Cheap flights to Dhaka

Quick summary

Why watch Dhaka with SniperAir

Dhaka, a delta megacity between Mughal palaces and modern architecture

Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, built in the Ganges delta between the Buriganga, Dhaleshwari and Turag rivers (Wikivoyage, EN). It became a provincial capital under the Mughals in the early 17th century and was a major centre of the muslin trade (Wikipedia, EN, FR). Wikivoyage (EN) describes a dense, noisy, colourful city nicknamed the rickshaw capital of the world. Sources quote very different populations depending on whether they count the city or its metropolitan area, so we publish no figure.

Important: official travel advice varies depending on the country you depart from, may advise against certain regions or movements, and changes quickly. Before planning, read your own government's official information on formalities, health, insurance and the situation on the ground. SniperAir monitors prices for flights to Dhaka (DAC) and alerts you; it does not sell or book tickets, and does not replace that advice.

Airport and getting into town

Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, north of the city

Approximate distance from Wikivoyage (ES). The journey depends heavily on traffic, so we publish no precise duration and no taxi fares: the amounts quoted date from different years.

Getting into the centre, Dhaka's traffic is reputed to be among the worst in the world (Wikivoyage, EN): allow a large margin, especially for a morning flight. Agree the fare before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app.

Wikivoyage (EN) also reports attempts at extortion when passing from the international to the domestic terminal; if in doubt, stay calm and head for the official information desk. Visa conditions vary by nationality, so check with the Bangladeshi authorities before you travel.

Landmarks and icons

Ahsan Manzil, the Star Mosque, parliament and the riverfront

Dhaka layers its history: the Mughals, the nawabs, the British period and then independence in 1971 (Wikivoyage, EN). Here are the places pictured below, and others worth seeing in the city.

Ahsan Manzil

The Star Mosque

Parliament, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban

The Buriganga dockyards

Also worth seeing: Lalbagh Fort, begun in 1678 under Prince Azam Shah (Wikipedia, EN); the Dhakeshwari Temple, which some sources link to the origin of the city's name; Dhaka University with Curzon Hall and the Shaheed Minar (Wikivoyage, EN); and Ramna Green, a large park around a lake.

Museums and culture

Museums, the memory of 1971 and Mughal heritage

City museums

Wikipedia (FR) mentions the Bangladesh National Museum in the Shahbag district, with collections of archaeology, classical art, history and natural history. Sources differ on where some collections are housed and on the museum installed in Ahsan Manzil, so check addresses before you go. We publish neither hours nor prices.

Memory of independence

Wikivoyage (EN) recalls that Dhaka became the capital of the independent state in 1971, and that the university was at the heart of the struggle for self-determination. The Shaheed Minar on the campus is the national monument to the Bengali Language Movement.

Religious heritage

Wikivoyage (EN) also mentions the Gurdwara Nanak Shahi, built in 1830 and described as the largest Sikh temple in the country. Dhaka has long been nicknamed the City of Mosques for its Islamic architecture.

Food and drink

Dhakaiya biryani, bakarkhani and sweets

Old Dhaka dishes

Wikivoyage (EN) cites Dhakaiya biryani, a spicy dish, and bakarkhani, a traditional bakery bread found at every corner of the old town. Rice, freshwater fish and curries are at the heart of delta cooking.

Sweets and drinks

Milk sweets (mishti) such as rasgulla and pantua are described as excellent by Wikivoyage (EN): soft curd balls soaked in syrup, sold in many shops. Tea and cold drinks accompany walks.

Precautions

Wikivoyage (EN) advises caution with street food: choose busy places where you can see customers, and drink bottled or filtered water. In well-off districts such as Gulshan and Banani, varied restaurants exist at higher prices.

Getting around

Rickshaws, metro and river: difficult traffic

Rickshaws

According to Wikivoyage (EN), the rickshaw is often the quickest way through the maze of streets, but you must haggle and rickshaws add to the congestion. The same source advises women travelling alone against riding a rickshaw after dark.

Metro and other options

Wikivoyage (EN) says MRT Line 6 was inaugurated in December 2022 between Uttara and Motijheel, with more lines planned. Taxis, buses and three-wheelers exist, but the source judges driving especially difficult and advises visitors not to drive themselves.

The river

Sadarghat port serves cities such as Barisal and Khulna, with fast catamarans and colonial-era paddle steamers (Wikivoyage, EN). Allow time: schedules change, the surroundings are saturated, and winter fog can disrupt departures.

Budget and precautions

A low price level, with unstable figures

Price level

Dhaka is inexpensive for food and local transport, but the Gulshan and Banani districts charge far higher prices (Wikivoyage, EN). We publish no ranges or fares: the taka amounts quoted by the sources date from different years.

Flights

The flight is the most variable item. SniperAir monitors prices to DAC and compares them with the route's history, but it does not sell or book tickets. If you want to combine Dhaka with Paro, Kathmandu or Bangkok, set up several alerts.

Formalities, health and safety

Before any trip, read the official information from your country of departure: travel advice varies from one country to another and may advise against some regions or movements. Wikivoyage (EN) reports serious air and water pollution, and possible flooding during the monsoon.

Best time to go

Dry season from November to March, monsoon from May to September

The dry season is generally the most pleasant for visitors from cooler countries (Wikivoyage, EN). Cyclones and rain can disrupt transport in summer.

By length of stay

What to do in Dhaka by length of stay

In pictures

Dhaka in pictures

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Dhaka