Dhaka to Khulna Bus List, Counters Number, Ticket Price, Booking
At least a dozen bus companies run between Dhaka and Khulna. The main names are Shohagh Paribahan, Green Line, Hanif Enterprise, Tungipara Express, Falguni Paribahan, AK Travels, Desh Travels, Imad Paribahan, Sundarban Classic, Parjatak Paribahan, Mohona, Bepari, Kanak and Bonoful Transport. Non-AC seats have most often been reported at around Tk 600 to Tk 800. AC and premium seats range from about Tk 700 to Tk 1,500, depending on the operator and coach.
Since the Padma Bridge opened to traffic on 25 June 2022, this route has become much shorter and far more competitive. Before the bridge, buses crossed by ferry at Mawa or Paturia and the trip could take 7 hours or more. Now most operators run direct services, and the list of companies has grown.
This guide gives you the full operator list, a fare comparison, the Dhaka and Khulna counter areas, and a practical way to choose a bus. Where sources disagreed or I could not confirm a detail, I say so.
Note: Information on this page is compiled from publicly available sources and third-party information, including news reports and ticket-comparison sites published between 2022 and 2026. Minciter has not independently verified every detail. Fares, schedules and counter locations change often, so confirm them with the operator or a booking platform before you travel.
Table of Contents
- Dhaka to Khulna bus operators
- Bus ticket price
- AC vs non-AC
- Schedules
- Journey time and distance
- Counters in Dhaka and Khulna
- How to book online
- How to choose the right bus
- Train and flight alternatives
- Practical tips
- FAQ
Dhaka to Khulna Bus Operators
The table below lists the operators that appear repeatedly across fare lists, news reports and booking platforms. It is not an official registry. Some smaller companies run only a few trips a day, and a company may appear on one booking site but not another.
| Operator | Service type reported | Best known for | Dhaka booking numbers | Khulna counter numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shohagh Paribahan | AC and non-AC, plus a VIP coach | One of the most frequent departures on the route | Call center: 09606-444777 (also 01711-612433). Malibagh: 02-9344477. Gabtoli: 01926-699348. Sayedabad: 01926-699367 | KDA: 041-725397. Sonadanga: 041-732255. Fultala: 041-785195 |
| Green Line Paribahan | Premium AC | Higher-end coaches with a fixed seat layout | Hotline: 16557 or 09613-316557. Arambagh: 01730-060009. Fakirapool: 01730-060013. Kalabagan: 01730-060006. Kalyanpur: 01730-060080. Abdullahpur: 01970-060076. Azampur: 01970-060075. Badda: 01970-060074. Norda: 01730-060098. Sayedabad/Golapbag: 04478-660011 | 01709-932723, 01730-060037, 041-813888 |
| Hanif Enterprise | AC and non-AC | Long-running intercity brand | Official contact: 01755-538881. Gabtoli: 01713-201722. Kalyanpur: 01713-049540. Shyamoli Ring Road-1: 01713-402639. Arambagh: 01713-402631. Fakirapool: 02-7191512. Sayedabad: 01713-402673. Abdullahpur: 01713-049513 | Royal Chattar: 01713-049562, 041-810451 |
| Tungipara Express | AC and non-AC | Lower AC fares than most rivals | No reliable Dhaka number found | Sonadanga: 01793-137262. Khalishpur: 01793-137270 |
| Falguni Paribahan | AC and non-AC | Mid-range pricing | No Dhaka number found | 01914-771073, 01911-116650, 01737-786108 |
| AK Travels | Non-AC | Many counters in both cities | Gabtoli: 01709-964204, 01709-964205. Kalyanpur: 01709-964207. Shyamoli: 01709-964208, 01709-964209 | Sonadanga: 01709-964200. Shibbari: 01709-964199. Daulatpur: 01709-964160 |
| Desh Travels | AC and non-AC | Reported non-AC and AC options | Arambagh: 02-7192345, 01709-989436. Fakirapul: 01762-620932. Mohakhali: 01705-430566. Abdullahpur: 01762-684432. Kalabagan: 01762-684431 | Sonadanga: 01318-333993. Royal Junction: 01318-333992 |
| Kanak Paribahan | Non-AC | Standard service | No Dhaka number found | 01907-013030, 01997-014013 (this series is disputed, see above) |
| Bonoful Transport | Non-AC | Standard service | No Dhaka number found | 01718-100653, 01913-496273 |
| Parjatak Paribahan | Non-AC | Khulna-based counter network | No Dhaka number found | 01718-362396 |
| Mohona Paribahan | Non-AC | Standard service | No Dhaka number found | 01913-400224 |
| Bepari Paribahan | Non-AC | Standard service | No Dhaka number found | 01681-198683 |
| Imad Paribahan | AC and non-AC | Reported at the Padma Bridge opening | No number found | No number found |
| Diganta Paribahan | Non-AC | Standard service | No number found | No number found |
| Robi Express | AC | Listed on older fare lists | No number found | No number found |
| Sundarban Classic Paribahan | Non-AC | Standard service | No number found | No number found |
Shohagh Paribahan runs several coach types on this route. One ticket platform lists standard-class departures at 07:30, 14:00, 20:30 and 21:45, with VIP coaches at 22:00 and 22:45. Treat those times as a guide, not a timetable. Departures change by date and demand.
