The MTCC ferry from Malé to Villingili runs from 6am to 11:30pm, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes, for around $0.35 one-way.The Villingili ferry is the most frequent ferry in the Maldives — a 10-minute shuttle across the channel to the residential and resort island just west of Malé. It runs every day, including Friday, and you rarely wait more than 10 minutes at the terminal. Villingili is a green island with a beach on the western shore, a waterfront promenade, a park, a few cafes and guesthouses, and a calm lagoon for swimming. This guide covers the live Malé to Villingili ferry schedule, the ticket price, the journey time, the Malé ferry terminal, the island experience, and everything you need to book the rest of your Villingili trip — flights, hotels, car rentals, eSIMs, bikes and Maldives GetYourGuide tours.
Villingili is one of the easiest day trips from Malé: you catch the ferry at the western end of Malé, cross the channel in 10 minutes, and spend the day on the beach and the waterfront promenade. The ferry runs so often that you can come and go as you please, up to the last ferry at 11:30pm. The island is walkable end to end in 15 minutes, with the beach, the park and the jetty all a short walk from the ferry. This guide shows you the full Malé to Villingili ferry schedule, the ticket price, the journey, the terminal, and the easiest way to book the rest of your trip. Use the search above to see the flights to Malé and the onward transfers for your date.
Malé to Villingili Ferry Timetable
The MTCC ferry to Villingili is a frequent shuttle that runs through the day and into the evening. The ferry departs roughly every 10 to 15 minutes in the daytime and every 20 minutes in the late evening, from 6am to 11:30pm, every day of the week. These are the service windows and the departure intervals for the Malé to Villingili ferry.
06:00
First ferry
10–15 min
Daytime interval
23:30
Last ferry
Intervals are indicative and can change with the time of day and the season — confirm at the Villingili ferry terminal before you travel. The ferry runs every day of the week, including Friday.
The Malé to Villingili Ferry: What to Expect
The Villingili ferry is a working commuter shuttle, not a tourist transfer. It is the most frequent and the cheapest ferry in the Maldives. These are the four things you need to know about the ferry, the ticket, the terminal and the arrival on Villingili.
The MTCC Villingili ferry shuttle
The ferry from Malé to Villingili is run by MTCC (Maldives Transport and Contracting Company) on the Villingili route, a frequent commuter shuttle that runs through the day and into the evening. The ferry departs from the Villingili ferry terminal at the western end of Malé, near the Villingili channel, and the crossing takes around 10 minutes. The ferry runs from 6am to 11:30pm, with departures roughly every 10 to 15 minutes in the daytime and every 20 minutes in the late evening. The one-way ticket costs around MVR 5.25 ($0.35) for a foreigner, payable in cash at the terminal.
The journey and the boat
The Malé to Villingili ferry is a short 10-minute crossing of the Villingili channel, one of the shortest ferry rides in the Maldives. The boat is a small wooden ferry with open-air bench seating, and it carries a mix of commuters, schoolchildren and day-trippers, plus scooters and the occasional delivery. There is no air-conditioning and no food on board, but the ride is short, calm and sheltered in most weather. The ferry runs on demand in the peak hours, so you rarely wait more than 10 minutes at the terminal.
The Malé ferry terminal
The Villingili ferry departs from the Villingili ferry terminal at the western end of Malé, a short walk or taxi ride from most Malé hotels and the Velana International Airport ferry jetty. The terminal is signposted and there is a ticket booth on the jetty. Buy a ferry card (a stored-value card) at the terminal if you plan to ride more than once — it speeds up boarding and avoids the need for exact change. The terminal is a 5-minute walk from the central Malé market and the Islamic Centre.
The Villingili jetty and the island
The ferry arrives at the Villingili jetty on the east side of the island. Villingili is a residential and resort island just west of Malé, connected by the frequent ferry and reachable in 10 minutes. The island has a beach on the western shore, a waterfront promenade, a park, a few cafes and guesthouses, and a calm lagoon for swimming. The island is walkable end to end in 15 minutes — you arrive at the jetty, walk to the beach, swim and relax, and catch the ferry back to Malé whenever you like.
