Andaman Trip by Ship — Routes, Fares & Booking Guide
Andaman Trip by Ship — Routes, Fares & Booking Guide 2026-2027
An Andaman trip by ship is the slow, affordable way to reach the islands: two to three days across the Bay of Bengal on a government passenger ship, arriving at Port Blair by sea instead of by air. It is not for everyone, but for flexible travellers it is a memorable start to the holiday. At Andaman Emerald Travels, we plan the island portion of these trips, so this guide pulls the three mainland routes together in one place.
Is an Andaman Trip by Ship Right for You?
It suits you if you have spare days, a tighter budget, or simply want the experience of sailing. It does not suit you if your leave is fixed and short, or if you get seasick easily. Ships sail only from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam; travellers from Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore must first reach one of those ports.
The Three Ship Routes Compared
Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag at a Glance
| Detail | Chennai | Kolkata | Visakhapatnam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time at Sea | 60–70 hours | 66–70 hours | 56–60 hours |
| Sailings Per Month | 3–4 | 1–2 | ~1 |
| Best For | Most flexibility | Eastern India travellers | Andhra and Odisha travellers |
| Arrival | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
Chennai to Andaman Ship
Chennai has the most departures, which makes planning easiest. Read our full Chennai to Andaman ship guide for fares and booking, and see our Andaman tour packages from Chennai for the island stay.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship
Kolkata has the longest crossing and fewer sailings, so dates need more planning. Our Kolkata to Andaman ship guide explains the schedule, and our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata cover what comes next.
Vizag to Andaman Ship
Vizag has the shortest voyage but roughly one sailing a month. Our Vizag to Andaman ship guide has the details, and our Andaman tour packages from Visakhapatnam handle your stay.
Ship Classes and Fares 2026–27
 Fare by Class (Non-Islander)
| Class | Approx. Fare | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Class | From ₹2,950 | MV Sindhu, MV Nalanda |
| Bunk Class | From ₹4,115 | MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay |
| Cabin Class | Mid-range | Shared cabin, more privacy |
| Deluxe Cabin | Up to ₹17,485 | Top comfort tier |
Islander fares are lower. DSS can revise fares, so confirm before booking.
Fares are the same across the three ports. For the rest of your budget, our Andaman trip cost guide covers hotels, transfers and activities, and government employees can look at our Andaman LTC packages for ship-fare reimbursement needs.
Sample Andaman Trip by Ship Itinerary
A Typical 9-Day Plan (Chennai Sailing)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Board at Chennai, sail across the Bay of Bengal |
| Day 4 | Arrive Haddo Wharf, check in, explore Port Blair |
| Day 5 | Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Havelock, beach time |
| Day 7 | Elephant Beach and water activities |
| Day 8 | Neil Island sightseeing |
| Day 9 | Return to Port Blair, onward travel |
Exact timings depend on the ship’s arrival and ferry schedules. Our best time to visit Andaman guide helps you choose a season for both the crossing and island activities.
Ship vs Flight
Comparing the Two Options
| Factor | Ship | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 56–70 hours | 2–5 hours depending on city |
| Typical Cost | From ₹2,950 | Roughly ₹5,000–₹22,000 one-way |
| Departures | 1–4 a month by port | Daily |
| Suits | Flexible, budget-minded travellers | Fixed-date travellers |
If you want to save money, our Andaman budget packages pair well with a sea arrival, and our Andaman and Nicobar cruise packages bundle the voyage with your stay.
Booking Tips and What to Pack
Tickets are sold at DSS counters (9:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Saturday) with a valid government photo ID, and schedules appear about a month ahead, so book early. Pack light clothing, a light jacket, toiletries, medication, a power bank and offline entertainment, as mobile signal fades offshore. Travelling in a party makes the crossing easier, and our Andaman group packages are built for that. When you are ready, browse all Andaman tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I go to Andaman by ship? Yes. Government passenger ships run from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.
2. How long does an Andaman trip by ship take? Roughly 56–70 hours at sea, depending on the port.
3. Which port has the most sailings? Chennai, with about three to four a month. Kolkata has one to two and Vizag about one.
4. How much is an Andaman ship ticket? FY 2026–27 non-islander fares start at ₹2,950 for Seat Class and ₹4,115 for Bunk Class, up to ₹17,485 for a Deluxe Cabin.
5. Which ships run to Andaman? MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda, on rotation.
6. Is there a ship from Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore? No. Travellers from those cities must reach Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag first, or simply fly to Port Blair.
7. Where does the ship arrive? At Haddo Wharf, Port Blair.
8. Are meals included? Yes, meals are included in the fare.
9. Do I need a passport? No. The islands are part of India, so a valid government photo ID is enough.
10. Is the ship better than flying? It is cheaper and more scenic but much slower and less frequent, so it suits flexible travellers; flying suits fixed dates.
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