Getting Around Rajshahi
Rajshahi is a compact, riverside city on the north bank of the Padma, and getting around it is generally straightforward. There is no metro or tram system here, so visitors rely on a mix of auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, buses, and ride-hailing apps. Cash in small denominations is the standard way to pay for almost all local transport, so keep some taka handy.
Auto-Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are the workhorse of local transport in Rajshahi. They are affordable, readily available throughout the city, and convenient for getting from one part of town to another. Cycle rickshaws are even more ubiquitous and inexpensive, and they are the best choice for short hops. For medium distances, auto-rickshaws are faster than pedal rickshaws, though they cost more.
- Cycle rickshaws are best for short trips and are easy to flag down anywhere.
- Auto-rickshaws suit medium distances and are the most common motorized option for visitors.
- Agree on the fare beforehand, especially for auto-rickshaws, since fares are negotiated rather than metered.
- Pay in cash — small notes make transactions smoother.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Local buses are the cheapest motorized way to get around the city and are the main public transport option, since Rajshahi has no metro or tram network. Fares are paid in cash directly to the conductor. Buses generally run from early morning until around 9–10 PM, though frequency varies by route.
Be aware that buses can be crowded, and routes are often confusing for visitors who do not speak Bengali — route maps are generally not available in English, and bus stops are often informal. Buses are also not accessible for travellers with mobility challenges, given high steps and crowded interiors. The main boarding points are major intersections, busy markets, and the railway and bus stations.
Tempos — small buses operating on fixed routes — offer another local option. Buses are less common than auto-rickshaws and can be overcrowded, but they can be useful for longer journeys across the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are less common in Rajshahi than in Dhaka. Where you find them, they are typically white or black-and-yellow sedans, and fares are either negotiated or metered — cash only.
Ride-hailing is often the more practical choice. Apps such as Pathao and Obhai operate in Rajshahi for both car and motorbike rides, offering transparent fares, GPS tracking, and driver ratings. They are frequently cheaper than negotiating with a taxi. Note that the apps require a local SIM and mobile data, so it is worth installing them before you arrive.
Walking and Cycling
Rajshahi is comparatively walkable by Bangladeshi standards. It has relatively well-maintained and extensive sidewalks, and most roads have adequate footpaths, though they may be narrower than you might expect. Parts of the city centre are pedestrian-friendly.
Some of the most pleasant places to walk are along the Padma River banks and around the University of Rajshahi campus. The riverbank is a planned recreation zone in many parts of the city, with parks such as Munsguard Park and Lalonshah Park offering views over the Padma.
Cycling, by contrast, is not well supported: there is no dedicated cycling infrastructure, so cyclists share the road with motor vehicles and rickshaws. Pavements can be uneven or absent in places, and accessibility is very limited for travellers with mobility needs, who generally rely on private transport. There are no tour buses or hop-on/hop-off services in the city, and boat taxis are for leisure rather than general transport.
Car Hire and Driving
Self-drive car rentals are rare and not advised for tourists. A car with a driver can be arranged through travel agencies or hotels, which is the more sensible option if you want private transport. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon for visitors and require a valid licence and local knowledge.
If you do drive, note that driving is on the left. Roads vary in quality and are often congested, with some unpaved sections, and parking is difficult in busy areas.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Shah Makhdum Airport is the primary airport serving Rajshahi, located at Nowhata, with flights from Dhaka. To reach the city from the airport, you can use auto-rickshaws or ride-hailing apps. Many hotels also arrange guest pickups, so it is worth confirming this with your hotel at the time of booking.
Arriving by Rail, Bus, or Road
Rajshahi Railway Station, north of the city centre, is the major station for long-distance trains. Several intercity services connect Dhaka and Rajshahi, including the Padma Express, Silk City Express, Dhumketue Express, and Banalata Express. These run on most days but not every day of the week, so check the schedule for your travel dates. From the station, auto-rickshaws, pedal rickshaws, and ride-hailing are all available to take you onward.
By road, the journey from Dhaka takes roughly five hours depending on traffic, crossing the Jamuna Bridge. A number of bus services run from Dhaka via Natore, some with air-conditioning, and services to other major districts are available from the bus terminal. From the bus station, the same local options — auto-rickshaws, pedal rickshaws, and ride-hailing — will get you to your accommodation.