Internal transport in Bangladesh is cheap. The rule is: if you want a seat get there early and learn to shove, kick and gouge like the rest of your travelling companions. Biman, the national carrier, has flights radiating from Dhaka to 10 Bangladeshi cities, including Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. Flights are cheap but are still more than three times first class train fares. There's a US$1.20 departure tax on domestic flights.

Bangladesh has a fairly extensive system of passable roads but they are chokka with buses. Bus drivers in Bangladesh are among the world's most reckless, as evidenced by the incredible number of bus accidents occurring every day. Trains are a lot easier on the nerves, knees and backside, and those plying the major routes are actually quite good, at least in first class. However, travelling by rail between Dhaka and points west is quite complicated for three reasons: unbridged rivers requiring crossing by ferry, circuitous routing, and differing gauges between the east and west sections of the country.

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The distinguishing feature of internal travel in Bangladesh is the presence of a well-developed and well-used system of water transport, though travelling by boat is slow. A trip to Bangladesh which does not include taking a trip down a river is like going to the Alps and not skiing or hiking. The famous 'Rocket' paddlewheel steamer runs from Dhaka to Khulna four times a week, but there are plenty of other fascinating ferries to catch.

Self-drive cars are not available in Bangladesh. It is, however, inexpensive to hire chauffeur-driven cars in major cities. In cities you'll find rickshaws and autorickshaws which are inexpensive once the compulsory bargaining process is completed.