Getting around Maldives
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
No (1-2 stopovers)
Duration
11-15h with 1 stopover (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Abu Dhabi)
Indicative round-trip price
EUR 550-1000 round trip
Book
2-4 months ahead
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
No inter-island buses (archipelago). Just a few buses in Malé and Hulhumalé.
Train
No rail network (isolated archipelago).
Taxi
Taxis a Male, Hulhumale et grandes iles (~30-50 MVR la course). Ni Uber ni Grab a l'echelle nationale.
Metro
No metro.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velana Airport (Malé) | Male / Hulhumale | Ferry / taxi / bridge | 10-20 min | 10-100 MVR |
| Male | Maafushi | Speedboat | 30-45 min | 25-30 USD |
| Male | Maafushi | Public ferry | 1h30 | 1-5 USD |
| Velana | Resort island | Seaplane | 20-45 min | 400-800 USD A/R |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
150-300 MVR (larger islands only) / day
Motorcycle licence
Car
Not very relevant (tiny islands, no inter-island roads)
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Transfert resort surprise
The cost of the seaplane or speedboat transfer, sometimes several hundred USD, isn't always announced at booking.
Tip :Confirm the transfer method and price in writing before booking the resort.
Oversold excursion
Some operators promise 'guaranteed' sightings of whale sharks or manta rays, which are impossible to guarantee.
Tip :Compare several guesthouses/dive centers and read recent reviews.
Practical tips
- Book your transfer at the same time as your accommodation: seaplanes and speedboats operate in the daytime and fill up fast.
- Take the public ferry to reach the local islands, unbeatable (1-5 USD) but slow and no service on Fridays.
- Seaplanes fly only in daylight (roughly 6am-4:30pm): set your arrival flight accordingly.
Other transport guides
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