How to Reach Andaman from the Mainland: Flights, Ships & More

Picture this: turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, lush tropical forests, and some of the best diving spots on the planet. The Andaman Islands are calling — but first, you need to figure out how to actually get there.

Sitting roughly 1,300 kilometres off the east coast of India in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago isn't exactly next door. There are no roads, no railways, and no bridges connecting it to the mainland. But don't worry — reaching this island paradise is far easier than you might think. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every option, from quick flights to adventurous sea voyages, so you can pick the route that suits your budget, timeline, and sense of adventure.

The Two Ways to Reach Andaman from Mainland India

Let's get the basics out of the way. There are only two ways to reach the Andaman Islands: by air and by sea. Both routes terminate at Port Blair, the capital city and the sole entry point for all visitors to the islands. No matter where you're coming from, Port Blair is your gateway.

Option 1: By Air — The Fastest and Most Popular Route

Flying is by far the quickest, most convenient, and most popular way to reach the Andaman Islands. The vast majority of tourists choose this option, and for good reason.

Your Destination Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the only commercial airport in the entire Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Despite the "international" in its name, it currently operates primarily as a domestic airport — meaning all travellers (including international visitors) must first fly into a mainland Indian city and connect onward to Port Blair. The airport is conveniently located just 2 km south of Port Blair city centre, making transfers to your hotel or the ferry jetty quick and hassle-free.

Which Cities Have Direct Flights to Port Blair?

Multiple airlines operate daily direct flights to Port Blair from major Indian cities. Here's a breakdown of the primary hubs:

• Chennai (MAA) — ~2 hours 15 minutes | Daily flights | Airlines: Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
• Kolkata (CCU) — ~2 hours 20 minutes | Highest frequency of daily flights | Airlines: Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
• Bengaluru (BLR) — ~2.5 hours | Daily flights | Airlines: Air India Express, IndiGo
• Delhi (DEL) — ~4 hours 15 minutes | Multiple daily flights | Airlines: Air India, Air India Express
• Mumbai (BOM) — ~4–5 hours | Seasonal route (October–March) | Airlines: IndiGo
• Hyderabad (HYD) — Direct service via IndiGo

Kolkata and Chennai are the closest mainland cities to Port Blair and typically offer the cheapest and most frequent flights. If you're flying from a city without direct service, connecting through Chennai or Kolkata is usually the smartest move.

Approximate Flight Costs

Flight prices fluctuate based on season, demand, and how far in advance you book. As a rough guide:

• Kolkata to Port Blair: Starting around ₹4,000–₹6,000 one-way
• Chennai to Port Blair: Starting around ₹5,500–₹7,000 one-way
• Bengaluru to Port Blair: Starting around ₹6,500+ one-way
• Delhi/Mumbai to Port Blair: Starting around ₹7,000–₹12,000+ one-way

Pro Tip: Book 2–3 months in advance for the best fares, especially if you're travelling during peak season (October–April). Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet frequently run sales — set up fare alerts to snag a deal.

Option 2: By Sea — The Adventurous Route

If you have time on your side and a love for the open ocean, reaching Andaman by ship is an unforgettable experience. Government-operated passenger ships sail from three mainland port cities to Port Blair:

• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Visakhapatnam (Vizag)

What's the Journey Like?

These are not luxury cruise liners. They are government-run passenger-cum-cargo vessels operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS). Think of them as floating trains — functional, basic, and part of a working maritime lifeline. The voyage takes approximately 50 to 70 hours (2.5 to 3 full days) depending on the ship and weather conditions. Ships like the MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Nancowry, and MV Nicobar ply these routes.

Ship Fare Classes (FY 2026–27 DSS Rates)

Fares are split into Islander and Non-Islander categories. Tourists from the mainland pay the Non-Islander fare:

Note: Fares exclude taxes and port charges. Meals from the onboard canteen cost approximately ₹50–₹150 each.

Important Ship Travel Tips

• Schedules are infrequent: Ships sail only a few times per month on each route, and schedules are published roughly one month in advance by the DSS.
• Book early: Deluxe and 1st Class cabins sell out fast. Check the official Andaman administration website for updated schedules.
• Prepare for disconnection: There is no Wi-Fi on board, and mobile signal disappears a few hours after departure.
• Pack smart: Keep essentials — medicines, charger, snacks, toiletries — in a small day bag. Your main luggage may be stored in the hold and inaccessible during the voyage.
• Best season to sail: November to April offers calmer seas. Monsoon months (June–September) can bring rough waters and cancellations.
• Seasickness is real: Eat light, stay hydrated, and spend time on the upper deck in fresh air if you feel queasy. Carry motion-sickness medication like Avomine or Meclizine.

Getting Around Once You Reach Port Blair

Reaching Port Blair is just the beginning. The real magic of Andaman lies in its outer islands — particularly Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). To get there, you'll take an inter-island ferry from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair.

Four major private operators — Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic — plus government ferries run daily services. The Port Blair to Havelock route sees around 16 daily departures, with the journey taking about 90 minutes on fast catamarans. Prices range from around ₹1,100 (Green Ocean Economy) to ₹3,400 (Nautika Business Class).

Insider Tip: During peak season (November–February), morning ferries sell out 3–4 weeks in advance. Book your inter-island ferry tickets as soon as you confirm your flights.

For International Travellers

If you're visiting from outside India, you'll need a valid Indian visa before travelling to the Andaman Islands. There are currently no direct international flights to Port Blair. You must first fly into a mainland Indian city — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru are the most common gateways — and then take a connecting domestic flight to Port Blair.

The good news? The restricted area permit (RAP) requirement has been relaxed for most islands, so the process is now much smoother than it used to be.

Quick Comparison: Flight vs. Ship to Andaman

Final Takeaways: Planning Your Journey to Andaman

Here's your action plan:

1. For most travellers, fly. Book flights from Chennai or Kolkata for the shortest journey and best fares. Book 2–3 months ahead for peak season.
2. Want an adventure? Take the ship. But plan carefully — check DSS schedules a month in advance, book a higher cabin class for comfort, and avoid monsoon months.
3. Book inter-island ferries early. Don't wait until you arrive in Port Blair — especially during October to February.
4. International visitors: Secure your Indian visa first, fly into a major mainland city, and connect to Port Blair.
5. Best time to visit: October to April for sunny skies, calm seas, and the full range of water activities.

The Andaman Islands may be remote, but getting there has never been easier. Whether you choose the speed of a flight or the romance of a sea voyage, an unforgettable tropical adventure awaits. Bon voyage!