How Can You Reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal and are separated from mainland India by a considerable distance. For most tourists, the two main ways of reaching the islands are by air and by sea.
The principal gateway is Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair. Veer Savarkar International Airport serves as the main air gateway to the islands. The official Andaman & Nicobar Tourism website currently lists regular air connectivity with cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and New Delhi. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) is the main gateway for visitors arriving in the Andaman Islands. From Sri Vijaya Puram, travellers can continue to other islands by government ferry, private cruise, boat and, where available, helicopter services.
Quick Travel Facts
Fastest Option
Flight from mainland India to Sri Vijaya Puram.
Sea Route
Passenger ships operate between mainland ports and Sri Vijaya Puram.
Island Transfers
Ferries and private cruises connect major tourist islands.
1. How to Reach Andaman by Flight
Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport
Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman
Flying is generally the most convenient and fastest way for tourists to reach the Andaman Islands.
Flights arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Sri Vijaya Puram. The official tourism website currently lists regular connections with major Indian cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and New Delhi. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Flight schedules and fares change frequently, so travellers should check the airline's current schedule before making their travel plans.
Major Mainland Cities with Air Connectivity
| City | Travel Information |
|---|---|
| Chennai | One of the important mainland gateways for Andaman travel. |
| Kolkata | Major eastern India gateway with regular connectivity. |
| Bengaluru | Useful gateway for travellers from South India. |
| Hyderabad | Air connectivity is listed by the official tourism portal. |
| New Delhi | Connectivity is available for travellers from North India. |
| Visakhapatnam | Another mainland connection listed by Andaman Tourism. |
During holidays, weekends and peak tourist periods, airfares can increase and flights can fill quickly. Booking your mainland-to-Andaman flight early can make trip planning easier.
From the Airport to Sri Vijaya Puram
Veer Savarkar International Airport is located in Sri Vijaya Puram. After landing, visitors can continue to their hotel by taxi or other locally available transport.
If you are travelling onward to Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep or another island, check your ferry/cruise reporting time before selecting your airport arrival.
Do not book a ferry immediately after landing without allowing sufficient time for baggage collection, airport exit, local transport and possible flight delays.
2. How to Reach Andaman by Ship
Mainland Passenger Ships
Long-distance sea journey
Passengers can also reach the Andaman Islands by government-operated passenger ships from mainland India.
The official tourism information states that passenger ship services connect Sri Vijaya Puram with Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam through Haddo Wharf. The journey can take approximately 60–72 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Sea travel can be a different experience from flying, but it requires considerably more travel time and careful planning.
Mainland Ship Routes
| Mainland Port | Destination |
|---|---|
| Chennai | Sri Vijaya Puram |
| Kolkata | Sri Vijaya Puram |
| Visakhapatnam | Sri Vijaya Puram |
Ship sailing schedules are not as frequent as airline services and may depend on operational and weather conditions. Check the current sailing schedule and ticket availability before travelling.
Flight vs Ship to Andaman
| Feature | Flight | Passenger Ship |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | Much faster | Approximately 60–72 hours depending on sailing and conditions |
| Comfort | Generally convenient for most tourists | Different experience; longer journey |
| Frequency | Usually more frequent | Limited sailing schedule |
| Best For | Families, tourists and short holidays | Travellers interested in sea travel or seeking an alternative to flying |
3. How to Reach Other Islands After Arriving
Sri Vijaya Puram is not the final destination for every traveller. If you are planning to visit Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Little Andaman, Rangat, Mayabunder or other islands, you will generally need onward transport.
The official tourism website states that the Directorate of Shipping Services operates regular ferry services from Phoenix Bay Jetty connecting populated islands and tourist destinations. Private boats also operate from Aberdeen Jetty for selected nearby attractions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
How to Reach Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
🏝️ From Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep
Tourists first arrive at Sri Vijaya Puram and then travel to Swaraj Dweep by ferry or private cruise.
The official tourism website currently states that government ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty and private high-speed cruises are also available. It lists government ferry travel at around 2.5–3 hours and private cruises at approximately 1.5 hours, although actual schedules and journey times can change. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
🏝️ Havelock Island GuideHow to Reach Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
🌴 From Sri Vijaya Puram to Shaheed Dweep
Shaheed Dweep, formerly known as Neil Island, can be reached from Sri Vijaya Puram by ferry and other approved transport options.
The current official tourism information states that government ferries operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty and gives an approximate ferry journey of 2.5–3 hours, subject to the actual service and conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
🌴 Neil Island GuideHow to Reach Little Andaman
Little Andaman can be reached from Sri Vijaya Puram by government ferry and, depending on availability and conditions, helicopter service.
The official tourism website currently describes government ferry services from Haddo Wharf to Hut Bay, with a journey of approximately 6–8 hours. It also lists helicopter connectivity between Sri Vijaya Puram and Hut Bay, with an approximate journey time of 40 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
🌴 Little Andaman GuideHow to Reach North Bay Island
North Bay is a short boat journey from Sri Vijaya Puram and is commonly visited as part of local boat excursions.
The official tourism website states that regular boats operate from Aberdeen Jetty and gives an approximate speedboat journey time of 20–30 minutes. North Bay is also commonly combined with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island in day-trip packages. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Government Ferry and Private Cruise
There are two broad options visitors commonly consider for tourist island transfers:
- Government ferry services operated through the Directorate of Shipping Services.
