Home » Layover Guide » Malé Velana Layover Guide (MLE)

Malé Velana Layover Guide (MLE)

What are you looking for in MLE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Malé Airport (MLE), also known as Velana International Airport, is the main international gateway to the Maldives. It’s located on Hulhulé Island, about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the capital city of Malé. The airport officially opened in 1960. Malé is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Maldives, known for its vibrant island life, turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and world-renowned diving and snorkeling experiences.

Can you leave Malé Airport (MLE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During layovers over 24 hours at Velana International Airport (MLE), you may clear immigration and explore nearby islands. All visitors—excluding Israeli nationals—are granted a free 30-day visa on arrival; no pre-arranged visa is required. During extended stopovers, you can enjoy vibrant beaches, authentic local culture experiences, and Malé city tours. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Grand Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) Explore the ornate 17th-century Grand Friday Mosque, marvel at intricate coral-stone carvings and serene courtyard. Join midday prayer sessions if schedule aligns. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi or local bus to Islamic Centre)
• Maldives National Museum Discover rich maritime artefacts, royal relics, antique photography at the Maldives National Museum. Explore Sultan Park’s green spaces before or after. Offers deep insight into local history and cultural evolution. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi or public bus; Official site)
• Sultan Park & Sun Square Stroll manicured gardens at Sultan Park, admire the national flagpole, vibrant flowerbeds and colonial-era Mansoor Hotel backdrop. Relax by Sun Square fountains while sampling local street food from nearby stalls. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi or local bus)
• Malé Fish Market Experience the bustling Malé Fish Market at sunrise, watch fishermen unload daily catch and haggle over fresh tuna. Vibrant local atmosphere rich in sights, sounds and authentic island life. Moments. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi)
• Artificial Beach Relax at Malé’s Artificial Beach, swim in calm lagoon waters and watch colorful dhoni boats. Ideal spot for sunbathing, local snacks from beachfront cafés and panoramic ocean views. Daily delight. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute bus or 10-minute taxi)
• Malé City Walking Tour Join a guided walking tour to explore hidden alleyways, colorful murals and traditional homes. Learn about local crafts, street art and community projects from passionate resident guides. Insightful journey experience. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi)
• Muli Café Crawl Hop between Muli Café branches to sample Maldivian coffee blends, tropical fruit smoothies and freshly baked roshi. Cozy interiors and friendly staff make each stop a flavorful cultural immersion today. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 12-minute taxi)
• Hulhumalé Island Hop Take a short speedboat or ferry to Hulhumalé, stroll sandy beaches and bike along coastal promenade. Enjoy seaside cafés, art installations and tranquil island vibe just minutes away easily accessible. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: 15-minute ferry)

Things to Do in Malé Airport (MLE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Velana International Airport offers two main lounges: the Moonimaa Lounge in the international terminal and the Maldivian Lounge in the domestic/seaplane terminal. Both feature comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, shower facilities, Wi-Fi, panoramic runway views, quiet ambiance, and newspapers. Access via airline status, business class tickets, or pay-per-use. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels on Hulhulé Island are within a five-minute shuttle ride of MLE, including Samann Grand, Hulhulé Island Hotel, and Unima Grand. These offer airport shuttles, soundproof rooms, in-house dining, 24-hour front desk service, and quick ferry links to Malé. Advance booking is advised during peak season. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated sleeping pods or rest lounges at MLE. Passengers can find limited seating near gates and quiet corners both landside and airside, though benches and carpeted areas can be uncomfortable for overnight stays. Booking a nearby airport hotel or lounge access is recommended for long layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi provides 25 minutes of free access per device after SMS code verification via local or roaming SIM. Unlimited sessions can be purchased at information counters or accessed through paid lounge networks. Internet kiosks near the duty-free area and gates 1–3 offer free PC access for those without a SIM.

SIM/eSIM Card: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo kiosks landside at arrivals sell prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans. Passport registration is required. Tourist packages include data, local calls, and SMS; top-up vouchers are available. eSIMs from global providers can be activated pre-arrival for immediate connectivity upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside arrivals, charging approximately MVR 60 (USD 4) to Malé city, MVR 75 (USD 5) to Hulhumalé, and MVR 25 (USD 1.60) for intra-Malé trips. Private transfer services offer flat-rate bookings, meet-and-greet, and flight-monitoring. Payment options include cash and major credit cards.

Train: No train services operate to or from Velana International Airport. Ground transport options include ferries, buses, taxis, and private transfers; rail infrastructure is not available in the Maldives. Additional details can be found online. more info

Bus: MTCC’s Airport Bus runs from Hulhulé Island to Malé and Hulhumalé every 10–30 minutes between 06:00 and 02:30, with reduced overnight service. Single-trip fares are around MVR 5 (USD 0.30). Route maps and updated schedules are available on the MTCC website. more info

Shuttle: Many Hulhulé and Malé hotels offer complimentary or paid shuttle services, including private boats, vans, and shared resort coaches. Schedules vary by property and typically require advance booking. Contact your accommodation directly to arrange pick-up and drop-off times.

Car rentals: Major agencies—Ace Rent A Car, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and more—operate desks landside at MLE. Cars range from compact to SUV; online bookings often include free cancellation. Drivers must present a valid license, photo ID, and a credit card at pick-up. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: A public parking lot on reclaimed land across the Sinamalé Bridge charges MVR 30 (USD 2) per hour, with 24/7 access and security patrols. Curbside drop-off is free for the first 10 minutes; overstays incur standard hourly rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The Baggage Storage Service office near the customer-service desk in departures offers luggage storage at USD 7/MVR 100 per piece for 24 hours and USD 13/MVR 190 for oversized items. Lockable lockers and staffed assistance are available; extended-duration rates apply. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Malé Airport (MLE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks