How to Get to Gan

Gan is a unique spot on the map of the Maldivian archipelago, located at the very south of Addu Atoll, where the history of a British military base intertwines with a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Unlike most resort islands, Gan is a proper town connected to neighboring islands by causeways, offering travelers a rare opportunity for long walks and a glimpse into the local way of life. You can get here in various ways, but the main gateway is the local airport, which receives flights from the capital and abroad.

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

Having its own runway directly on the island spares travelers from long boat transfers after landing. The airport is well integrated into the atoll's transport system, allowing for a quick journey to any hotel or guesthouse immediately after picking up your luggage.

There is no railway service in Gan, nor anywhere else in the Maldives. The geographical features of the archipelago, consisting of small coral islands, make laying railway tracks technically impossible and impractical.

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

While the typical intercity bus networks found on continents are not developed here, Gan has a unique feature for the Maldives—it is connected by road to neighboring islands. Local buses and shuttles run along this route, linking the airport and residential areas with the neighboring islands of Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo.

A public transport ride here is more than just getting from point A to point B; it is a scenic journey along the ocean. Distances are short, so travel time between the farthest 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 areas. Thanks to the presence of the longest road in the Maldives, which connects several islands with causeways, taxis are a popular and affordable mode of transport here. You can easily find a car at the airport terminal exit or book one through your hotel.

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

A trip to Gan is different from a typical vacation on isolated resort islands, so it is worth preparing for the local way of life in advance. To make your journey as comfortable as possible, we have gathered several important recommendations.

1. Dress Code. Since Gan is an island inhabited by locals, modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees should be worn outside of bikini beaches and hotel grounds.
2. Vehicle Rental. The best way to explore the island and neighboring areas is to rent a scooter or a bicycle; this will give you complete freedom of movement along the scenic causeway.
3. Currency and Payment. The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. While US dollars are accepted in many tourist spots, it is better to have some small cash in Rufiyaa for payments in small shops and cafes.
4. Sun Protection. The equatorial sun is very intense. Be sure to use sunscreen with high SPF (50+) and wear a hat even in cloudy weather.
5. Alcohol. A prohibition law applies on local islands. Alcohol is only available at the Equator Village hotel bar or on special floating bars, if any are available nearby.
6. Sockets and Electricity. British-type sockets (Type G) with three rectangular pins are typically used here, so bring an adapter.
7. Connectivity. Purchase a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival; mobile internet here is of good quality and cheaper than roaming.
8. Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can be active in the evening, so be sure to bring repellents for comfortable walks after sunset.

Following 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 people.