Transportation in the Maldives

Transportation in the Maldives

Transportation in the Maldives  : Maldives is an enchanting destination, a part of the world where paradise comes to life.

The Maldives archipelago is among the top-rated island destination, because of its exotic location and tropical climate, the island is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Maldives Islands are secluded archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the islands are easily accessed via air from Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

To travel to and within the Maldives Islands, there are several transport options to use to get around.

Getting to the Maldives

The most commonly used mode of transport to get to the Maldives from overseas is by air, there are possibilities to travel by water mainly to the capital city of Malé though they are few and far between.

By Air

The Maldives is served by four (4) international airports connecting the island nation to several cities across the globe, several airlines such as Air France, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, China Eastern, and Japan Airlines have regular flights arriving in Malé.

Also, there are international airlines and charters operating only during specific times of the year.

Velana International Airport

Velana International Airport also known as Malé International Airport is the primary port of arrival for most tourists going for a holiday in the Maldives, this airport is also the largest airport in the Maldives situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from the capital on the Island of Hulhulé.

In Velana, there is one international and two domestic terminals.

From the airport, travelers can take seaplanes or seaports to other islands. Alternatively, they can use a ferry service that operates between the airport and Malé.

 Gan International Airport

This formerly a military base and in 2017 it became an international airport. This airport has only flight arriving

A former military base, Gan became an international airport in 2017 from Colombo and is operated by Sri Lankan Airlines. The airport does not have a domestic terminal used primarily by seaplanes and resort air taxis.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport

Only The Maldivian Airline flights operate from Hanimaadhoo airport which is situated in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The carrier cover Trivandrum in Indian from here, planes to other islands of the Maldives also take off from the Airport.

Maafaru International Airport

The Maafaru International Airport is the newest international Airport in the Maldives opened in December 2019. However, due to COVID – 19, it is being now used by private jets and charter planes.

The Maldivian airline is the nation’s official air carrier with flights to five international destinations that is Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, and Dhaka..

Cruises

There are a few cruise companies with ships stopping in the Maldives, this is due to its shallow waters. Most of the islands are not suitable for accommodation bigger ships and boats, most of the cruises only visit Malé allowing its passengers to take day trips to the nearby islands that is depending on the itinerary.

Private Yacht

Using luxury yachts to get around the islands of the Maldives is common, but only yachts that are local to the Maldives. Hiring a yacht in the Maldives depends on the vessel and the crew, hiring a yacht typically costs $3500 or more per day.

Visitors entering in from elsewhere using private boats might find maneuvering around the reefs tricky.

Also, the Maldivian government has several restrictions and permit requirements for all outside vessels. If you plan to arrive by boat, it is extremely useful to use port agent’s services.

TRAVELING WITHIN THE MALDIVES

There are plenty of transportation options available and island hopping in the Maldives is a visually stunning experience.

The local transport in the Maldives Islands cater to different budgets of the travelers and allow them to travel fast in a traditional way or in a laidback fashion while appreciating the majestic Maldivian seascapes.

Speedboat

Speedboat are fast and fun way to travel between the Maldivian atoll though slightly expensive, a trip on a speedboat cost around $ 75 depending on the final distance. Most of the resorts on the islands send speedboats to pick – up their guests at the airport, this cost is normally included in the total package.

Using a shared private speedboat is a slightly cheaper option which is available at Malé International Airport. However, tourists need to book them before arriving or else they have to wait until the boat is full.

Once at the resort, guests can also rent a motorboat with a crew for daily excursions.

Seaplanes

Seaplanes make visiting almost all the corners of the Maldives possible, since these kinds of planes do not require runways, they operate between inhabited islands and resorts or excursions to uninhabited regions.

Seaplanes fly during the day thus giving passengers a birds – eye view of the archipelago, a memorable sight not hold on to for life. Tickets for seaplanes cost about $300, there is a luggage weight restriction of 20 kgs on most flights.

Domestic Flights

Maldives is served by 16 airports with 12 explicitly catering to domestic flights, Maldivian and FlyMe airlines have regular services between these airports.

Booking for a flight by tourists is possible via online or through hotels, the local airports are situated on the islands of Dharavandhoo, Fuvahmulah, Gadhdhoo, Ifuru, Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kooddoo, Kudahuvadhoo, Maamigili, Thimarafushi, Kulhudhuffushi, Funadhoo.

Maldivian Dhoni

A traditional Maldivian boat, dhoni is the ideal way to appreciate local tradition and craftsmanship while enjoying a day-trip out in the sea. Similar to an Arabic dhow in its character, residents use dhonis for everyday transportation, carrying goods, and fishing. Resorts arrange dhoni charters for guests, which cost upwards of $70, based on the chosen excursion. Numerous diving trips in the Maldives also involve the use of a dhoni.

Ferry

The Maldives’ferry network covers all of its inhabited islands. Much cheaper than other modes of transportation, ferries require a relaxed travel plan since many do not sail daily.

Unfortunately, these boats only stop at inhabited islands, skipping over any resorts. Travelers need to check the ferry schedule locally as it is infamous for changing at the last minute.

Cycle

Both big and small islands of the Maldives are perfect for exploration on foot or by bicycle. A pleasant way to feel the refreshing sea breeze, cycles permit tourists to visit all sections of an island as well as the chance to mingle with the locals.

While there are no rental options, resorts often have bicycles for their guests and sometimes host bike tours.

Bus

Public buses in the capital of Malé drive on select routes and cost as little as $0.20 per trip.

There is a regular half-hourly bus service from the Airport to Hulhumale. Do note that buses tend to get crowded when it is raining.

Taxi

Malé, Hulhumale, Fuvahmulah, and Addu all have taxi services.

Tourists can book one through their hotel or hail a taxi on the road. It is also common to share taxis with strangers, which in turn reduces your overall trip cost.