How To Get To Maldives From England [2025 Guide]
Dreaming of the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters and luxury resorts while living in England? You’re in luck—England is one of the best-connected places to the Maldives. With direct flights from London and convenient connections from other UK cities, reaching Malé (the capital of Maldives) is easier than ever in 2025. This guide will walk you through all flight options, costs, travel times, and transfer tips so you can plan your Maldives trip stress-free.

✈️ Option 1: Direct Flights from England to Maldives
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Maldives is by taking a non-stop flight.
- Airlines Offering Direct Flights:
- British Airways (London Heathrow – LHR → Malé – MLE)
- Virgin Atlantic (London Heathrow – LHR → Malé – MLE, seasonal service)
- Duration: 10 – 11 hours.
- Cost (Round Trip 2025): £650 – £1,100 depending on season.
Perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free, non-stop route.
Option 2: One-Stop Connecting Flights
If you’re flying from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, or Newcastle, you’ll likely take a one-stop flight via the Middle East or Europe.
- Popular Routes:
- Emirates → London/Manchester/Birmingham → Dubai (DXB) → Malé (MLE)
- Qatar Airways → London/Manchester → Doha (DOH) → Malé (MLE)
- Turkish Airlines → London/Birmingham → Istanbul (IST) → Malé (MLE)
- Etihad Airways → London/Manchester → Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Malé (MLE)
- Duration: 12 – 15 hours.
- Cost: £550 – £950 round trip.
Best option if you’re outside London or want more flexibility in price and timings.
Option 3: Two-Stop Budget Flights
For budget travelers, two-stop routes can be slightly cheaper, though longer.
- Sample Routes:
- London → Istanbul → Colombo (Sri Lanka) → Malé
- Manchester → Dubai → Mumbai → Malé
- Duration: 16 – 24 hours.
- Cost: £500 – £750 round trip (if booked early).
Best for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind extra layovers.
Best Airports in England for Maldives Flights
- London Heathrow (LHR): Only airport with direct flights to Maldives.
- Manchester (MAN): Great for one-stop flights via Middle East.
- Birmingham (BHX): Offers convenient one-stop connections.
- Gatwick (LGW): Occasional seasonal flights and connections.
Transfers After Arriving in Maldives
All flights from England land at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, you’ll need a transfer to your resort:
- Speedboat: $50 – $200 (30 mins – 2 hrs, for nearby islands)
- Seaplane: $250 – $600 (20 – 60 mins, stunning views)
- Domestic flight + boat: $100 – $300 (for distant atolls)
Always confirm transfer details with your resort before booking flights.
England to Maldives Travel Summary
Route Type | Duration | Cost (GBP) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Direct Flight | 10 – 11 hrs | £650 – £1,100 | Fast & convenient |
One-Stop Flight | 12 – 15 hrs | £550 – £950 | Balanced choice |
Two-Stop Flight | 16 – 24 hrs | £500 – £750 | Budget travelers |
Best Way to Get to Maldives from England in 2025
The best way to reach Maldives from England is to take a direct flight from London Heathrow to Malé. If you’re not near London, one-stop flights via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Istanbul are the next best option, balancing comfort and price. Budget travelers can explore two-stop options, though they take significantly longer.
❓ FAQs on How To Get To Maldives from England
Q1. Are there direct flights from England to Maldives?
Yes, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate non-stop flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Malé (MLE).
Q2. How long is the flight from England to Maldives?
Direct flights take 10 – 11 hours. One-stop flights take 12 – 15 hours, while two-stop routes may take 16 – 24 hours.
Q3. What is the cheapest way to travel from England to Maldives?
Two-stop flights can be as low as £500 round trip if booked early, but one-stop flights via the Middle East usually provide the best balance of cost and convenience.
Q4. Which UK airports have Maldives flights?
- Direct flights: London Heathrow (LHR).
- One-stop connections: Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Gatwick (LGW).
Q5. Do UK citizens need a visa for Maldives?
No, UK citizens get a 30-day visa on arrival in Maldives (passport valid for at least 6 months required).
Q6. What’s the best time to book flights from England to Maldives?
For the best prices, book 3 – 6 months in advance, especially for peak season (December – April).
✅ Final Travel Tip: If you’re in London, book a direct flight for speed and comfort. From other English cities, consider a one-stop route via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi for the best value.