Photo of Sadarghat Launch Terminal — Nayan Farmer · CC BY-SA 4.0
Destination guide
Sadarghat Launch Terminal
সদরঘাট লঞ্চ টার্মিনাল
One of the world's largest river passenger terminals and, to many travellers, the rawest place in Dhaka. Multi-deck launches to the southern districts, small boats and porters fill the water from before dawn to late night.
History & significance
A trading wharf grew here in the 19th century on the Buriganga, whose older name was Dolai. More than 45 launch routes radiate south from here, and older ghats — Soarighat, Babubazar, Wise Ghat, Jetty Ghat — line the river into the old city.
How to get there
Bus or CNG to Gulistan, then a rickshaw for ৳30–60. For a launch journey: Barishal launches leave around 9 pm; deck ৳300–350, single cabin ৳800–1,200, double cabin ৳1,600–2,400 depending on route — book cabins ahead.
Entry fee
৳0–10 · traveller-reported
Walking the terminal is free (some travellers mention a small ৳10 gate ticket). A Buriganga boat ride costs ৳100–300 per boat after bargaining.
Opening hours & best time
The ghat effectively never closes; the long southern launches leave around 9–10 pm and arrive around dawn.
Best time
Sunset at Jetty Ghat, or dawn when the wholesale boats unload; on winter decks bring real warm clothes.
Traveller tips
Phones and wallets in a front pocket — the crowd is dense and so are pickpockets.
The river water is heavily polluted — don't touch it; the ghat steps are slippery.
Barishal launches berth near Gate 5 — confirm with a porter before boarding.
Location
The exact coordinates of this destination have not been verified yet, so no map location is shown.