Navigating Dhaka city by bus can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new or just want a simple, reliable way to get around. This guide is here to help you understand all the bus services available in Dhaka, their routes, types, and practical tips for everyday travel. I’ll keep everything easy to understand and focus on what you actually need to know, so you can travel confidently and safely. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to university, or exploring a new neighborhood, this is your complete Dhaka city bus service list and guide.
Why Use Dhaka City Buses?
Buses are the backbone of public transport in Dhaka. They’re the most affordable way to move around the city, connecting every major area, market, office zone, and residential neighborhood. With so many options, there’s a bus for nearly every route you can think of.
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Types of Bus Services in Dhaka
Understanding the types of buses will help you choose the right one for your needs:
Local Bus Service
- Stops anywhere along the route for passengers to get on and off.
- You pay the fare to the conductor after boarding.
- Usually the cheapest, but can be crowded and slow due to frequent stops.
Counter Bus Service
- Has specific stops (boarding and drop-off points).
- Tickets are bought at counters before you board.
- Often less crowded and sometimes air-conditioned.
- Good for longer journeys or if you want a more organized ride.
Seating Service
- Only allows as many passengers as there are seats.
- No standing passengers.
- More comfortable, but sometimes a bit more expensive.
Women’s Special Service
- Some routes have buses only for women, especially during rush hours.
- Helps ensure safety and comfort for female passengers.
AC Buses
- Air-conditioned for extra comfort.
- Higher fare than regular buses.
- Good for long journeys or hot days.
Dhaka Nagar Paribahan: The New Unified System
Recently, all city buses are being brought under one umbrella called Dhaka Nagar Paribahan. This means:
- Every bus company must operate under this system.
- There will be more discipline, better schedules, and hopefully less chaos.
- Over 80 companies have already joined, and more are applying.
- You’ll see more buses with the “Dhaka Nagar Paribahan” logo soon.
Major Bus Operators and Their Routes
Dhaka has dozens of bus companies, each serving different routes. Here’s a detailed list of the most important ones, organized alphabetically for easy searching. If you’re looking for a bus from your area, scan for your neighborhood or destination.
A
| Bus Name | Main Route Highlights | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Achim Paribahan | Gabtoli – Mirpur – Kuril – Bashundhara – Badda – Rampura – Demra Staff Quarter | Semi-Sitting |
| Active Paribahan | Shia Masjid – Mirpur – Kuril – Khilkhet – Airport – Abdullahpur | Local |
| Agradut | Savar – Gabtoli – Mirpur – Mohakhali – Gulshan – Badda – Notun Bazar | Local |
| Airport Bangabandhu Ave | Fulbaria – Paltan – Shahbag – Mohakhali – Banani – Airport – Abdullahpur | Local |
| Ajmeri Glory | Sadarghat – Gulistan – Mohakhali – Banani – Airport – Abdullahpur – Tongi – Gazipur – Chandra | Local |
| Ajmi | Dhamrai – Savar – Gabtoli – Dhanmondi – New Market – Gulistan – Chittagong Road | Local |
| Akash | Kadamtali – Babubazar – Gulistan – Mohakhali – Badda – Bashundhara – Airport – Abdullahpur – Tongi | Local |
| Akik | Mirpur – Kuril – Bashundhara – Badda – Uttar Badda | Local |
| Al Makka | Motijheel – Gulistan – Mohakhali – Banani – Mirpur | Local |
| Al Madina Plus One | Nandan Park – Savar – Gabtoli – Farmgate – Gulistan – Motijheel – Kamalapur | Local |
| Alif | Multiple routes: Mirpur – Ashulia – Nandan Park; Mirpur – Badda – Rampura; Mirpur – Banani – Airport – Abdullahpur | Local |
B
| Bus Name | Main Route Highlights | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bahon | Various routes across Dhaka | Local |
| BRTC | Government buses, city and intercity routes, including special women’s and school services | Local, Counter, AC |
| Bondhu Paribahan | Central and suburban routes | Local |
C to E
| Bus Name | Main Route Highlights | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cantonment Bus Service | Cantonment area and nearby neighborhoods | Local |
| D Link | Multiple city connections | Local |
| Elite | Premium service, select routes | AC, Counter |
F to I
| Bus Name | Main Route Highlights | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Falgun | Notable for serving educational zones | Local |
| First Ten | Covers Mirpur, Farmgate, Motijheel | Local |
| Gazipur Paribahan | Dhaka – Gazipur highway routes | Local |
| Green Line | Long distance, intercity AC service | AC, Counter |
| Itihash | Mirpur – Gabtoli – Savar – Nandan Park – Chandra | Local |
J to N
| Bus Name | Main Route Highlights | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Joy Paribahan | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Kanak | Mirpur – Dhanmondi – Motijheel | Local |
| Labbaik | Mirpur – Shyamoli – Gabtoli – Savar | Local |
| Mohona | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Nabakali | Mirpur – Dhanmondi – Azimpur – Keraniganj | Local |
| New Vision | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Nilachol | Chittagong Road – Jatrabari – Gulistan – Dhanmondi – Gabtoli – Savar – Manikganj – Paturia | Local |
| Nishorgo | Mirpur – Mohammadpur – Dhanmondi – Azimpur | Local |
O to Z
| Bus Name | Main Route Highlights | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Projapoti | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Rajdhani Super | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Shadhin | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Shatabdi | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Shikor | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Shoukhin | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Supravat | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Turag | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
| Winner | Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local |
BRTC: Government Bus Services
BRTC (Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) is the main government bus operator in Dhaka. They run city, suburban, and intercity routes. BRTC buses are known for:
- Fixed fares and regular schedules.
