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How to Reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Discover the tropical and colonial charm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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There are only two ways to reach the Andaman & Nicobar Islands: by air or by sea. There is no train and no road to the islands, Andaman sits about 1,200-1,400 km off India's east coast in the Bay of Bengal, so any "by train" or "by road" route only takes you as far as a mainland departure city. Almost everyone flies: a direct flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at Port Blair takes roughly 2 to 5 hours from the major metros. The alternative is a government passenger ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam, which takes about 2.5 to 3 days. Below we cover both, how to choose, how to get between the islands once you land, and the permit rules for Indian and foreign visitors.
By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ)
Flying is the fastest and by far the most common way to reach Andaman. Every visitor arrives at the same gateway: Veer Savarkar International Airport (airport code IXZ) at Port Blair, the islands' capital, now officially named Sri Vijaya Puram (renamed in 2024). It is the only airport in the territory that takes commercial flights. Direct flights run from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam; from cities such as Delhi and Mumbai there is usually no nonstop service, so flights route through one stop (commonly Chennai). Carriers on the route include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air. Book early for the October-May peak, when seats fill fast.
By Sea: Government Ships from Chennai, Kolkata & Visakhapatnam
If you have time and want the slower route, a government passenger ship is the only way to reach Andaman by sea. Ships are operated under the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) of the A&N Administration and sail to Port Blair from just three mainland ports: Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. There is no passenger ferry or cruise from Mumbai, Goa or any west-coast port. The crossing takes roughly 2.5 to 3 days (about 60-70 hours), and with only a few sailings each month, dates are limited and demand is high. Tickets are sold by travel class, from open Bunk Class up to Deluxe and First Class cabins. The voyage suits travellers who treat the journey as part of the trip rather than a way to save time. The sea distance from Chennai to Port Blair is about 1,460 km; Visakhapatnam is the shortest crossing of the three.
By Air vs By Sea: Which Should You Choose?
For almost every traveller, flying is the right call: it is faster, runs daily and costs less once you factor in the days a ship eats up. The sea route is for a specific kind of trip: lots of time, a tight budget for the crossing itself, or the journey as the experience. Use this at-a-glance comparison to decide.
| Factor | By Air (to Port Blair / IXZ) | By Sea (DSS ship) |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time | ~2-5 hrs from the metros | ~2.5-3 days (60-70 hrs) |
| Departure points | Most metros (direct from Chennai/Kolkata/Bengaluru/Vizag) | Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam only |
| Frequency | Multiple flights daily | Only a few sailings per month |
| Booking | Any airline / OTA, year-round | DSS counters / authorised agents; limited dates |
| Best for | Almost everyone: limited leave, families, honeymooners | Budget/long-stay travellers who enjoy the voyage |
| Watch-outs | Peak-season seats sell out; some cities need 1 stop | Long, basic crossing; seas rough in monsoon; books out early |
Getting Between the Islands: Ferries to Havelock & Neil
Reaching Port Blair is only half the journey: most itineraries also visit Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and you get there by ferry. Two types run: faster private catamarans (Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean among them), which are bookable online in advance, and cheaper government ferries, which fill early and are best arranged on the ground. The busiest leg, Port Blair to Havelock, takes about 1.5-2 hours. Book the popular legs ahead in peak season and keep a buffer in case rough weather delays a sailing.
| Route | Approx. time | Operated by | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | ~1.5-2 hrs | Private catamarans + govt ferry | Busiest leg: book ahead |
| Havelock to Neil (Shaheed Dweep) | ~1-1.5 hrs | Private + govt | Usually combined in one itinerary |
| Port Blair to Neil (Shaheed Dweep) | ~1.5-2 hrs | Private + govt | Direct option |
| Port Blair to Baratang | ~3 hrs (road convoy + creek boat) | Road + boat | Day trip; early start |
Permits & Entry Rules: Indians vs Foreign Nationals
Permit rules are the single most-searched detail that the current page does not answer clearly. Indian nationals do not need any permit to visit the main tourist islands, Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and can travel with a government photo ID. Foreign nationals no longer need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for around 30 notified islands, but they must register on arrival, and some nationalities and areas have extra conditions. Tribal reserves and the Nicobar group remain closed to tourists, and a few protected zones still require a separate permit. Entry to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and certain protected beaches carries a small ticket fee. Carry valid ID for every ferry boarding and hotel check-in.
