Andaman Ship Tickets at a Glance
Planning a cruise to Andaman from the mainland? A one-way ship ticket from Kolkata, Chennai, or Vizag to Port Blair starts at INR 3,915 for Bunk Class and goes up to INR 16,650 for a Deluxe Cabin (non-islander fares). Four government-operated ships — MV Swarajdweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda — run by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration connect the islands to three mainland ports. This guide covers verified DSS pricing, schedules, booking steps, and everything you need to plan your sea voyage to the Andaman Islands.
Quick Facts Box
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Travel | October to March (calm seas, pleasant weather) |
| Journey Duration | 56–70 hours depending on route and weather |
| Price Starting From | INR 3,915 (Bunk Class, non-islander, one way) |
| Ships on Mainland Route | MV Swarajdweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, MV Nalanda |
| Fare Source | DSS Order No. 131, dated 27/02/2025, effective 01/04/2025 |
Top Andaman Packages you Must Explore
Best Time
October - March
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Andaman: Routes, Fares, and Schedules
Compare ship ticket prices from Kolkata, Chennai & Vizag to Andaman (INR 2,630–10,240). Routes, schedules, ship details, booking guide & travel tips for 2026.
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Ship Ticket Prices 2025-26 - Official DSS Rates
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All Ships Operating Andaman Mainland Routes
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Kolkata to Port Blair Ship Price & Schedule
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Chennai to Andaman Ship Price & Schedule
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Vizag to Andaman Ship Price & Schedule
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Return Trip: Port Blair to Mainland by Ship
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Ship vs Flight to Andaman: Complete Comparison
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How to Book Andaman Ship Tickets Online
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What to Expect on the Ship
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Best Time to Take the Andaman Cruise
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Total Trip Cost Breakdown (7-Day Andaman Trip)
Explore Popular Destination In Andaman
Ship Ticket Prices 2025-26 - Official DSS Rates
MV Swarajdweep & MV Campbell Bay - Fare Table
| CABIN CLASS | ISLANDER (INR) | NON-ISLANDER (INR) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunk Class | INR 1,455 | INR 3,915 | Shared dormitory, basic bedding, common washrooms |
| 2nd Class | INR 5,330 | INR 9,995 | Semi-private cabin (4-berth), shared washroom |
| 1st Class | INR 7,090 | INR 12,565 | Private cabin (2-berth), attached washroom |
| Deluxe | INR 7,850 | INR 15,145 | AC cabin, attached bath, better meal options |
MV Sindhu & MV Nalanda - Fare Table
| CABIN CLASS | ISLANDER (INR) | NON-ISLANDER (INR) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat | INR 1,320 | INR 2,805 | Open seating area, no berth |
| Bunk | INR 1,600 | INR 4,300 | Shared dormitory, basic bedding, common washrooms |
| 2nd Class | INR 5,865 | INR 10,985 | Semi-private cabin (4-berth), shared washroom |
| 1st Class | INR 7,795 | INR 13,825 | Private cabin (2-berth), attached washroom |
| Deluxe | INR 8,635 | INR 16,650 | AC cabin, attached bath, better meal options |
The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) revised passenger fares for FY 2025-26 vide Order No. 131 dated 27 February 2025, effective from 1 April 2025. These fares apply to all three mainland routes – Kolkata, Chennai, and Vizag to Port Blair.
Important: Fares are split into Islander (ISL) and Non-Islander (N-ISL) categories. Tourists travelling from mainland India pay the Non-Islander fare. Residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with valid domicile documents pay the Islander fare.
Source: DSS Order No. 131, Annexure 1 – “Fare for Swarajdweep, Campbell Bay, Sindhu and Nalanda type of vessels for Mainland Island Sector.” Fares are per person, one way, excluding taxes and port charges.
