Transportation in Maldives

Though the Maldives is bound to the sea by nature, you will find many modes of transport at your disposal to help you easily get from A to B. While getting around by boat many seem the logical choice, there are a number of parties operating helicopters and seaplanes making island hopping quick and easy, while also offering breathtaking views of the Maldives islands.

Ride a bicycle, hire a taxi or simply walk around on foot to catch a glimpse into the life of this quickening Island lifestyle!

Our Maldives Transportation Guide provides you with most of the Maldives travel information you will need to easily get to, from and around the Maldives. One of the easiest ways to get around the Maldives - while also taking in the many things to see and do - is by joining a Maldives tour. View our Maldives Country Guide if you want to know more about travelling to the beautiful Republic of Maldives.

Maldives Transportation Guide

Getting around the Maldives

By Speedboat

Speedboats can be used as a mean of transport to and from many Maldives resorts. They operate according to international flights.

By Seaplane

No place in the Maldives takes more than 60 minutes to reach by plane from the Maldives capital, Malé. Two companies operate air taxis (seaplanes) - the Maldivian Air Taxi, which has white and red planes, and the Trans Maldivian Airways, which has blue and yellow planes.

Seaplanes in the Maldives do not operate at night, so if you will be arriving in Malé at night and need to go to a distant resort, you will have to first spend the night in Malé or at the Hulhule Island Hotel (Airport hotel). You can, however, opt for private transfers, which can be expensive, but might be a better alternative to spending a night in Malé. Usually private transfers cost between $500 and $800 and may vary a lot, depending on the resort you are visit. Do check with your Maldives resort and travel agent regarding the gap between your transfer and flight departure, as these gaps can be significant.

By Domestic Flight

Inter-island services are also offered by Island Aviation that flies from the capital Malé to Hanimaadhoo, Gan, Kaddhoo and Kaadeddhoo.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Maldives.

Flights to Maldives

Ferry Service to the Capital - Male'

There is a ferry service available from the airport island to the capital city of Male 24 hours a day. A Dhoni ferry runs every 15 minutes ploughing its way from the airport jetty to Male. After midnight the services is available every 30 minutes.

As the airport is located on an island and not physically on the same island as Male, transportation between the two is restricted to the sea.

By Foot

Walking in the capital city Malé is the best option for travelling within Malé, as it is quite small and manageable (2 km).

Seaplane

Taxi