How to get to Gan

Gan is a unique destination on the map of the Maldivian archipelago, located at the southernmost tip of Addu Atoll, where the history of a British military base intertwines with a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Unlike most resort islands, Gan is a fully functioning city connected by causeways to neighboring islands, offering travelers a rare opportunity for long walks and an insight into the local way of life. There are various ways to get here, but the main gateway is the local airport, which receives flights from the capital and abroad.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach this southern resort is by air. The island is served by the international Gan Airport (GAN), which acts as a vital transport hub for the entire southern region of the country. Regular flights arrive here from the capital, Male, and there are direct flights from select neighboring countries, such as Sri Lanka.

Thanks to having its own runway directly on the island, travelers are spared the need for long boat transfers after landing. The airport is well-integrated into the atoll's transport system, allowing you to quickly reach any hotel or guesthouse immediately after collecting your luggage.

Railway service in the city of Gan, as throughout the Maldives, is completely non-existent. The geographical features of the archipelago, consisting of small coral islands, make the construction of railways technically impossible and impractical.

Tourists planning a trip to the Maldives should rely on other modes of transport: speedboats, ferries, domestic flights, or taxis within the islands of Addu Atoll connected by causeways.

Although the intercity bus network familiar to mainlanders is not developed here, Gan boasts a unique feature for the Maldives—it is connected by a paved road to neighboring islands. Local buses and shuttles operate along this route, linking the airport and residential areas with the neighboring islands of Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo.

A trip on public transport here is not just moving from point A to point B, but a scenic journey along the ocean. Distances are short, so travel time between the extreme points of the atoll usually does not exceed 30–40 minutes, making the bus a budget-friendly and convenient alternative for independent travelers.

Traveling by car is one of the most comfortable ways to explore Gan and the surrounding territories. Thanks to the longest road in the Maldives, which connects several islands via causeways, taxis are a popular and affordable mode of transport here. A car can easily be found at the airport terminal exit or ordered through your hotel.

A taxi ride from Gan to the furthest point of the connected islands (Hithadhoo city) takes about 20–30 minutes. This allows tourists to move freely between beaches, restaurants, and attractions across the entire Addu Atoll, enjoying ocean views right from the car window.

A trip to Gan differs from a typical vacation on isolated resort islands, so it is worth preparing for the local lifestyle in advance. To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Dress Code. Since Gan is an island inhabited by local residents, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees should be worn outside of designated tourist beaches and hotel grounds.
2. Transport Rental. The best way to explore the island and neighboring territories is to rent a scooter or bicycle; this gives you complete freedom of movement along the scenic causeway.
3. Currency and Payment. The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. Although US Dollars are accepted in many tourist spots, it is better to carry small denominations of Rufiyaa for payments in small shops and cafes.
4. Sun Protection. The equatorial sun is very active. Be sure to use sunscreen with high SPF (50+) and wear a hat even in cloudy weather.
5. Alcohol Regulations. A dry law applies on local inhabited islands. Alcohol is available only at the Equator Village hotel bar or on special floating bars, if any are present nearby.
6. Sockets and Electricity. British-style sockets (Type G) with three rectangular pins are standard here. As this is the same type used in the UAE, you likely will not need an adapter.
7. Connectivity. Purchase a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival; mobile internet quality is good and costs less than roaming.
8. Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can be active in the evening, so be sure to bring repellents for comfortable walks after sunset.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid awkward situations and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the southern Maldives, enjoying the hospitality of the local residents.