How to Reach Andaman: Flights, Ships and Local Transfers

The Andaman Islands are in the Bay of Bengal, far from the Indian mainland, so you reach them by air or by sea. Almost every traveller flies. Ships exist, but they take days and are best for people who enjoy slow travel.

By air

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the only airport used by most tourists. Direct flights connect Port Blair with major Indian cities, commonly Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Some routes are direct and some connect through Chennai or Kolkata, so compare total travel time, not just the fare.

Tips for booking flights:

• Book early for December and January, when fares rise sharply.
• Choose morning arrivals if you can. You gain a full day for sightseeing.
• Avoid very tight connections, because delays on the mainland are common.
• Keep your return flight a day after your last island, not on the same day as a ferry.

Our builder shows a tentative return fare from your city so you can see your complete budget. Flights are not included in our packages. See the budget guide for the full picture.

By ship

Passenger ships run from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. The journey takes several days, and schedules change, so check current timings with the shipping authority before you plan around it. Ships are an adventure, but they cost days of your holiday, so most visitors skip them.

From the airport to your hotel

Port Blair airport is a short drive from most hotels. All our packages include a private AC pickup, and our coordinator meets you at arrivals. If you are travelling on your own, prepaid taxis and local cabs are available outside the terminal.

From Port Blair to the other islands

The other islands are reached by ferry from Port Blair's harbour.

• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): the most popular route, covered in our Port Blair to Havelock ferry guide.
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): usually combined with Havelock. See Havelock vs Neil.
• Baratang, Rangat and Diglipur: reached by road along the Andaman Trunk Road. See the Baratang guide and the Rangat and Diglipur guide.

What to carry

Carry a valid photo ID for every traveller. Indian citizens generally need no special permit for the main tourist islands, but rules can change, and foreign nationals have separate permit requirements. See our travel tips and rules and confirm the latest rules before you travel.

Want typical fares and flying times by city? See our guide to flights to the Andamans.