Transport

Getting around the Maldives

Public ferries, speedboats, domestic flights and seaplanes from Velana Airport and Malé to 22 local islands. Compare journey times, then contact the operator directly.

  • 40routes
  • 22islands
  • 0transfer operators

Where are you going?

How do you want to travel?

From Velana International Airport (MLE) unless stated.

Ways to travel

Ferry, speedboat or flight?

Public ferry

Cheapest way to travel, on fixed timetables between Malé and the islands.

Speed
Slow
Cost
$
13 routesNo service on most Fridays Shared speedboat

Shared boats timed around international flights. The usual choice for nearby atolls.

Speed
Fast
Cost
$$
17 routesBook a day ahead Private speedboat

Your own boat, any time of day. Good for families, late flights and groups.

Speed
Fastest by sea
Cost
$$$
2 routesPrice per boat Domestic flight

Domestic flights to regional airports, then a short boat ride. Best for far atolls.

Speed
Fast over distance
Cost
$$$
8 routes20 kg bags is common Seaplane

Scenic flights, mostly to resorts. Daylight only.

Speed
Fast
Cost
$$$$
0 routesDaylight only

Routes by island

40 routes
South AriDhangethi≈1 hr 30 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Dhangethi
    1 hr 30 min Shared speedboats several times a day; times vary by operator

    Ask your guest house to book — they coordinate with your flight time.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Domestic flight
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Maamigili (VAM), then ≈20 min speedboatDhangethi
    ≈25 min flight + 20 min boat Daily domestic flights

    Good option for late arrivals or rough seas.

    Ask your host to arrange
Show 1 more way to get to Dhangethi
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalDhangethi
    Several hours, multi-stop A few days a week; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest but slowest way to reach South Ari.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
BaaDharavandhoo≈35 min by domestic flight Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Dharavandhoo
    35 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Domestic flight
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Dharavandhoo
    35 min Daily flights; times vary by season
    Ask your host to arrange
North MaléDhiffushi≈45 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Dhiffushi
    45 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalDhiffushi
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
South AriDhigurah≈1 hr 30 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Dhigurah
    1 hr 30 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Domestic flight
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Dhigurah
    Short domestic flight Daily flights; times vary by season
    Ask your host to arrange
South AriFenfushi≈1 hr 45 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Fenfushi
    1 hr 45 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Domestic flight
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Fenfushi
    Short domestic flight Daily flights; times vary by season
    Ask your host to arrange
VaavuFulidhoo≈1 hr by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Fulidhoo
    1 hr Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalFulidhoo
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
FuvahmulahFuvahmulah≈1 hr 20 min by domestic flight Island guide
  • Domestic flight
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Fuvahmulah
    1 hr 20 min Daily flights; times vary by season
    Ask your host to arrange
  • Domestic flight
    Gan International AirportFuvahmulah
    10 min Daily Flight
    Ask your host to arrange
Show 1 more way to get to Fuvahmulah
  • Public ferry
    S.FeydhooFuvahmulah
    1hr 10 Min Saturday - Thursday
    Ask your host to arrange
South MaléGulhi≈35 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Gulhi
    35 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalGulhi
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
South MaléGuraidhoo≈40 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Guraidhoo
    40 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalGuraidhoo
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
North MaléHimmafushi≈20 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Himmafushi
    20 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalHimmafushi
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
North MaléHuraa≈30–40 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Huraa
    30–40 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalHuraa
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
South MaléMaafushi≈30–45 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Maafushi
    30–45 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalMaafushi
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
North AriRasdhoo≈1 hr by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Rasdhoo
    1 hr Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalRasdhoo
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
North AriThoddoo≈1 hr 15 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Thoddoo
    1 hr 15 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalThoddoo
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)
North MaléThulusdhoo≈30 min by speedboat Island guide
  • Shared speedboat
    Velana International Airport (MLE)Thulusdhoo
    30 min Several departures daily; times vary by operator

    Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

    Ask your host to arrange
  • Public ferry
    Malé ferry terminalThulusdhoo
    Longer than speedboat Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.

    Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.

    Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)

Schedules and fares change with the season and the weather. Always confirm with the operator or your host before you travel.