Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Dhaka. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 100 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave DAC:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Bangladesh. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Dhaka takes about 100 minutes by Taxi / Ride-Sharing (Uber, Pathao). Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is BDT. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BDT in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Dhaka
Two recommendations for your time in Dhaka:
Start with Bangladesh Air Force Museum. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare. Then, if time allows, make your way to Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House). Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside DAC — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Balaka Executive Lounge
- Airport Duty-Free Shops
Transport from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Downtown
From DAC, the Taxi / Ride-Sharing (Uber, Pathao) gets you to Dhaka in around 100 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 120 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-Sharing (Uber, Pathao) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Dhaka, local travelers recommend Kachchi Bhai (Gulshan 1). If you have time for a second stop, North End Coffee Roasters (Gulshan 2) is another popular pick.
Back at DAC, Burger King (Terminal 1) is the go-to. Biman Balaka Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Dhaka layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$4 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$19 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Dhaka, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and DAC is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Dhaka and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at DAC aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Dhaka itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Taking a Break at DAC
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, DAC has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Dhaka with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Dhaka may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.