Note: FY 2026-27 revised fares have not been published by DSS as of April 2026. The prices above are the most recent official rates (FY 2025-26). This page will be updated once DSS releases the new fare order.
| Official Source | DSS Order No. 131 (dated 27 February 2025), effective 1 April 2025 |
| Document | dss.andamannicobar.gov.in - Annexure 1, Mainland Sector |
| Two fare tiers | Islander (A&N residents) and Non-Islander (all other Indian citizens/tourists) |
Related Tour Packages
All Ships Operating Andaman Mainland Routes
| SHIP | BUILDER | CAPACITY | PRIMARY ROUTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Swarajdweep | Cochin Shipyard | 1,200 pax | Chennai & Kolkata |
| MV Campbell Bay | Cochin Shipyard | 1,200 pax | Chennai & Vizag |
| MV Sindhu | Cochin Shipyard | 500 pax + 150T | Inter-island + Mainland |
| MV Nalanda | Cochin Shipyard | 500 pax + 150T | Inter-island + Mainland |
| MV Nancowry | - | ~1,000 pax | Kolkata & Chennai |
| MV Nicobar | - | ~1,000 pax | Kolkata & Chennai |
| MV Akbar | - | ~800 pax | Vizag |
MV Sindhu & MV Nalanda are the newest additions (sister ships, 99.87m length, 17.5m beam). Built at Cochin Shipyard, designed by Smart Engineering + Knud E. Hansen (Denmark). Features: 12 deluxe cabins, 32 first-class, 36 second-class, 346 bunk berths, 74 seats, plus cafeteria, gym, library, hospital, helicopter pad, and deck crane.
Related Tour Packages
Kolkata to Port Blair Ship Price & Schedule
| DETAIL | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Departure Port | Kidderpore Dock, Kolkata |
| Arrival Port | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
| Distance | ~1,302 km |
| Duration | 60-70 hours (2.5-3 days) |
| Frequency | 3-4 sailings/month (peak: Oct-Mar) |
| Ships | MV Nancowry, MV Nicobar, MV Swarajdweep |
| Fare Range (N-ISL) | INR 3,915 (Bunk) to INR 15,145 (Deluxe) |
The Kolkata to Andaman route has the longest history and the most frequent sailings. Ships depart from Kolkata’s Kidderpore Dock (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port) roughly 2–3 times a month during the peak season. The journey takes approximately 60–70 hours depending on the ship and sea conditions.
This is the preferred route for travellers from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Northeast India. MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda handle most of the Kolkata departures. The route passes through open waters of the Bay of Bengal — the experience is genuinely scenic, with vast ocean views, sunrises over the water, and occasional dolphin sightings.
Kolkata to Port Blair ships also carry supplies and cargo for the islands, so departures tend to be more consistent year-round compared to the Chennai and Vizag routes. However, demand is also higher, especially during Durga Puja holidays and the December–January peak travel season. Book early to secure your preferred cabin class.
Kolkata route fares are the same as the mainland fare table above.
| Bunk Class | INR 2,630 Shared dormitory, basic bedding, common washrooms. |
| 2nd Class (4-berth) | INR 4,090 Semi-private cabin, shared washroom. |
| 1st Class (2-berth) | INR 6,170 Private cabin, attached washroom. |
| Deluxe Cabin (AC) | INR 10,240 AC cabin, attached bath, better meal options. |
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Chennai to Andaman Ship Price & Schedule
| DETAIL | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Departure Port | Chennai Port |
| Arrival Port | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
| Distance | ~1,362 km |
| Duration | 58-66 hours (2.5-3 days) |
| Frequency | 2-3 sailings/month (peak); monthly (off-season) |
| Ships | MV Swarajdweep, MV Nancowry, MV Campbell Bay |
| Fare Range (N-ISL) | INR 3,915 (Bunk) to INR 15,145 (Deluxe) |
The Chennai to Andaman route operates more frequently than Vizag, with sailings roughly every 10–15 days during the peak season (October to March) and once a month during the off-season. Ships depart from Chennai port and take approximately 60–66 hours to reach Port Blair.
This route is the most popular among travellers from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. MV Swarajdweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda are deployed on this route depending on schedule and availability. The ships are operated under the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Onboard amenities are basic but functional — meals are included in the ticket price, and a small canteen serves snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Medical facilities are available on all ships. If you are prone to seasickness, carry motion sickness medication as the Bay of Bengal crossing can get rough between June and September.
Chennai route fares are the same as the mainland fare table above.
