How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Flights, Buses and Taxi to Andaman and Nicobar Islands

How to Reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andamans and Nicobar islands can be reached via flights and waterways only since these are an isolated cluster of islands in the Bay of Bengal along the Eastern coast of India. The most common means is by air, with regular flights connecting major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are connecting flights from all over India. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair serves as the main gateway. Additionally, sea transport via passenger ships is available, primarily departing from Kolkata, Chennai, and Vizag. The sea journey takes longer, ranging from 50 to 60 hours, but it offers a unique experience for those seeking a more leisurely and scenic route. Travelers can choose between government-operated and private airlines or ships, depending on their preferences and schedule.

Permits

Indian citizens do not require a passport and Restricted area permit for traveling to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
All foreign residents visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands must get a RAP (Restricted Area Permit). It is a 30-day permit issued to Non-Indians at the Port Blair Airport upon their arrival. Please note that none of the hotels in the Andaman Islands will offer accommodation to foreign citizens without a RAP. So, acquiring this permit is a compulsory formality. Read more on How to Obtain the Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by flight

Reaching Andaman by air is the most common and efficient mode of transportation. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair serves as the major gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Several major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, offer regular flights to Port Blair, connecting the archipelago to the mainland. The flight duration varies based on the departure city, with approximately 2 to 5 hours of travel time.

Various airlines operate flights to Port Blair, both government-owned and private carriers, providing travelers with flexibility in choosing suitable schedules. Some of the popular airlines that offer flights to Andaman include: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and GoAir.

Starting price: INR 6000

Note: Travelers are advised to check the flight schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth journey to this picturesque destination in the Bay of Bengal.

Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)

Search for flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Waterways

To reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by waterways, one can take a ship or ferry from the Indian mainland. There are regular passenger ships and ferries that operate between the mainland and the Andaman Islands. The primary ports on the mainland for embarkation are Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. The ships usually take 60-70 hours and have 3-4 sailings a month.

Booking Tickets:
Tickets can be booked through the official website of the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) website or authorized travel agents. > https://dss.andaman.gov.in/ShipAndamanWebSite/
It's advisable to book tickets well in advance due to limited availability.

For clarification or additional information, contact the Directorate of Shipping Services directly. Offices in major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam provide accurate and updated schedules.

Kolkata to Port Blair
Boarding Port: Haldia Dock Complex
Cruises: MV Nicobar, MV Harshavardhana, MV Akbar
Time Taken: 66 hours approximately (2.7 days)
Average Costs:
Cost of deluxe cottages: about INR 10250
Cost of first-class cottages: about INR 7240
Cost of second class cottages: about INR 4400
Cost of bunk rooms: about INR 3800

Visakhapatnam/Vizag to Port Blair
Boarding Port: Visakhapatnam Port
Cruises:MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Nicobar Explorer, MV Emerald, MV Coral Queen, MV Port Blair Express, MV Andaman Pearl,
Time Taken: 56 hours approximately (2.3 days)
Average Costs:
Cost of deluxe cottages: about INR 10240
Cost of first-class cottages: about INR 6500
Cost of second class cottages: about INR 5300
Cost of bunk rooms: about INR 3300

Chennai to Port Blair
Boarding Port: Chennai Port
Ships: MV Nancowry, MV Nicobar, MV Swarajdweep
Time Taken: 60 hours approximately (2.5 days)
Average Costs:
Cost of deluxe cottages: about INR 10240
Cost of first-class cottages: about INR 5900
Cost of second class cottages: about INR 4800
Cost of bunk rooms: about INR 3500

Local transport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The islands are also connected by ferries. Regular ferries to important tourist places like Havelock Island and Neil Island are available from Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur and other places as well. Both government and private ferries are available for inter island connectivity.

Read more on Ferry Timings & Boarding Points.

In Port Blair, Phoenix Bay Jetty is the main jetty. The booking for government ferries open 4 days in advance and cost around INR 400- 600 from Port Blair to Havelock island and take around 4 hours in normal ferries and 2.5 hours in high speed ferries.

There are auto-rickshaws and taxis available in Port Blair and on Havelock Island and are the best means to move around. You can hire a car with a driver which roughly costs around INR 550 per 35 km. You can also hire motorbikes from Port Blair which cost approximately INR 300 to INR 400 per day. Buses also run south from Port Blair to Wandoor, and north to Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder and to Diglipur. Arbeden Jetty and Andman Water Sports Complex in Port Blair connects to Ross Island.

Port Blair to Mayabunder via road
Mayabunder is linked to Port Blair by daily buses via the Andaman Trunk Road, passing through Baratang and Rangat. Operating from early morning (around 4 am) until 11 am, these buses offer a lengthy journey of nine to ten hours through dense jungle areas and ferry connections between islands.

Port Blair to Mayabunder bia ferry
Alternatively, a more comfortable option is to take a ferry from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair to Diglipur (via Mayabunder). This approximately eight to nine-hour journey, contingent on weather conditions, has two weekly ferries on Monday and Friday. Check timetables online or at the ticket counter for any changes. Ensure you have photocopies of your permit, visa, and passport before queuing. Mayabunder is the sole destination, besides Port Blair, equipped to harbor passenger ships from the mainland.

Port Blair to Digilipur via road
Diglipur is approximately 330 km away from Port Blair and is best accessible by road, though you can also take the sea route. Choose between a taxi or a public bus for the 10-13 hour journey. Taxi fares range from INR 8000-12000, while bus tickets cost around INR 300-900 per person.

Revised Passenger Fares for 2023-24 by Directorate of Shipping Services