Overview
Chittagong (officially Chattogram) is Bangladesh's second city and its busiest seaport, stretched between the Karnaphuli River and the Bay of Bengal. For most UK travellers it is a connecting trip rather than a direct one, often booked to visit family, for business linked to the port and garment industry, or as a gateway to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the long beach at Cox's Bazar. If you are searching for cheap flights to Chittagong, compare your options on the price charts on this page before you commit.
Best time to fly to Chittagong
The dry, cooler season from November to March is the most comfortable time to visit, with warm days, lower humidity and little rain. The monsoon runs roughly June to September and brings heavy downpours, while April and May are very hot and sticky. Cyclone risk in the Bay of Bengal is highest around April to May and October to November. Fares climb around Eid and the Christmas and New Year period, so check the When to book chart above for the quieter, cheaper weeks.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Chittagong, so every routing involves at least one stop. The most practical one-stop options are Qatar Airways via Doha and Emirates via Dubai, both of which fly on to Chittagong. Biman Bangladesh Airlines flies London Heathrow to Dhaka nonstop in around 10 hours, then a short domestic hop to Chittagong. Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) also connect through Dhaka, where US-Bangla and Novoair operate frequent flights to Chittagong in about an hour. Allow roughly 14 to 18 hours in total from London, depending on your layover.
Things to do in Chittagong
The city itself is busy and workaday, but there is plenty of character once you slow down and explore.
- Patenga Beach: a popular sea beach where the Karnaphuli meets the Bay of Bengal, best at sunset.
- Foy's Lake: a scenic man-made lake with boating, walking paths and a small amusement park.
- Commonwealth War Cemetery: a beautifully kept resting place for Second World War servicemen, quiet and moving.
- Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: a hilltop shrine with a tank of rare black soft-shell turtles.
- Ethnological Museum: a well-curated look at the many indigenous communities of Bangladesh.
At Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP)
Shah Amanat International Airport sits about 12 to 15 km south of the city centre, near Patenga. There is no train or metro link, so travellers use ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Pathao, prepaid or metered taxis, or CNG auto-rickshaws, and most hotels will arrange a pickup. Budget 30 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Chittagong
- Book around two to four months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; last-minute fares are rarely cheap on this route.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid Eid, school holidays and the December peak.
- Use flexible date search and the When to book chart above to spot the cheapest departure weeks.
- Compare the Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul hubs, as prices vary widely; sometimes booking the Dhaka to Chittagong leg separately works out cheaper.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Bangladesh. A visa on arrival for tourism (up to 30 days) is available at Dhaka and Chittagong airports, but many travellers prefer to arrange one in advance through the Bangladesh High Commission in London to avoid any uncertainty; carry proof of onward travel and a hotel booking. The currency is the Bangladeshi taka, and sterling is not generally accepted, so change money or use ATMs on arrival and keep some cash for taxis. Check the latest NHS TravelHealthPro guidance on vaccinations, with hepatitis A and typhoid commonly advised, and on malaria precautions if you plan to visit the Hill Tracts. Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity.
