The short answer
Addu Link Road and Sunset Bridge: what visitors should know first
Yes, ride or drive part of it. Do the section from Gan to Feydhoo in the cool early morning or late afternoon, and use a taxi for the whole length if you are with elders.
History and context
The story behind Addu Link Road and Sunset Bridge
The causeways were built during the British military presence, and today they connect Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo.
Useful facts
Addu Link Road and Sunset Bridge facts at a glance
- Location
- Gan to Hithadhoo
- Experience type
- Cycle, scooter, taxi or bus
- Length
- About 14 to 16 km, sources vary
- Known for
- Sunset Bridge, island hopping by road
- Good for
- Seeing local life
Why it matters
Why Addu Link Road and Sunset Bridge is worth your time
The Link Road matters because it is unusual. Most Maldivian islands can only be reached by boat, so each community lives in relative isolation. In Addu the British-era causeways made it possible to link neighbouring islands, which is why you can ride from a resort to a fishing village in minutes.
For visitors it turns a short stay into something richer. You can meet local life without arranging boats, make your own pace and pick your own stops. For seniors and families it is an easy, flexible way to see the atoll, as long as you manage heat and traffic. For anyone used to Indian roadside tea stops and cycle-rickshaw journeys, it will feel quietly familiar.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Sunset Bridge
The causeway between Gan and Feydhoo, a favourite spot for evening light.
- 02
Fishing villages
Maradhoo is described as the main fishing village of the atoll.
- 03
Wetland end
The northern end connects to the nature park and Koattey.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Think of the Link Road as a moving journey rather than a destination. It begins around Gan, runs across the Sunset Bridge to Feydhoo, then passes Maradhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo before reaching Hithadhoo. Wikipedia describes it as a causeway of 16 km, the second longest paved causeway in the Maldives, while other guides say about 14 km, so treat the length as approximate.
Cycle one section at a time. Early in the morning you will pass schools, fishing boats, mosques and small cafes. Stop at a local cafe for tea, and keep your eyes open for the lagoon on one side and the open ocean on the other. If you are with elders, hire a taxi for the long run and get out at viewpoints.
In the late afternoon, return to the Sunset Bridge between Gan and Feydhoo and watch the light go. Bring water, wear sunscreen and avoid riding at midday. Do not stop on the carriageway for photographs, and be careful of scooters and taxis.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Ride in the cool morning or late afternoon
- Rent a bicycle with working brakes and lights
- Carry water and sun protection
- Keep to the side of the road
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Gan to Hithadhoo, the length of the western atoll
- Time needed
- 2 to 5 hours depending on the stretch
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The road is flat and sealed but unshaded for long stretches. Older travellers can ride in a taxi or by bus, and walk only short sections, with water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket. Bicycles and scooters can be rented from guesthouses (one is listed by Wikivoyage), and Equator Village offers bikes to guests. A local bus also runs, slowly.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Addu Link Road and Sunset Bridge
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The road is flat and sealed but unshaded for long stretches. Older travellers can ride in a taxi or by bus, and walk only short sections, with water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long is the Link Road?
Wikipedia says 16 km, Maldives Magazine says 14 km. Plan on roughly that range.
Is there a bus?
Wikivoyage reports a bus about every two hours, slow on the full route. Confirm times locally.
Is it safe for older cyclists?
It is flat but unshaded and shared with scooters. A taxi is a safer option for the full length.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
