Short answer
Most visitors fly to Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Mumbai. Passenger ships run from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam but take days. From Port Blair, ferries connect to Havelock and Neil, and flights should be booked well ahead.
On this page 14 sections
- By air to Port Blair
- By sea
- Documents and arrival formalities
- From the airport to your hotel
- Ferries within the islands
- Building a sensible itinerary around transport
- A sample arrival day
- Baggage and equipment
- Choosing your arrival and departure city
- Travelling with a group
- Money and phone coverage
- Visitors from abroad
- Tips for a smooth airport experience
- Where to go next
The Andaman Islands are about 1,200 km from the Indian mainland, so getting there takes more planning than most Indian destinations. Flights are the practical option for nearly all visitors, but ships are possible, and once you arrive, ferries and local transport shape your itinerary. This guide explains each step.
By air to Port Blair
All commercial flights arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair, which was officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024. Airlines and booking sites still often list the airport as Port Blair. Direct flights run from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, with connections from other cities. Flight times range from about two hours from Chennai and Kolkata to over three hours from Delhi and Mumbai.
Flights fill quickly in December to January and in school holiday periods, so book early. Morning flights give you the most time on the first day. Fares vary widely with season. The runway and terminal are modest, and delays occasionally occur due to weather.
By sea
Passenger ships connect Port Blair with Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The journey takes several days, usually between two and four, and tickets are sold through the Directorate of Shipping Services. Ships are not like cruises; they are basic passenger vessels with cabins and bunks, and schedules can change. They suit travellers who want an adventure and have plenty of time, not those on a short holiday.
Documents and arrival formalities
Indian citizens need a government photo ID for flights and ferries. Foreign nationals follow the regular visa rules, and registration at the airport may be required. Some areas are restricted for all visitors, including the Nicobar Islands and tribal reserves. At the airport, expect security checks and a queue for baggage, which can be slow.
From the airport to your hotel
Taxis and pre-booked cars wait outside the airport. Hotels in Port Blair are 10 to 25 minutes away. Most resorts on Havelock and Neil arrange transfers from the jetty, but you must get to the jetty first. If you take an early ferry, you will usually spend the night before in Port Blair.
Ferries within the islands
Private high-speed ferries and government ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock and Neil. Crossings take about one to two and a half hours. Tickets are sold online, through agents and at counters. They sell out in peak season, so book at least a week or two ahead. Schedules vary by season, and weather can cancel sailings. See our ferries and inter-island transport guide.
Building a sensible itinerary around transport
- Arrival day. Spend it in Port Blair. Do not plan a ferry on the same day as a late flight.
- Island hops. Plan them in the early part of the trip, with fewer crossings.
- Departure day. Return to Port Blair at least one night before your flight, so that a cancelled ferry does not mean a missed flight.
- Diving. Do not fly within 18 to 24 hours of diving.
- Spare time. Keep at least half a day free for weather.
A sample arrival day
Your flight lands around 9 am. By 10.30 you are at your hotel in Port Blair, with time to rest. After lunch, you visit the Cellular Jail, then have dinner in town. The next morning, you take a ferry to Havelock. That sequence avoids stress and leaves room for delays. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, we usually keep the first night in Port Blair and do the ferry the next morning.
Baggage and equipment
Check baggage allowances with your airline, because limits on small aircraft can be strict. If you are bringing dive gear, check that it is allowed and weigh it. Pack a small bag for ferry days, so you do not need to open your suitcase on the jetty. Keep valuables and medicines in hand luggage.
Choosing your arrival and departure city
| Starting city | Typical flight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | about 2 hours | Many daily flights |
| Kolkata | about 2 hours | Frequent flights |
| Delhi | about 3.5 to 4 hours | Direct and connecting options |
| Bengaluru | about 2.5 hours | Direct options |
| Hyderabad | about 2.5 hours | Direct options |
| Mumbai | about 3.5 hours | Often via other cities |
Flight schedules change, so check with airlines before booking.
Travelling with a group
Groups should book flights and ferries together as early as possible, because seats are limited. Resorts may need advance deposits. Send names exactly as on IDs, and confirm baggage allowances for any equipment.
Money and phone coverage
ATMs are available in Port Blair and Havelock, but can run out of cash. Carry enough cash for islands. Mobile coverage varies: Port Blair is good, Havelock is patchy and Neil is limited. Download maps and tickets before leaving.
Visitors from abroad
Foreign visitors should check the latest visa, registration and permit rules from an authorised source before travelling, since requirements for the Andamans can differ from the mainland and may change. Carry your passport and visa copies, and expect to show them at the airport, jetties and some attractions.
Tips for a smooth airport experience
Arrive early, carry cash for porters, keep your ID and tickets together and be patient at the baggage belt. If your flight is delayed, check with your resort and ferry operator, since transfers can often be adjusted. Keep an eye on weather updates before travelling.
Where to go next
Once you know how you will arrive, choose your islands. See Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. For help with flights and ferries, tell us your starting city and dates and we will include them in your plan.
Practical tips
- Book flights early for peak months, and choose morning arrivals if you plan a same-day ferry.
- Keep your last day free of ferries and diving, and fly out the next day.
- Carry government photo ID for flights, ferries and checkpoints.
- Use official counters or reputable booking platforms for ferry tickets.
- Check baggage rules and airline schedules, which change with the season.
