The Dubai to Maldives ticket price starts at around $500 return in Economy on Emirates, $2,200 in Business and $4,000 in First.Emirates flies direct from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, with two to three direct daily flights on the Boeing 777-300ER. The ticket price depends on the cabin, the season and how close to departure you book, with the cheapest fares in the shoulder months of May, June and October, and the most expensive in the peak season of December and January. This guide covers the full Dubai to Maldives ticket price, with fares by cabin, the cheapest months, the terminal at Dubai, the arrival experience at Velana, the onward transfer to your resort, and everything you need to book the trip — flights, resorts, transfers, eSIMs, bikes and Maldives GetYourGuide tours.
The Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Emirates network, and the Dubai to Malé route is one of the shortest beach-destination routes Emirates flies, at around four hours ten minutes. The ticket price is one part of the total trip cost, and the resort transfer is often included in the resort booking, so the headline fare is close to the total flight cost. This guide shows you the typical Emirates fares by cabin on the Dubai to Malé route, the price range you can expect across the year, the cheapest months to fly, the terminal at Dubai, the arrival experience at Velana, and the easiest way to book the rest of your Maldives trip. Use the search above to see the live fare on each Emirates Dubai to Malé flight for your date.
The Dubai to Maldives Ticket Price at a Glance
$500 – $850+
Economy return
An Emirates Economy return from Dubai to the Maldives starts at around $500 and can climb to $850+ depending on the season.
$2,200 – $3,200
Business return
An Emirates Business return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $2,200 and can climb to $3,200+ depending on the season.
$4,000 – $5,500+
First return
An Emirates First return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $4,000 and can climb to $5,500+ depending on the season.
4h 10m
Flight time
The direct Emirates flight from Dubai to Malé takes around four hours ten minutes on the Boeing 777-300ER.
The Dubai to Maldives ticket price is driven by the cabin and the season. An Emirates Economy return starts at around $500 in the shoulder months and climbs to $850+ in the peak season. A Business return starts at around $2,200 and climbs to $3,200+, and a First return starts at around $4,000 and climbs to $5,500+. The direct flight is around four hours ten minutes on the Boeing 777-300ER, with two to three direct daily flights from Terminal 3 at DXB. Use the search above to see the live fare on each Emirates Dubai to Malé flight for your date.
Dubai to Maldives Ticket Price by Cabin
The fare for an Emirates flight from Dubai to the Maldives depends on the cabin, the season and how close to departure you book. These are the typical Emirates fares by cabin on the Dubai to Malé route, with the price range you can expect across the year.
Economy round trip
$500 – $850+
An Emirates Economy return from Dubai to the Maldives starts at around $500 and can climb to $850+ depending on the season. The cheapest fares are in May, June and October (the shoulder months); the most expensive are December and January (the peak season). Economy includes the ice entertainment system, complimentary meals and drinks, and a generous baggage allowance of 30 kg checked plus 7 kg cabin baggage.
Business round trip
$2,200 – $3,200
An Emirates Business return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $2,200 and can climb to $3,200+ depending on the season. Business is the lie-flat seat, the à la carte dining, the Emirates Lounge at DXB Terminal 3 and the chauffeur-drive service at both ends. The cheapest Business fares are in the shoulder months — book two to four months ahead for the best price.
First round trip
$4,000 – $5,500+
An Emirates First return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $4,000 and can climb to $5,500+ depending on the season. First is the private enclosed suite, the à la carte dining, the Emirates First Class Lounge and the chauffeur-drive at both ends. First is the rarest seat — book three to four months ahead, especially for the December peak.
UK & Europe via Dubai
From £650 / €650 Economy
An Emirates Economy return from London or Europe to the Maldives via Dubai starts at around £650–£950 (€650–€950). Business starts at around £2,200–£3,000 (€2,200–€3,000) and First around £3,500–£4,500. The one-stop in Dubai splits the journey and is often cheaper than the direct on the same route.
Dubai to Maldives Ticket Price by Month
The ticket price from Dubai to the Maldives changes with the season. These are the typical Emirates Economy fares by month, with the cheapest months in the shoulder season and the most expensive in the peak. Use the search above to compare fares across dates and find the cheapest day to fly.
The Airports: Dubai Terminal 3 to Velana International
Emirates departs from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) and lands at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island, next to Malé. These are the three things you need to know about the airports at both ends of the Dubai to Maldives route and the onward transfer to your resort.
