The fastest and the most convenient mode of transport to reach Andaman Islands is by flight. Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and a majority of tourists arrive here at Veer Savarkar International Airport. Flights only arrive from mainland India and require a detour from other cities to Port Blair, in case of international travel. Another way to make this journey is via ship, but this mode of transport takes longer to arrive at its destination.
Air:
Domestic Travel -
Located in the capital city of Port Blair, Veer Savarkar International Airport is the only commercial airport in Andaman Islands. Domestic flight services in India have daily flights from major Indian cities. There are direct daily flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai. Furthermore, on some days, there are flights available from Visakhapatnam.
International Travel -
International flights coming in are subject to fulfilment of criteria from the Director-General of Civil Aviation. Foreign nationals need to obtain these permissions and carry documental proofs while travelling. If you are a foreign tourist, you will need to get a permit from the immigration authorities upon your landing. The initial one lasts for 30 days and can be extended by another 15 days.
Flying in a Private Plane -
For those with a penchant for the better things in life, a private flight to Andaman Islands will allow you to give a miss to connecting flights and layovers and travel as per your schedule. You will need to associate with a local expert who can organize permissions from various authorities, ground handling services, customs, immigration clearances, hotel accommodations and transport.
Suggestion: Take an early morning flight so that you can make use of the rest of the day. However, one needs to be cautious of the schedules of flights, during monsoon. Due to heavy rains and cloudy skies, flights are delayed or cancelled.
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Sea Route:
Sailing in a Ship-
Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The sailing schedules are announced a month in advance so you’ll need to keep a lookout for it. The voyage takes approx 50 – 60 hours and sailings happen on an avg of 3-4 days in a month. The ships sailing between Andaman Islands and mainland India are passenger ships and not cruise ships offering a limited choice of food and entertainment options.
Yacht sailing trip -
A sailing adventure matches none in its thrills. Yacht ships sail to the Andaman Islands from all around the world. These trips need to be well chalked out and require multiple documentation formalities, e.g. entry permissions, arrival formalities, departure formalities etc. If you plan to sail to Andaman Islands, make sure you connect with an experienced travel agency.
Getting Around Andaman Islands :
Getting to Port Blair -
The airport is located at Port Blair and multiple domestic air carriers like Air India, Jet Airways, Go Air and Spice Jet airlines offer their services in this region. Direct and Connecting flights are also available from various cities of India to this airport.
Getting to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) -
Havelock Island is one of Andaman’s crowning jewels. It is a slice of paradise wrapped in vibrant corals, blue waters and fine powdery sand. Also known for its thrilling water sports, it is an ideal destination to set your foot in. A walk along the pristine coastline is the best way to soak up the charm of Havelock Island. It is also the home to Radhanagar Beach, which is titled as the best beach in Asia by leading publishers. Private and government ferries operate daily between Port Blair and Havelock Island as well as Neil Island and Havelock Island. The air-conditioned private ferries take 1.5 hours from Port Blair and 1 hour from Neil Island. When it comes to the Government ferries, the booking needs to be made four days in advance. The private ferries offer hassle-free services and booking experience while ensuring the fastest way to commute between islands. Hence, As a tourist, we recommend you to opt for private ferries. Helicopter services are not available for tourists. They usually cater to special occasions and emergencies on the island.
Getting to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) -
Shaheed Dweep, formerly known as Neil Island is a tranquil piece of land nestled in the Ritchie's Archipelago and belongs to the South Andaman Islands administrative district. Featuring a lush green landscape packed with fields and coconut palms, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The sublime beaches with turquoise blue waters create a picturesque frame and offer immense photography opportunities to travellers and enthusiasts. If you are the kind of person who fancies a tropical island, it does not get better than this! The easiest way to reach Neil Island is by hopping on a government or a private ferry, the private ferry being a better and comfortable option. Bookings can be made online in advance. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Port Blair from Neil island and about 1 hour from Havelock island.
Getting to North Andaman Islands (The regions of Baratang, Rangat, Mayabundar and Diglipur) -
One of Andaman Island’s best-kept secrets- This region is known for its virgin beauty and is often characterized by lush forests, pristine beaches and turtle nesting sites. The north Comprises of Rangat Island, Baratang Island, Diglipur Island and Mayabunder Island. It is indeed one of those pristine locations that will allow you to reconnect with yourself. Only government ferries operate in North Andaman Islands. You get to know the schedules for only four days in advance, and we advise you to get updated with ferry schedules before the trip. On most days, ferries sail to Baratang Island, Rangat Island and Diglipur Island. However, ferries operate once in 5 days to Mayabunder Island region. The most common option which people prefer is travelling by road. Private and government buses, chauffeured car services for hire, are also available for the same. The duration of this journey can be a 6 to the 8-day affair. But if road trips enthrill you, this trip might work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take sea-planes around Andaman Islands?
Sea-planes are not functional.
Can I take helicopters around Andaman Islands?
