How to get to Maldives: What to know
The Maldives is a dream destination of pearl-white sand islands surrounded by serene blue water. It’s fantastic for divers, beach lovers and romantic or family getaways. It’s also far away, near the equator, so you might be wondering how to get to the Maldives from the UK. There are more than 1,200 islands – that’s a lot to think about! This guide will answer all your questions about how long it takes to get to the Maldives, which transport to take between islands once you arrive and even how to prepare to travel with young children.
Which UK airports fly to the Maldives?
There are direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Malé (MLE) operated all year by British Airways. Virgin Atlantic also flies direct. Other UK airports offer indirect flights via Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Colombo or Istanbul. You can choose to depart from Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Newcastle (NCL) and others for one-stop flights from the UK to the Maldives.
Which airlines fly from the UK to the Maldives?
Your favourite long-haul airline is likely in the list of airlines that fly to the Maldives. Here’s a breakdown of which airlines fly when and what kind of services are available on board.
British Airways
Flies direct to Malé from LHR year-round. Flights include a generous baggage allowance and quality on-board catering.
Virgin Atlantic
Provides direct daily flights from Heathrow – usually from November to April. The Upper Class zone has social spaces.
Emirates
Connects through its hub in Dubai, with up to four daily flights from all major UK airports. Emirates is known for award-winning entertainment, a multilingual crew and gourmet meals.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways flies via Doha from several UK airports. Business Class travellers receive fantastic perks on board.
Etihad Airways
Etihad flies daily from Manchester and London via Abu Dhabi. Find free-to-use messaging apps on board.
Turkish Airlines & SriLankan Airlines
Turkish Airlines flies through Istanbul approximately five times per week. SriLankan Airlines goes daily via Colombo – ideal for twin-centre holidays or anyone looking for the most economical flight options.
Airport layover information
Maldives travel starts with choosing the best route and layover for your schedule. A layover en route to the Maldives needn’t be a headache. It can be an opportunity to indulge yourself at the airport facilities.
- Dubai Airport (DXB) is modern, well-organised and offers exceptional dining options as well as spas and a gaming lounge.
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) is much like Dubai’s Airport, with great dining and shopping, lounges and spas.
- Doha Airport (DOH)’s unique feature is the indoor tropical garden, The Orchard. A great place to relax and unwind.
- Colombo Airport (CMB) has several luxury lounges to choose from.
- Istanbul Airport (IST) offers a good selection of restaurants and shops, as well as sleep pods for those wanting to grab a few hours of rest.
How many airports are there in the Maldives?
Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé, is the main international hub in the Maldives. It’s on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, not far from the capital, Malé. Ten minutes by free shuttle bus is the seaplane terminal, where you wait to board the seaplane for the final leg of your trip.
There are more than 15 other airports – mostly small and local without the array of facilities of international hubs, but comfortable with seating areas and dining options.
Transport in the Maldives: What to expect
When you arrive in Malé, there are many exciting ways to travel between islands. It depends on how far you’re going and how much time you have:
- Seaplanes: Operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air, these iconic planes offer breathtaking views over the shimmering Indian Ocean. They seat about 15 passengers and are ideal for long-distance transfers between atolls.
- Domestic flights: Maldivian Airlines offer small propeller aircraft connecting major atolls. This option is perfect for slightly longer distances when a seaplane isn’t available or is too costly.
- Speedboats: Efficient for short hops between nearby islands or resorts, and with more flexibility on departure times than ferries.
- Ferries: The most economical option, especially for travel between inhabited islands and Malé. Slower, but enjoyable if you don’t mind gazing at the beautiful ocean scenery and looking out for dolphins.
- Traditional dhoni boats: The handcrafted, lateen-rigged dhoni offers a taste of culture on your journey. Although they are slow, cruises aboard these traditional sailing boats provide a relaxing way to island hop.
- Island bicycles: On some islands with roads, bike rentals allow a hassle-free way to explore at your own pace.
During the transfer to your island, keep in mind the need for sun protection and hydration – especially on boats where the breeze can make it feel cooler than it really is. Pack sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, hats and plenty of water.
Transfer completed; it’s now time to settle into your castaway-style resort and enjoy everything a holiday in the Maldives can offer.
Travelling with young children
The Maldives is an excellent family-friendly destination. Many resorts offer kids’ clubs and have shallow pools and lagoon beaches that slope gently into the sea – ideal for toddlers and young children.
Seek out resorts that cater specifically to families and offer child-safe accommodations. Some overwater villas might lack railings, so families should choose wisely and supervise little ones closely.
Ferries and speedboat transfers can be scenic and enjoyable for kids. But after a long flight, it could be best to stick to shorter hops to avoid boredom and seasickness.
Where is best for families in the Maldives?
Rahaa Resort on Laamu Atoll takes good care of Mum and Dad while the kids are entertained in the kids’ club.
Ifuru Island Maldives is another gem for families. Located on Raa Atoll, this all-inclusive resort not only has three kids’ clubs but also an indoor cinema.
Bandos Maldives on North Malé Atoll is just five miles from the airport, which is great for families who want a short and fun transfer by speedboat.
Let us plan your dream Maldives trip
If you’re still thinking about how to get to the Maldives, Blue Bay Travel’s expert team is here to guide you through every step of your Maldives travel plans. Our team has first-hand experience of the islands and in-depth knowledge of resorts. They’ll tailor the perfect itinerary for unforgettable Maldives travel.
