Cheap flights to Dhaka

Bangladesh’s capital city is not a destination for the faint-hearted. More than 18 million people crowd the energetic metropolis of Dhaka, and at a mere 315-square miles, the population density alone guarantees this city is always abuzz. Add to that more than 400,000 rickshaws cramming the city streets, and it soon becomes apparent that, despite the never-ending traffic, Dhaka is a city that is constantly on the move. Still, for visitors who can keep pace with this ever-changing capital, Dhaka is a gem of a destination simply waiting to be discovered.

Dhaka is the most modern city in all of Bangladesh, though traces of the city’s past can still be found throughout areas like Old Dhaka. Historic architecture defines this neighborhood, which is pointedly less affluent than areas like upscale Gulshan. Fishermen’s boats line the waters of the river Buriganga in Old Dhaka, while historic monuments dot the landscape of the 17th century Lalbagh Fort. One of the true stars of Old Dhaka, though, is Shankharia Bazaar, Also known as Hindu Street, this colorful area of Old Dhaka is filled with everything from fragrant flowers to handcrafted kites. Many of the stalls double as workshops for the artisans who set up shop in Shankharia Bazaar, too.

Nearby, the grand pink hues of Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, offer a respite from the constant bustle of the city and are a sharp contrast against the muddy banks of neighboring Sadarghat, the city’s main waterfront that sees a constant flow of fishermen and boats.

Speaking of contrasts, a host of religious sites — mosques, churches and temples — reflect the various religious influences of Dhaka’s past and present. Museums and parks round out the cultural offerings of Dhaka, and if you are looking for a taste of the finer side of this dynamic city, the upscale restaurants of the Gulshan and Banani neighborhoods are sure to impress.

How long is the flight to Dhaka?

Flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh from the United States range from about 21h-50h. The precise length of your flight will depend on several factors, including your city of departure and the number and length of stopovers you experience. If you’re departing from as far west as Los Angeles, you can expect your flight to be on the shorter end of the range, while those flying out from the east coast, like out of New York City, are more likely to experience a flight time on the longer end of the range due to geographical location. You’re also likely to experience more stopovers the further away your departure city is from Dhaka, though this may depend on the airline.

Where can you get direct flights to Dhaka from?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Dhaka from the United States. You can book a flight that is as quick as possible by keeping a few tips in mind, however. First, consider the airlines that regularly fly into Dhaka, which are China Eastern, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and American Airlines. Next, try to book a flight out of your closest major international airport which services these airlines. You may be able to then book a flight with just a single stopover this way. You can expect stopovers along your route to Dhaka to occur in common stopover cities for this route, such as Doha, Guangzhou, and Kuala Lumpur.

How do you get from Dhaka airport to the city centre?

When you fly to Dhaka airport, you’ll alight at the city’s major international airport, Hazrat Shahjalal International (DAC), which is about 11 miles north of Dhaka city center. To reach downtown from the airport, you can take a taxi for about $19, which will take about 40 minutes. You can also opt to take a rickshaw or an auto rickshaw, also known as a baby taxi. These can easily be hailed on the main road across from the airport. The time it takes to get downtown will vary and will cost less than $1 to $1.20. Another option is to take a shuttle bus from the airport directly to your hotel. Be sure to inquire and see if your hotel provides these services for free.

What are some things to do in Dhaka?

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, and an interesting city steeped in history and culture. Here, you can enjoy delectable dining spots, a lively nightlife, shopping in modern malls and classic bazars, fascinating museums, and plenty of outdoor attractions to explore.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Dhaka?

United States citizens traveling to Dhaka, Bangladesh need a valid passport for their journey as well as a visa. It’s best to apply for your visa before embarking on your trip to Bangladesh. It costs about $160 and is valid for multiple entries between one to five years.

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Best Time to Fly to Dhaka

The best time to visit Dhaka is between October and March, when the weather is generally cool and dry. The off-season runs hand-in-hand with monsoon season from April through August, and while cheap flights to Dhaka can be found during these months, the hot temperatures and high humidity levels can be daunting for visitors.

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Getting around Dhaka

Rickshaws are plentiful throughout the city and provide a low-cost way to get around Dhaka. Be sure to negotiate a price with the driver before getting into the rickshaw. A public bus system also maintains routes throughout the city, though a lack of information in English can be frustrating for international visitors. Taxis come in two colors in Dhaka: black and yellow. Black taxis are basic and often lack air conditioning, while yellow taxis will always have air conditioning. All taxis should have meters to determine your fare.

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