Things to do in Neil Island
| Bunk Class | INR 3,915 Shared dormitory, basic bedding, common washrooms |
| 2nd Class (4-berth) | INR 4,090 Semi-private cabin, shared washroom |
| 1st Class (2-berth) | INR 6,170 Private cabin, attached washroom |
| Deluxe Cabin (AC) | INR 15,145 AC cabin, attached bath, better meal options |
Vizag to Andaman Ship Price & Schedule
| DETAIL | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Departure Port | Visakhapatnam Port |
| Arrival Port | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
| Distance | ~1,200 km |
| Duration | 56-60 hours (shortest route) |
| Frequency | 4-5 sailings/year (very limited) |
| Ships | MV Akbar, MV Campbell Bay |
| Fare Range (N-ISL) | INR 3,915 (Bunk) to INR 15,145 (Deluxe) |
The Vizag to Andaman route is the least frequent of the three but remains popular among travellers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. Ships depart from Visakhapatnam port on a limited schedule — sailings are announced periodically by DSS and are more common during the October to March season when sea conditions are favourable.
The journey from Vizag to Port Blair takes approximately 56–60 hours, making it the shortest sea route to Andaman. MV Swarajdweep and MV Campbell Bay are commonly assigned to this route. The voyage crosses the Bay of Bengal before docking at Haddo Wharf in Port Blair.
Because sailings are limited, tickets sell out quickly. It is advisable to book the moment the schedule is announced on the DSS STARS portal. Walk-in bookings may be available at the DSS office in Vizag closer to the sailing date, but availability is not guaranteed.
Vizag route fares are the same as the mainland fare table above — DSS applies uniform fares across all three mainland departure ports. Dss Andamannicobar Gov Site
| Bunk Class | INR 3,915 Shared dormitory, basic bedding, common washrooms |
| 2nd Class (4-berth) | INR 4,090 Semi-private cabin, shared washroom |
| 1st Class (2-berth) | INR 6,170 Private cabin, attached washroom |
| Deluxe Cabin (AC) | INR 15,145 cabin, attached bath, better meal options |
Return Trip: Port Blair to Mainland by Ship
| RETURN ROUTE | DURATION | FREQUENCY | BOOKING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair → Kolkata | 60-70 hrs | 3-4/month (peak) | Phoenix Bay Jetty DSS Office |
| Port Blair → Chennai | 58-66 hrs | 2-3/month (peak) | Phoenix Bay Jetty DSS Office |
| Port Blair → Vizag | 56-60 hrs | 4-5/year only | Phoenix Bay Jetty DSS Office |
Return fares are identical to outward fares — no round-trip discount exists.
How to Book Return Tickets
1. Online: DSS e-ticketing portal (same as outward). Schedules published 30-45 days in advance.
2. Walk-in (Port Blair): Phoenix Bay Jetty DSS Office. Opens 7-10 days before departure.
3. Best practice: If you have fixed dates, book both legs online before leaving the mainland.
Return Trip Tips: Don’t wait until the last day — return tickets Dec-Feb sell out 2-3 weeks early. Keep a flight backup (daily flights to Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi from Veer Savarkar Airport). Ships dock 2-4 days in Port Blair before return — factor this into your itinerary.
<a href=”https://tourism.gov.in/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>Ministry of Tourism</a>
Ship vs Flight to Andaman: Complete Comparison
Cost Comparison (One Way, Per Person)
| FACTOR | SHIP (BUNK) | SHIP (DELUXE) | FLIGHT (ECONOMY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Route | INR 3,915 | INR 15,145 | INR 5,160 - INR 11,200 |
| Chennai Route | INR 3,915 | INR 15,145 | INR 4,795 - INR 8,160 |
| Vizag Route | INR 3,915 | INR 15,145 | INR 5,684 - INR 8,860 |
| Meals Included | Yes (3/day) | Yes (3/day) | No (INR 300-500 extra) |
| Luggage | 50 kg free | 50 kg free | 15-25 kg |
Time Comparison
| FACTOR | SHIP | FLIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Duration | 56-70 hours | 2-2.5 hours (direct) |
| Check-in Time | 3-4 hours before | 2 hours before |
| Total Door-to-Door | ~3-4 days | ~6-8 hours |
Experience Comparison
| FACTOR | SHIP | FLIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic Value | Open-deck sunrises, Bay of Bengal, dolphins | Aerial island views on approach |
| Comfort | Varies: Bunk basic, Deluxe comfortable | Standard economy seating |
| Food | 3 meals/day included | Paid or nothing |
| Connectivity | No mobile after few hours | Normal until boarding |
| Seasickness Risk | Moderate (esp. Jun-Sep) | Nil |
| Cancellation Risk | Higher (weather-dependent) | Lower |
When to Choose Ship vs Flight
| CHOOSE SHIP IF... | CHOOSE FLIGHT IF... |
|---|---|
| Budget is top priority (Bunk INR 3,915) | Limited vacation days |
| You want the 3-day sea experience | Travelling Jun-Sep (monsoon) |
| Travelling Oct-Mar (calm seas) | Young children or elderly |
| Flexible dates | Need schedule certainty |
| Heavy luggage (50 kg free) | Prone to motion sickness |
Flight prices: economy class, March 2026, major booking platforms. Ship prices: DSS 2025-26.
