Getting Around Bangladesh
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use rickshaws and CNG autos for Dhaka navigation. Rural: Rent a car for Sylhet tea gardens exploration. Delta: Boats and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Dhaka to your destination.
Train Travel
Bangladesh Railway Network
Extensive meter-gauge and broad-gauge lines connecting major cities with daily services.
Cost: Dhaka to Chittagong 300-600 BDT ($3-6), journeys 6-10 hours between key routes.
Tickets: Buy via BR app, website, or station counters. E-tickets widely accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid holidays like Eid for better availability and comfort.
Rail Passes & Discounts
Seasonal passes for unlimited travel or student discounts up to 50% on select routes.
Best For: Multiple stops like Dhaka-Khulna-Mongla over a week, savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Major stations, BR website, or app with digital validation.
Intercity Trains
Parjatak and Suborno Express offer faster services on main lines like Dhaka-Chittagong.
Booking: Reserve 30 days ahead for AC classes, discounts for advance purchase.
Main Stations: Dhaka Cantonment or Kamalapur, with links to regional hubs.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Useful for rural roads and flexibility. Compare rental prices from $25-45/day at Dhaka Airport and cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Third-party mandatory, full coverage advised for chaotic roads.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Bridges like Bangabandhu require fees (50-200 BDT), no vignettes needed.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and cycles, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Street parking free but risky, paid lots $1-3/hour in Dhaka.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at $1.00-1.20/liter for petrol, $0.90-1.10 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or MapMyIndia for navigation, download offline maps.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Dhaka and Chittagong during peak hours.
Urban Transport
Dhaka Metro & BRT
Emerging MRT Line 6 operational, single ticket 20-60 BDT, day pass 100 BDT.
Validation: Use smart cards or mobile apps, fines for non-validation.
Apps: Dhaka Metro Rail app for schedules, live tracking, and e-tickets.
Rickshaws & Cycles
Colorful cycle rickshaws everywhere, $0.50-2/ride with bargaining common.
Routes: Ideal for narrow alleys in Old Dhaka and short urban trips.
Tours: Rickshaw tours available in cities, eco-friendly and cultural experience.
Buses & Local Services
BRTC and private buses cover cities and intercity routes, AC/non-AC options.
Tickets: 10-50 BDT per ride, buy onboard or use apps for AC buses.
Water Buses: In delta areas like Barisal, ferries connect islands for 50-200 BDT.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, Gulshan in Dhaka for upscale areas.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Oct-Mar) and festivals like Durga Puja.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather disruptions from monsoons.
- Amenities: Confirm AC, WiFi, and mosquito nets, especially in humid coastal areas.
- Reviews: Check recent feedback (last 6 months) for cleanliness and power backup reliability.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in urban areas, 3G/4G in most rural spots including delta regions.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, seamless for travelers.
Local SIM Cards
Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink offer prepaid SIMs from $5-10 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or kiosks with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for $8, 10GB for $15, unlimited for $25/month options.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and malls, but speeds vary in rural areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and train stations offer free access points.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), UTC+6, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Dhaka Airport 20km from city, bus to center 50 BDT (45 min), taxi $10, or book private transfer for $15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at stations and airports (100-300 BDT/day) in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains have limited ramps, rickshaws adaptable for short trips.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains with permit (small free, large 100 BDT), check hotel rules.
- Bike Transport: Cycles free on local trains, rickshaws carry bikes for short hauls.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bangladesh
Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal Airport (DAC) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Dhaka (DAC): Primary international gateway, 20km north of city with bus links.
Chittagong (CGP): Second hub 250km southeast, taxi to city $8 (30 min).
Sylhet (ZYL): Regional airport for northeast, flights from Dhaka and abroad.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season (Oct-Mar) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Kolkata or Delhi and bus/train to Bangladesh for savings.
Budget Airlines
Biman Bangladesh, Novoair, US-Bangla serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Include baggage and airport taxes in cost comparisons.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, arrive early for security checks.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Common in cities, fees 50-100 BDT, prefer bank machines over standalone.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard at hotels and malls, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban spots, bKash and Nagad apps popular for mobile pay.
- Cash: Essential for transport and markets, carry 1000-5000 BDT in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 10% in restaurants for good service appreciated.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.