Renting a car in the Maldives: the complete guide
Where you can drive, what you need, what it costs, and how booking from a local owner works.
Last updated June 2026
The Maldives is made up of nearly 1,200 islands, and almost every inhabited one has its own road network. On the busier islands a car is the most comfortable way to get around — especially for families, luggage and rainy days. Here's everything you need to know about renting one.
Where you can drive a car
You can drive on virtually any inhabited island in the Maldives — roughly 99% have road networks. The practical limit isn't roads, it's the sea between islands: a car you rent stays on the island you rent it on, so plan around your ferry or speedboat hops. Dhihvaa is built for everyday people renting to one another rather than for resorts — but even resort islands have roads, and a resort is free to list its own vehicles if it chooses.
On quieter or smaller islands distances are tiny and many people get around on two wheels, so weigh a car against a scooter. A car really earns its keep for airport runs with luggage, families with kids, and the wet season.
What you need to rent a car
A valid car driving licence is required. Maldivian licence holders just bring their licence. If you hold a foreign licence, the rules depend on your country and how long you're staying — the Maldives recognises licences from a number of approved countries for short visits, while others need an International Driving Permit or a locally issued or endorsed licence. Check the official sources at the end of this guide before your trip, and ask your host if you're unsure.
On Dhihvaa you’ll also complete a one-time ID verification before your first booking. It takes a few minutes and is part of why local owners are comfortable handing over their keys.
What it costs
Owners set their own prices, so rates vary by model, island and season. Every listing shows the daily rate up front, and most owners offer discounted weekly and monthly rates for longer stays. Many owners also set a refundable security deposit, held in escrow during the rental.
The checkout shows the full total — rental, any deposit, and the service fee — before you confirm. No airport-counter surprises.
Driving rules to know
The Maldives drives on the left. Speed limits are low: around 30 km/h in town centres and busier islands, and up to 50 km/h on the Sinamalé Bridge and similar highway links. Roads are short and town traffic is dense, so journeys are measured in minutes, not hours.
Park only in marked areas in town centres — space is tight and enforcement is real. On quieter islands, parking is rarely a problem.
How booking works on Dhihvaa
Search by island and dates, compare live listings from verified local owners, and send a booking request. The owner accepts, your payment is held in escrow, and you confirm pickup and return in the app. The owner is only paid after the rental completes — and if anything goes wrong, you can open a dispute and our team mediates.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists rent a car in the Maldives?
Yes — almost every inhabited island has roads, so you can drive nearly anywhere people live. You need a valid licence (foreign licences may need an International Driving Permit or a locally endorsed licence — see the sources below) and a one-time ID verification on Dhihvaa.
Should I rent a car or a scooter?
It depends on the island and your trip. On busier islands parking is scarce and distances are short, so many people choose scooters; a car wins for airport luggage runs, families, and rainy days. Both are on Dhihvaa.
Can I take a rental car to another island?
Generally no — islands are separated by sea, so a rented vehicle stays on the island you collect it from. Where a bridge or link road connects islands, you can drive between them; otherwise you'd rent separately on each island you visit. Agree with the owner on where the vehicle may go.
What happens if I damage the car?
Tell the owner immediately. The security deposit held in escrow covers damage claims, which Dhihvaa reviews with evidence from both sides. The owner’s own vehicle insurance — which hosts are encouraged to keep — sits behind that.
Official sources
Driving laws and licence rules change — confirm with the official source before you travel.
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