A motorbike is still the fastest way through Dhaka traffic, and usually the cheapest. But "how much will it cost?" is surprisingly hard to answer. Most articles online quote fares from 2018. This guide uses a real, current rate card and shows the full price you pay, with nothing hidden.
How bike fares are calculated
Almost every ride app in Bangladesh prices a bike ride from three parts:
- Base fare, charged once per trip
- Distance, a rate per kilometre
- Time, a small rate per minute, because Dhaka traffic means a 5 km trip can take 15 minutes or 45
Then a minimum fare makes sure very short trips are still worth it for the driver.
On Arohon, a bike ride is priced at:
- Base fare: Rate ৳50
- Per km: Rate ৳12
- Per minute: Rate ৳1.13
- Minimum fare: Rate ৳60
On top of the fare there is a ৳3 safety charge and a small booking fee that depends on the fare: ৳5 below ৳200, ৳10 from ৳200 to ৳349, ৳15 from ৳350 to ৳499, and ৳20 from ৳500.
Sample bike fares in Dhaka
Here is what common trips cost with that rate card, all in, before any coupon:
- Banani to Gulshan 2: Distance and time 3 km, 15 min, Fare ৳103, Total you pay ৳111
- Mohakhali to Farmgate: Distance and time 5 km, 25 min, Fare ৳138, Total you pay ৳146
- Mirpur 10 to Karwan Bazar: Distance and time 8 km, 35 min, Fare ৳186, Total you pay ৳194
- Uttara to Banani: Distance and time 12 km, 50 min, Fare ৳251, Total you pay ৳264
Times are typical daytime traffic. A late night trip with empty roads costs less, because the time part shrinks.
Why the per km rate is not the whole story
Two rides of the same distance can cost very different amounts:
- Traffic: the per minute part adds up in jams. Ten extra minutes adds about ৳11.
- Detours: flyovers and one way roads can add distance.
- The booking fee tier: crossing ৳200 moves the booking fee from ৳5 to ৳10.
The good news: with an upfront fare, you see the final price before you book. You do not pay more because the driver took a longer route.
EV bikes: the cheaper option
Electric bikes are arriving on Bangladeshi roads fast. They cost less to run, and that saving is passed on. On Arohon, EV bike rides are 21% to 24% cheaper than a regular bike for the same trip, and they are quiet and zero emission.
How to pay less for every bike ride
- Book in the app, not on the street. Street prices change with the driver's mood. An upfront fare does not.
- Use your reward points. On Arohon, every completed ride earns points, which turn into coupons of up to 50% off.
- Pick EV when it is available for short city hops.
- Avoid peak hours when you can. The fare follows the clock.
Is a bike or a CNG cheaper?
For one person, a bike is almost always cheaper and faster. For two or three people, or when you have bags, a CNG can work out better per person. See our guide to CNG fares in Dhaka for a side by side.
Keep reading
- Book a ride
- CNG Fare in Dhaka 2026: Meter Rate vs What You Really Pay
- Beat Dhaka Office Traffic, Times, Routes and Modes
FAQ
How much is a bike ride per km in Dhaka?
On Arohon, ৳12 per km plus a ৳50 base and ৳1.13 per minute, with a ৳60 minimum. A typical 5 km trip costs about ৳146 in total.
Do I have to pay cash?
Yes, bike rides are paid in cash to the rider at the end of the trip, at the fare you saw when booking. Coupons come off automatically.
Is a helmet provided?
Riders should always wear a helmet. Ask your rider for the passenger helmet before you start.
Why does my fare change between two days?
Traffic changes the time part of the fare, and longer trips can move into a higher booking fee tier.