How to Reach Andaman — Flights, Ships & Travel Tips
How to Reach Andaman — Flights, Ships & 2026 Travel Tips
There is no train or road to the Andaman Islands, so you can reach them only by air or by sea. Most visitors fly, and a smaller number take the government ship from the mainland. At Andaman Emerald Travels, we help travellers plan the whole trip, and this guide explains each way in, with realistic travel times and tips for choosing between them.
Quick Answer: Ways to Reach the Andaman Islands
You have two options. By air, you fly to Port Blair, taking from under two hours to about five depending on your city. By sea, you take a government passenger ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam, which takes roughly two to three days. Either way you arrive at Port Blair, the gateway to every other island.
How to Reach Andaman by Flight
Flying is the fastest and most popular way. Flights land at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which is officially in the city now called Sri Vijaya Puram, though airlines and travellers still say Port Blair.
 Approximate Flight Times to Port Blair
| From | Approx. Flight Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | Under 2 hours | Shortest route |
| Chennai | 2.5–3 hours | Many daily flights |
| Bangalore | About 2.5 hours | Direct and connecting options |
| Visakhapatnam | About 2.5 hours | Fewer flights; check the timetable |
| Mumbai | 4–4.5 hours | Non-stop or via a hub |
| Delhi | 4.5–5 hours | Non-stop or via Chennai or Kolkata |
Flight Tips
Book several weeks ahead for better fares, especially from October to May. Early-morning arrivals leave you time for sightseeing on day one. Fares vary widely by season and city, with the lowest one-way fares often starting around ₹5,000–₹7,000, so compare before you book. To budget the whole holiday, see our Andaman trip cost guide.
How to Reach Andaman by Ship
Government ships run from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Haddo Wharf in Port Blair, operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS). It is slower and less frequent than flying, but cheaper and more scenic.
Ship Routes to Port Blair
| Departure Port | Time at Sea | Sailings Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 60–70 hours | 3–4 |
| Kolkata | 66–70 hours | 1–2 |
| Visakhapatnam | 56–60 hours | ~1 |
Non-islander fares for FY 2026–27 start at ₹2,950 for Seat Class and ₹4,115 for Bunk Class, rising to ₹17,485 for a Deluxe Cabin. For the complete picture, read our Andaman trip by ship guide, or the route guides for Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag. If you want the voyage and your stay arranged together, our Andaman and Nicobar cruise packages cover both.
Reaching Andaman from Major Cities
 Best Way In by Departure City
| Your City | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Flight or ship | Most flights and most sailings |
| Kolkata | Flight | Very short flight; ship is long and infrequent |
| Delhi | Flight | No ship; longest flight but straightforward |
| Mumbai | Flight | No ship from Mumbai |
| Bangalore | Flight | Short flight; no ship |
| Visakhapatnam | Flight (ship if flexible) | One sailing a month |
We cover city-specific plans in our Andaman tour packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata pages.
Reaching the Other Islands After Port Blair
Once you land, the remaining islands are reached by inter-island ferry or boat from Port Blair, with Havelock and Neil the most popular. Our guides to Havelock Island and Neil Island explain what to see, and our Port Blair page covers the arrival city. Ferry timings change with weather and season, so confirm them before you plan tight connections.
Flight vs Ship Compared
Which Suits You?
| Factor | Flight | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 2–5 hours | 56–70 hours |
| Cost | Higher, varies by season | From ₹2,950 |
| Frequency | Daily | 1–4 a month by port |
| Available From | Many cities | Chennai, Kolkata, Vizag only |
| Best For | Fixed dates, short leave | Flexible, budget-minded travellers |
If budget matters, our Andaman budget packages show what a cost-conscious trip looks like.
Documents, Timing and Practical Tips
Indian citizens need a valid government photo ID for flights, ships and hotel check-in; no passport or visa is required. October to May is peak season, so book flights and hotels early, and check the best time to visit Andaman before fixing dates. Mobile coverage can be patchy on some islands, so our mobile network in Andaman page is worth a look. When you are ready to plan, browse our Andaman tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I reach the Andaman Islands? By flight to Port Blair or by government ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Visakhapatnam.
2. Is there a train or road to Andaman? No. The islands are reachable only by air or sea.
3. Which is the fastest way to reach Andaman? Flying. Kolkata is under two hours; Delhi is about five.
4. Which airport serves the Andaman Islands? Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair (IXZ).
5. Can I reach Andaman by ship from Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore? No. Ships sail only from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam; from other cities, fly instead.
6. How long does the ship take? About 56–70 hours depending on the port.
7. How much is a ship ticket? FY 2026–27 non-islander fares run from ₹2,950 to ₹17,485 depending on class; islander fares are lower.
8. Do I need a passport? No. Indian citizens need only a valid government photo ID.
9. How do I get to Havelock or Neil Island? By inter-island ferry from Port Blair; confirm timings in advance.
10. When is the best time to travel? October to May has the calmest seas and clearest weather; June to September is the monsoon season with lower prices.
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