Getting from Velana airport to Malé and Hulhumalé: ferry, bus and taxi

Most journeys in the Maldives start at Velana International Airport. Unlike most airports, it sits on its own island, Hulhulé, next to the capital. Resort guests are usually whisked away by speedboat or seaplane, but if you are heading to Malé, Hulhumalé, a local island via a Malé ferry, or you live here, you will need to get across yourself. This guide covers every option: the airport ferry, buses, taxis and private boats, with tips for late arrivals.

Where everything is

• Hulhulé: the airport island.
• Malé: the capital, west of the airport, linked by the Sinamalé Bridge (opened in 2018).
• Hulhumalé: a large reclaimed island to the northeast, joined to the airport island by road. It has Phase 1 (the older part, nearer the airport) and Phase 2 (further north).

Distances are short: by road, Malé and Hulhumalé are typically 15 to 25 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.

Option 1: the airport ferry to Malé

The ferry is the classic way into Malé and still one of the cheapest and quickest. The ferry terminal is a short walk from the arrivals hall. The crossing takes only a few minutes on the water and arrives on Malé's northern waterfront.

• Frequency: very frequent during the day, and less frequent late at night.
• Fridays: the airport ferry runs on Fridays, unlike most inter-island ferries.
• Fare: a small amount in rufiyaa; travel guides have reported figures of around MVR 10 to 15. Check the current fare at the counter.
• Payment: have some rufiyaa ready in case only cash is accepted.

From the Malé ferry terminal, you can walk to nearby hotels or take a taxi to other parts of the city.

Option 2: the bus

Buses connect the airport with Malé (over the Sinamalé Bridge) and with Hulhumalé, as part of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) public transport network. Buses are air-conditioned and inexpensive. RTL has introduced ticketing through its app and online, and contactless card payment on some services; carry some rufiyaa as a backup. Bus stops are outside the arrivals area; follow the signs or ask at the information desk.

Older articles quote bus fares and operators from before RTL took over, which are now out of date. Check RTL's website or app for current routes, frequencies and fares.

Option 3: taxi

Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and are the most convenient option, especially with luggage or late at night. Airport taxi fares are regulated by the Transport Ministry. The fares it set are:

• Airport to Malé: MVR 70
• Airport to Hulhumalé Phase 1: MVR 80
• Airport to Hulhumalé Phase 2: MVR 85

The ministry also noted an additional charge for trips involving the domestic terminal. Some drivers have been reported overcharging in the past, so check the posted fares and agree the price before you set off. Most taxis in the Malé area take cash in rufiyaa; some drivers accept US dollars, usually at a less favourable rate.

Within Malé and Hulhumalé, taxis charge fixed fares for trips within the city, plus extras for luggage or late-night trips. They are an easy way to get to your hotel or a ferry terminal.

Option 4: speedboat taxi

Private speedboats wait at the airport jetty and can take you to Malé, Hulhumalé or further. For Malé and Hulhumalé, the ferry, bus and taxi are far cheaper and usually just as fast, so speedboats mainly make sense for travel to other islands. Hotels and guesthouses on nearby islands often arrange speedboat pickups at the airport for their guests.

Which option should you choose?

• Cheapest to Malé: the airport ferry.
• Cheapest to Hulhumalé: the bus.
• Most convenient, with luggage, or late at night: a taxi.
• To another island: a speedboat arranged by your accommodation, or a ferry from Malé.

Arriving late at night

International flights land throughout the night. Ferries and buses run less often late at night, so after a long flight a regulated taxi is the simplest option. If your onward boat to a local island isn't until the next day, consider a hotel in Hulhumalé, a few minutes from the airport. Many small hotels there offer airport pickups. If you're heading to a resort, the resort arranges your transfer; seaplanes only fly in daylight, so late arrivals for seaplane resorts usually stay overnight near the airport.

Going back to the airport

For departures, allow time for check-in and security. From Malé, the ferry or a taxi over the bridge are both quick, but traffic on the bridge and in Malé can be heavy at peak times. From Hulhumalé, a taxi or bus is easy. If you are coming from a local island, plan to arrive in Malé or Hulhumalé the day before an early international flight, because inter-island boats can be delayed or cancelled.

The domestic terminal and seaplane terminal

Domestic flights leave from the airport's domestic terminal, and seaplanes from the seaplane terminal on the other side of the airport island. If you are connecting from an international flight, your airline or resort usually arranges the transfer between terminals. If you are travelling independently, allow time to get between terminals; airport staff can direct you.

Money on arrival

There are currency exchange counters and ATMs at the airport. Having a small amount of rufiyaa is useful for the ferry, bus, taxis and small purchases. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist businesses but less so for local transport. See our guide to banking in the Maldives.

SIM cards at the airport

Both mobile operators, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, have counters or kiosks at the airport, so you can buy a SIM card or tourist plan before heading into the city. You'll need your passport. See our guide to SIM cards and internet.

Living in Hulhumalé and commuting

Many expatriates and Maldivian families live in Hulhumalé, which has newer apartments, wide streets, parks and a long beach, and commute to Malé. The bus and taxi over the Sinamalé Bridge make this practical, though peak-hour traffic on the bridge and in Malé can slow journeys. Allow extra time in the morning and late afternoon. Some residents also use scooters, which are the most common way to get around Malé itself.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not carrying any rufiyaa. Even a small amount saves hassle on the ferry, bus or taxi.
• Agreeing a taxi price without checking the posted fare. Airport fares are regulated.
• Assuming the public ferry to a local island leaves from the airport. Most inter-island ferries leave from Malé.
• Planning a same-day connection from a distant island to an early flight. Boats can be delayed; stay near the airport the night before.
• Confusing Hulhumalé Phase 1 and Phase 2 when giving directions or booking a hotel. Check which phase your accommodation is in.

Accessibility

Taxis and buses are the easiest options for travellers with limited mobility, avoiding steps onto boats. Ask the airport information desk for help, and request assistance from your airline before you travel.

Quick reference

Taxi fares are those set by the Transport Ministry; check the posted fares at the airport in case they have changed.