- Special women’s services.
- School bus routes.
- AC and non-AC options.
Major BRTC Depots and Routes
| Depot Name | Main Routes Served | Number of Buses |
|---|---|---|
| Motijheel | Motijheel – various city and suburban areas | 82 |
| Kallyanpur | Kallyanpur – northern and western Dhaka | 198 |
| Mirpur-12 | Double-decker buses in northern Dhaka | 38 |
| Joarsahara | Eastern Dhaka and airport connections | 49 |
| Gazipur | City to Gazipur, Tongi | 54 |
| Narayanganj | Dhaka – Narayanganj | 80 |
BRTC Special Services
- Women’s Special: Dedicated buses for women on busy routes.
- School Bus: For students, at set times and routes.
- Intercity: Connects Dhaka to other cities like Chittagong, Khulna, and Mymensingh.
Complete Dhaka City Bus Route Table
Below is a sample of the most popular and useful routes. For a full list, always check the latest updates at bus stops or online.
| Route Name | Main Stops (A to B) | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Motijheel – Uttara | Motijheel – Gulistan – Farmgate – Mohakhali – Banani – Airport – Uttara | Local, Counter |
| Gabtoli – Demra | Gabtoli – Mirpur – Kuril – Badda – Rampura – Demra Staff Quarter | Local, Semi-Sitting |
| Savar – Motijheel | Savar – Gabtoli – Mirpur – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local, Counter |
| Mirpur – Azimpur | Mirpur – Farmgate – Shahbag – Azimpur | Local |
| Mirpur – Sadarghat | Mirpur – Farmgate – Gulistan – Sadarghat | Local |
| Jatrabari – Gabtoli | Jatrabari – Sayedabad – Gulistan – Farmgate – Gabtoli | Local |
| Abdullahpur – Motijheel | Abdullahpur – Airport – Mohakhali – Farmgate – Motijheel | Local, Women’s |
| Chittagong Road – Savar | Chittagong Road – Jatrabari – Gulistan – Farmgate – Gabtoli – Savar | Local, Counter |
| Mirpur – Kamalapur | Mirpur – Farmgate – Shahbag – Motijheel – Kamalapur | Local |
| Mirpur – Rampura | Mirpur – Farmgate – Shahbag – Rampura | Local |
Fares and Payment
Bus fares in Dhaka depend on the type of bus and distance traveled. Here’s a general idea:
- Local buses: Usually start at 10-15 Taka for short rides, up to 40-60 Taka for longer routes.
- Counter/Seating/AC buses: 30-100 Taka depending on distance and comfort.
- BRTC: Fares are fixed and displayed inside the bus.
You pay the conductor after boarding on local buses, or buy a ticket at the counter for counter buses.
How to Find the Right Bus for Your Area
Here’s how you can find the best bus for your journey:
- Know your starting point and destination.
- Look for bus stops nearby – Most neighborhoods have a local bus stand.
- Check the route names and numbers – Buses display their main stops on the front and side.
- Ask the conductor or locals – Don’t hesitate to ask; most people are happy to help.
- Use mobile apps – Apps like “Dhaka Bus Route” or “MestoGo Bangladesh” can help you plan.
Tips for Safe and Comfortable Bus Travel
- Plan ahead: Know your route and bus number before you leave.
- Avoid rush hours: Buses are most crowded from 8-10 AM and 5-8 PM.
- Keep your belongings close: Pickpocketing can happen in crowded buses.
- Use women’s services if needed: Safer and less crowded for female passengers.
- Have small change: Makes paying fares easier.
- Stay alert: Don’t get lost in your phone or fall asleep, especially at night.
- Don’t accept food from strangers: For your safety, never eat or drink anything offered by someone you don’t know.
Facilities at Bus Stands
- Some main bus stands have shelters, but many do not.
- Seating is limited; you may have to stand in line.
- Major stops like Motijheel, Gabtoli, and Mohakhali are usually busy but have more facilities.
What’s Changing in Dhaka Bus Services?
- Unified system: All buses will soon be part of Dhaka Nagar Paribahan, making routes and fares more organized.
- New buses: More AC and seating service buses are being added.
- Women’s safety: More women-only buses and reserved seats.
- Better supervision: Government checks for fare and safety are increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know which bus to take?
A: Check the route names on the bus, ask at the bus stop, or use a mobile app.
Q: Are there night buses?
A: Most buses run from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Night services are limited, so plan ahead.
Q: Can I travel outside Dhaka by city bus?
A: Some BRTC and private buses connect Dhaka to nearby cities like Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Savar.
Q: Are buses safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes, but always stay alert, especially at night. Use women’s services if you’re a female traveler.
Final Advice
Dhaka’s bus system can look confusing at first, but once you get used to it, it’s the cheapest and most flexible way to travel across the city. Always plan ahead, keep your valuables safe, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the new unified system, things are getting better every day. Whether you’re commuting or just exploring, there’s a bus route for you.
This guide is designed to be practical and easy for everyone. If you need more details about a specific route or bus, check the latest updates at your local bus stand, ask the conductor, or use a trusted mobile app. Safe travels!
Remember to check for schedule updates and fare changes as transportation information may evolve. As you become more familiar with the routes, you’ll discover the convenience and practicality of Dhaka’s bus services. Happy travels around Dhaka!
