently; travel from other regions may mean changing in Dhaka. If you are heading out to the Garo hills, public buses are infrequent and you will need to arrange a CNG or small bus in advance.
Trains
Mymensingh Junction railway station is the city's rail gateway. Inter-city services such as the Mymensingh Express and Brahmaputra Express run daily from Dhaka's Kamalapur Railway Station, with a journey of roughly two and a half hours. Tickets can be booked online through Bangladesh Railway or bought at the station, and booking a few days ahead is advisable, especially at weekends. The railway station is close to the city centre, so arriving by train leaves you within easy reach of accommodation and the main commercial area.
Metro and Trams
Mymensingh has no metro or tram network. Rail and road are the only mechanised options, and the city is small enough that rickshaws, CNGs and walking cover the rest.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
There is no dedicated taxi or ride-hailing network described for Mymensingh. In practice, cycle rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws fill that role, and they are what you will flag down for point-to-point trips. Many of the city's drivers and rickshaw pullers work in these trades, so they are easy to find in the busy central areas.
Arriving from the Airport
Mymensingh has no airport of its own. The nearest major international airport is Dhaka (DAC), roughly 110 km to the south, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, with plenty of buses plying the route. There are also several direct trains from the airport to Mymensingh, so you can step off a flight and onto a train without first going into central Dhaka. If you prefer the bus, services leave from the Mohakhali bus stand, which is about 10 km south of Dhaka Airport, and run to the Mashkanda bus stand in Mymensingh.
Practical Notes
- Confirm current train and bus schedules before you travel, as they change.
- Book train tickets a few days ahead, particularly for weekend travel.
- Carry small taka notes; change can be difficult to obtain.
- Mobile coverage is good across the major operators, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi. Buying a local SIM requires a passport.
- The best time to visit is between November and February. The monsoon, from June to October, brings heavy rain and possible transport delays.
- If you plan to visit the Garo hills, arrange transport in advance, and check with the local administration about whether a permit is required for any areas.