How to Reach Andaman Islands
Find the most convenient ways to travel to these breathtaking islands with our comprehensive transportation guide.
How To Reach The Andaman Islands
Located almost 1300 kilometers from the India's mainland, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands consists of breathtaking group of Islands, that are known for their immaculate beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich marine life. Located between the southern shores of India, there are only two ways to reach Port Blair the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: by flight or by ship.
Port Blair which was renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram, serves as the main gateway to the Andaman Islands, acting as the entrance point for all visitors who wishes to visit here. As there are no other entry points to get inside the island, Port Blair plays a crucial role in the Andaman Islands transportation system. All travelers, whether coming by sea or flight, must pass through this vibrant capital city before exploring the amazing beauty and cultural diversity of the Andaman Islands.
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Check Port Blair WeatherReaching Andaman By Air
Taking flight as a mode of transportation is the most practical and popular method to reach the Andaman Islands.
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the primary airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Several major airlines offer regularly scheduled flights from major Indian cities to Port Blair, including Air India, IndiGo, Vistara
Travelers can expect the following flight durations:
- Chennai/Kolkata to Port Blair: 1.5-2 hours
- Bangalore to Port Blair: 2-3 hours
- Delhi/Mumbai to Port Blair: 4-5 hours (seasonal)
Flights That Operates To The Andaman Islands
Air India
This is a national carrier operating with regular flights
IndiGo
It has vast number of flights operating on a daily basis
Vistara
Premium service on select routes
SpiceJet
Budget-friendly options available
Akasa Air
Newest airline serving Andaman
Important Information About Flights Operating To The Islands
- There are no evening flights available to the Andaman Islands after sundown
- First flights typically depart at 7:00 AM from Port Blair, with the last flight departing around 3:00 PM
- The Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) located in Port Blair is the only commercial airport operating in Andaman
- There are no international flights operating directly to Andaman Islands- foreign travelers must travel to the mainland first and then visit the Andaman Island.
Reach The Andaman Islans By Ship
Traveling to the Andaman Islands using Ships is not a popular option from flying, but traveling through sea does offers a unique and exciting adventure for those who got a lot of time to spare.
Ships that carry the passengers are operated by the Indian Government connecting Port Blair with major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The ship journey usually takes 3 to 4 days i.e typically (60-70 hours). But it purely depends on weather and sea condition.
Ship journeys offer various accommodation options:
- Bunk Class: The most affordable option to book.
- Cabin Class: Comfort and a Mid-range cabin
- Deluxe Class: Premium Cabins and accommodation with modern amenities.
Get a unique experience with your ship journey
Advantages
- Breathtaking and stunning sea views
- Unique and beautiful travel experience
- It is more economical and cheaper than flying
- You get the ability to carry more luggage
Considerations
- Takes long journey duration (3-4 days)
- Potential for seasickness
- Basic and limited amenities compared to cruise ships
- The ship schedule is dependent on weather
Note: Haddo Jetty at Port Blair is the main seaport serving the Andaman Islands. The ships operating on this route are passenger and cargo vessels, not luxury cruise liners.
Recommendation Made By Us:
People who travel on a time construct and did plan a small and limited vacation, for those guest we recommend choose flight as your mode of transportation to travel to the Andaman Islands. Flying to the island is considerably faster and does provides a more comfortable and cozy experience.
However, if you have time to spare and generally planning to have a longer trip, or want to experience a unique way to travel, then choosing ship as mode of your transportation and get a interesting perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying is the most efficient and practical way to get to the Andaman Islands. There are flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from several major cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi (seasonal), and Mumbai (seasonal).
Absolutely, it is strongly advised to purchase your airline tickets early in advance, particularly from November to March when traveler demand is at its highest.
Neither railway nor road travel to the Andaman Islands is possible in a direct way. You can travel to Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam by train, and from there, you can board a ship or plane to reach Port Blair.
Indian citizens should always have up-to-date identity documents such as voter ID, passport, or Aadhar card. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can be acquired upon arrival at Port Blair.
In Port Blair, you can get around the city in cabs, autorickshaws, and rental scooters. Boats and ferries are readily accessible for inter-island transportation.
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