How to Travel Around the Maldives: Flights, Ferries & Transfers Explained

🌴 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.

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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.

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🛩️ Seaplanes: Fastest & Most Scenic

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Best For: Private resorts far from Malé
Operator: Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA)

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✅ Pros:

• Unmatched aerial views

• 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.

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✈️ Domestic Flights: Long-Distance with Night Access

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Best For: Local islands and resorts near domestic airports
Operators: Maldivian Airlines, FlyMe

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✅ Pros:

• Operates even at night

• Serves remote atolls

• Usually cheaper than seaplanes

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❌ Cons:

• Requires additional speedboat ride from airport to island/resort

• Fixed schedule

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Common Domestic Airports:

• Dharavandhoo (Baa Atoll)

• Maamigili (South Ari)

• Hanimaadhoo (Haa Dhaalu)

• Gan (Addu Atoll)

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🚤 Speedboats: Best for Nearby Islands

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Best For: Resorts or local islands close to Malé (under 2 hours)
Transfer Time: 20–120 minutes
Cost: $25 to $150 (shared) / $200–$600 (private)

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✅ Pros:

• Convenient for mid-range resorts & local stays

• Often available multiple times a day

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❌ Cons:

• Can be bumpy in rough weather

• Not suitable for very distant atolls

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Popular Destinations by Speedboat:

• Maafushi

• Thulusdhoo

• Dhiffushi

• Guraidhoo

⛴️ Local Ferries: Cheapest Option (But Slow)

Operator: MTCC (Maldives Transport & Contracting Company)

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✅ Pros:

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

• Great for slow travel and cultural immersion

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❌ Cons:

• Limited routes and fixed schedules

• No service on Fridays or during bad weather

• Slow (2–6 hours depending on route)

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Ferry Routes from Malé:

• Malé to Maafushi

• Malé to Thulusdhoo

• Malé to Dhiffushi

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📄 View the full ferry schedule here: MTCC Ferry Timetable

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💰 Transport Cost Comparison Table

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🧳 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.

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🤿 Final Thought

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.

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📖 More Travel Planning Resources:

• 🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

• 🏝️ Best Time to Visit Maldives

• 💸 Maldives Budget Breakdown