Green Line is the premium option. One booking platform lists Khulna to Dhaka with a single travel class, a 36-seat VIP coach. That means fewer seats per bus, and it usually means a higher fare.
Emad Paribahan All Counter Numbers
Purbasha paribahan counter number, ticket online booking
Dhaka to Khulna Bus Ticket Price
This is the part where sources disagree the most, so here is what I found and how to read it.
When the Padma Bridge opened, The Business Standard reported that non-AC bus fares on this route were set at about Tk 600, close to the BRTC rate, and that AC fares ran between Tk 700 and Tk 1,200. The same report quoted Shohagh at Tk 1,200 for AC and Tk 600 for non-AC. It also quoted Imad at Tk 700 for AC and Tk 800 for non-AC, though that pairing looks unusual, so check it before relying on it. A Khulna bus owners’ association official said non-AC fares were kept near the BRTC level, while AC fares are set by the owners and not by the government.
More recent fare lists, some dated 2025 and 2026, show a similar pattern with higher figures at the top end.
| Operator | Non-AC (reported) | AC (reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Shohagh Paribahan | Tk 600 to Tk 800 | Tk 900 to Tk 1,400 |
| Green Line | Tk 800 on one list | Tk 1,100 to Tk 1,500 |
| Tungipara Express | Tk 600 | Tk 700 to Tk 900 |
| Falguni Paribahan | Tk 600 to Tk 750 | Tk 700 |
| Desh Travels | Tk 550 | Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,400 |
| Hanif Enterprise | Tk 690 | Tk 1,200 |
| AK Travels, Mohona, Bepari, Kanak, Bonoful, Sundarban Classic, Parjatak | Around Tk 600 | Not commonly listed |
These figures come from third-party blogs and news reports of different ages. They are useful for setting expectations, not for budgeting to the taka.
One warning about foreign-facing booking sites. Some international platforms show Dhaka to Khulna bus tickets at Tk 2,500 or more for the same coach that costs a fraction of that locally. One such listing showed Shohagh at Tk 2,591 for a standard seat. Those prices include the platform’s markup. If you are traveling from within Bangladesh, book through a local platform or the operator directly.
What changes the price:
- Coach type: non-AC, AC, VIP or premium
- Operator brand and seat layout
- Day of travel: weekends and holidays cost more
- Eid and other peak periods, when fares can rise sharply
- Booking channel: online platforms often add a service charge. An older Hanif receipt showed Tk 700 for the seat plus Tk 50 in service charge
AC vs Non-AC: Which Should You Pick?
Neither is better for everyone. It comes down to budget, timing and how much you care about comfort.
| Factor | Non-AC | AC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fare | Roughly Tk 600 to Tk 800 | Roughly Tk 700 to Tk 1,500 |
| Comfort | Basic seating, windows open | Closed cabin, cooler in summer |
| Availability | More departures, easier to find same-day seats | Fewer seats, sells out earlier on weekends |
| Best for | Budget travelers, short notice | Longer trips in hot months, families, night travel |
If you travel between April and September, AC is worth the extra cost for most people. In winter the gap matters less.
Dhaka to Khulna Bus Schedule
There is no single timetable for all operators. Buses run through the day and night. One fare list says services start as early as 6:00 AM and continue until about 11:00 PM, but that is a general claim, not an operator schedule.
What I can say with reasonable confidence:
- Morning, afternoon and late-evening departures all exist.
- Night coaches (late evening to overnight) are common, including VIP services.
- Exact times change by date, so check the seat map on the booking page.
Do not rely on old blog schedules. Some list departures from years before the Padma Bridge opened, when trip times were very different.
How Long Does It Take, and How Far Is It?
Short answer: Expect roughly 4 to 6 hours on a normal day. Plan for more during Eid, on rainy days or in heavy traffic.
Distance figures vary by source because they measure from different starting points. The BRTA fare calculation cited by The Business Standard used 207 km from Sayedabad to Khulna via Mawa. Other sites list 221 km, 261 km or 280 km. The difference comes from the start point in Dhaka, the exact route and whether the number is a driving estimate. If you need one figure, use 207 km as the official fare basis and treat the rest as approximate driving distances.
Some ticket platforms show longer scheduled times, up to 8 hours for certain departures. Those listings often build in stops and city traffic at both ends. The expressway and bridge section moves fast. The slowest parts are usually leaving Dhaka and entering Khulna.
Bus Counters in Dhaka and Khulna
Counter locations are one of the most useful things to know before you book, because a Dhaka bus can leave from Gabtoli, Sayedabad or Kalyanpur depending on the company.
Dhaka boarding areas
These areas appear in operator counter lists:
- Gabtoli: the main long-distance terminal for the southwest. AK Travels, Green Line and Shohagh all show counters here.