Villingili Island: What to Expect on Arrival
Beach and lagoon
The Villingili beach is on the western shore, with calm water, white sand and a few sun loungers. The lagoon is shallow and sheltered, perfect for a long swim, and the water is clear enough for a snorkel. The beach is the main draw for day-trippers from Malé, with a relaxed atmosphere away from the busy city streets. Bring your own towel and sunscreen — there are no shops on the beach.
Promenade and park
Villingili has a waterfront promenade around the island, a park with benches and shade, a few cafes and guesthouses, and a calm residential feel. The island is walkable end to end in 15 minutes, so the beach, the park and the jetty are all a short walk from the ferry. The promenade is the best place for a sunset walk, with a view back across the channel to the Malé skyline.
On arrival at the Villingili jetty, you walk west to the beach in a few minutes. The island is small — walkable end to end in 15 minutes — with the beach on the western shore, the park in the middle and the jetty on the east. There are no cars on Villingili, but there are a few scooters and bicycles; everything else is a short walk. There are a few guesthouses and cafes on the island if you want to stay overnight, and the cafe at the beach serves fresh fish, snacks and cold drinks. The frequent ferry means you can come and go as you please, up to the last ferry at 11:30pm — perfect for a sunset dinner on the island before the short ride back to Malé.
When to Take the Ferry
Year round
Runs every day
10 min
Crossing time
$0.35
One-way fare
The Villingili ferry runs year round and in most weather, as the channel is short and sheltered. The busiest ferries are the 7–9am and 4–7pm commuter peaks, when the boat fills up with workers and schoolchildren — ride outside these for a quieter trip. For a day trip, go across in the late morning, spend the day on the beach and the promenade, and come back after sunset, when the ferry is quieter and the view of the Malé skyline from the water is at its best. The last ferry back from Villingili is at 11:30pm — check the time if you are out for the evening, as there is no ferry after that.
Tips for the Malé to Villingili Ferry
- The MTCC Villingili ferry runs from 6am to 11:30pm, with departures roughly every 10 to 15 minutes
- The crossing takes around 10 minutes — one of the shortest ferry rides in the Maldives
- The one-way ticket costs around MVR 5.25 ($0.35) for a foreigner, payable in cash at the terminal
- Buy a ferry card (stored-value) at the terminal if you plan to ride more than once — it speeds up boarding
- The ferry departs from the Villingili ferry terminal at the western end of Malé
- The busiest ferries are the 7–9am and 4–7pm commuter peaks — ride outside these for a quieter trip
- Villingili is walkable end to end in 15 minutes — the beach, the park and the jetty are all a short walk
- The beach on the western shore is the main draw — calm water, a few sun loungers and a waterfront cafe
- The ferry runs year round and in most weather, as the channel is short and sheltered
- Take the ferry at sunset for the best view of the Malé skyline from the water
Villingili in Pictures
A preview of the journey — Villingili island from the air with the beach and lagoon, a Maldivian ferry shuttle loaded with passengers and scooters, the Malé skyline from the water with the Islamic Centre golden dome, and a sunset over the Maldives lagoon with a wooden jetty and palm trees.
Flights to Malé
Search live fares to Velana International Airport (MLE), the gateway to the Maldives and the start of your Villingili ferry trip. Real-time availability on each airline and the cheapest day to fly.
Malé & Villingili Hotels
Book hotels in Malé and guesthouses on Villingili — from city hotels a short walk from the ferry terminal to waterfront guesthouses on the island, all within 10 minutes of the Villingili ferry.
Book Malé & Villingili HotelsMalé Cars & Transfers
Book a car or airport transfer in Malé — the easiest way to reach the Villingili ferry terminal and your Malé hotel from Velana International Airport, and to explore the capital island between your flights.
Maldives eSIM
Install a Maldives eSIM before you fly so you have data and messaging the moment you land at Velana International Airport — no airport SIM queue and no roaming charges on the way to the ferry terminal. Coverage on Villingili and across Malé is strong, with fast data at the beach and the promenade.
Get a Maldives eSIMRent a Bike in the Maldives
Villingili is walkable end to end in 15 minutes, but a bicycle is a fun way to explore the larger islands of North Malé Atoll on a day trip. Book a bike ahead for any island-hopping trips from Malé, from Villingili to the nearby resorts — a bike gives you the freedom to explore beyond the ferry jetty.