- Private cruise services operating on selected tourist routes.
The official tourism portal currently lists private cruise operators including Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean for selected routes such as Swaraj Dweep. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
🚢 Ship Ticket Booking Guide ⛴️ Ferry InformationCan You Reach Andaman Islands by Helicopter?
Helicopter services are available for selected island routes depending on availability and operational conditions.
The official Andaman Tourism website currently mentions helicopter connectivity from Sri Vijaya Puram to tourist destinations including Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Diglipur and Hut Bay. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Helicopter services are not the normal choice for most tourists. Availability, passenger eligibility, weather and operational requirements can affect the service.
Best Route for First-Time Visitors
For a typical holiday, the easiest arrangement is usually:
- Fly from your mainland city to Sri Vijaya Puram.
- Stay in Sri Vijaya Puram or continue to your island.
- Take a government ferry or private cruise to Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep.
- Use local transport such as taxi, auto-rickshaw, bike or scooter according to the destination.
- Return to Sri Vijaya Puram before your mainland flight.
Example Travel Route
✈️ Mainland → Sri Vijaya Puram → Havelock → Neil → Sri Vijaya Puram
Day 1: Arrive at Sri Vijaya Puram by flight and transfer to Swaraj Dweep.
Day 2–3: Explore Swaraj Dweep, beaches and water activities.
Day 4: Travel from Swaraj Dweep to Shaheed Dweep.
Day 5: Explore Shaheed Dweep.
Day 6: Return to Sri Vijaya Puram.
Day 7: Fly back to mainland India.
How to Plan Your Tickets
Island travel requires more planning than a normal mainland holiday because ferry and cruise schedules can affect your complete itinerary.
- Book your mainland flight early when possible.
- Check your ferry/cruise schedule before finalising hotels.
- Keep enough time between flight arrival and ferry departure.
- Check return ferry timings before booking your mainland flight.
- Keep your photo ID ready for travel and hotel check-in.
- Check cancellation and rescheduling rules before payment.
Documents Required for Andaman Travel
Indian visitors should carry a valid government-issued photo identification document. The current tourism information also notes that foreign nationals should carry their passport, Indian visa/e-Visa and identification documents as applicable. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Government-issued photo ID
- Flight ticket / boarding details
- Ferry or cruise ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Passport and valid Indian visa/e-Visa for foreign visitors
Important Tips Before Travelling to Andaman
- Keep a buffer day if your itinerary contains several island transfers.
- Do not schedule a mainland flight immediately after a ferry journey unless sufficient buffer time is available.
- Weather can affect flights, ferries and boat services.
- Book popular ferry routes in advance during busy seasons.
- Keep digital and printed copies of important bookings.
- Carry essential medicines and personal items.
- Respect local environmental regulations.
- Do not collect coral, shells or marine organisms.
Responsible Travel in Andaman
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are ecologically sensitive and contain important coral reefs, forests, beaches and marine habitats.
Visitors should avoid littering, damaging coral reefs, disturbing wildlife and carrying prohibited items into sensitive areas.
Responsible tourism helps protect the islands for residents, future generations and visitors.
Official Tourism Information
For current information about flights, ships, ferry services, tourism facilities and travel guidelines, visitors should verify details with the Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department and relevant transport operators.
🌐 Official Andaman Tourism WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to reach Andaman?
For most tourists, flying to Veer Savarkar International Airport at Sri Vijaya Puram is the quickest and most convenient option.
Can I reach Andaman by train?
No. The Andaman Islands are separated from mainland India by sea. Visitors need to reach the islands by air or sea.
Can I reach Andaman by road?
No. There is no direct road connection from mainland India to the Andaman Islands.
Which cities have flights to Andaman?
The current official tourism website lists regular connectivity with Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and New Delhi. Airline schedules can change, so check the current schedule before booking.
Can I reach Andaman by ship from Chennai?
Yes. Mainland passenger ship services connect Chennai with Sri Vijaya Puram. The sea journey takes considerably longer than flying.
Can I reach Andaman by ship from Kolkata?
Yes. Passenger ship services also connect Kolkata with Sri Vijaya Puram.
Can I reach Andaman by ship from Visakhapatnam?
Yes. Visakhapatnam is another mainland port connected with Sri Vijaya Puram by passenger ship services.
How do I reach Havelock Island?
First reach Sri Vijaya Puram and then take a government ferry or private cruise to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island).
How do I reach Neil Island?
First reach Sri Vijaya Puram and then travel to Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) by ferry or another available approved service.
How do I reach Little Andaman?
Little Andaman can be reached from Sri Vijaya Puram by government ferry, with helicopter services also available subject to operational conditions.
How far is North Bay from Sri Vijaya Puram?
North Bay is a short boat journey from Sri Vijaya Puram. The official tourism website currently gives an approximate speedboat journey time of 20–30 minutes.
This page is provided for general travel information. Flight schedules, fares, ship schedules, ferry timings, ticket availability, routes and operating conditions can change. Weather and sea conditions may also affect transport services. Always verify the latest information with the airline, Directorate of Shipping Services, ferry operator or Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department before travelling.