How to Reach Andaman Islands
Find the most convenient ways to travel to these breathtaking islands with our comprehensive transportation guide.
Getting to Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Situated around 1300 kilometers from the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are breathtaking archipelagos known for their immaculate beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. Located between the southern shores of India, there are only two ways to reach Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: by flight or by ship.
Port Blair serves as the main gateway to the Andaman Islands, acting as the entrance point for all visitors. Because there are no other points of entry inside the island group, Port Blair plays a crucial role in the Andaman Islands transportation system. All travelers, whether coming by sea or plane, must pass through this vibrant capital city before exploring the neighboring islands' scenic beauty and cultural diversity.
Current Weather
Check Port Blair WeatherReaching Andaman By Air
Flying is the most practical and popular method of reaching the Andaman Islands.
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the primary airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Several major airlines offer regularly scheduled flights from major Indian cities to Port Blair, including Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet.
Travelers can expect the following flight durations:
- Chennai/Kolkata to Port Blair: 2-3 hours
- Bangalore to Port Blair: 2.5-3 hours
- Delhi/Mumbai to Port Blair: 4-5 hours (seasonal)
Airlines Operating to Andaman
Air India
National carrier with regular flights
IndiGo
Largest carrier with multiple daily flights
Vistara
Premium service on select routes
SpiceJet
Budget-friendly options available
Akasa Air
Newest airline serving Andaman
Important Information About Flights
- There are no evening flights to Andaman Islands after sundown
- First flights typically depart at 7 AM, with the latest departures around 4 PM
- The Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the only commercial airport in Andaman
- There are no direct international flights to Andaman - foreign travelers must first land in mainland India
Reaching Andaman By Ship
While less popular than flying, traveling by sea offers a unique adventure for those with time to spare.
Passenger ships operated by the Indian government connect Port Blair with major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The sea voyage may take between three to four days (50-60 hours) depending on weather and sea conditions.
Ship journeys offer various accommodation options:
- Bunk Class: Most affordable option
- Cabin Class: Mid-range comfort
- Deluxe Class: Premium accommodations with additional amenities
Ship Journey Experience
Advantages
- Breathtaking sea views
- Unique travel experience
- More economical than flying
- Ability to carry more luggage
Considerations
- Long journey duration (3-4 days)
- Potential for seasickness
- Basic amenities compared to cruise ships
- Weather-dependent schedule
Note: Haddo Jetty at Port Blair is the main seaport serving the Andaman Islands. The ships operating on this route are passenger and cargo vessels, not luxury cruise liners.
Our Recommendation
For most travelers, especially those with limited vacation time, we recommend flying to the Andaman Islands. Flying is considerably faster and provides a more comfortable experience.
However, if you're planning a longer trip and want to experience something unique, traveling by ship can offer an interesting perspective and be an adventure in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying is the most efficient and practical way to get to the Andaman Islands. There are flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from several major cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi (seasonal), and Mumbai (seasonal).
Absolutely, it is strongly advised to purchase your airline tickets early in advance, particularly from November to March when traveler demand is at its highest.
Neither railway nor road travel to the Andaman Islands is possible in a direct way. You can travel to Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam by train, and from there, you can board a ship or plane to reach Port Blair.
Indian citizens should always have up-to-date identity documents such as voter ID, passport, or Aadhar card. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can be acquired upon arrival at Port Blair.
In Port Blair, you can get around the city in cabs, autorickshaws, and rental scooters. Boats and ferries are readily accessible for inter-island transportation.
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