Key hubs
South Malé Atoll airport and railway station
- Airport
- Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island beside Malé; most South Malé Atoll resorts are 15-45 minutes away by speedboat
- Railway station
- None: the Maldives has no railways. Travel is by air, speedboat, seaplane or ferry.
- Getting around
- Resort speedboats from the airport jetty, public MTCC ferries to local islands, and private boats for excursions
How to reach South Malé Atoll by air
Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island beside Malé. Wikipedia lists IndiGo flights from Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram, plus Maldivian from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram; check current schedules.
How to reach South Malé Atoll by train
There is no railway in the Maldives. South Malé Atoll is reached by air and then by boat.
How to reach South Malé Atoll by road
There are no roads between islands. Resort islands are reached by speedboat from the airport jetty, usually 15 to 45 minutes.
Getting around South Malé Atoll
Resorts run their own speedboats, and transfers are often compulsory. Guraidhoo and Gulhi have public MTCC ferries, with Gulhi's not running on Fridays. Speedboats from Malé reach Guraidhoo in about 45 minutes.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in South Malé Atoll
- Choose a resort with a short speedboat transfer and flat paths; ask about steps, handrails and buggies at the jetty.
- Ask the resort in writing about vegetarian, Jain or other diet needs before you pay, and carry regular medicines with you.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.