Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal Layover Guide (DAC)

What are you looking for in DAC?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dhaka Airport (DAC), officially known as Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, is located in Kurmitola, about 17 km (10.5 miles) from downtown Dhaka. The airport began operations in 1980. Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, serving as the country’s economic, political, and cultural hub. The city is known for its vibrant street life, rich history, and rapidly growing urban development, making it a dynamic place to live and explore.

Can you leave Dhaka Airport (DAC) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers remaining in the airside transit zone at Dhaka Airport (DAC) do not require a visa. However, to exit the airport you must hold a valid Bangladeshi visa. Most travelers need an eVisa or Visa on Arrival via the official portal visa.gov.bd. Apply in advance to avoid entry delays. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Lalbagh Fort Explore 17th-century Mughal-era fortress complex featuring gardens, mosque, museum, and tombs, offering insight into Dhaka’s history and architecture. Beautiful landscaped grounds create a serene oasis in bustling, vibrant Old Dhaka. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (30–45 mins) or ride-share (~35 mins))
• Ahsan Manzil Marvel at the pink-hued Indo-Saracenic palace museum showcasing royal artifacts and period furnishings, narrating the opulent lifestyle of Dhaka’s Nawabs along the Buriganga River, offering a richly, immersive historical experience. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (30 mins)) official site
• Dhakeshwari Temple Visit Bangladesh’s oldest Hindu temple, renowned for its intricate terracotta work, sacred rituals, and serene courtyard where locals gather to worship, providing a glimpse into Dhaka’s cultural and religious tapestry. (Time required: 45 mins. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-share (~35 mins))
• National Museum Explore Bangladesh’s premier museum housing over 100,000 artifacts, from ancient relics to folk art and natural history exhibits, offering comprehensive insight into the nation’s heritage and evolution through interactive displays. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (40 mins) or metro + rickshaw)
• Sadarghat River Cruise Board a traditional launch at Sadarghat port for a scenic cruise along the Buriganga River, observing floating markets, waterfront life, and iconic colonial-era architecture bathed in golden sunset hues daily. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (30 mins) or CNG + rickshaw)
• Liberation War Museum Gain profound understanding of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War through vivid exhibits, personal stories, and multimedia presentations highlighting struggle, resilience, and the birth of a nation, featuring emotional artifacts and immersive displays. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (30 mins)) official site
• Star Mosque Admire the exquisite mosaic tiles and star-studded domes of the Star Mosque, a jewel of Mughal-era architecture adorned with intricate glasswork, offering a tranquil respite amid Dhaka’s bustling streets serenity. (Time required: 30 mins. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-share (~25 mins))
• Old Dhaka Street Food Tour Embark on a guided culinary adventure through Old Dhaka’s narrow lanes, sampling iconic dishes like fuchka, biryani, kebabs, and sweets, while learning about local food culture and vibrant traditions history. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to Old Dhaka then on foot)

Things to Do in Dhaka Airport (DAC)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport hosts nine modern lounges across its domestic and international terminals, including three VIP lounges (Rojonighonda, Dulonchapa, Bakul) and the Chameli CIP lounge. Amenities vary by operator but generally include comfortable seating, refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi, flight information displays, and quiet zones. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within a five-kilometre radius of DAC, hotels such as Best Western Plus Maple Leaf, The Zabeer Dhaka, Hotel D-Palace, Ambassador Runway Hotel, Amari Dhaka, and Radisson Blu offer transient-friendly services. Many feature 24-hour reception, airport shuttles, on-site dining, shower facilities, and express check-in for passengers needing quick rest between flights. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal provides seating throughout departure halls and a dedicated senior-citizen corner, but lacks formal sleeping pods or nap rooms. Passengers can use reclining chairs and benches near gates, though constant lighting and ambient noise persist. Travellers often bring earplugs and eye masks for rest during long layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available in both arrival and departure zones via ADN Telecom, BRAC Net, Amara, and Beximco. To connect, select “ADN Free WiFi,” register your name and mobile number, receive an OTP via SMS, and enter it to start browsing without charge, typically for a limited session.

SIM/eSIM Card: After customs, SIM booths for Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk are stationed near Customs Green Channel 01 in the Arrival Concourse. Present a passport photocopy for registration, purchase prepaid data or voice plans, and top up at recharge kiosks. eSIM activation is possible via providers’ mobile apps. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Dhaka Airport (DAC) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A prepaid taxi kiosk at the international arrivals exit dispenses vouchers for fixed-fare rides into Dhaka. Metered white taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Pathao, Shohoz) queue outside. Fares depend on distance, time of day, and service class, with cash or in-app payment options.

Train: Dhaka Airport Railway Station sits opposite the terminal on Airport Road. Operated by Bangladesh Railway on the Narayanganj–Bahadurabad Ghat line, it offers intercity and commuter services to Kamalapur, Narayanganj, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and beyond. (more info)

Bus: Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) runs an airport shuttle bus from Terminal 2 via the airport roundabout, Jasimuddin Road, Airport Railway Station, Uttara, and back. Services operate multiple times daily at nominal fares, connecting key city points directly to the airport. (more info)

Shuttle: HSIA operates internal green-and-white shuttle buses that circulate between international and domestic terminals, parking areas, and the railway station. They run approximately every 15–20 minutes from early morning until late evening, helping transit passengers move between gates, concourses, and transport hubs.

Car rentals: Authorized rental counters from Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and local agencies stand in the arrivals concourse. Fleets include economy sedans, SUVs, and minibuses. A valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card hold are required. Rates are quoted per day, with optional extras like GPS and insurance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Multi-storey parking for cars, microbuses, and jeeps is adjacent to the terminals. Rates are BDT 100 for the first three hours and BDT 40 per additional hour up to 24 hours. Open-air parking for cars and motorcycles is also available with lower hourly rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no automated lockers at HSIA. A luggage-wrapping service with seven machines is available pre-check-in. For storage, passengers can book check-in and baggage-hold services through private meet-and-assist providers (e.g., MGA), typically operating 08:00–20:00 with per-item daily fees. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dhaka Airport (DAC) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks