Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Ifuru. Ifuru Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave IFU:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Maldives. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Ifuru takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Ifuru, we’d suggest Ifuru Island Beach Walk and Ifuru Local Area Exploration. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside IFU, you can spend time at Ifuru Airport Waiting Area or try Tarmac Viewpoint. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
The Best Way Into Ifuru from IFU
You have two main options for getting from Ifuru Airport into town:
- local transport: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Best Bites Near IFU
- In the city: Ifuru Local Eatery and Ocean Breeze Grill are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Ifuru.
- At the airport: IFU Airport Cafe and Tropical Refreshments Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Ifuru:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at IFU for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Ifuru or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at IFU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Ifuru itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Taking a Break at IFU
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at IFU, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Ifuru exploring the streets or relaxing at IFU, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.