Knowing the exact Chandpur to Dhaka launch time is the first step to a smooth journey. If you live in Chandpur or are visiting the famous “City of Hilsa,” you know that river travel is the most popular way to reach the capital. The bus service can be unpredictable due to traffic, but the launch service offers a relaxing ride up the river Meghna and Buriganga. I have traveled this route many times. The experience is usually great, but only if you plan well. Let’s look at the timing and details so you can book your seat without stress.

Why Choose the Launch Route?
Before looking at the schedule, it helps to know why this route is so popular. The journey from Chandpur to Dhaka is not just about transportation. It is about comfort. The launches on this route are some of the most luxurious in Bangladesh.
Travel by road often involves traffic jams at the entry points of Dhaka. A launch bypasses all of that. You get on the boat at Chandpur Madrasa Ghat and get off at Sadarghat in Dhaka. From there, you can easily go to other parts of the city. Also, the ability to sleep in a cabin or relax on the deck makes the 3 to 4-hour journey feel very short.
Chandpur to Dhaka Launch Schedule
The launch service on this route is very frequent. You will find a vessel leaving almost every hour from early morning until midnight. However, the most high-quality and large launches have specific time slots. Here is a breakdown of the schedule based on the time of day.
Morning Launch Schedule
If you want to reach Dhaka by noon to handle business or office work, the morning launches are your best option. These vessels leave early.
- MV Sonar Tori: This is a favorite for many. It usually leaves Chandpur at 6:00 AM. It is fast and clean.
- MV Imam Hasan: Another reliable option for early risers. It is scheduled for 6:15 AM or 6:30 AM depending on the rotation.
- MV Bogdad: This launch often takes the 7:00 AM slot. It is a large vessel with good deck space.
- MV Moyur: Known for speed, this vessel often departs around 8:00 AM.
The morning slots are strict. If the launch fills up, they might leave five minutes early. Try to be at the ghat by 5:45 AM if you aim for the first trip.
Afternoon Launch Schedule
The afternoon slots are the busiest. Many people finish their work in Chandpur and head to Dhaka after lunch.
- MV Sonar Tori 2: Often scheduled for 12:30 PM.
- MV Takwa: A popular choice for the 1:30 PM slot.
- MV Eagle: Leaves around 2:00 PM.
- MV Imam Hasan: Returns for a 2:30 PM departure.
Between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, you will find a launch leaving every 30 to 45 minutes. This is the peak time. You rarely have to wait long during these hours.
Evening and Night Schedule
If you prefer traveling after sunset, there are several options. The night journey is cooler and very calm.
- MV Sonar Tori 3: usually leaves at 5:00 PM.
- MV Moyur 7: Scheduled for 6:00 PM.
- MV Bogdad 2: Often departs at 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM.
- MV Raf Raf: Known for the late-night slot around 11:30 PM or 12:00 AM.
Note: The late-night launches (after 10 PM) are often slower passenger ferries coming from other southern districts that stop at Chandpur. The dedicated Chandpur-Dhaka luxury launches usually finish their trips by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.
Chandpur to Dhaka Launch Ticket Price 2025
Ticket prices vary based on the class you choose. Fuel prices in Bangladesh have caused rates to go up recently. Below is a detailed table of what you can expect to pay.
| Seat/Class Category | Description | Estimated Price (BDT) |
| Deck (General) | Open floor space. You sit on mats. Good for budget travelers. | 100 – 150 Tk |
| Chair (Business) | Comfortable sitting chair in an AC room. | 250 – 300 Tk |
| Single Cabin (Non-AC) | Private room for one person with a fan. | 500 – 600 Tk |
| Single Cabin (AC) | Private room for one person with Air Conditioning. | 700 – 800 Tk |
| Double Cabin (Non-AC) | Private room for two people with a fan. | 1000 – 1200 Tk |
| Double Cabin (AC) | Private room for two people with Air Conditioning. | 1200 – 1500 Tk |
| VIP Cabin | Luxury room with attached bath, TV, and sofa. | 2000 – 3000 Tk |
Important: During Eid or public holidays, these prices often increase by 10% to 20%. Always confirm the price at the counter before paying.
Popular Launches on This Route
Choosing the right vessel makes a big difference. Some are new and fast, while others are older and slower.
MV Sonar Tori Series
The Sonar Tori fleet is perhaps the most famous on the Chandpur to Dhaka launch time schedule. They are known for punctuality. If the schedule says 6:00 AM, they usually move the ropes at 6:00 AM sharp. The cabins are clean, and the staff is generally helpful. They operate multiple vessels like Sonar Tori 1, 2, 3, and 4.
MV Moyur Series
MV Moyur launches are known for their speed. They have powerful engines and often reach Dhaka 15 to 20 minutes faster than others. The interior decoration in Moyur launches is modern. Their VIP cabins are excellent if you want a hotel-like experience on the river.
MV Imam Hasan
This is a solid, reliable choice. It might not be as flashy as Moyur, but it is safe and stable. The deck area on Imam Hasan is spacious, which is great if you are traveling on a budget and want fresh air.
MV Bogdad
Bogdad launches are massive. Because of their size, they rock less in rough water. If you get motion sickness easily, choosing a large vessel like MV Bogdad is a smart move.