How to Reach Andaman From Your City
Your fastest route depends on where you start. We have a detailed guide for each major departure city: flight options, journey time, the best route and what to expect. Pick your city below for the full breakdown:
How to reach Andaman from Mumbai | How to reach Andaman from Delhi | How to reach Andaman from Bangalore | How to reach Andaman from Chennai | How to reach Andaman from Kolkata | How to reach Andaman from Pune
By Air
How to reach Andaman Nicobar by flight is no big mystery. Daily flights from major metropolitan cities in India include Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Vishakhapatnam. A flight from Chennai or Kolkata typically takes around two hours, and a flight from Delhi or Mumbai takes 4 to 5 hours. The capital city of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair, has an international airport called the Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ), located just 2 km south of the city centre. It is the only commercial airport in the region. Tourists from Malaysia can reach Andaman directly; however, folks visiting from other countries have to take layover flights from connecting cities from mainland India. Plans to connect more countries to Andaman & Nicobar via air are also underway.
By Sea
Some true adventurers exist amongst us, people who would rather take a ship’s journey to the islands than prefer the comforts of flying. If that is you, we have good news—no need to worry about how to reach Andaman by ship anymore. Travelling the high waters of the sea has never been easier. Ships sail from Kolkata and Chennai harbour for Port Blair 3 to 4 times every month and once a month from Vishakhapatnam. The journey on the sea takes around three days to reach Port Blair, where the ships dock for a couple of days. Schedules for different boats are available a month in advance so that you can be prepared. Sailing the seas can be pretty thrilling, but if you’re unsure about it, it is recommended that you don’t travel by ship. People can sometimes experience motion sickness and vomiting. Moreover, the travel might not be the most comfortable, as the boats are often not roomy and clean enough for a journey spanning 3 to 4 days.
| By Air | By Road | By Train | By Sea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi to Andaman | 4.55 hours | - | - | - |
| Mumbai to Andaman | 5.15 hours | - | - | - |
| Kolkata to Andaman | 2.15 hours | - | - | - |
| Bangalore to Andaman | 5.0 hours | - | - | - |
| Pune to Andaman | 8.3 hours | - | - | - |
| Chennai to Andaman | 3.0 hours | - | - | - |
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What Travelers Say About Our Andaman Packages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get your answers — before you plan your trip.
Andaman Travel FAQs
What is the best way to reach Andaman?
For almost everyone, flying to Port Blair is the best way, it takes about 2-5 hours from the metros versus 2.5-3 days by ship, runs daily and usually costs less overall. The government sea route from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam suits travellers with plenty of time who want the voyage itself.
Is there a train or road to Andaman?
No. Andaman & Nicobar is a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal with no rail link and no road connection to mainland India. The only ways to reach Andaman are by air (a flight to Port Blair) or by sea (a government ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam). Any "train to Andaman" route only reaches a mainland departure city.
What is the nearest airport to Andaman?
Veer Savarkar International Airport (code IXZ) at Port Blair officially Sri Vijaya Puram since 2024 is the only commercial airport in the islands and the single arrival gateway by air. It receives direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam, and one-stop flights from cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
How long does the ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam take?
The government passenger ship to Port Blair takes about 2.5 to 3 days (roughly 60-70 hours) from any of the three mainland ports. There are only a few sailings each month, operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services, with classes from open Bunk up to Deluxe and First Class cabins.
Do Indians need a permit to visit Andaman?
No. Indian nationals do not need a permit to visit the main tourist islands, Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and can travel with a government-issued photo ID. Foreign nationals no longer need a Restricted Area Permit for around 30 notified islands but must register on arrival. Tribal reserves and the Nicobar group remain closed to tourists.
How do you get between the islands in Andaman?
By ferry. Private fast catamarans (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) and government ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep); the busy Port Blair-Havelock leg takes about 1.5-2 hours. Book popular legs in advance, especially in the October-May peak season.
What is the best month to travel to Andaman?
October to May is the best time to reach and travel around Andaman - calm seas, clear skies and reliable ferry sailings. The southwest monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rain and rough seas that can suspend ferries and water sports, so flights are safer than ships in those months.
Can foreign nationals fly directly to Andaman from abroad?
No. There are no international flights to Andaman - all flights to Port Blair are domestic. Foreign visitors fly into an Indian metro (such as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi or Bengaluru) and connect on a domestic flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport, then register on arrival per the current permit rules.
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