How to Book Andaman Ship Tickets Online
Step-by-Step (DSS Portal)
| STEP | ACTION | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit DSS Portal | dss.andamannicobar.gov.in - create account |
| 2 | Select Route & Date | Choose Kolkata / Chennai / Vizag + travel date |
| 3 | Choose Ship & Class | Compare ships - Sindhu/Nalanda newer but pricier |
| 4 | Fill Passenger Details | Government photo ID required (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID) |
| 5 | Complete Payment | Net banking, UPI, or card |
| 6 | Download E-Ticket | Print and carry with original ID |
Walk-in Booking
| CITY | OFFICE | OPENS |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | DSS Counter, Kidderpore Dock | 7-10 days before sailing |
| Chennai | DSS Counter, Chennai Port | 7-10 days before sailing |
| Vizag | DSS Counter, Vizag Port | 7-10 days before sailing |
| Port Blair | Phoenix Bay Jetty DSS Office | 7-10 days before return |
Booking Window: Online 30-45 days before. Walk-in 7-10 days before. Peak season tip: book the moment schedule is announced.
What to Expect on the Ship
Cabin Classes - Detailed
| CLASS | N-ISL FARE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Bunk | INR 9,995 - INR 10,985 | 6-berth non-AC cabin with lockable door. Shared washrooms. Most popular for families. |
| 2nd Class | INR 9,995 - INR 10,985 | 6-berth non-AC cabin with lockable door. Shared washrooms. Most popular for families. |
| 1st Class | INR 12,565 - INR 13,825 | 4-berth AC cabin with attached bathroom. Good privacy. |
| Deluxe | INR 15,145 - INR 16,650 | 2-berth AC cabin, attached bath, window. Only 12 cabins on Sindhu/Nalanda. |
| Seat | INR 2,805 | Open seating (Sindhu/Nalanda only). Not for mainland journey. |
Food: 3 meals/day included — breakfast, lunch, dinner (veg + non-veg). Canteen sells snacks, tea, coffee extra.
Facilities: Open deck, common lounge, medical facility with doctor, gym & library (Sindhu/Nalanda), cafeteria. No mobile signal after first few hours.
After docking at Port Blair, most travelers head to Neil Island for its beaches or explore Ross Island’s colonial ruins.
Best Time to Take the Andaman Cruise
| SEASON | MONTHS | SEA CONDITIONS | FREQUENCY | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Nov - Feb | Calm | 3-4/month | Best |
| Shoulder | Oct & Mar | Mostly calm | 2-3/month | Good |
| Pre-Monsoon | Apr - May | Warm, swells | Reduced | OK |
| Monsoon | Jun - Sep | Rough, cancellations | Minimal | Avoid |
Booking surge: Diwali, Christmas-New Year (Dec 20 – Jan 5), Valentine’s week. Book 2-3 months ahead; 5-6 months for Valentine’s.
Mangrove kayaking in Andaman
Total Trip Cost Breakdown (7-Day Andaman Trip)
| EXPENSE | BUDGET (PER PERSON) | MID-RANGE (PER PERSON) |
|---|---|---|
| Ship ticket (one way) | INR 3,915 (Bunk) | INR 12,565 (1st Class) |
| Return (flight) | INR 5,000 - INR 8,000 | INR 5,000 - INR 8,000 |
| Inter-island ferry | INR 1,200 - INR 2,400 | INR 2,400 - INR 4,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | INR 5,000 - INR 8,000 | INR 12,000 - INR 25,000 |
| Food (5 days on island) | INR 3,000 - INR 5,000 | INR 5,000 - INR 10,000 |
| Activities & sightseeing | INR 2,000 - INR 5,000 | INR 5,000 - INR 15,000 |
| Local transport | INR 1,500 - INR 3,000 | INR 3,000 - INR 5,000 |
| TOTAL | INR 21,615 - INR 35,315 | INR 44,965 - INR 79,565 |
Ship meals (3/day) included = 9 meals on outward journey, saving ₹2,000-3,000.
