How to Reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal. However, they are easy to reach by both air and sea. Due to their numerous connections with airport hubs and the availability of cargo shipping services from ports around India, there are several options available to get to the Islands.

The majority of people will fly to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, because this is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the Islands. However, for those who prefer to take their time getting there, a slower mode of transportation, such as a passenger ship, is also available at designated ports along the Indian mainland.

Knowing the various options for travel helps ensure a smooth trip with minimal delays and enables you to maximize your time on this tropical island paradise.

Overview – Best Ways to Reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands

In order to find the best routes and travel methods to visit the islands, you first need to know their location. Most tourists search Google for ‘Andaman India map’ or ‘Andaman Nicobar location,’ thinking the islands are in a remote part of India or on an island by themselves due to their distance from mainland India.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands lie about 1,300 km (800 miles) southeast of Tamil Nadu, the nearest state, positioned in the Bay of Bengal, nearer to Southeast Asia than the Indian subcontinent.

While the Andaman & Nicobar Islands may be considered quite remote from mainland India, this location has allowed easy access via established routes to visit this beautiful destination. There are two primary methods for travelling to the Andaman Islands: by air and sea. The majority (over 90%) of visitors to the islands come via aeroplane. Air travel is also the most convenient, speedy, and has year-round availability.

How to Reach Andaman by Flight (Fastest & Most Popular Option)

Travelling to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is quickest and easiest by air. Air travel lands you at the Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

As such, this airport serves as the primary entry point into this area of India; thus, when looking for the “nearest airport” to Andaman, this airport serves as the only operational commercial option for visiting this cluster of Islands.

Major Airports Connected to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport)

Several major cities have direct or connecting flights into Port Blair, including Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Of all the major destinations, the two most frequently booked and economical routes for travel to Port Blair are from Chennai and Kolkata.

These two cities have historically acted as main points of departure because they are nearest in proximity to the islands and therefore provide the shortest travel times and lowest cost options when compared to any other major city in India.

Northern and western Indian tourists typically book their flights into Port Blair through either Delhi or Mumbai, and both of those airports offer direct service to Port Blair during peak tourist season.

Travellers from other areas fly into either Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru before continuing their journey on to Port Blair through connecting flights.

Major Airlines Operating to Andaman

Many airlines regularly fly to Port Blair, so you can choose from a range of travel options in terms of price and when you fly. The most well-known airlines for flying to Port Blair are IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Akasa Air.

IndiGo and SpiceJet provide flights on high-frequency routes such as Chennai and Kolkata, while Vistara and Air India offer more options, including premium cabin flights. Because of this competition among various airline companies, tourists are finding it increasingly easy to get good flights according to both schedule and price, particularly during off-peak travel times.

Average Flight Duration

The duration of flights from different cities will vary. Passengers from Chennai or Kolkata arrive at Andaman in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, based on the shortest direct flights available.

Flights from other major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad will take between 3.5 and 5 hours, depending on the length of any connecting flights (layovers) and the type of plane used for the flight.

Although this may appear to be a long distance when you look at it on a map, the speed and efficiency provided by flying have made it the preferred mode of travel.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Andaman

The prices of flights to the Andaman Islands fluctuate throughout the year, depending on many factors such as changing levels of interest from tourists, holiday seasonality, and top-of-the-month travel. So here are a few tips for you:

Planning a trip by booking your tickets at least 45–60 days in advance will allow you to save money on your ticket price.

You may want to consider the cost savings associated with travelling off-peak (May to September); these months would generally be considered “monsoon” months, and airfares tend to drop significantly during these months.
You will likely spend significantly less by scheduling your travel based on flexible travel dates; this means that flying mid-week or early morning (6 a.m.-8 a.m.) or by connecting through a secondary airport allows you to take advantage of lower fares versus flying direct or during peak hours.

How to Reach Andaman by Ship (For Adventure Seekers)

Passenger vessels bound for the Andaman Islands are managed by the Indian government and leave ports in three locations: Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.

Due to sufficient time being required for the trip between these port cities and the islands, a journey on board one of these vessels can take between 60–70 hours or 3 to 4 days. Travel may be impacted by weather or by the scheduled sailing times of vessels.

H3: Passenger Ships to Port Blair

Of the three port options for the journey, ferries from Chennai tend to be the most travelled, due to their proximity and frequency. While Kolkata also has regular sailing service, ferry trips from this location will be a bit longer due to the additional distance travelled.

The Visakhapatnam route is considerably less travelled than either Chennai or Kolkata due to less frequency and the smaller number of passengers using the service. The ships offer varying types of cabins with basic creature comforts; however, the ships that are more commonly known include MV Nicobar, MV Nancowry, MV Swaraj Dweep, and MV Harshavardhana.

Sailing Duration & Facilities

Although the lengthy journey takes up to three days to complete, many people prefer the slower pace of this particular cruise and appreciate having uninterrupted views of the ocean. People can choose from a variety of Cabin types: simple bunk-style cabins, deluxe conditioned cabins, or a combination thereof.

Passengers may find that there are limited onboard entertainment options, but most decide to spend their time outdoors on the decks, admiring the changing colours of the ocean and stargazing at night.

Ship Booking Process

On most routes in India, tickets cannot be booked over the Internet. To reserve a ticket, you must go to the Director of Shipping Services office in Chennai, Visakhapatnam, or Kolkata. To reserve a ticket, you must present a government-issued photo identification card.

As with other forms of travel, there are certain restrictions on ship travel. Pregnant women and young infants should not travel by ship. Given the unpredictable nature of the Bay of Bengal, especially during the monsoon season, you should always keep flexible travel plans when travelling By Ship.

Inter-Island Travel – Moving Between Port Blair, Havelock & Neil

When you arrive at Port Blair, your adventure within the islands begins. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) are great places to visit because of the beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and great areas for diving. When travelling from island to island, ferries are considered to be a great mode of transportation. Travellers can also take helicopter rides.

Ferry Services

The most affordable way to go between islands is by using a Government ferry. However, these ferries can be packed during peak times, so it is important to plan ahead and reserve your tickets in advance, either online or via their ticket outlets.

Some private ferry services like Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean offer a more luxurious experience with air-conditioned seating and updated interiors with quicker travel times to the different Islands.

Helicopter Services (For Remote Islands)

Tourists can only reserve seats for a helicopter to the islands upon availability, and ticket prices are higher. Helicopter transportation would be particularly beneficial for travellers travelling to remote locations such as Little Andaman (Hut Bay), Diglipur, or Car Nicobar.

Documents Required for Visiting Andaman

To enter the Andaman Islands, Indian nationals only need a valid photo ID; however, foreigners will be required to produce both a passport and an Indian visa.

In addition to the above, foreign visitors need to acquire a Restricted Area Permit (“RAP”). The RAP is free of charge and can be obtained upon arrival at Port Blair Airport or through immigration authorities in the Andaman Islands.

Specific protected and tribal areas also require special permits from the Government of India to ensure that these regions are protected and maintained for the protection of tribes and culture, as well as for maintaining ecological balance or integrity.

Additional Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

It is wiser to plan your trip beforehand and make reservations for flights, ferries, and accommodations before the high season; it will save you time and money.

Also, because of the number of trips between islands, it’s best to pack lightly. Bring along any necessary prescription medications, sunscreen, and some cash, since you may not always be able to use your credit cards. While cell signal has improved on most islands, you’ll still be in areas where you won’t have good cell service. BSNL has the best service.