Maldives Transportation

Ways to Maldives

There are two international airports in Maldives, one is Male International Airport and the other is Gan International Airport. Male International Airport, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from the city center, is always preferred by foreign flights. The airport is small with a runway stretching into the sea. It takes 10 minutes to downtown by ship. Visitors can take seaplane and speedboat to other islands. The airport is equipped with banks, pharmacies, duty-free shops, exchange offices, restaurants, and post offices. Besides, first-aid and left-baggage services are available. With the development of tourism, there are 50 flights and chartered planes from 16 international airports.

Gan International Airport is located in Gan Island at the southernmost of Maldives. Visitors will have more choices on fine islands if taking an international flight to Gan Island. It takes around 20 minutes to some islands by speedboat.

Domestic Transportation

Since Maldives is an island with little land area, inland means of transportation is mainly bicycle and walk. While travelling to different islands, visitors can take Dhoni Boat, ferry, speedboat, seaplane and domestic flight. For distance within 80 nautical miles, visitors can choose to take speedboat; 80 to 150 nautical miles, seaplane; and over 150 nautical miles, domestic flight.

Dhoni Boat

Dhoni Boat is a distinctive local vehicle with a sharp bow. There are always many Dhoni boats stopping at the dock of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, in the north of Male Island, and visitors can bargain with boatman to rent a boat, which will cost 20 to 45 dollars a day.

Public Ferry

In 2010, a set of public ferry system was built by Maldivians government. Starting from Male, the lines cover several atolls next to Male. It is cost-effective. Visitors can not only have a chance to talk with local citizens, but also feel different views in a ferry.

Speedboat

Speedboat can be mostly found in holiday villages in atolls near Male, such as North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, and Ari Atoll. The ticket price varies from USD 30 to 300, based on the distance. Some islands provide all-inclusive service, and visitors don’t need to pay additional charge for speedboat.

Air

In additional to Male International Airport, there are five domestic airports, which are located in atolls in the north and south of Maldives. Visitors can take flights from Male to these airports, and usually these planes are mainly small corporate jets. Domestic flight is easy to be neglected in Maldives, though it is faster than speedboat and cost less than seaplane. It can take visitors to a far place and is both economical and comfortable.

Seaplane

Seaplane is another distinctive transportation vehicle in Maldives. There is no fixed taking-off or landing area, so the seaplane can take visitors to everywhere they want. Usually this service can be found in holiday villages far away from Male. Compared with speedboat, it costs more to take a seaplane, at least several hundreds of US dollars. But it will provide the best view when overlooking these atolls.