Hotels in Diglipur” or “hotels in Rangat
How to Book Andaman Ship Tickets
Booking ship tickets to Andaman has become easier with the introduction of online ticketing. Here are the two main ways to book:
Online Booking via DSS STARS e-Ticketing Portal: DSS e-ticketing Portal
The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) operates the STARS e-ticketing portal where you can book ship tickets to Andaman online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official DSS website at dss.andamannicobar.gov.in and go to the STARSe-Ticketing section
- Select your departure port — Kolkata, Chennai, or Vizag
- Choose your preferred travel date and ship
- Select your cabin class — Seat, Bunk, 2nd Class, 1st Class, or Deluxe
- Fill in passenger details (government ID required)
- Complete the payment online and download your e-ticket
Tickets are released on the portal ahead of the sailing date — check the portal regularly
as schedules and availability are updated periodically by DSS.
Walk-in Booking at DSS Office
You can also book in person at the DSS office located at each departure port. Counter hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (closed Sundays). Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID).
For return tickets (Port Blair to mainland), visit the DSS office at Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. It is wise to book your return ticket on the day you arrive, as availability fills up fast during peak season.
Best Season for Andaman Ship Travel
The ideal window for taking a ship to Andaman is October to March. During these months, the Bay of Bengal is relatively calm, the weather is pleasant, and all three routes (Kolkata, Chennai, Vizag) operate at peak frequency.
The monsoon season from June to September brings rough seas, and most ship services are reduced or suspended during this period. Even if a ship operates during monsoon months, the journey can be extremely uncomfortable with heavy swells and delays.
November to February is the sweet spot — you get calm seas, comfortable temperatures (25–30 degrees C), and the best visibility for enjoying the open-ocean views from the ship deck. If you are planning around a specific festival or holiday, book at least 45 days in advance as demand surges during Diwali, Christmas, and New Year periods. Government travel guidelines
Facilities, Accommodation & Experience on Andaman Ships
Taking a ship to Andaman is not luxury cruising — it is a practical, budget-friendly sea voyage. Here is what to expect onboard:
Accommodation: Bunk Class is a large shared dormitory with rows of bunk beds. 2nd Class offers semi-private 4-berth cabins. 1st Class gives you a private 2-berth cabin with attached washroom. Deluxe is the top tier with AC and attached bath. MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda also have a Seat class — an open seating area without a berth, the most affordable option.
Food: A canteen onboard serves meals (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) at reasonable prices — typically INR 50–150 per meal. Expect rice, dal, sabzi, and fish curry. Tea, coffee, snacks, and cold drinks are also available. Note: meal inclusion in the ticket price may vary by ship and class — confirm at the time of booking.
Facilities: Ships have a common lounge area, open deck access, and basic medicalfacilities with a doctor on board. Mobile network drops out within a few hours of departure, so download entertainment in advance.
The Experience: The highlight is the open ocean — uninterrupted views, dramaticsunrises and sunsets, and the feeling of genuinely disconnecting from the mainland. Many travellers describe the ship journey as the most memorable part of their Andaman trip
Tips Before You Board
Pack smart. Carry motion sickness tablets (Avomine or Meclizine), a light blanket, and a refillable water bottle. Bunk Class can get cold at night due to sea breeze. Bring a small padlock for your luggage in shared dormitories.
Arrive early at the port. Boarding starts 3–4 hours before departure. Late arrivals risk losing their berth, especially in Bunk Class where seating is first-come-first-served. Beaches in Neil Island.
Carry a valid photo ID. You will need a government-issued photo ID for boarding. Foreign nationals no longer require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for visiting 29 designated islands in Andaman (exempted since 2018). However, citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan still require RAP with prior MHA approval. Check the latest entry requirements on the A&N Police website before travel.
Download offline entertainment. There is no Wi-Fi on the ship, and mobile signal disappears a few hours into the journey. Download movies, music, or books beforehand.
Stay hydrated and eat light. Sea voyages can cause nausea, especially during the first 12 hours. Eat light meals and stay on the upper deck in fresh air if you feel queasy. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.
