Maldives – Getting there and around

The Maldives (pronounced MAHL-deeves) is an archipelago of 26 coral atolls, which are fragmented into about 1190 low-lying coral islands that lie scattered in the Indian Ocean around 500km southwest of the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka.

Although stretching 820km from north to south and 130km east to west, no island in the Maldives is more than 45 minutes away by air taxi (sea plane) from Malé’s international airport.

Getting there
From Australia and New Zealand: Qantas and Singapore Airlines offer convenient flights via Singapore, with connections from all major Australian airports.

From the UK: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, BMI and Singapore Airlines offer scheduled connecting and direct flights; Thomas Cook, Thomson Airways and Monarch Charter operate direct charter flights to Malé from Gatwick Airport, London.

From the USA: British Airways flies from New York and Miami, among others; Singapore Airlines has flights from New York and San Francisco; Thai Airweays, Emirates, Sri Lankan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer connecting flights from New York and Los Angeles.

Flight time to Malé, Maldives
From Brisbane to the Maldives is 13 hours 40 minutes, with connecting flight
From Melbourne to the Maldives is 16 hours, with connecting flight
From Sydney to the Maldives is 15 hours 50 minutes, with connecting flight
From Perth to the Maldives is 13 hours, with connecting flight

From Auckland to the Maldives is 17 hours, with connecting flight
From London to the Maldives is 10 hours 10 minutes, direct
From New York to the Maldives is 18 hours 40 minutes, with connecting flight
From Los Angeles to the Maldives is 24 hours 15 minutes, with connecting flight

Flying in – Malé International Airport (MLE) is located 2km from the capital, Malé on Huhule Island. Incoming guests are met by courtesy speedboats from the respective island resorts.

Entry requirements
A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. Visas are issued free on arrival for stay of 30 days

Getting around  
Between islands: Island Aviation conect Malé with Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, Gan and Hanimaadhoo islands. Island-hopping ferries and speedboats are available.

On land: It’s easy enough to walk around most islands as they’re usually quite small. In Malé, taxis are available. Driving is on the left.