Launch Contact Numbers
Booking a cabin in advance is a good idea, especially for Thursday and Saturday trips. Here are contact numbers for booking or inquiries. Please note that these mobile numbers belong to supervisors or booking counters and can sometimes be switched off or busy.
- MV Sonar Tori Booking: 01711-394901, 01716-258778
- MV Moyur Booking: 01712-663805, 01865-950294
- MV Imam Hasan Booking: 01711-155523
- MV Bogdad Booking: 01718-422899
- MV Eagle Booking: 01715-564344
Suggestion: If you cannot reach them by phone, try to send a text message. For festive seasons, you must go to the Ghat counter in person to buy tickets.
How to Book Your Ticket
The booking process is simple, but it helps to know the system.
For Deck and Chair Coach: You do not need to book these in advance. You can simply go to the Chandpur Madrasa Ghat, buy a ticket from the counter, and board the launch. There is usually plenty of space on the deck. For the Chair Coach (Shovon), it is better to arrive 30 minutes early to get a seat near the window.
For Cabins (Single/Double): These sell out fast. If you are traveling on a regular weekday, you can find a cabin by reaching the ghat 1 hour before departure. However, for weekends, you should call the numbers above one day prior. When you call, tell them your name and which time slot you want. They will keep the cabin key for you. You must collect it 30 minutes before the launch leaves, or they will sell it to someone else.
For VIP Cabins: These are limited, usually only 2 or 4 per launch. You must book these at least 2 days in advance.
Facilities on Board
Modern launches from Chandpur to Dhaka offer many amenities.
- Food and Snacks: All luxury launches have a canteen. You can buy tea, chips, biscuits, and even cooked meals like Biryani or Rice with Chicken. The prices are slightly higher than regular shops.
- Prayer Room: Most large vessels have a designated area for prayer.
- Toilets: Deck passengers have shared toilets. Cabin passengers have separate shared toilets which are cleaner. VIP cabins have attached private toilets.
- Waiting Area: There is usually a sofa area in front of the cabin section where you can sit if you have a cabin ticket.
Safety and Travel Tips
The river Meghna can be wide and deep. While accidents are rare on this route due to the large size of the vessels, safety is still important.
- Check the Weather: If there is a storm warning signal number 2 or higher, launches might delay departure. In severe weather, service stops completely.
- Avoid Touts: At the ghat, people might approach you offering “cheap tickets.” Ignore them. Only buy from the official counters or inside the launch from uniformed staff.
- Keep Valuables Safe: If you sleep on the deck, keep your bag under your head. In a cabin, always lock the door from the inside before sleeping.
- Arrival Time: Traffic in Chandpur town can get heavy near the ghat. Plan to reach the terminal at least 40 minutes before the Chandpur to Dhaka launch time.
Getting to Chandpur Ghat
The launch terminal in Chandpur is known as “Madrasa Ghat.” If you are coming from the train station (Boro Station), you can take an auto-rickshaw. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The fare is usually 20-30 Taka per person. If you are coming from the bus stand, the distance is a bit longer. A CNG auto-rickshaw will charge around 100-150 Taka to take you directly to the launch terminal.
Read More:
- Dhaka to Narail Train
- Dhaka to Rajshahi Train
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- Akhaura to Dhaka Train Schedule Bus
- Dhaka to Jamalpur Train Schedule
- Dhaka to Kushtia Train Schedule
- Dhaka to Chattogram Train Schedule
- Dhaka to Sreemangal Train
- Dhaka to Bhairab Train Schedule
- Dhaka to Faridpur Train Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to travel from Chandpur to Dhaka by launch?
It usually takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours. High-speed launches like MV Moyur can sometimes do it in 3 hours and 15 minutes if the river current is favorable.
What is the distance between Chandpur and Dhaka by river?
The river distance is approximately 55 to 60 kilometers, but the route winds through the river channels, making the travel distance slightly longer.
Is there a launch available at late night?
Yes, but they are usually passenger ferries coming from Barisal or Bhola that stop at Chandpur. They arrive between 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM. They are not the dedicated Chandpur-Dhaka luxury services and can be very crowded.
Can I take my motorcycle on the launch?
Yes, you can. There is a charge for transporting a motorbike. It usually costs between 300 to 500 Taka depending on the bargaining and the vessel. You have to load and unload it yourself or pay a porter.
Which is the best launch for families?
MV Sonar Tori and MV Moyur are best for families because they maintain good discipline, have clean toilets, and the staff is professional.
Do launches run every day?
Yes, the service runs 365 days a year, including government holidays. However, the schedule might change slightly during Eid festivals due to high demand.
Final Thoughts
The river journey between Chandpur and Dhaka is one of the most pleasant ways to travel in Bangladesh. The cool breeze of the Meghna River and the comfort of modern cabins make it far better than a cramped bus ride. By knowing the Chandpur to Dhaka launch time, you can plan your day effectively. Whether you catch the 6:00 AM Sonar Tori or the evening Moyur, you are sure to have a good trip. Always remember to check the ticket price at the counter as rates can change with fuel adjustments. Keep the contact numbers handy, arrive at the ghat early, and enjoy the beautiful river views.
