Helicopter services are available around Andaman Islands. But tickets are not available for tourists.
Can we travel to Andaman Islands By Train?
No
Can we reach Andaman Islands By Bus?
No
Ever since provisions around permit for the Andamans eased in 2018, the travel scene in the island has been in full swing. Veer Savarkar International airport in Port Blair connects Andaman archipelago to all major cities of India. The airport is roughly at a distance of 5 kilometres from the city centre. Far from the mainland yet closer to the capital city, Havelock Island lies roughly 70 kilometres from Port Blair. Although one might discover a different side of Havelock Island in almost every season, to experience Havelock Island at its best, most travellers flock to the island from October to April.
Owing to its geographical position, Havelock Island remains a detached island, meaning that there are no roads that connect it to other islands, making sea route the only viable mode of transport. The sea voyage to the island takes less than 2 hours. As of 2019, SeaPlane does not operate on the island and travellers have the option to choose between government/private ferries. Island transfers are different from land transfers. Rule number one has to be, always book your tickets beforehand to avoid any last-minute shenanigans.
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Government Ferry:
The lifeline of Andaman Islands, Government Ferry is the most pocket-friendly, and the easiest available means how to reach Havelock Island. The trip takes nearly 2.5 hours and works around a fixed schedule. The ferries depart at ?6 A.M (2.5-hour voyage), 11 A.M (4-hour journey via Neil Island) and 2 P.M (2.5-hour voyage). All ferries leave from the Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair, a small, bustling wharf with shallow waters. While availing government ferries, remember to book the tickets as early as possible. The tickets usually sell-out pretty fast as it is commonly used by locals for their inter-island transport and is therefore subject to availability. Once you have boarded the ferry, take a walk outside your cabin and savour the crisp blow of air and cerulean waters around you.
Private Cruise/Ferries:
Another way to go about the journey from Port Blair to Havelock Island is via private ferries. Ideal for travellers, these ferries offer luxury travel at a standard price and assures a comfortable experience. A tad expensive than the government-operated ferries, cruises travel faster and take relatively less time. The most reliable operators for cruise boats are Makruzz and Green Ocean and deliver a premium in-cabin experience. While Makruzz takes 90 minutes to reach Havelock Island, Green Ocean takes 120 minutes to make the journey. They run on time, are tidy, well organized, and have staff on board to assist you in case of emergency. The availability depends upon the season you're visiting in, i.e. low in peak seasons and high availability during the off-season. Either you can book tickets via the ground offices of the respective operators, or online through their portal. We would still recommend booking well in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Air:
Helicopters are undeniably an extravagant, yet another means to travel from the capital city to Havelock island. Initially commenced by Jal Hans, the first flight of the 10-seater helicopter was from Port Blair to Havelock. The panoramic aerial view of the islands is enthralling, and the journey in itself is exhilarating. The services though open for both tourists and Islanders, are quite hard to avail. Owing to the set priority list, tourists often find themselves at the bottom of the waiting list.
There are certain things to keep in mind -
1. Avoid travelling in turbulent weather. Due to bad weather conditions, ferry often gets cancelled by the authorities.
2. Remember to carry valid ID proof. While checking-into the ferry, an ID card is a must.
3. Ferry timings often change owing to the weather, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the chart.
4. Book well in advance. Availability is dynamic, and tickets often sell out.
Getting Around:
Getting around on an island is different from traversing a city. The local transport in Havelock Island is relatively simple and easy to use. The villages have their own beaches, those beaches have numbers assigned to their names, and the roads are set straight without any traffic. There is hardly any scope to lose your directions, but when it does happen, locals are happy to help.
Taxis - Tourists can rent taxis from Havelock jetty for interisland travel. These tend to work best for travellers who travel in a schedule and are up for saving time more than money. However, be wary of the drivers that are bound to overcharge you, where you might have to bargain your way out. If you book a package for Andaman excursion, taxis will be taken care of along with the rest of the transport.
Bike rentals - Renting a bike on an island and riding into the sunset is what travel goals exude. An easy and cost-effective local means of transport in Havelock Island is by renting a motorcycle, scooter or a bicycle. Travellers usually hire them on an everyday basis for a minimal amount and set off to explore the island on their own. Monsoon seasons are risky, and we would not recommend renting a bike then, as the roads become slippery, which can prove dangerous.
Auto rickshaws - Tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws are probably India's favourite mode of local transport. They are cost-effective and readily available. You can hail them during the day on one of the main roads or at the marketplace. A short trip might cost you around INR 50 to 200, and a long ride, say Radhanagar Beach might cost you around INR 700 to 1000. The prices are standardized, though that does not stop travellers from bargaining.
Public Transport - Backpackers or budget travellers can also opt for shared jeeps and government buses to commute within the island.
Walking, however, remains one of the most common means of transport. It is the best way to explore a destination, and there is no denying that. If your energy and time permits you, we suggest you tie your shoelaces and go for a long walk to the beach.
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