Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the largest airport in Bangladesh, located in the capital city, Dhaka. The airport added a third terminal designed by the Singaporean architect Rohani Baharin, and the result is gorgeous. DAC is roughly 50 years old, but continues to support almost all of the traffic into the relatively small country of Bangladesh.
I have personally flown through here several times to spend time in Dhaka, and also en route to Bhutan because this is one of the few paths to get there. Here’s everything you need to know about this airport, along with my personal top tips for navigating DAC.
Getting to and from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Rickshaw or car to DAC
There are a bunch of ways to travel between the city and the airport. I have loved taking a rickshaw (tuk-tuk), and they park right outside the terminals and across the street at the train station. You can just hop in, and it’s inexpensive.
I love feeling that hot humid air in my hair when riding in a rickshaw, but if that is not your vibe, there are also taxis parked outside. This is an easy way to get to the city or your hotel, but be sure to negotiate the price before you get in.
It can be a bit chaotic trying to get a taxi among the crowd at DAC, but there are also rideshare options if you want to avoid the stress of the crowd or don’t feel like negotiating prices.
Train and bus
Train and bus options are available but they’re not my first choice, though you might make friends and have a few exciting memories. The train station sits outside the terminal and across the street (called Biman Bandar Railway Station, also known as Airport Railway Station), with routes to downtown and beyond, but schedules are hard to navigate here.
The bus stop is right outside the terminal and basically runs to the city centre for very little money. Note that it is very busy so be prepared with patience and a little sense of wonder at the crowds and commotion. People here are friendly and speak English, but it will be an adventure.
Parking at the airport
I drove around Bangladesh and loved it, but I do think this option is only for the true explorer. If you do drive, there are two areas to park at the airport. One is open while the other is a closed parking area in a two-storey building.
Just follow the signs as you arrive at the airport, or as you leave the terminals after a flight. Be sure that you pay the required amount – it’s a little complicated to work it all out, but if you do not, they are rather strict with fines. Driving in Bangladesh can be a bit chaotic so be mindful and make sure you have ample insurance.
Renting a car
The airport has a car rental service facility and it is located in the arrivals hall, before exit Canopy 1 and Canopy 2. Just follow the signs to find it. I have to say that renting a car here was a little more complicated than I anticipated, but people here are very helpful, so you will likely get any assistance you need.
You won’t find all the familiar rental brands here, so I recommend researching the options in advance and choosing your favourite. And again, spring for as much insurance as you can manage.
How to navigate DAC
Terminals
Terminals 1 and 2 handle international flights and share the same building, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures upstairs. The Domestic Terminal is a separate structure dedicated to domestic flights within Bangladesh, while Terminal 3 is a new terminal currently under construction. Knowing which terminal you need before you arrive saves confusion, especially since the Domestic Terminal sits apart from the international terminals.
Location
DAC is located just 16 kilometres north of the city centre of Dhaka. It’s close and easy to get to from most parts of the city. Even if you're just here for a few hours, I find it worth going into town to see the beauty of the city, including its many forts and ancient attractions.
Airport amenities at DAC
Shopping at the airport
This airport has a small duty-free area. Here you’ll find alcohol, perfumes and other familiar items. What I love most at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, though, are the handful of shops selling gorgeous souvenirs.
You’ll find incredible locally handcrafted Bangladeshi items like textiles and other clothing items. I have picked up many gifts here and have always found the quality to be incredible. I personally recommend the beautiful embroidery. Of course, the pink pearls, or “mukta,” are also sold here and make a great gift for your loved ones.
Banking at the airport
The airport has full-service bank branches, including Sonali Bank and Pubali Bank, which offer comprehensive banking services. You’ll find ATMs scattered throughout the terminals. Cash is king in Bangladesh, so hitting up an ATM on arrival is a good move.
You can also find currency exchange counters in the arrivals areas if you prefer to swap cash.
Drinking and eating at the airport
It’s a rather small airport for such a big city, especially considering how many passengers come through here. There are restaurants and coffee shops in the departure lounge areas and a coffee shop in arrivals, but my advice is still to come with what you need beforehand. Spices is one restaurant I’ve enjoyed. The simple space has an English menu, and I recommend trying the Bangladeshi dishes, especially the curries served with rice.
Purchasing alcohol in Bangladesh is not a straightforward process. You will need a special permit that is not always easy to get, but many hotels can arrange this for you. Check with your hotel in advance if you want to buy drinks during your time in the country, including at the airport, rather than waiting until arrival.
Wi-Fi at the airport
If you don’t have a Bangladeshi SIM card, DAC has a booth where you can get connected with Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t always work. When it does, the service is sponsored so you’ll need to watch some ads (a small price to pay).
You can also buy a local SIM card in the terminals if you don’t have free or affordable international roaming. It’s easy and inexpensive.
Lounges at the airport
This airport has a bunch of lounge options. I have tried them all and I like InterContinental Dhaka Balaka Executive Lounge in Terminal 1 the best. The food is fantastic and they have many of the amenities you may need in a quiet space with friendly staff. I love their selection of papers and magazines, many of which I have never found elsewhere, even though they are in English.
Hotels near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
There are very limited options for airport hotels at DAC. If necessary, I recommend the Best Western Plus Maple Leaf. It’s clean and it is just two minutes from the terminal – just walk out of the terminal, turn left and it will be on your left-hand side. The staff are friendly and can assist with any needs.
There is also a Le Meridian hotel about 3.2 km away from the airport, and you can get there quickly with an easy rickshaw ride. Le Meridien also offers a shuttle service, but you need to arrange this beforehand. This hotel has updated facilities and also a great restaurant with local cuisine. It’s a better option, but not walkable, especially with luggage.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
