Getting Around Bangladesh 2025
Navigate Bangladesh like a local with our transportation guide.
Bangladesh offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, from the world's longest beach at Cox's Bazar to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Experience vibrant culture, ancient heritage sites, and warm hospitality in this South Asian gem.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Bangladesh.
Public Transit
Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) now connects Uttara to Motijheel in Dhaka quickly and cheaply. Buses are cheap but extremely crowded and slow in traffic. Bangladesh Railway provides comfortable intercity connections.
Taxis
Uber and Pathao apps work excellently in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet — transparent pricing and safe. Traditional CNGs and cycle rickshaws handle shorter urban distances effectively.
Car Rental
Self-driving strongly discouraged due to chaotic traffic and poor road conditions. Car with driver recommended — available from $40-80/day and far more practical than self-drive.
Walking
Walkable only in specific areas like Old Dhaka heritage district and resort areas. Dhaka's streets are crowded, hot, and lack consistent pavement — most visitors combine rickshaws with walking.
Getting There
How to arrive in Bangladesh.
✈️ By Air
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Shah Amanat International Airport
Osmani International Airport
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Bangladesh.
🚌 Buses
{'description': 'Extensive bus network covers entire Dhaka and other cities. Crowded but very cheap. AC buses available on major routes.', 'cost': 'Local buses: BDT 10-30 ($0.08-0.25); AC buses: BDT 30-80 ($0.25-0.70)', 'notes': 'Can be very crowded during rush hours; pickpocketing risk; traffic extremely slow (average 4.8 km/h)'}
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, rickshaw, taxi, rideshare, cng
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
{'description': 'Extensive intercity bus network with AC and non-AC options. Buses range from basic to luxury sleeper coaches.', 'major_operators': 'Green Line, Shyamoli, Hanif Enterprise, Ena Transport, Sohag Paribahan', 'cost': 'Non-AC: BDT 300-600 ($2.50-5) Dhaka-Chittagong; AC: BDT 600-1200 ($5-10); Luxury: BDT 1000-2000 ($8-17)', 'booking': 'Online booking available for major operators; also book at counters', 'notes': 'AC buses more comfortable; night buses available for long routes; traffic can cause major delays'}
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
{'description': "Domestic flights connect Dhaka with Chittagong, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar, Jessore, and Saidpur.", 'airlines': 'Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair', 'cost': "Dhaka-Cox's Bazar: $60-120 one-way; Dhaka-Chittagong: $50-100; Dhaka-Sylhet: $50-90", 'notes': 'Saves time on longer routes; book in advance for better prices; baggage limits apply'}
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Bangladesh
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Download Uber and Pathao apps before arriving — they are far more reliable and fairly priced than haggling with unmetered CNGs and traditional taxis
Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) is clean, fast, and air-conditioned — use it whenever the route matches your destination
Book intercity train tickets online at esheba.cnsbd.com — AC Seat and AC Chair classes are comfortable and far preferable to long bus journeys
For Cox's Bazar, consider flying (Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair from $60-120) to avoid the 8-hour road journey
Traffic in Dhaka is among the world's worst — build extra time into all journeys and avoid rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM) if possible
In Old Dhaka, cycle rickshaws are the best transport for navigating narrow historic streets — negotiate fare before boarding
Useful Apps
Pathao
Bangladesh's most popular ride-hailing app for motorbike and car rides — fastest option in heavy traffic due to motorbike capability
Uber
International ride-hailing available in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet with transparent pricing and driver tracking
Obhai
Local ride-hailing app also serving Dhaka with competitive prices for car rides
esheba.cnsbd.com
Bangladesh Railway online ticketing platform — book intercity train tickets up to 10 days in advance to secure preferred class
Navigate Bangladesh Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide