Internal Transport Guide: How to Travel Around the Maldives - Flights, Ferries & Transfers Explained

Maldives Internal Transport Guide

🌴 Internal Transport Guide -

Quick Overview :

Unlike most countries, the Maldives has no inter-island roads. With its 1,000+ islands spread across 26 atolls, transportation here is entirely by sea or air.

Depending on where you're staying — a private resort, guesthouse, or local island — you’ll travel via:

• 🛩️ Seaplane

• 🚤 Speedboat

• ✈️ Domestic flight

• ⛴️ Public ferry

Let’s break it down so you can plan the best route for your dream trip.

🛩️ Maldives Seaplanes: Fastest & Most Scenic

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Best For: Private resorts far from Malé

Operator: Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA)

✅ Pros:

• Unmatched aerial views from seaplane

• Quick transfer (30–60 mins)

❌ Cons:

• Only operate during daylight (6 AM – 4 PM)

• Pricey ($250–$600 roundtrip)

• Not bookable independently — arranged by your resort

Tip: Sit on the left side for the best views on outbound flights from Malé.

✈️ Maldives Domestic Flights: Long-Distance with Night Access

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Maldives Domestic flights are best for the Local islands and resorts near domestic airports

Operators: Maldivian, FlyMe and Manta Air

✅ Pros:

• Operates even at night

• Serves remote atolls

• Usually cheaper than seaplanes

❌ Cons:

• Requires additional speedboat ride from airport to island/resort

• Fixed schedule

  
  

Common Domestic Airports:

• Dharavandhoo (Baa Atoll)

• Maamigili (South Ari)

• Hanimaadhoo (Haa Dhaalu)

• Gan (Addu Atoll)

  
  

🚤 Maldives Speedboats: Best for Nearby Islands

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Maldives speedboat are best for Resorts or local islands close to Malé (under 2 hours)Transfer Time: 20–120 minutesCost: $25 to $150 (shared) / $200–$600 (private)

✅ Pros:

• Convenient for mid-range resorts & local stays

• Often available multiple times a day

❌ Cons:

• Can be bumpy in rough weather

• Not suitable for very distant atolls

Popular Destinations by Speedboat:

• Maafushi

• Thulusdhoo

• Dhiffushi

• Guraidhoo

⛴️ Local Ferries: Cheapest Option (But Slow)

Operator: MTCC (Maldives Transport & Contracting Company)

✅ Pros:

• Extremely affordable ($2–$5 per trip)

• Great for slow travel and cultural immersion

❌ Cons:

• Limited routes and fixed schedules

• No service on Fridays or during bad weather

• Slow (2–6 hours depending on route)

Ferry Routes from Malé:

• Malé to Maafushi

• Malé to Thulusdhoo

• Malé to Dhiffushi

📄 View the full ferry schedule here: MTCC Ferry Timetable

💰 Transport Cost Comparison Table

Mode	Avg. Cost (RT)	Travel Time	Booking Method
Seaplane	$250–$600	30–60 mins	Through resort only
Domestic Flight	$150–$300	45–90 mins	Airline website/resort
Speedboat	$25–$150	20–120 mins	Hotel or ferry service
Local Ferry	$2–$5	1–6 hours	At ferry terminal

🧳 Travel Planning Tips

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• Always confirm your transfer with your resort or guesthouse in advance.

• If arriving late in the evening, avoid resorts requiring daylight seaplane transfers.

• Combine domestic flight + speedboat for long distances on a budget.

• Have a buffer of 3–4 hours for connecting flights or ferries, especially during monsoon.

🤿 Final Thoughts on the Maldives Internal Trasport Guide

Transport in the Maldives can feel complex at first, but with a little planning, you’ll be island-hopping like a pro. Whether you're chasing luxury, budget adventures, or remote surf spots — there's a travel option for every kind of traveler. Getting around the Maldives is easy,, really.

📖 More Travel Planning Resources:

• 🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

• 🏝️ Best Time to Visit Maldives

• 💸 Maldives Budget Breakdown