Getting There & Away: Sundarbans

Air Travel

International & Domestic Airports

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka serves as the main international gateway to Bangladesh. For reaching the Sundarbans region, Jessore Airport (JSR) is the closest domestic airport to Khulna and Mongla, giving the quickest connection.

Airlines & Flight Connections

Airlines operating international routes to Dhaka include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Thai Airways.
For domestic travel, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair offer frequent connections from Dhaka to Jessore.
There are no direct international flights to Jessore. International travelers first arrive in Dhaka and then take a domestic flight.

Flight Booking & Transfers

Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations influence your booking. Prices generally peak during the high travel season (November-February) and around major Bangladeshi festivals like Eid holidays.

Airport Facilities & Ground Transfers

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) offers currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops. Jessore Airport (JSR) has more basic facilities.
From DAC: pre-paid taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber/Pathao. From JSR to Khulna: taxi or hired car (often arranged by tour operators).
Book international and domestic flights well in advance for better rates. Confirm domestic flight luggage allowance.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club: Discover cheap flight deals to Dhaka for your international journey.

Flight Search

Skyscanner: Compare flight prices from various airlines to find your best itinerary.

Car Rental Deals

DiscoverCars.com: Explore rental cars for city travel before or after your Sundarbans tour.

Land Transportation Details

Border Crossings from India

Benapole (Bangladesh) / Petrapole (India): Major land border crossing between Bangladesh and India, near Kolkata.
Akhaura (Bangladesh) / Agartala (India): Another significant border crossing in eastern Bangladesh.
Land border crossings can be time-consuming and sometimes chaotic. Be prepared for queues and thorough checks.
Always check the latest border crossing rules before you travel and ensure you have valid visas for both countries.

Train & Bus Services

Train connections: Direct services from Dhaka to Khulna (Sundarban Express, Chitra Express). Journey approx. 7-9 hours. AC classes are recommended for comfort.
Long-distance bus: Numerous private bus companies operate daily services from Dhaka to Khulna/Mongla (Shohag Paribahan, Hanif Enterprise, Green Line Paribahan). Journey approx. 6-8 hours.
Advance booking is highly recommended for trains and buses, especially during peak season or public holidays, as tickets sell out quickly.
Self-driving is not recommended for tourists due to challenging road conditions, aggressive driving styles, and often lacking clear road signage.

Inter-City Travel Insights

Domestic Flights

For efficient travel, domestic flights from Dhaka to Jessore are a faster option. Booking early is good for availability and price.

Comfortable Train Journeys

Bangladesh Railway services, especially AC classes, offer a comfortable way to travel long distances within the country.

Reliable Bus Services

Reputable AC bus companies provide extensive networks across Bangladesh for inter-city travel, offering a comfortable ride.

Sea/River Arrivals

Mongla Port & Boat Travel

Mongla Port serves as the main port of entry or exit for most Sundarbans tours. It is a bustling commercial port situated close to the forest's entry points. From Mongla, your tour operator arranges for you to board your designated launch or motorboat.

Vessels for Exploration

Launches and motorboats are the main mode of transport within the Sundarbans.
These boats range in size and comfort and serve as your floating hotel and base for all excursions.
Smaller boats, often referred to as "dinghies," explore narrow canals and creeks for quiet, close-up wildlife observation.

Unique River Journeys & Connections

The Rocket Steamer offers an unique, historical river journey. This traditional paddle-wheel steamer service operates from Dhaka to Khulna via Barisal. It is a scenic but slow journey, often taking approximately 24 hours.

Riverine Network & Transfers

This Rocket Steamer journey is more of a cultural experience than an efficient means of transport to the Sundarbans.
Various local river ferries connect towns and villages throughout the delta region, mainly for local transport.
Mongla Port has established road connections to Khulna. Your tour operator typically provides transfers to and from your tour boat.

Departure Information

A smooth exit allows you to conclude your journey without stress. Plan departure carefully for international or domestic flights. No separate exit fees or taxes are typically charged at Bangladeshi airports for international departures, as these are usually included in your airfare.

Airport Departure Protocols

For international departures from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
For domestic flights from Jessore Airport (JSR), plan to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
Domestic terminals are smaller and generally quicker to navigate, but security checks and potential delays warrant sufficient arrival time.

Train & Bus Departures

For departures by train or long-distance bus from Khulna or other cities, plan to arrive at the station or terminal with sufficient time before your scheduled departure. This provides time to find your platform or bus and board comfortably.

Station Facilities & Document Readiness

Arrive at the station/terminal at least 30-60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure for trains or long-distance buses.
Airport and station facilities vary. DAC offers a range of facilities; Jessore and Khulna stations are more basic.
Ensure all your travel documents, including passport, visa, and flight/train tickets, are readily accessible and in order.

Travel Disruption Support

AirHelp: Get up to €600 compensation for delayed or canceled flights. This tool handles the claims process.
Flight delays can disrupt your plans and cause inconvenience. AirHelp processes claims for what you might be due.
Check eligibility for compensation due to significant flight disruptions, which can include long delays or cancellations.

General Travel Advice

Do not attempt to rent a car for self-driving in Bangladesh. Traffic conditions are difficult, and local driving styles can be unsafe for unfamiliar drivers. Always hire a car with a local driver for inter-city travel.

Getting There & Away