Flying to Malé — the lively Maldivian capital — is the adventure that so many travelers dream of. Malé also boasts gorgeous beaches, clear blue waters, and an interesting culture. That said, there is a bit of advance planning if you want to make your way from the US to Malé. This article will discuss how to get to Malé from the US, best flight options to consider, layover time, and everything else you need for a hassle-free journey.
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| How to Reach Malé International Airport |
The Difference Between Air
Travel Stamps vs Travel Options
Direct Flights to Malé
The first option that pops into
mind when figuring out how to reach Malé from the US is direct flights.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the US to Malé, currently. The
majority of travelers will need to reserve connecting flights, usually with one
or two stopovers. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines
have flights that connect via their hubs.
Connecting Flights
The most common route to Malé
from the US is via a connecting flight. Here are some popular routes:
● Through Doha: Qatar Airways serves Hamad
International Airport in Doha, Qatar, from many US cities. From Doha, you can
take a direct flight to the Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
● Through Dubai: Emirates
serves Dubai International Airport and connects major U.S. cities. A direct
flight to Malé follows a layover in Dubai.
● Through
Istanbul: Turkish Airlines operates from the U.S. to Istanbul Airport. Fly to
Malé from Istanbul.
Choosing the Right Airport
Think about the airport you
will be flying out of when you start planning your trip. But major
international airports like Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD)
are all serviced with more flight options and potentially lower fares. Also, do
not forget to search for flights from minor airports; often, they come with
better prices or favorable connections.
Layover Considerations and
Flight Duration
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| Flight Duration |
Total Travel Time
One of the factors to highlight
is the total travel time from the US to Malé Technical Travel time will change
significantly relying on your take-off city, layover time and chose airline
carrier. The overall duration of the trip, including laytime, is an average of
20–30 hours.
Layover Tips
● Opt for Shorter Layovers: During the flight
booking process, select flights that offer you shorter layover durations. Make
sure, though, that the layover is long enough to allow for possible delays.
● Explore the Layover City: If your layover is
long enough, see if you can fit in a mini tour of the layover city. So, if your
layover is in Doha or Dubai, you even get a chance for a little tour of the
city before you head over to Malé.
Preparing for Your Trip
Visa Requirements
Visa Requirements for US
Citizens to Travel to Malé Currently, US travelers can receive a visa on
arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Make sure that your passport is valid
minimum six months beyond your intended departure date from the Maldives.
Health and Safety Precautions
Safely traveling during the
COVID-19 pandemic involves an extra level of precaution. Review current travel warnings
and health information for the US and the Maldives. Get the necessary shots and
consider buying travel insurance that covers health issues.
Packing Essentials
Factor in the tropical climate
when packing your bags for Malé. You need light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen,
and insect repellent. And don’t forget travel documents such as your passport,
visa and flight itinerary.
Arriving in Malé
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| International Airport |
Velana International Airport
(MLE)
Your journey to paradise begins
as you arrive at Velana International Airport — the first glimpse of a paradise
awaits you as you meet the friendly faces of Maldivian hospitality. It is a
fairly small size airport with the basics though like currency exchange and restaurants
(including a McDonald) and taxi services.
Transfer from the Airport
After you go through customs,
you have a few transport options to get to your accommodation in Malé:
● Taxi Services: Outside the
airport terminal, taxis are easily accessible. Remember to take the official
taxi otherwise you could be overcharged.
● Speedboat Transfers — Many
resorts on the nearby islands provide speedboat transfers from the airport if
you're going to one of them. Confirm your arrangements in advance.
● Public Ferries: Budget
travelers can find public ferries running between the airport and Malé city.
This is an economic option but will take longer.
Exploring Malé
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| Exploring Malé |
Things to Do in Malé
When you make it to Malé, spend
time sightseeing in the city. The things you simply cant miss are:
● Hukuru
Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque): An old mosque with coral stone carvings and an
impressive structure.
● Malé
Fish Market: Immerse yourself in local life by checking out the fish market,
where you can find a range of fresh catches.
● Sultan
Park: The ideal place for a quiet walk, Sultan Park is a small oasis in the
middle of the city and an insight into the history of the Maldives.
Local Cuisine
Be sure to try traditional
Maldivian cuisine while you are there. Try some mas huni (tuna salad),
garudhiya (fish soup) and a variety of coconut-based curries. Local eateries
and street food vendors serve a variety of delectable dishes.
Conclusion
Getting to Malé from the US
takes some planning, but makes the trip absolutely worthwhile. Easily
accessible this tropical paradise is only a flight away with regular connecting
flights through leading airlines. Use that information to research visa
requirements, heath precautions, and how to get around once you arrive. After
reaching Malé, marvel at the local culture, stroll through the city, and soak in
the beauty of the Maldives. Following these tips will help you travel to there
seamlessly.
Basically, both flying to Malé
from the US will depend on layovers and how far in advance you prepare for your
trip and booking your tickets. Strategically plan, and your experience in Malé
will be unforgettable.