Rent a BikeMaldives Tours & Experiences
Before or after your Malé to Villingili ferry trip, book a Maldives experience — a Malé walking tour for your layover, a sandbank picnic, a snorkelling trip on a nearby house reef, a sunset dhoni cruise, or a dive on a North Malé Atoll thila. Browse and book top-rated Maldives experiences below, all with free cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Malé to Villingili ferry schedule?
The MTCC ferry from Malé to Villingili runs from 6am to 11:30pm, with departures roughly every 10 to 15 minutes in the daytime and every 20 minutes in the late evening. The first ferry is at 6am and the last ferry back from Villingili is at 11:30pm. The ferry runs every day of the week, including Friday. There is no advance booking — buy your ticket at the Villingili ferry terminal in Malé on the day, or use a stored-value ferry card if you plan to ride more than once.
How much is the Malé to Villingili ferry?
The one-way ticket on the MTCC ferry from Malé to Villingili costs around MVR 5.25 ($0.35) for a foreigner, payable in cash at the terminal. The round trip is around MVR 10.50 ($0.70). You can also buy a stored-value ferry card at the terminal, which speeds up boarding and avoids the need for exact change. The ferry card is the easiest option if you plan to ride the ferry more than once, or if you are staying on Villingili for a few days.
How long is the ferry from Malé to Villingili?
The ferry from Malé to Villingili takes around 10 minutes, one of the shortest ferry rides in the Maldives. The boat is a small wooden ferry with open-air bench seating, and it carries commuters, schoolchildren, day-trippers and the occasional scooter. There is no air-conditioning and no food on board, but the ride is short, calm and sheltered in most weather. The ferry runs on demand in the peak hours, so you rarely wait more than 10 minutes at the terminal.
How often does the Villingili ferry run?
The Villingili ferry runs roughly every 10 to 15 minutes in the daytime (from 6am to 7pm) and every 20 minutes in the late evening (from 7pm to 11:30pm). The busiest ferries are the 7–9am and 4–7pm commuter peaks, when the boat fills up with workers and schoolchildren — ride outside these for a quieter trip. The ferry runs every day of the week, including Friday, and runs in most weather as the channel is short and sheltered.
Where does the Malé to Villingili ferry depart from?
The Villingili ferry departs from the Villingili ferry terminal at the western end of Malé, near the Villingili channel. The terminal is signposted and there is a ticket booth on the jetty. It is a 5-minute walk from the central Malé market and the Islamic Centre, and a short taxi ride from the Velana International Airport ferry jetty. Buy a ferry card at the terminal if you plan to ride more than once — it speeds up boarding and avoids the need for exact change.
Can I do a day trip from Malé to Villingili on the ferry?
Yes — Villingili is one of the easiest day trips from Malé, with a 10-minute ferry crossing and ferries every 10 to 15 minutes through the day. You can go across in the morning, spend the day on the beach and the waterfront promenade, and come back whenever you like, up to the last ferry at 11:30pm. The beach on the western shore is the main draw, with calm water, a few sun loungers and a waterfront cafe. Bring your own towel and sunscreen — there are no shops on the beach.
What is there to do on Villingili island?
Villingili is a residential and resort island just west of Malé, reachable in 10 minutes by the frequent ferry. The island has a beach on the western shore, a waterfront promenade, a park, a few cafes and guesthouses, and a calm lagoon for swimming. The island is walkable end to end in 15 minutes, so the beach, the park and the jetty are all a short walk from the ferry. The beach is the main draw for day-trippers, with calm water and a relaxed atmosphere away from the busy Malé streets.
Is the Malé to Villingili ferry safe at night?
The Villingili ferry runs until 11:30pm, and the crossing is short, well-lit and safe at night. The terminal and the jetty are busy with commuters until late evening, and the ferry crew are experienced. The Villingili channel is short and sheltered, so the night crossings are calm. The last ferry back from Villingili to Malé is at 11:30pm — check the time if you are out for the evening, as there is no ferry after that and you would need to take a speedboat or a taxi boat back to Malé.
Book Your Malé to Villingili Ferry Trip
The Malé to Villingili ferry runs from 6am to 11:30pm, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes, for around $0.35 one-way. Once you know your ferry day, the rest is one batch of bookings: your flight to Malé, a hotel in Malé or a guesthouse on Villingili, an airport transfer, a Maldives eSIM and any reef or sandbank trips you want to lock in ahead. Start below.