Key Takeaways
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands have become a favourite among Indian travellers for holidays, with their beaches, water activities, nature and historic sites.
The first step of any Andaman trip is reaching Port Blair, either by flight or by a ship. And once you arrive in Port Blair, your onward journey depends on where you plan to go.
This guide helps you choose how to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, estimate travel time and plan your transfers before you leave.
How to Reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
To get to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you must first travel to the capital city of Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), the only entry point for visitors. You can reach Port Blair in only two ways: by air or by sea.
By Air
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Andaman Islands. Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair, South Andaman, has regular direct and connecting flights from mainland India.
The main airlines flying to Andaman include IndiGo, Air India Express, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, with IndiGo serving the most cities.
| Indian City | Stops | Duration | Approx. One-Way Starting Fare (INR) |
| Bengaluru | Non-stop | 2 hrs 40 mins | 11,000 |
| Chennai | Non-stop | 2 hrs 15 mins | 13,000 |
| Hyderabad | Non-stop | 2 hrs 30 mins | 21,000 |
| Mumbai | Non-stop | 3 hrs 20 mins | 25,000 |
| Delhi | Non-stop | 3 hrs 35 mins | 21,000 |
| Kolkata | Non-stop | 2 hrs 15 mins | 7,000 |
| Visakhapatnam | One-stop | 4 to 10+ hrs | 18,000 |
| Kochi | One-stop | 5 to 10+ hrs | 15,000 |
Airfares vary depending on your travel dates, the season you choose to visit Andaman and how early you book. For a short island holiday, a nonstop flight may be worth the extra cost since it saves you several hours of travel time.
Visitors from outside India need to connect through a mainland Indian airport, as there are no regular international passenger flights to Port Blair.
By Sea
Sea travel to the Andaman Islands is possible from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, with government-operated ships connecting these mainland ports with Port Blair.
Schedules are limited, with three to four departures a month from Chennai and Kolkata and one from Visakhapatnam. In good weather, the journey takes about 50 to 60 hours.
Choose this option only if you are comfortable spending around two to three days at sea, have a flexible schedule and want to experience the journey as part of your trip.
Check the DSS sailing schedule for your travel date and book through the STARS e-Ticketing Portal. Fares vary by accommodation class, including bunk and cabin options.
Carry the original ID used for booking and reach the port two hours before departure. Sailing schedules can change due to weather or operational issues.
Inter-Island Travel in Andaman
Reaching Sri Vijaya Puram is only the starting point for most Andaman holidays. From there, many travellers head to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), then Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island).
You can travel to these islands by government ferry or a private high-speed ferry. The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) operates government services, while major private operators include Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean.
Government ferries take around 2.5-3 hours to Swaraj Dweep, while private ferries are faster, taking about 1.5-2 hours. From Havelock Island to Neil Island, private ferries take about 45 to 90 minutes, while government ferries take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Depending on the service and destination, ferries depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty or Haddo Wharf, which are about 3 kilometres and 4-6 kilometres from Veer Savarkar International Airport, respectively.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) is only a short boat ride from Sri Vijaya Puram, taking around 15-20 minutes.
Inter-Island Travel by Air: Helicopter services are available for some inter-island routes, including Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Diglipur and Hut Bay.
The A&N Administration operates these services with Pawan Hans. This is a limited transport option, not a replacement for regular ferries. Check the operating date, baggage rules, fare and available seats before building your itinerary around a helicopter.
Andaman Entry Requirements For Indians
For Indian travellers, there is no general permit requirement for a holiday in the Andaman Islands. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID for your trip, but note that access to tribal areas is not permitted.
Some islands, such as Ross Island, South Cinque, and the Brother and Sister Islands, can only be visited during the day. Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano, can be seen only from a boat.
Overnight stays are permitted in places such as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang and parts of South Andaman, Middle Andaman and Little Andaman.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and an Indian visa or e-Visa. Foreign tourists do not need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the 29 islands covered under the government’s current exemption.
Conclusion
Reaching the Andaman and Nicobar Islands starts with getting to Port Blair, either by a flight or a government-operated ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam. For most travellers, flying is the easiest choice because it saves time.
Once you arrive, ferries are the main way to reach Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) and other islands. Government and private ferry services run on different routes and schedules, so check the latest timings before booking.
For help with routes, stays and transport, contact Dimaak Tours and plan your Andaman trip with the right connections in place.
FAQs About How to Reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
1. What is the easiest way to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Flying to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the easiest and fastest option for most travellers. Direct flights from mainland Indian cities take around 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes, depending on the departure city.
2. Which Indian cities have direct flights to the Andaman Islands?
Major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata have regular nonstop flights to Port Blair.
3. How long does a ship take to reach the Andaman Islands?
Government-operated ships from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam take around 50 to 60 hours in good weather. There are usually three to four sailings a month from Chennai and Kolkata, and one sailing a month from Visakhapatnam.
4. How do you reach Havelock and Neil Island from Port Blair?
You can reach Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) by government ferry or private high-speed ferry. Government ferries take around 2.5-3 hours to Swaraj Dweep, while private ferries take about 1.5-2 hours. From Havelock to Neil, private ferries take around 45-90 minutes, while government ferries take 1-1.5 hours.