Keep essentials in a day bag. Pack a small bag with your charger, medicines, snacks, and toiletries — accessing your main luggage in the cargo hold during the voyage may not be possible.
Conclusion
Taking a ship to Andaman is one of India’s most unique and affordable travel experiences. Whether you are departing from Kolkata, Chennai, or Vizag, the 56–70 hour sea voyage across the Bay of Bengal offers something no flight can — open ocean views, a genuine sense of adventure, and a chance to disconnect from the everyday
With non-islander ship ticket prices starting at INR 3,915 per person (Bunk Class on MV Swarajdweep/Campbell Bay), this remains a budget-friendly way to reach the islands. Plan your trip during October to March for the smoothest sailing. Head to the DSS STARS e-ticketing portal at dss.andamannicobar.gov.in to check the latest schedule and book your tickets before they sell out.
Ready to plan your Andaman trip? Explore our complete Andaman travel packages for customized itineraries that combine the ship journey with island hopping, water sports, and beachside stays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Vizag to Andaman ship ticket price starts at INR 3,915 for Bunk Class and goes up to INR 15,145 for a Deluxe Cabin on MV Swarajdweep/Campbell Bay (non-islander fare). On MV Sindhu/Nalanda, Bunk starts at INR 4,300 and Deluxe goes up to INR 16,650. These are one-way fares per person as per DSS FY 2025-26 rates, excluding taxes and port charges.
The ship from Vizag (Visakhapatnam) to Port Blair takes approximately 56–60 hours, making it the shortest sea route to Andaman. Actual travel time may vary depending on weather conditions and the specific ship assigned to the route.
The Kolkata to Andaman ship ticket price ranges from INR 3,915 for Bunk Class to INR 15,145 for a Deluxe AC Cabin on MV Swarajdweep/Campbell Bay. On MV Sindhu/ Nalanda, fares range from INR 4,300 (Bunk) to INR 16,650 (Deluxe). The Kolkata route has the most frequent sailings, with roughly 2–3 departures per month during peak season (October to March). Fares are non-islander rates as per DSS FY 2025-26.
The Chennai to Andaman ship fare starts from INR 3,915 for Bunk Class to INR 15,145 for a Deluxe Cabin on MV Swarajdweep/Campbell Bay (non-islander fare). Four government-operated ships serve this route via the Directorate of Shipping Services. Sailings happen every 10–15 days during peak season.
DSS charges two fare categories. Islander fares apply to permanent residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands who hold valid domicile documents - these are significantly lower (e.g., Bunk at INR 1,455 vs INR 3,915). Non-Islander fares apply to all mainland Indian tourists and visitors. Always check which category applies to you when booking.
Yes, you can book Andaman ship tickets online through the DSS STARS e-ticketing portal at dss.andamannicobar.gov.in. Tickets are released ahead of the sailing date - check the portal regularly for updated schedules and availability. You can also book in person at the DSS office at each departure port (Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat 9AM-12PM).
Four ships currently operate the mainland-to-Andaman routes: MV Swarajdweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda. All are operated under the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Ship assignment varies by route and schedule — the DSS portal shows which ship is assigned to each sailing.
The terms "ferry" and "ship" are often used interchangeably for the mainland-to-Andaman route, but technically these are passenger ships, not ferries. The Andaman ferry ticket price and ship ticket price refer to the same fares. Local inter-island ferries within Andaman (like MV Swarajdweep on shorter routes) have separate, lower pricing listed in DSS Annexure 2.
The best time to take a ship to Andaman is between October and March. During these months, the Bay of Bengal is calm, all three routes operate at peak frequency, and the weather in Andaman is pleasant (25–30 degrees C). Avoid the monsoon season (June– September) as most ship services are reduced or suspended.
Yes, all ships have a canteen onboard serving meals (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) at reasonable prices — typically INR 50–150 per meal. Expect rice, dal, vegetables, and fish curry. Tea, coffee, snacks, and cold beverages are also available. Meal inclusion in the ticket price may vary by ship and class — confirm at the time of booking on the DSS STARS portal.
The DSS fare table is excluding taxes and port charges. The final amount at booking may be slightly higher due to applicable taxes and port/terminal fees. Always check the total at the time of booking on the STARS e-ticketing portal.
