Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal Intl Airport (DAC) Flights & Flight Status

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the largest airport in all of Bangladesh. The airport added a third terminal designed by Singaporean architect Rohani Baharin, and the project 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 several 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, though, but there are also rideshare options if you want to avoid the stress of the crowd or don’t feel like negotiating.

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 at Arrival/Departure Gate-2 and runs to the city center for very little money. It’s very busy, so come prepared with patience and a 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 parking areas at the airport (one open, one closed in a multi-storied 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

You can find car rental services in the arrivals hall. Just follow the signs for Canopy 1 and Canopy 2. I’ll be honest, renting a car here was a little more complicated than I expected, but the staff are friendly and will help you through it.

You won’t see all the big international rental brands, so I suggest researching your options beforehand. 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 10 miles north of the city center of Dhaka. It’s close and easy to reach from most parts of the city. Even if you’re just passing through for a few hours, I find it worth making the trip to town to see the city’s beauty, including its many forts and ancient attractions.

Airport amenities at DAC

Shopping at the airport

This airport has a small duty-free area with the usual alcohol and perfumes, but what I love most are the handful of shops selling beautiful Bangladeshi souvenirs. You’ll find locally handcrafted items like textiles and clothing. I’ve picked up many gifts here and the quality is always excellent.

I personally recommend the beautiful embroidery. The pink pearls (mukta) are also sold here and make a great gift for younger people you may be shopping for.

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 requires a special permit that’s not always easy to get, but many hotels can arrange this for you. Check with your hotel in advance if you’ll 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

DAC has a surprising number of lounge options — 9 lounges serving passengers. I’ve tried them all, and my top pick is the InterContinental Dhaka Balaka Executive Lounge in Terminal 1. The food is great, it’s a quiet space, and the staff is friendly. I especially love their selection of English-language newspapers and magazines, some of which I’ve never seen anywhere else.

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, but I would only use this if you really have to. It’s clean and it is just 2 minutes from the terminal. Just hang a left when you exit. The staff are friendly and can assist with any needs.

There is also a Le Meridian hotel about 2 miles 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. It has a great restaurant with local cuisine. It’s the better option if you don’t mind the short trip.