How to Choose Transportation in the Maldives? Save Your Budget Like a Pro!

The Maldives—a secluded paradise where over 1,200 coral islands scatter like pearls across the Indian Ocean, embodying the "one-island-one-resort" dream.
However, this island-dotted landscape also means complex transportation options 🤔
From roaring seaplanes skimming the waves to private speedboats cutting through the surf, picking the wrong option could waste money and disrupt your itinerary!
This guide distills golden rules for island-hopping to help you efficiently connect those turquoise waters and powdery sands 🌊
Master your choice of seaplane/speedboat/domestic flight/ferry in 5 minutes 💴 and learn how to dodge pitfalls while saving cash.

✈️ 1. Airport Transport
1. International Airport: The Maldives' sole international hub is Velana International Airport (MLE), located on Hulhule Island. Direct flights depart from several Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc.), with connections via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
2. Airport to Malé City:
- Public Ferry: Airport Pier → Malé, operates 24/7, departs every 10 mins, fare: 12 Rufiyaa (≈$0.7) or $1 cash.
- Resort Transfers: Most hotel packages include transfers. Look for resort counters in arrivals—present your booking to arrange speedboat/seaplane transfers. Note: Eco-tax ($6/person) must be prepaid.

⛴️ 2. Inter-Island Transport Options
(1) Speedboat (Most Common)
Best for: Islands within 80km of the airport; 24/7 service (some resorts restrict to daylight).
Pros: Flexible, budget-friendly (often included in packages or $50–300/person).
Cons: Bumpy ride—pack motion sickness meds!

(2) Seaplane (Bucket-List Experience)
Best for: Mid-range islands (≤1hr flight), daytime only (6:30 AM–4:30 PM).
Pros: Breathtaking aerial views of atolls; private charters (e.g., Cheval Blanc) offer luxury.
Cons:
1. Loud, no AC, strict baggage limits (20kg + 5kg hand carry; excess ≈$4/kg).
2. Weather-dependent delays; pricey ($150–800 roundtrip).

(3) Domestic Flight + Speedboat (Remote Islands)
Best for: Islands 150km+ away (e.g., Gan in the far south); limited nighttime flights.
Process: MLE → small plane → atoll airport → speedboat → resort (total: 1.5–3hrs).
Pros: More reliable than seaplanes; great aerial photography.
Cost: $200–500 (often bundled in packages).

(4) Public Ferry (Budget Pick)
Best for: Island-hopping between local islands (e.g., Malé → Maafushi), not resorts.
Schedule:
Malé → Maafushi: 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM (return 7:25 AM, 4:40 PM); 2hr 40min trip.
Reduced Friday service (Islamic prayer day).
Fare: ≈22 Rufiyaa (≈$1.5)—far cheaper than speedboats ($25/person).

🚖 3. Getting Around Malé
- Taxis: Yellow vehicles; pre-booking recommended (hard to hail). Base fare: 20 Rufiyaa + 10 Rufiyaa per bag.
- Walking: Malé is tiny (≈1.8km²)—most sights are walkable.

📱 4. Must-Have Apps
- Petal Maps: Chinese-friendly offline navigation, works in low-signal areas.
- Maldives Offline Vector Map: Detailed offline maps (islands/piers marked); $2.99 purchase.

⚠️ 5. Key Tips
1. Arrival Time Matters:
Landing after 3:00 PM? Seaplanes may not operate—opt for a Malé hotel or speedboat-accessible island.
Some luxury resorts offer "half-day transit" (e.g., Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru → Kuda Huraa lounge access).

2. Currency & Payments:
Carry small Rufiyaa cash (for ferries/taxis); $1 ≈ 15 Rufiyaa.
E-payments thrive on local islands: 80% shops accept AliPay.

3. Luggage & Gear:
Seaplane/domestic flights enforce strict weight limits—hefty fees for excess.
Pack motion sickness pills + earplugs (speedboats/seaplanes are noisy).

4. Island-Hopping Plans:
Email resorts to confirm transfer details (inclusions, child fares, etc.).
For local islands, prioritize speedboats (time-saving); ferries require a full day.

Quick Picks:
Budget/nearby? → Speedboat
Views first? → Seaplane (book AM flights for best light).
Far-flung atolls (e.g., Gan)? → Domestic flight + speedboat.
Local island exploration? → Public ferry + speedboat combo.

Now, set sail with this guide in hand—sunshine, sandbanks, and glassy lagoons await between the atolls 🌟
Need real-time tips? Search our site for [Maldives Local Guide] to dive deeper!