Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Kooddoo. Kooddoo Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside GKK
Before heading into Kooddoo, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Maldives vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Kooddoo is roughly 30 minutes from GKK via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Kooddoo
If you head into Kooddoo, here are two things worth checking out:
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort Beach is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Snorkeling in Kooddoo Lagoon is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Kooddoo.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside GKK, you can spend time at GKK Airport Waiting Area or try GKK Airport Terminal Walk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Kooddoo Layover
- In the city: Alita Restaurant (Mercure Kooddoo) and Vista Restaurant & Bar (Mercure Kooddoo) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Kooddoo.
- At the airport: GKK Terminal Cafe and GKK Airport Grab & Go will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Getting to Kooddoo from the Airport
From GKK, the local transport gets you to Kooddoo in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Kooddoo:
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.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at GKK
Specific locker facilities at GKK aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Kooddoo itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at GKK for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Kooddoo 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.
Need a Nap? Options at GKK
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at GKK, 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
A layover in Kooddoo with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Kooddoo may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.