- Kalyanpur
- Shyamoli
- Abdullahpur and Norda
- Sayedabad
- Gulistan and Fakirapul
- Arambagh
- Malibagh
Khulna boarding and arrival areas
- Sonadanga: the central bus stand
- Royal Mor
- Shibbari
- Daulatpur
- Fulbari Gate
- Boyra Bazar
- New Road
- Noapara and Fultala
I have not listed phone numbers. Third-party blogs publish many, but several are years old and some counters have moved. Get the current counter number from the operator’s booking page or ticket confirmation.
One tip that saves trouble: when you book, note the exact counter name on your ticket. Gabtoli has several counters close together, and boarding at the wrong one is a common mistake.
How to Book a Dhaka to Khulna Bus Ticket Online
You can book through an operator’s own site or app, or through a ticketing platform. Two widely used Bangladeshi platforms are Shohoz (https://www.shohoz.com) and BDTickets (https://www.bdtickets.com). Green Line also sells through its own site at https://www.greenlinebd.com.
The steps are similar everywhere:
- Choose your travel date.
- Select Dhaka as the departure point and Khulna as the destination.
- Compare operators, coach types and prices.
- Pick your seat on the seat map.
- Note the boarding point shown for that bus.
- Enter passenger details.
- Pay by mobile banking or card.
- Save your ticket or SMS confirmation.
If you prefer to pay cash, most operators sell tickets at their counters. Book a few days ahead for weekends and holidays.
Cancellation and refund rules differ by operator and platform. I could not verify a standard policy, so read the terms shown before you pay.
How to Choose the Right Bus
Ask yourself three questions.
What matters most, price or comfort? If price, look at the non-AC operators clustered around Tk 600. If comfort, compare Green Line, Shohagh VIP and the other AC operators.
Where do you live in Dhaka? A slightly higher fare from a counter near your home can beat a cheaper bus that starts far away. Traffic getting to Gabtoli can cost you an hour.
When are you traveling? For an Eid trip, book as early as tickets open. On ordinary weekdays, same-day tickets are usually easier to find on non-AC services.
Some quick matches:
- Student on a budget: non-AC from a large operator such as AK Travels or Shohagh
- Family with luggage: AC with a confirmed seat and a counter close to home
- Overnight travel: a night coach with AC or a VIP service
- Last-minute trip: Gabtoli counters, where several operators run frequent departures
Train and Flight Alternatives
Buses are not the only option.
| Option | Reported details |
|---|---|
| Bus | About 4 to 6 hours, most frequent departures |
| Train | Jahanabad Express runs Dhaka to Khulna via the Padma Bridge, six days a week, with AC Sleeper, AC Chair and Shovan Chair classes |
| Flight | Biman and US-Bangla have appeared on booking platforms, with a flight time of roughly 45 to 50 minutes |
The Jahanabad Express began service on 24 December 2024, according to its Wikipedia entry, which lists an average journey time of about 3 hours 45 minutes. Check current timings and seat availability on the Bangladesh Railway e-ticket site at https://eticket.railway.gov.bd. Train tickets often sell out, so a bus is the easier backup.
For flights, fares on aggregator sites ranged widely, from around Tk 5,000 to more than Tk 10,000, but those listings were dated. Check the airline sites directly.
Practical Tips
- Arrive at the counter at least 20 to 30 minutes before departure.
- Carry a phone with your ticket and a valid ID.
- Book the seat on the shaded side if you are traveling in summer.
- Confirm whether luggage carries an extra fee. I could not find a standard luggage rule.
- During Eid, expect higher fares and slower roads. Do not assume the normal travel time.
- Compare the final price, not the advertised one. Service charges can add Tk 30 to Tk 50 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Dhaka to Khulna bus ticket?
Non-AC tickets have been reported at roughly Tk 600 to Tk 800. AC tickets range from about Tk 700 to Tk 1,500, depending on the operator and coach. Prices rise around holidays.
Which bus is best for Dhaka to Khulna?
There is no single best option. Green Line and Shohagh VIP are the usual picks for comfort. AK Travels and other non-AC operators suit budget travelers.
How long does the bus take?
Usually 4 to 6 hours. Heavy traffic, rain or Eid rush can add time.
Where do Dhaka to Khulna buses leave from?
Gabtoli is the main terminal. Buses also board at Kalyanpur, Shyamoli, Sayedabad, Gulistan, Arambagh, Fakirapul and Malibagh, depending on the operator.
Are there AC buses on this route?
Yes. Shohagh, Green Line, Hanif, Tungipara, Falguni, Desh Travels and Imad all run AC services.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use an operator’s site or a platform such as Shohoz or BDTickets.
Is there a night bus?
Yes. Several operators run late-evening and overnight services, including Shohagh VIP coaches.
How far is Khulna from Dhaka by road?
The fare calculation used 207 km from Sayedabad via Mawa. Other sources list higher driving distances of 221 to 280 km.
Is the train faster than the bus?
The Jahanabad Express lists an average journey of about 3 hours 45 minutes, which is shorter than a typical bus trip. It runs six days a week and has fewer departures, so seats can be harder to get.