Dubai International (DXB) — Terminal 3
Emirates departs from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the Emirates-only terminal. Emirates First Class, Business Class and Skywards Gold members have dedicated check-in counters in Terminal 3, and the Emirates lounges (First Class, Business and the Skywards lounge) are in Concourse A and Concourse B, connected to Terminal 3 by an airside train.
Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Emirates lands at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island, next to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Velana is the main international airport in the Maldives and the gateway to every resort in the archipelago. The airport has a single terminal building, and on arrival you clear immigration, collect your bags and exit through the same building. Most resorts have an arrivals desk in the terminal for the onward seaplane or speedboat transfer.
Onward transfer to your resort
From Velana International Airport, the onward transfer to your resort is by seaplane or speedboat. The seaplane terminal is a short walk or shuttle from the arrivals hall, and seaplane transfers run from dawn to mid-afternoon in daylight only. Speedboat transfers run day and night and take 20 minutes to two hours depending on the distance to your resort. Most luxury resorts include the transfer in the booking; check before you fly.
Onward Transfer: Seaplane or Speedboat to Your Resort
Seaplane transfer
The seaplane terminal is a short walk or shuttle from the arrivals hall at Velana. Seaplane transfers run from dawn to mid-afternoon in daylight only, and take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the distance to your resort. Most luxury resorts include the seaplane transfer in the booking — factor this into the total trip cost when you compare resort prices, as a standalone seaplane transfer can add $300–$600 per person return.
Speedboat transfer
Speedboat transfers run day and night from Velana and take 20 minutes to two hours depending on the distance to your resort. Speedboats are the only option for resorts in the North Malé and South Malé atolls at night, and are usually the only option for resorts close to Malé. Most luxury resorts include the transfer in the booking; check before you fly.
Most luxury resorts in the Maldives arrange the onward transfer as part of the booking and have an arrivals desk in the terminal at Velana. Confirm your transfer method and timing before you fly, and share your Emirates flight number with the resort so the transfer team can meet you on arrival. If you land after the last seaplane of the day, the resort may arrange an overnight stay in Malé or a speedboat transfer — both are common, and the resort will tell you which option applies.
When to Book for the Cheapest Ticket
May–Oct
Cheapest months
3–4 months
Book ahead for peak
$500
From Economy return
The cheapest fares from Dubai to the Maldives are in the shoulder months of May, June and October, when the weather is warm with occasional showers and the tourist crowds are thinner. The most expensive fares are in the peak season of December and January, when the Maldives is at its driest and the holiday demand is at its peak. Book three to four months ahead for the peak season (December to February), and six to eight weeks ahead for the shoulder months. Midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually cheaper than weekend departures. Use the search above to compare fares across dates and find the cheapest day to fly Emirates from Dubai to the Maldives.
Tips for the Best Dubai to Maldives Ticket Price
- The Dubai to Maldives ticket price starts at around $500 return in Economy, $2,200 in Business and $4,000 in First on Emirates
- The cheapest months to fly from Dubai to the Maldives are May, June and October — the shoulder months of the monsoon, when fares fall to $500 return in Economy
- The most expensive months are December and January — the peak dry season, when fares climb to $850+ in Economy and $5,500+ in First
- Book three to four months ahead for the December and January peak, and six to eight weeks ahead for the shoulder months
- Midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually cheaper than weekend departures on the Dubai to Maldives route
- Emirates Skywards miles can redeem a seat on the Dubai to Maldives route — one of the best-value short-haul beach redemptions in the Emirates network
- An Emirates chauffeur-drive is included in First Class and Business Class at both ends of the Dubai to Malé route — book it through the Emirates app after you book your ticket
- Use the search above to compare fares across dates and find the cheapest day to fly Emirates from Dubai to the Maldives
- The Dubai to Malé flight is around four hours ten minutes on the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, with two to three direct daily flights from Terminal 3 at DXB
- Most luxury resorts in the Maldives include the seaplane or speedboat transfer from Velana in the booking — factor this into the total trip cost when you compare resort prices
From Dubai to the Maldives in Pictures
A preview of the journey — from the Emirates aircraft at Dubai, to the overwater villas, the underwater coral reefs, the sunset beach, the seaplane over the atolls and the colourful capital Malé.
Emirates Flights Dubai → Malé
Search live Emirates fares from Dubai to Malé, with real-time availability on each departure across the daily direct services from Terminal 3 at DXB to Velana International (MLE).
Maldives Resorts
Book overwater villas and beachfront resorts across the Maldives atolls — from luxury five-star resorts in the North Malé atoll to private-island resorts in the Baa and Raa atolls, all with the seaplane or speedboat transfer included.
