Bangladesh Railway Child Age Limit and Ticket Price
Bangladesh Railway Child Age Limit and Ticket Price. Traveling by train in Bangladesh is one of the most affordable and scenic ways to explore the country. For families planning a journey with children, understanding Bangladesh Railway’s child fare policy is essential to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth booking experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about child age limits, ticket prices, discounts, and how to book in 2026.
Child Age Limit Policy
Bangladesh Railway has a clear and consistent policy regarding child passengers:
- Under 3 years old: Children can travel completely free. No ticket is required, and they do not get a separate seat or berth. They must travel accompanied by an adult.
- 3 to 12 years old: Children are eligible for a 50% discount on the base fare. They receive a reserved seat or berth (depending on the class booked) but must be accompanied by an adult.
- Above 12 years old: Passengers aged 13 and above are considered adults and must pay the full fare. No child discount applies.
This policy applies to all intercity and mail/express trains operated by Bangladesh Railway, though it’s always wise to verify specific rules for special or premium services.
Ticket Pricing for Children
Child fares are calculated as half of the adult base fare for the selected class and route. Here’s how it works in practice:
How Child Fare Is Calculated
- Formula: Child Fare = Adult Fare × 50%
- Service Charge: Online bookings may include a small service fee (around ৳20–40), which is not discounted.
Example Routes (2026 Fares)
Dhaka to Chittagong
| Class | Adult Fare (BDT) | Child Fare (3–12 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Shovon | 265–350 | 132–175 |
| Shovon Chair | 320–495 | 160–248 |
| Snigdha (AC Chair) | 610–943 | 305–472 |
| AC Seat | 700–1,030 | 350–515 |
| AC Berth | 1,100–1,591 | 550–796 |
Dhaka to Sylhet (Approx.)
| Class | Adult Fare (BDT) | Child Fare (3–12 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Shovon Chair | 375+ | 188+ |
| Snigdha | 719–863 | 360–432 |
| AC Berth | 1,300+ | 650+ |
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar (Approx.)
| Class | Adult Fare (BDT) | Child Fare (3–12 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Shovon Chair | 700–800 | 350–400 |
| Snigdha AC | 1,325–1,450 | 663–725 |
| AC Seat | 1,590–1,900 | 795–950 |
| AC Berth | 2,380–2,700 | 1,190–1,350 |
Note: Fares shown are approximate and based on the December 2025 fare revision. Always check the official Bangladesh Railway e-ticket portal for the most up-to-date pricing before booking.
Important Notes & Conditions
- Accompaniment Required: Children under 12 must travel with a paying adult. They cannot travel alone.
- No Separate Seat for Under-3s: While children under 3 travel free, they do not get a dedicated seat or berth. If you want a separate seat for a toddler, you must book a child ticket (ages 3–12).
- Age Verification: Railway staff may ask for age proof (e.g., birth certificate, school ID, or passport) during booking or at the station.
- Class-Specific Rules: The 50% discount generally applies to all standard classes (Shovon, Shovon Chair, Snigdha, AC Seat, AC Berth). However, some special trains or luxury services may have different policies.
- VAT Included: All published fares include 15% VAT. The child discount is applied to the base fare before VAT.
How to Book Child Tickets Online?
Booking a child ticket on Bangladesh Railway’s official e-ticket system is straightforward:
- Visit the Portal: Go to eticket.railway.gov.bd
- Search Trains: Enter your origin, destination, and travel date.
- Add Passengers: Click “Add Passenger” and fill in details. For children aged 3–12, select “Child” as the passenger type and enter their age.
- Automatic Discount: The system will automatically apply the 50% discount to the base fare.
- Payment: Pay via bKash, Nagad, Rocket, or credit/debit card.
- Download Ticket: Your e-ticket will be sent via SMS and email. You can also download it from your account.Tip: For children under 3, you don’t need to add them as a passenger. Just mention them in the “Accompanying Child” section if prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a 2-year-old travel for free?
A: Yes. Children under 3 years old travel completely free with no ticket required.
Q: Does a 13-year-old get a child discount?
A: No. Passengers aged 12 and above are considered adults and must pay the full fare.
Q: Can children travel alone on Bangladesh Railway?
A: No. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
Q: Is the 50% discount available on all trains and classes?
A: Yes, the discount applies to all standard intercity trains and classes (Shovon, Snigdha, AC, etc.). However, always verify for special or premium services.
Q: Do I need to show age proof for my child?
A: It’s recommended to carry a birth certificate, school ID, or passport, as railway staff may request verification.
Conclusion
Bangladesh Railway allows children under 3 to travel free, while those aged 3–12 enjoy a 50% fare discount. Passengers 12+ pay full adult rates. Always verify current fares on the official e-ticket portal before booking your family’s journey.
