Getting Your Bearings
Khulna sits on the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers in southwestern Bangladesh and is the country's third-largest city. It is the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, and lies just north of the Mosque City of Bagerhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is flat and riverine, so you will not find cable cars or funiculars here — movement happens on roads, on the water, and by rail.
Bengali is the everyday language, though English is understood by a large segment of the population, especially in business and at good hotels. Cards are generally accepted only at large hotels, so carry cash in Bangladeshi taka for food and transport. Ask your hotel staff to write destinations in Bengali for drivers, and set up the Pathao ride-hailing app before you arrive.
How Tourists Get Around the City
Cycle-rickshaws are the main method of transport in Khulna, and the most popular means of public transport for short trips. Auto-rickshaws — the green three-wheeled CNGs — are also common and are the faster option for medium distances. Motorcycles are popular among the middle class, while wealthier residents prefer a private car.
Fares are negotiated, not metered, so agree on the price before you set off. As a rough guide, a cycle-rickshaw ride from the bus stand to the centre, or from one end of town to the other, should not run more than about Tk 20, and can be as little as Tk 5 for shorter journeys by easy bikes. CNGs typically cost more for longer hops. Carry small-denomination notes, since you pay the driver directly.
For longer journeys within the city, it is also possible to rent a scooter (three-wheel).
Rail, Metro and Tram
Khulna has no metro or tram network — this is a river city, not a subway city. Rail matters here as a way in and out rather than as a way to move around town. Khulna is a major railway junction with trains from Dhaka and other large centres, and cross-border services via Kolkata are possible.
From Dhaka, trains such as the Sundarban Express and Chitra Express run to Khulna via the Yamuna bridge, departing from Kamalapur railway station. An international train, the Bandhan Express, plies between Kolkata and Khulna. For comfort on these inter-city runs, book AC class.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Government and private buses run fixed routes within Khulna and to surrounding areas. They are economical for longer distances but often crowded at peak times. Nagar Paribahan buses have frequent service between Rupsha and Phultala, with stops throughout the city. Fares are distance-based and paid to the conductor on boarding, so keep small cash ready.
Service generally runs from roughly 6 AM to 10–11 PM, with high frequency at peak hours. There are no formal route maps readily available to tourists — ask locals, hotel staff, or conductors for route information. Major bus stands and intersections act as informal hubs.
Public transport generally lacks wheelchair access: buses have steps and crowded interiors, and rickshaws and CNGs have limited space. Facilities for disabled travellers are very basic across the board.
On the water, small local boats operate across the Rupsha River between ghats (docks), functioning as inexpensive river taxis. Multi-day Sundarbans cruises are a specialised form of water transport that includes travel within the forest.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Traditional yellow taxis are comparatively rare in Khulna; CNGs serve as the main "taxi" service. Both CNGs and cycle-rickshaws are hailed directly on the street, with fares negotiated before the ride. As a rough guide, CNG fares run from about Tk 50 to Tk 250 for most city rides, depending on distance, time of day, and negotiation; cycle-rickshaw fares are typically lower for short distances. Everything is cash only.
Pathao is the popular ride-sharing app in Bangladesh, covering both motorbikes and cars. Fares are displayed before you confirm, and the app offers driver tracking and user ratings. Before boarding, verify that the driver and vehicle details match what the app shows. Solo women travellers may prefer ride-sharing apps for the tracking and driver identification, especially at night; if you do take a CNG, choose a well-maintained one with a visible driver ID.
Self-drive rentals are restricted for visitors, so car rental with a driver is the standard arrangement. These are arranged through local travel agencies, larger hotels, and tour companies, and the driver handles the vehicle documentation. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not commonly available to tourists, and there are no formal bicycle-sharing programmes. Traffic drives on the left, speed limits are loosely followed, and designated parking is limited — if you hire a driver, they will manage parking.
For day trips outside the city, such as to Bagerhat, hiring a private car with a driver is recommended; agree on the itinerary and daily rate beforehand.
Walkability
Khulna is not a pedestrian-friendly city. There are few pedestrian-friendly areas, though the Rupsa Riverfront is more walkable than most. Pavements are uneven, narrow, or absent, and traffic is chaotic. There are no widely advertised formal guided walking tours, though self-guided walks are possible with vigilance.
There are no dedicated bicycle lanes or extensive cycling infrastructure, and cycling on busy roads is hazardous. Avoid walking or cycling on major thoroughfares at peak hours or after dark.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Khulna has no airport of its own. The nearest air hub is Jessore (JSR), which receives regular domestic flights from Dhaka. Novoair has regular flights to Jessore airport, and some airlines provide a shuttle bus on to Khulna city. Hotels in Khulna will usually arrange a car to collect you from the airport at Jessore. Private driver and taxi services are relatively affordable — agree on the total cost in advance, including any possible tolls.
Other air options are further afield: Barisal (BZL) and Kolkata (CCU, in India) are both considerably farther away by road.
Arriving by Bus, Train or Boat
Regular buses run from Dhaka to Khulna all day and night, operated by well-known carriers such as Shohag Paribahan, Eagle Transport, A K Travels and Hanif Transport, all offering both AC and normal chair-coach services. Buses also run from Jessore. International buses from Kolkata are available, with times varying according to traffic and border control. Private carriers are common.
By train, you can travel from Dhaka's Kamalapur railway station to Khulna via the Yamuna bridge on the Sundarban Express or Chitra Express, or take the international Bandhan Express from Kolkata.
By boat, the Rocket Steamer is a classic option. It launches from Rocket Ghat, just behind the train station, while the BIWTC office for ticket bookings is next to the Jolil tower in the city centre. The steamer departs Khulna in the early hours of the morning, but it is possible to board the boat the evening before and sleep in your berth for no extra charge. On days when the Rocket does not run from Khulna, you can board one heading to Dhaka at Hularhat — reach that jetty by bus and then a rickshaw or motorcycle.
Practical Tips
- Agree on CNG and rickshaw fares before departure, and carry small bills — cash is the norm for all local transport.
- Expect crowds on buses and keep your belongings secure.
- Share your ride details with a trusted contact, and verify app driver and vehicle details before boarding.
- For day trips outside the city, hire a private car with a driver and fix the itinerary and rate in advance.
- Sundarbans visits are strictly regulated: book tours and permits in advance through licensed agencies in Khulna.
- The rainy season runs roughly June to October, so bring an umbrella or raincoat; lightweight natural-fabric clothing with shoulders and knees covered is appropriate.
- Drink only bottled water, avoid ice in street drinks, and skip street food that has not been heat-treated.
- Use your right hand only for eating, handshakes, and passing money or items, and take care when photographing government buildings.