Cox's Bazar is home to the world's longest unbroken natural sea beach — 122 kilometres of uninterrupted coastline stretching from Cox's Bazar town to Teknaf at the Myanmar border. The Bay of Bengal rollers, golden sand and dramatic sunsets make it Bangladesh's most visited destination by a wide margin. But Cox's Bazar is also a town, a district, a fishing culture and an ecosystem — far more than just the main tourist beach strip.
Three domestic carriers — Biman, US-Bangla and Novoair — operate multiple daily flights from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar.
| Airline | Daily Flights (Dhaka–CXB) | Journey Time | Advance Fare | Walk-up Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biman Bangladesh | 3–4 | 55 min | ৳3,500–৳5,500 | ৳6,000–৳9,000 |
| US-Bangla Airlines | 4–5 | 55 min | ৳3,800–৳5,800 | ৳6,500–৳9,500 |
| Novoair | 2–3 | 55 min | ৳4,000–৳6,000 | ৳6,500–৳9,000 |
Book: 4–8 weeks ahead for weekend travel November–March. Check all three airlines — prices vary significantly for the same date. Book directly on airline websites or via Google Flights.
Cox's Bazar Airport: Small, efficient domestic terminal. Hotel transfers available from the airport by CNG (৳150–৳250 to most hotels) or pre-arranged hotel shuttle.
The Cox's Bazar Express — inaugurated in 2023 — is the newest and most modern train in Bangladesh's fleet, running directly from Dhaka (Kamalapur) to Cox's Bazar station.
Multiple operators run direct Dhaka–Cox's Bazar AC coach services. Journey time: 10–12 hours.
Top operators: Shyamoli, Soudia, S. Alam Transport, Hanif Enterprise
| Service Class | Fare | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Non-AC | ৳700–৳850 | 12–14 hours |
| AC Coach | ৳1,000–৳1,200 | 10–12 hours |
| Volvo/Scania | ৳1,500–৳1,900 | 10–12 hours |
Book via: Shohoz, BD Tickets, or operator direct websites. Book 5–7 days ahead for weekends; 2–3 weeks for Eid and public holidays.
Dhaka → Chittagong (4.5 hours by train or 5 hours by bus), then Chittagong → Cox's Bazar (3 hours by bus). Not faster than direct, but useful if you want to include Chittagong in your trip.
The most crowded, most developed stretch — directly in front of Cox's Bazar town. Hotels, restaurants and vendors line the beachfront. Excellent for first-timers; gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. Best visited early morning before crowds arrive.
Quieter than Laboni, slightly south. The beach is wider here and less commercialised. A better choice for families wanting space.
Further south, adjacent to the hotel zone. Good sunset views; less crowded than Laboni. Most mid-range and premium hotels are situated in the Kolatoli area.
The most beautiful stretch of beach near Cox's Bazar — wide, clean, with distinctive rock formations in the water that are unique on this coastline. Access by CNG or tempo (৳80–৳150 from Cox's Bazar). Far less crowded than the main beach; excellent for swimming when conditions allow. Mermaid Beach Resort here is one of Bangladesh's best resort properties.
National Park area with waterfalls (seasonal — best in monsoon), elevated viewpoints over the bay, and a small beach. Entry fee ৳20. A good half-day trip combined with Inani.
The southernmost point of the Bangladeshi mainland. The Naf River forms the border with Myanmar; the St. Martin's Island ferry departs from here. Access by local bus or CNG from Cox's Bazar (2 hours).
St. Martin's is the most distinctive destination reachable from Cox's Bazar — a tiny coral island (8 square km) with crystal-clear water, coral reefs and a completely different character from mainland Cox's Bazar.
Getting there: Keari Sindbad or other vessels depart from Teknaf jetty, typically at 9:00–10:00 AM. Journey: 2.5–3 hours. Return: 3:00–4:00 PM.
Ticket: ৳700–৳1,200 per person depending on vessel class. Buy at the Teknaf jetty or through Cox's Bazar tour operators.
Important: St. Martin's has limited freshwater and electricity. Accommodation is basic — simple guesthouses and a few more comfortable options. Most visitors do a day trip.
Seasonal access: October–March only. The island is inaccessible during monsoon (April–September) due to rough seas.
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