Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and one of the most densely populated cities anywhere, a river city where rickshaws, markets, mosques and Mughal-era monuments crowd together along the Buriganga. Ties with Malaysia run deep: many Bangladeshis live and work in Malaysia, students and business travellers move between the two countries, and a growing number of visitors come to see the city's heritage. Whether you are going home for Eid, visiting family or exploring for the first time, you can compare flights to Dhaka on Traveloka and book in a few taps.

About Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka

Location

Dhaka's main gateway is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), in the Kurmitola area on the northern side of the city. It lies close to Uttara and not far from the diplomatic and business districts of Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara. Old Dhaka, in the south, is on the far side of the city, so plan extra time if you are staying there.

Terminals

The airport has long used connected international and domestic terminal buildings, and it has been expanding with a large new terminal to handle growing traffic. Which building you use can depend on your flight, so check the terminal on your e-ticket and confirm it again shortly before departure.

Getting to and from the airport

Ride-hailing apps, pre-paid airport taxis and hotel cars are the most common ways into the city. Dhaka's traffic is famously heavy, so journeys that look short on a map can take a while, particularly at rush hour. The Airport railway station sits across the main road from the terminals and has services towards central Kamalapur and other cities, and the MRT Line 6 metro starts in Uttara, a short ride from the airport, and runs south through the city towards Motijheel.

Direct and connecting flights to Dhaka

Kuala Lumpur has regular non-stop services to Dhaka, which makes KL to Dhaka the simplest route for most travellers from Malaysia. From Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching you will usually connect via Kuala Lumpur or another regional hub. On Traveloka, turn on the Direct filter to see only non-stop options, then compare baggage allowance carefully. Many passengers heading to Dhaka carry gifts and extra luggage, so a fare with more checked baggage can work out better overall. If you are continuing within Bangladesh, to Chattogram or Sylhet for example, look for itineraries that keep your connection on one booking.

When to fly to Dhaka

Dhaka's most comfortable season is the dry, mild winter from about November to February, with cooler evenings and blue skies. From March the heat and humidity build quickly, and the monsoon usually arrives around June, bringing heavy rain and occasional flooding until roughly October. Pack light cotton clothes and an umbrella for most of the year.

The busiest times on the Malaysia to Dhaka route are the weeks before Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, known in Malaysia as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, when many travellers head home. Malaysian school holidays and the year-end break also add demand. Booking early for these dates makes a real difference. Use the price chart on this page to compare months and set a Price Alert for your route.

Popular places in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

This unfinished Mughal fort in Old Dhaka dates back to the seventeenth century. Its gardens, mosque and the tomb of Pari Bibi make a calm escape from the busy streets outside, especially in the late afternoon.

Ahsan Manzil

Known as the Pink Palace, this grand riverside mansion was once the seat of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Today it is a museum with restored rooms and a sweeping staircase facing the Buriganga River.

Sadarghat

Dhaka's main river terminal is one of the liveliest sights in the city. Watch ferries, launches and small wooden boats come and go, or take a short boat ride across the Buriganga for a view of the waterfront.

National Parliament House

Designed by the architect Louis Kahn, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is a striking composition of concrete, geometry and water. The surrounding lawns and lake in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar are popular with families in the evening.

Star Mosque

The Tara Masjid in Old Dhaka is decorated inside and out with star motifs made from pieces of porcelain. Dress modestly and visit outside prayer times.

Where to stay in Dhaka

Gulshan and Banani are the most popular areas for visitors, with international restaurants, cafés and embassies, and they are relatively close to the airport. Baridhara is quieter and leafy. Dhanmondi, further south-west, has a residential feel, a lake and plenty of local eateries. Uttara works well for short stays or early flights because it sits right next to the airport, while Motijheel puts you near the commercial centre and within reach of Old Dhaka.

Food to try in Dhaka

Kacchi biryani

Dhaka's pride is kacchi biryani, where marinated mutton and fragrant rice are layered and slow-cooked together in a sealed pot. Old Dhaka has long-standing shops famous for it.

Fuchka

These crisp, hollow shells are filled with spiced chickpeas and potato, then dipped in tangy tamarind water. They are a favourite street snack all over the city.

Ilish

Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh, often cooked in mustard sauce and served with plain rice. It is especially popular during the monsoon season.

Bakarkhani and mishti doi

Bakarkhani is a flaky, layered flatbread from Old Dhaka that goes perfectly with tea. For dessert, try mishti doi, a sweet, thick yoghurt set in clay pots.

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