The tiny capital of the Maldives on a separate island. Connected to the airport by ferry and the Sinamalé Bridge via Hulhumalé.

About Malé City

Malé is one of the world's most densely populated cities, with over 200,000 people packed onto an island just 6 square kilometers in size. Despite its tiny footprint, the capital serves as the economic, governmental, and cultural hub of the Maldives, with colorful buildings rising several stories above narrow streets in a uniquely compact urban landscape.

The city's key landmarks include the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque (its golden dome visible from across the harbor), the Malé Fish Market (a lively waterfront hub where the day's catch of tuna, grouper, and reef fish is auctioned), the Sultan Park and National Museum, and the Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), a 17th-century coral-stone mosque recognized by UNESCO.

Most international visitors pass through Malé quickly en route to resort islands, but the capital rewards those who linger. The local food scene centers on hedhikaa (short eats) shops serving mas huni (tuna and coconut breakfast), gulha (fish balls), and bajiya (samosas). The artificial beach on the southern shore, Rasrani Bageechaa, offers locals and visitors a rare swimming spot on the capital island.

Nearby Landmarks

Grand Friday Mosque Malé Fish Market National Museum Hukuru Miskiy

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-20 (via bridge and Hulhumalé taxi)
Time 25-30 min via bridge

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Velana Airport arrivals and cross the Sinamalé Bridge to Malé by taxi (MVR 50-75)
2. The bridge crossing takes approximately 10 minutes
3. Alternative: public ferry from the airport ferry terminal to Malé jetty (MVR 10, 10 min)
4. Ferries run every 15-30 minutes during the day
5. Most resort transfers are arranged from the airport — check with your resort
6. For Malé guesthouses, taxis from the bridge drop-off reach any point in minutes

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-20 (via bridge and Hulhumalé taxi) 25-30 min via bridge Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis operate 24 hours in Malé with a flat fare of MVR 25-35 (approximately $1.60-2.30) for any trip on the island. The airport-Malé bridge is accessible at all hours. The public ferry between the airport and Malé runs until about 11:30 PM, after all of which taxi via the bridge remains available. Late arriving passengers heading to resorts often stay in airport hotels (Hulhulé Island Hotel) or Malé guesthouses for morning speedboat transfers.

Luggage Tips

Malé streets are narrow and often unpaved in side streets, making rolling luggage inconvenient. Taxis can accommodate standard luggage for the short ride from the bridge. If heading to a resort, most resort transfer counters are at the airport — check with your resort about whether you need to enter Malé at all. The airport has left-luggage facilities. Guesthouses in Malé are often on upper floors without elevators.

Accessibility

Malé presents significant challenges for wheelchair users. Streets are narrow and uneven, curb cuts are rare, and most buildings lack elevators. The airport is modern and accessible. The Sinamalé Bridge is vehicle-accessible. Taxis are the only practical option for mobility-impaired visitors in Malé. Resort islands generally have much better accessibility, with many luxury resorts offering wheelchair-accessible overwater villas and beach paths.