Transportation in Maldives: Complete Travel Guide 2025

The Maldives consists of 1,192 stunning coral islands distributed in the Indian Ocean, and therefore, transportation in Maldives is a significant aspect of any travel. Whether it is by the cheap ferry for island hopping in Maldives, or the seaplanes that cost at least 100 dollars to transfer you to your resort, the decision you make is what will make your holiday enjoyable. Travelling in the Maldives with a low budget or planning a Maldives honeymoon with high-end luxury will make your trip to this tropical paradise easy and enjoyable, having an idea about the various Maldives transfer methods and their prices.

Key Takeaways 

• Inter-island transportation by ferry is the cheapest mode of transport, and it costs as low as 30 MVR (INR 173), whereas travelling by ferry may take as long as 5 hours.
• Seaplanes are the quickest means of travelling to the islands of the resorts, and generally require 15-45 minutes of aerial view, yet are far more expensive than other transport.
• The majority of individual islands are reachable on foot, so there is no need to rent a car; however, taxis are present in Male and Addu Atoll to travel over longer distances.
• It is also necessary to book transportation, particularly seaplanes and speedboats, in advance because sometimes no slots are available during the peak season.
• Most of the time, accommodation packages involve resort transfers, and it is necessary to check what is included before adding other transport.

Getting Around Individual Islands

The Maldivian islands are mostly small and can be walked around in 30 minutes. These comprise both resort islands and the local inhabited islands, hence the lack of car rental services in the Maldives.

• Walking: The main method of filling in the personal islands is walking. This is the most viable means of transportation once you already have your destination, since the terrain and size of most islands are flat and therefore compact.
• Bicycles: Most of the resorts offer free bicycles to their visitors so that they can tour the island. Guided cycling tours around the island with the view of the natural beauty and the local flora are common in luxury resorts as well. Your resort does not offer bikes, be sure to ask whether there is any bike rental available, but there are no bicycle rental stores that are not run by resorts.
• Taxis: The taxis are mostly used in the capital (Male) and Addu Atoll, and these places have greater distances and numerous districts.

Male Taxi Service:

• Base fare starts around 25 MVR (INR 144) for short distances

• Night surcharge typically applies after 11 PM

• Shared taxis are common and cost-effective

• Most hotels can arrange a taxi pickup

Booking Tips:  Request taxis through your hotel or accommodation, as street hailing isn’t always reliable.

Inter-Island Transportation Options

The transfers within the islands are either by sea or air. The following are your primary choices and are budget-friendly and luxurious.

Public Ferries

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The Maldives offers public ferries, which are the source of cheap inter-island transportation.

Key Details:

• Operated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)
• Fares typically range from 30-60 MVR (INR 172-345) depending on distance
• Journey times vary from 1 to 5 hours between islands
• Most ferries operate between 6 AM and 6 PM

Best For: Budget travellers, local island hopping, and those with flexible schedules.

Important Note: Ferry schedules can be irregular, especially during rough weather. Always confirm departure times and have backup plans.

Speedboats Transfer

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Speed boat services provided by private boats are more comfortable.

Key Details:

• Journey times of 15-90 minutes, depending on distance
• Costs start from approximately 200-500 MVR (INR 1150-2880) per person for shared transfers
• Private charters available for groups
• Weather-dependent operation

Best For: Resort transfers, day trips, and travellers prioritising speed over cost.

Seaplanes Transfer

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Seaplanes offer the most beautiful and quickest mode of accessing the remote islands of resorts.

Key Details:

• Fastest option for distant atolls (15-45 minute flights)
• Spectacular aerial views of the archipelago
• Direct transfers to resort islands with water runways
• Baggage allowance is typically 20kg per person

Considerations:

• Weather-dependent operations (may be cancelled during storms)
• Limited to daylight hours only
• Advanced booking required

Best For: Luxury travellers, honeymoons, and reaching remote resort islands.

Traditional Dhonis

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A cultural transportation experience could be achieved with traditional Maldivian dhonis. These curved-bow types of boats were historically employed in the fishing process; however, they are currently being employed to take tourists on tours and other inter-island visits. A lot of resorts organise sunset dhoni cruises or cultural tours. Prices are very diverse based on the nature of the experience and time.

Best For: Cultural experiences, sunset cruises, and short scenic transfers.

Airport to Resort Transfers

Transportation from Velana International Airport (Male) depends on your destination’s location and your budget.

From the Airport to Male City 

• Public bus: Approximately 20 MVR (INR 115) to Hulhumale
• Taxi: 50-75 MVR (INR 188-432) for most destinations in Male
• Ferry: Regular service to Male city centre

From Airport to Resort Islands

Transfers are also included in the service of most resorts:

• Near Male (within 1 hour): Speedboat transfers usually consist of or can be purchased at INR 4,400-13,220 USD each.
• Distant Atolls: Seaplane transfers are also a feature of resort packages or can be booked individually. Certain resorts will have domestic flight plus speed boat packages.
• Pro Tip: Make sure what transfers come with your reservation at the resort before you make other plans to get some form of transportation.

Transportation by Budget

Budget Options (Under INR 880 per journey)

• Public ferries for inter-island travel
• Local buses in Male and Hulhumale
• Strolling and resort bicycles are free.

Mid-Range Options (INR 880-4406 per journey)

• Shared speedboat transfers
• Private Dhoni experiences
• Taxi services for longer distances

Luxury Options (INR 4406+ USD per journey)

• Private speedboat charters
• Seaplane transfers
• Helicopter transfers (limited availability)

Booking and Planning Tips

• Booking in Advance: Book seaplanes and personal speedboats at least 48 hours before the peak season (December-April).
• Weather: Ferries may be delayed, and seaplanes cancelled due to the Monsoon (May- October).
• Packages: A lot of resorts will provide transportation services in packages. Compare single ticket prices with packages.
• Payments: The majority of transport operators take USD and credit cards, but some local ferries and buses might only take cash (MVR).

Bottom line: Transportation in Maldives 

Transportation in Maldives caters to all kinds of travellers, with budget-friendly public ferries, speedboats, and luxurious seaplanes. Your choice depends on time, destination, and budget. Always check if your Maldives packages include transfers, especially during peak season, to avoid extra costs. Ferries are ideal for budget travellers exploring local islands and authentic culture, while seaplanes offer stunning aerial views and faster connections for honeymooners and luxury seekers. Plan your transfers well so they enhance, rather than complicate, your Maldives honeymoon, family holiday, or solo trip, making every journey part of the paradise experience.

FAQ’s

1. How much does transportation cost in the Maldives?

• Ferries: 30–60 MVR ($2–4 USD)
• Speedboats: 200–500 MVR ($13–33 USD) per person
• Seaplanes: $300–600 USD per person
• Expect to spend $20–100 USD on average per trip, depending on your choice.

2. What’s the cheapest way to travel between islands?

A- Public ferries are the most affordable (from $2 USD), though they take longer. Combine ferries with walking or free bikes for the lowest costs.

3. How do I get from Male Airport to my resort?

A- Nearby resorts use speedboats (30–45 mins). Remote resorts require seaplanes or domestic flights plus a short boat ride. Most resorts arrange transfers.

4. Are transfers included in Maldives resort packages?

A- Yes, many mid-range and luxury resorts include them. Some charge extra for seaplanes. Always confirm before booking.

5. Can I travel independently between islands?

A- Yes, by public ferries. You can also visit some local islands and select resorts that allow day visitors. But many luxury resorts are private and only for guests.