Bangladesh’s heaving capital Dhaka is its cultural and financial hub. A city of some 18 million people, Dhaka is frenetic, energetic, vibrant and a cultural melting pot. Despite its incredibly fast pace of life, there are still some oases of calm and tranquillity where visitors can catch their breath for a moment. Book a flight to Dhaka with Qatar Airways and you’ll also discover that this is one of the friendliest cities on earth too.

It is Dhaka’s colourful chaos that gives Bangladesh’s capital its charm. Home to 18 million people, the modern-day city is the nation’s industrial, commercial and political centre.

Book a flight to Dhaka with Qatar Airways, to discover a city of stark contrasts, from the shanty towns of Old Dhaka to the glistening high rises of Banani and Gulshan.

The USA’s capital and one of the most iconic cities in the world, Washington D.C. is also an incredibly busy international air hub. Located approximately 26 miles west of the city, the airport’s main terminal is architecturally striking. A huge curved roof arches gracefully into the air. Be warned though, this is a very big airport so you may need a little extra time to orientate yourself.

Transportation and parking

The airport is so large that a train takes passengers from the main building to the concourses. Valet parking (for up to 45 days) is available close to the main terminal, while a selection of other short and long-term parking options are located in garages 1 and 2, with up to 8,325 covered spaces available.

A large economy parking area is located near Route 28 airport exits, providing more than 12,000 spaces. A regular shuttle service runs from the economy parking areas to the main terminal.

A selection of vans, taxis and buses take passengers from Washington D.C. to and from the airport, and a limousine service are also available.

Arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport

Passengers on flights from Washington D.C. with Qatar Airways will need to go to Departure Area 2 to find the Qatar Airways check-in desk.

Once you have passed through security you will need to board an Aero Train, which will take you to the gates on the four main concourses. Gates H and Z are connected to the main terminal building, so there is no need to use the Aero Train to access these gates.

The security checkpoints are located on the mezzanine level.

Facilities and amenities

Dulles International Airport is vast, and offers passengers a wide selection of amenities and facilities. Car rental, hotel information and even a ‘pet relief’ area  is located on the ground floor.

On the departures level you will find gift shops and cafés serving everything from snacks to full restaurant-standard meals.

Bangladesh’s heaving capital Dhaka is its cultural and financial hub. A city of some 18 million people, Dhaka is frenetic, energetic, vibrant and a cultural melting pot. Despite its incredibly fast pace of life, there are still some oases of calm and tranquillity where visitors can catch their breath for a moment. Book a flight to Dhaka with Qatar Airways and you’ll also discover that this is one of the friendliest cities on earth too.

It’s also a time capsule charting the various influences in the region in its eclectic mix of architecture, from the Mogul Emperors through to colonial British rule in the 19th century. Today it also has a shining and ultra modern business epicentre, making Dhaka a treasure-trove of experiences for the visitor.

Tourist attractions

Apart from its incredibly friendly people, Dhaka’s main attractions are its buildings. The Lalbagh Fort was built by the son of Mogul emperor Aurangazeb, Prince Mohammad Azam in 1678. Surrounded by formal gardens, it also provides a little bit of green space in the heart of the city. The fort also houses a number of monuments and attractions within its walls, including the Tomb of Pari Bibi, Lalbagh Mosque, the Audience Hall and the Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan, which also houses a museum.

Dhaka’s parks are beautifully kept and offer dazzling displays of colour all year round. Baldha Garden is a botanist’s delight, and is packed with native and rare plant species. The National Botanical Gardens offers 205 acres to explore and is right next to the city’s zoo. Ramna Green is a traditional public park surrounded by a winding lake that offers some cool respite during the heat of the summer.

If modern architecture is your passion then pay a visit to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, or parliament building. Designed by American architect, Louis I. Kahn, it is a landmark building in a uniquely modern style. You will need to take your passport to go on a tour of the building.


Travel considerations

Flights to Dhaka with Qatar Airways land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Dhaka please check the visa and passport requirements.