MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Chattogram

How to Get to Chattogram

Chattogram Chittagong, Bangladesh Travel Guide

Air Travel to Chattogram

Major Airports & Airlines

Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) serves Chattogram as Bangladesh's second-largest international airport.

Flight Details

  • Domestic: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair connect CGP with Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet.
  • International: Biman Bangladesh Airlines provides direct flights from CGP to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kolkata, Riyadh. Other airlines serve Middle Eastern hubs.
  • Global Hubs: No direct flights from North America or Europe. Connect using Dhaka, Middle Eastern, or Southerneast Asian hubs.

Airport Transfers

Options to get from the airport to your city accommodation.

Options to City

  • Prepaid Taxis: Counters outside terminal offer fixed fares, a reliable option.
  • Ride-sharing Apps: Pathao and Obhai operate from the airport. A convenient and often cheaper alternative.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Some accommodations give transfer services. Check with your accommodation.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Flight prices tend to be higher during the peak tourist season (Nov-Feb) and around major festivals (Eid holidays). Book well in advance.

Airport Facilities

Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) offers basic facilities. These include immigration, customs, duty-free, currency exchange, eateries, car rental, and prepaid taxi services.

CNG Auto-rickshaws

Available outside the airport, but may require negotiation and are less suitable if you have significant luggage.

Flight Booking Resources

Find Flight Deals

  • Discover affordable flights worldwide with Dollar Flight Club.
  • Compare and find the best deals and routes with Skyscanner.
  • Book your flights well in advance during peak periods.

Visa and Insurance Services

  • Expedite your visa application with IVisa or VisaHQ.
  • Adventurous travelers choose World Nomads for travel insurance.
  • SafetyWing is designed for digital nomads and remote teams.
  • AirHelp for flight delay/cancellation compensation.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

Exit fees or taxes are typically included in your airfare. You usually do not pay separate fees at the airport.

Departure Timing

International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before. Domestic flights: Get there at LEAST 2 hours before.

Airport Facilities

Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) offers basic facilities for departing travelers, including waiting areas, food stalls, and a duty-free shop.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Bangladesh Railway connects Chattogram with Dhaka, Sylhet, and other major cities.

Train Classes & Booking

  • Classes: Shovon Chair, First Class, AC Chair, AC Berth. AC Chair offers a comfortable travel experience.
  • Booking: Advance booking highly recommended, especially for AC classes. Book weeks ahead for peak season or holidays.
  • Availability: Book online or at railway stations for better rates and availability.

Long-Distance Buses

A wide network of bus services connects Chattogram to Dhaka (approx. 6-8 hours), Cox's Bazar (approx. 3-4 hours), Sylhet, and other parts of Bangladesh.

Bus Companies & Terminals

  • Companies: Green Line, Soudia Paribahan, Hanif Enterprise, Shyamoli Paribahan offer both AC and non-AC services. AC services generally offer more comfort.
  • Quality: AC services often mean a safer journey compared to non-AC.
  • Terminals: Oxygen More Bus Terminal and Garibullah Shah Mazar Gate Bus A terminal for long-distance routes.

Self-Driving & Roads

Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists in Bangladesh. The road conditions can be challenging, driving styles are often aggressive, and clear signage is occasionally lacking.

Driving Advice

  • Recommendations: Renting a car with a driver is a more sensible and safer option for exploring outside the city.
  • Conditions: Roads vary. You find well-maintained highways alongside poorly paved local roads.
  • Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required, along with a valid national driving license.

Road Safety Concerns

Road conditions vary. Traffic jams is severe, especially in urban areas. Driving can be chaotic and aggressive, making accidents common.

Safety Measures

  • Traffic Congestion: Severe, especially in urban areas.
  • Reckless Driving: Driving can be chaotic and aggressive; accidents are common.
  • Night Driving: Avoid night driving on inter-city roads for safety reasons.

Important Considerations

  • Road quality changes from well-maintained highways to poorly paved local roads.
  • Clear signage is sometimes lacking, adding to navigation difficulties.
  • Self-driving is not usually recommended for tourists in Bangladesh.
  • Car rental with a driver is the more practical choice for safety.
  • An International Driving Permit is required, but local traffic conditions are challenging.
  • Traffic congestion is a constant factor in urban areas.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Services

Chattogram is Bangladesh's largest seaport. Domestic sea travel mainly links the mainland to various islands.

Sea Travel Details

  • Domestic: Ferries connect the mainland to islands like St. Martin's Island. These typically depart from Cox's Bazar or Teknaf, not directly from Chattogram.
  • Cruises: Occasionally, luxury cruise ships make port calls, but this is not a regular tourist transport option.
  • River: River transportation within or from Chattogram city is limited for tourist travel. It mainly serves cargo transport or local commuting.

Immigration at Seaports

Immigration procedures at seaports do not apply for regular tourist entry or exit.

Entry/Exit Info

  • Tourist Entry: Tourists typically use air or land borders for entry and exit.
  • Main Modes: Air or land routes are the standard ways for visitors from abroad to enter Bangladesh.
  • Port Area Transport: From the Chattogram Port area, you can find local transport options like CNG auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and ride-sharing services to connect to other regions of the city.

Local Water Travel

Boat taxis and water transportation are limited to specific areas for tourists. You might find them for short trips along the Karnaphuli River, but they are not a main mode of tourist transport for moving about the city.

Border Crossings

Border crossing information is not directly relevant for Chattogram, as it is not a border city. The closest major land border crossing with India, Akhaura-Agartala, is closer to Dhaka.

Port Accessibility

Chattogram Port's main function is cargo transport, with limited direct tourist amenities for sea arrivals.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Be aware of procedures and timing recommendations for a smooth departure.

Timing Recommendations

  • International flights: Arrive at Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
  • Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight departure.
  • Documents: Have all necessary documents ready, including your passport, boarding pass, and any onward travel tickets.

Airport Facilities

Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) offers basic facilities for departing travelers.

Services for Travelers

  • Waiting areas for passenger comfort.
  • Some food stalls available for refreshments.
  • A duty-free shop for last-minute purchases.

Travel Insurance & Assistance

Flight Compensation

If your flight is delayed or canceled, AirHelp can assist you in claiming compensation up to €600.

Adventure Travel Insurance

For active travelers, consider World Nomads for comprehensive coverage during your adventures.

Digital Nomad Coverage

SafetyWing provides flexible health and travel insurance options tailored for remote workers and digital nomads.

Departure Checklist

Exit fees are usually included in airfare. Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, 2 hours for domestic. Have passport, boarding pass, and onward tickets ready. Airport facilities are basic.