Chennai to Andaman Ship — Schedule, Fare & Booking Guide 2026–27
Chennai to Andaman Ship — Schedule, Fare & Booking Guide
Chennai is the most convenient mainland port for travelling to the Andamans by sea, with ships leaving three to four times a month. That frequency makes the ship a realistic option here, not just a once-in-a-while novelty. At Andaman Emerald Travels, we handle everything from the moment you step off the ship at Port Blair, and this guide covers what you need to know before you sail: timings, fares, booking and what life on board is like.
Chennai–Port Blair Sea Route at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Approx. Distance | Roughly 1,400 km |
| Time at Sea | About 60–70 hours |
| Sailings | Typically 3–4 times a month |
| Departure | Chennai Port |
| Arrival | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
| Run By | Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), A&N Administration, with SCI as agent |
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Ships You Can Board from Chennai
The mainland service uses four government passenger ships on rotation: MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda. Sindhu and Nalanda are the ones with Seat Class, the lowest-priced berth. Prefer not to manage the crossing yourself? Our Andaman and Nicobar cruise packages combine the sea journey with your island itinerary.
Chennai to Andaman Ship Fare 2026–27
Fare by Class (Non-Islander)
| Class | Approx. Fare | Where Available |
|---|---|---|
| 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 with more privacy |
| Deluxe Cabin | Up to ₹17,485 | Top comfort tier |
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Islander fares are lower. DSS can revise fares, so confirm the current rate before paying.
Government employees travelling on LTC generally claim the ship fare, and our Andaman LTC packages are organised around that paperwork. To plan the full budget beyond the crossing, see our Andaman trip cost guide.
Sailing Frequency: Chennai vs Other Ports
Sailings and Time at Sea
| Departure Port | Sailings Per Month | Time at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 3–4 | 60–70 hours |
| Kolkata | 1–2 | 66–70 hours |
| Visakhapatnam | ~1 | 56–60 hours |
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Chennai gives you the most choice of dates, though the DSS still publishes each schedule only about a month ahead and popular sailings fill up. If you are coming from the north or east, our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata and Andaman tour packages from Visakhapatnam pages explain those routes. Sea conditions change through the year, so our guide to the best time to visit Andaman is worth a read before you pick a sailing.
How to Book Your Chennai Ship Ticket
- Check the DSS schedule for your travel month.
- Visit a DSS booking counter: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Saturday.
- Carry a valid government photo ID for every traveller.
- Pick your class based on budget and comfort.
- Keep your ticket and ID ready for boarding.
Book as soon as your preferred sailing is announced to improve your chances of getting the class you want.
Ship or Flight from Chennai?
Comparing the Two Options
| Factor | Ship | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 60–70 hours | About 2.5 hours |
| Typical Cost | From ₹2,950 | Roughly ₹6,000–₹16,000 one-way |
| Departures | 3–4 a month | Daily |
| Suits | Flexible, budget-minded travellers | Fixed-date or short-leave travellers |
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If leave is short, flying wins. If you have a few spare days and want to save, the ship matches our Andaman budget packages. After landing, our Andaman tour packages from Chennai take care of hotels, transfers and sightseeing.
On Board: What to Expect and Pack
Plan on roughly three days at sea. Meals are included in the fare, and the rhythm is slow: time on deck, chats with fellow passengers, and wide views of the Bay of Bengal. Company helps the hours pass, so families and friends travelling together may like our Andaman group packages. Pack light clothes, a light jacket for night on deck, toiletries, medication, a charged power bank and offline entertainment, as mobile signal fades once you leave the coast.
On arrival, begin exploring Port Blair or browse every Andaman tour package to plan the rest of your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the Chennai to Andaman ship take? Around 60–70 hours, so roughly three days at sea.
2. How often do ships sail from Chennai? Typically three to four times a month, the most frequent of the mainland ports.
3. What does a Chennai to Port Blair ship ticket cost? 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.
4. Which ships run on this route? MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda, on rotation.
5. Where do I book the ticket? At a DSS booking counter during working hours, with a valid government photo ID.
6. Is the ship cheaper than flying from Chennai? Usually yes, especially in Seat or Bunk Class, though you spend about two and a half extra days travelling.
7. Where does the ship dock in Port Blair? At Haddo Wharf, the main passenger terminal.
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 government photo ID is enough.
10. Do islanders get a lower fare? Yes, residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands pay a reduced islander fare.
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