Kolkata to Andaman Ship — Fare, Schedule & Booking Guide 2026-27
Kolkata to Andaman Ship — Fare, Schedule & Booking Guide
If you are planning a Kolkata to Andaman ship journey, it helps to know this is the longest of the three mainland sea routes: about 900 nautical miles and 66 to 70 hours at sea. Sailings are also limited, typically once or twice a month. At Andaman Emerald Travels, we look after everything once you reach Port Blair, so here is a clear breakdown of what the crossing involves, what it costs, and how to book it.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship — Route Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~900 nautical miles (sea route) |
| Journey Duration | 66–70 hours (about 3 days) |
| Sailing Frequency | 1–2 times a month |
| Departure Point | Kolkata Port |
| Arrival Point | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
| Operated By | Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), A&N Administration, with SCI as agent |
Ships That Run the Kolkata–Port Blair Route
Government-operated vessels serve the route on rotation: MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda. Sindhu and Nalanda offer the cheaper Seat Class, useful if you do not need a cabin. If you would rather have the sea journey and the rest of your holiday planned together, our Andaman and Nicobar cruise packages cover both.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship Fare (FY 2026–27)
Fare by Class
| Cabin/Seat Class | Approx. Fare (Non-Islander) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Class | From ₹2,950 | MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda only |
| Bunk Class | From ₹4,115 | MV Swaraj Dweep and MV Campbell Bay |
| Cabin Class | Mid-range | Shared cabin, more privacy than Bunk |
| Deluxe Cabin | Up to ₹17,485 | Highest comfort tier |
Islander fares are lower. Fares follow the official DSS order and can be revised, so confirm current rates before booking.
Government employees travelling on LTC should note that the ship fare is generally the reimbursable part of the journey; our Andaman LTC packages are built around that paperwork. For the full cost of a trip beyond the crossing, see our Andaman trip cost guide.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship Schedule
 Sailing Frequency by Port
| Departure Port | Sailings Per Month | Journey Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | 1–2 | 66–70 hours |
| Chennai | 3–4 | 60–70 hours |
| Visakhapatnam | ~1 | 50–60 hours |
With only one or two sailings a month, and the DSS publishing the schedule roughly a month ahead, fixed travel dates need checking early. If Kolkata’s dates do not suit you, our Andaman tour packages from Chennai page covers the more frequent Chennai route. Seasons matter too, and our guide to the best time to visit Andaman explains how weather affects both the crossing and your island plans.
How to Book Your Kolkata to Andaman Ship Ticket
Tickets are sold through the DSS STARS counters, open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays. Carry a valid government photo ID. Because sailings are so limited on this route, book as soon as the schedule for your travel month is released.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship vs Flight
Ship vs Flight from Kolkata
| Factor | Ship | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 66–70 hours | Under 2 hours |
| Cost | From ₹2,950 (Seat Class) | Roughly ₹5,500–₹14,000 one-way |
| Frequency | 1–2 times a month | Multiple daily |
| Best For | Budget travellers with flexible dates | Anyone on a fixed schedule |
Kolkata has one of the shortest flights to Port Blair, so the gap here is wide: under two hours by air against about three days by sea. The ship still suits travellers who value the lower fare and the experience, and it fits our Andaman budget packages. Once you arrive, our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata take care of the rest of the trip.
What to Expect On Board
At 66–70 hours, plan for three full days. Meals are included in the fare, and most passengers spend the time on deck, talking with fellow travellers, or watching the Bay of Bengal; many are islanders heading home. Company makes the crossing easier, so if you are travelling with others, look at our Andaman group packages. Pack light clothing, toiletries, any medication and plenty of entertainment, because mobile signal drops well before Port Blair.
When you land, explore Port Blair or browse our full range of Andaman tour packages to plan the rest of your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the Kolkata to Andaman ship journey take? About 66–70 hours, roughly three days, making it the longest of the three mainland sea routes.
2. How often do ships sail from Kolkata to Port Blair? Roughly once or twice a month, so it needs more advance planning than Chennai’s more frequent sailings.
3. What is the fare for a Kolkata to Andaman ship ticket? FY 2026–27 non-islander fares start from ₹2,950 for Seat Class and ₹4,115 for Bunk Class, rising to ₹17,485 for a Deluxe Cabin. Islander fares are lower.
4. Which ships operate the Kolkata to Port Blair route? MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda run on rotation across the mainland ports.
5. Where do I book a Kolkata to Andaman ship ticket? At the DSS STARS counters, open 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday to Friday and 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Saturday. A valid government photo ID is required.
6. Is it better to fly or take the ship from Kolkata to Andaman? Flying takes under two hours and runs daily, so it suits most travellers. The ship suits those with flexible dates who want the lower fare or the experience.
7. Why is the Kolkata crossing longer than from Chennai or Vizag? Kolkata is the northernmost mainland port, so the sea route to Port Blair is longer, at around 900 nautical miles.
8. Are meals included on the Kolkata to Andaman ship? Yes, meals are included in the fare for the multi-day crossing.
9. Do I need a passport to travel by ship from Kolkata to Andaman? No. The islands are part of India, so a valid government photo ID is enough.
10. Can islanders get a discounted fare on this route? Yes, residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands pay a lower islander fare than the standard non-islander rate.
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