Book Maldives ResortsTransfers & Cars
Book a private speedboat transfer from Velana to your resort, a car and driver in Malé, or a car for the few islands with road access — the easiest way to start your Maldives trip the moment you land.
Maldives eSIM
Install a Maldives eSIM before you fly so you have data, maps and messaging the moment you land at Velana — no airport SIM queue and no roaming charges on the way to your resort. Data coverage is strongest around Malé and the resort islands.
Get a Maldives eSIMRent a Bike in the Maldives
The local islands in the Maldives (Maafushi, Thoddoo, Rasdhoo and Himmafushi) are small, flat and perfect for a bicycle. Book a bike rental ahead and ride the local island at your own pace — the easiest way to explore beyond the resort.
Rent a BikeMaldives Tours & Experiences
Land at Velana International Airport after your Emirates flight from Terminal 3 at Dubai, and a pre-booked transfer takes the stress out of the first hour — then book a snorkelling safari, a sandbank picnic, a dolphin-watching cruise, a bioluminescent beach night tour, a local-island hopping day, a fishing trip, or a scuba diving day trip to make the most of your Maldives trip. Browse and book top-rated Maldives experiences below, all with free cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a flight from Dubai to the Maldives?
An Emirates Economy return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $500 and can climb to $850+ depending on the season. Business starts at around $2,200 and First at around $4,000. The cheapest fares are in May, June and October; the most expensive are December and January. Use the search above to compare fares across dates and find the cheapest day to fly Emirates from Dubai to the Maldives.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Dubai to the Maldives?
The cheapest months to fly from Dubai to the Maldives are May, June and October — the shoulder months of the monsoon, when Economy fares fall to around $500 return. The most expensive months are December and January, when Economy fares climb to $750–$850+ and First to $4,800–$5,500+. Book three to four months ahead for the peak season, and six to eight weeks ahead for the shoulder months.
How much is a Business Class ticket from Dubai to the Maldives?
An Emirates Business Class return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $2,200 and can climb to $3,200+ depending on the season. Business is the lie-flat seat, the à la carte dining, the Emirates Lounge at DXB Terminal 3 and the chauffeur-drive service at both ends. The cheapest Business fares are in May, June and October — book two to four months ahead.
How much is a First Class ticket from Dubai to the Maldives?
An Emirates First Class return from Dubai to Malé starts at around $4,000 and can climb to $5,500+ depending on the season. First is the private enclosed suite, the à la carte dining, the Emirates First Class Lounge and the chauffeur-drive at both ends. First is the rarest seat on the route — book three to four months ahead, especially for the December peak.
Does the Dubai to Maldives ticket price include the resort transfer?
Most luxury resorts in the Maldives include the seaplane or speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport in the booking, so the transfer is not a separate cost on top of the flight. Budget and mid-range resorts may charge separately for the transfer — check the resort's transfer policy before you book, as the seaplane transfer can add $300–$600 per person return.
How far in advance should I book a Dubai to Maldives flight?
Book three to four months ahead for the December and January peak season, when fares are at their highest and seats are scarce. Book six to eight weeks ahead for the shoulder months of May, June and October, when fares are at their lowest. Midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually cheaper than weekend departures.
Which terminal does Emirates fly from at Dubai to the Maldives?
Emirates flights from Dubai to the Maldives depart from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Terminal 3 is the Emirates-only terminal. The gate is usually in Concourse B (the Boeing 777-300ER concourse) or Concourse A (the A380 concourse). The flight lands at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island, next to Malé.
Can I use Emirates Skywards miles for a Dubai to Maldives flight?
Yes — Emirates Skywards miles can redeem a seat on the Dubai to Maldives route, and it is one of the best-value short-haul beach redemptions in the Emirates network. A round-trip Economy Saver reward starts at around 30,000 miles plus taxes, and a Business reward at around 57,500 miles plus taxes. Reward availability is best in the shoulder months of May, June and October.
Book Your Emirates Flight from Dubai to the Maldives
The Dubai to Maldives ticket price starts at around $500 return in Economy on Emirates, $2,200 in Business and $4,000 in First, with two to three direct daily flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Velana International Airport (MLE) on the Boeing 777-300ER. Once you know your flight, the rest is one batch of bookings: your Emirates flight to Malé, a resort in the atoll that fits your budget, a seaplane or speedboat transfer, a Maldives eSIM and any tours you want to lock in ahead. Start below.
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