How to Reach Andaman in 2026: The Ultimate Stress-Free Transit Guide 

The only way to reach Andaman is by air. Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bangalore. From Port Blair, take a private ferry (Makruzz, Nautika, or Green Ocean) from Haddo Jetty to reach Havelock or Neil Island.

Knowing how to reach Andaman is one thing. Planning it correctly is another.

I have seen people miss their ferry slots because they did not account for the time between landing at the airport and reaching Haddo Jetty. I have seen others book wrong dates, lose money, and ruin the first day of their trip.

Getting your transit right is the most important part of planning an Andaman trip. Everything else, the beaches, the diving, the food, comes after.

Reaching Port Blair By Air (The Only Practical Way)

There is only one airport in the entire Andaman archipelago. Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the single entry point for all tourists. There are no direct international flights to Andaman. If you are traveling from abroad, you will need to connect through a major Indian city first.

Which Cities Have Direct Flights to Port Blair?

Five major Indian cities have direct flights to Port Blair. Here is a quick breakdown:

Chennai and Kolkata have the highest number of daily flights and are usually the cheapest options. If you are looking for the cheapest way to reach Andaman by air, routing through Chennai is almost always the best bet.

Which Airlines Fly to Port Blair in 2026?

Three airlines currently cover most of the routes to Port Blair:

• IndiGo – Operates from all five major cities. Widest coverage and frequent departures.
• Air India – Good option if you want full-service travel or are using miles.
• Akasa Air – A budget-friendly option that has been steadily adding Andaman routes.

SpiceJet has operated Andaman routes in the past but always check their current schedule before booking as it changes frequently.

My Biggest Flight Booking Tip

Always book a morning flight to Port Blair.

Here is the reason. Private ferries to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) typically run one or two sailings in the afternoon, usually around 1:30 PM or 2:00 PM. If you land before noon, clear baggage claim, and get to Haddo Jetty in time, you can catch the afternoon ferry and be on Havelock the same evening.

I always aim to land in Port Blair by 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM at the latest. That gives enough buffer for the airport-to-jetty transfer, which I will cover in detail in the next section.

A late afternoon or evening flight means you spend your first full night in Port Blair and lose a beach day on Havelock. That is not ideal when you are on a short trip.

Why Travelling by Sea from the Mainland is a Mistake

Ships to Andaman do exist. Government passenger vessels operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) depart from three mainland ports: Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.

But I will be direct with you. For a tourist, this is a bad idea.

The journey takes 3 to 4 days each way. That is nearly a week of your holiday spent on a ship before you even see a beach. These are not luxury cruise liners. There are no pools, fine dining, or entertainment decks. The experience is basic, the sea can get rough, and bunk-style berths are the standard.

The ships are primarily used for cargo movement and by locals who are relocating or traveling on a budget with no time constraints.

If you have 7 to 10 days for Andaman, do not spend half of it on a slow boat. Fly.

Inter-Island Connectivity: Port Blair to Havelock & Neil

Landing in Port Blair is just step one. Port Blair itself is not the destination. The beaches everyone comes for, Radhanagar Beach on Havelock and Laxmanpur Beach on Neil Island, are on separate islands. To get there, you need a ferry from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair.

This is where most first-time visitors make planning mistakes.

Private Ferries vs. Government Ferries: Which One Should You Take?

For government ferry schedules and updates, you can check the official Directorate of Shipping Services website.

The Four Private Ferries You Should Know

These are the verified private ferry operators running between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island:

• Makruzz – The most popular choice among tourists. Premium AC cabins, reliable schedule, and the easiest online booking system. Books up fast during peak season.
• Nautika / Nautika Lite – A modern option with well-maintained vessels. Nautika Lite is a slightly more budget-friendly version of the full Nautika experience.
• Green Ocean – Known for its open deck seating option, which is great if you want to feel the sea breeze during the crossing.
• ITT Majestic – Operates a fast silver class service. Good alternative if Makruzz and Nautika are fully booked.

Always book your private ferry tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance during peak season (October to February). Seats sell out fast, especially on the Port Blair to Havelock route.

My Most Important Transit Tip

This is the advice I wish someone had given me on my first Andaman trip.

Always keep a minimum of 2 hours buffer between your flight landing at Port Blair and your ferry departure time from Haddo Jetty.

Here is what that buffer accounts for:

• Waiting for checked-in luggage at the baggage belt (can take 20 to 30 minutes at IXZ)
• Getting a taxi or auto from the airport to Haddo Jetty (roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic)
• Reaching the jetty, finding your ferry counter, and completing boarding formalities (another 20 to 30 minutes)

If your flight lands at 10:00 AM, do not book a ferry before 12:00 PM. A 1:30 PM ferry slot is safer. Missing your ferry means waiting for the next available slot, which could be the next morning.

Essential Travel Documents & Passports

This is one of the most searched questions about Andaman travel, and the answer is simple.

Indian citizens do not need a passport to visit Andaman. The islands are a Union Territory of India, not a foreign country. Any one of these government-issued photo IDs is enough:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• Driving License

Carry a physical copy and a digital backup on your phone. Airlines and ferry operators both check ID at boarding.

Foreign Nationals: What You Need

If you are traveling from outside India, the rules are stricter.

• A valid passport is mandatory.
• A valid Indian Visa is required before arrival.
• The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) has been relaxed for tourists visiting up to 30 designated islands. Most popular tourist destinations like Havelock and Neil fall under this relaxed zone.
• However, passport control is strictly enforced at Port Blair airport. Carry all documents in your hand luggage, not your checked bag.

For the most updated entry requirements and Andaman travel guidelines for 2026, always check the official Andaman tourism portal before your trip.

Local Transport & The Best Time to Arrive

Getting Around in Port Blair

Once you land at Veer Savarkar International Airport, you have three practical transport options to move around Port Blair:

• Pre-paid Taxis – Available right outside the arrival terminal. This is the easiest and safest option, especially if you are heading straight to Haddo Jetty with luggage. The fare to the jetty is roughly Rs. 400 to Rs. 600. Always take a pre-paid taxi over negotiating with random drivers outside.
• Auto-rickshaws – Cheaper than taxis and widely available across Port Blair. Good for short trips within the city once you have checked in to your hotel.
• Two-wheeler Rentals – If you plan to spend a day or two exploring Port Blair before heading to the islands, renting a scooter is a smart move. Rates are around Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 per day. Carry your driving license.

Best Time to Visit Andaman

The best time to visit Andaman is between October and March.

Here is why this window matters beyond just the weather:

• Seas are calm during this period. Calm seas mean smooth ferry rides between islands.
• Flight operations are more reliable with fewer weather-related delays.
• Visibility underwater is at its best for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Avoid July and August. The southwest monsoon hits Andaman hard during these months. Ferry services get cancelled regularly due to rough seas. Flights face delays. Several resorts on Havelock shut down entirely.

If your trip dates fall between April and June, conditions are acceptable but seas start getting choppy by May.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reach Andaman by train or bus?
No. Andaman is an island group sitting in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. There are no rail or road connections to the mainland. Your only practical option is a flight to Port Blair.

Which is better: Makruzz or Nautika?
Both are premium private ferries and significantly better than government vessels. Makruzz has been operating longer and carries a strong reputation for reliability. Nautika is newer, with very stable vessels and a smooth ride. Book whichever has availability on your travel date.

Are there helicopters in Andaman?
Yes. Pawan Hans operates a limited helicopter service between some islands. However, seats are very few and are largely reserved for medical emergencies or government use. Tourists cannot rely on this as a transport option.

How far is the airport from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair?
The distance is roughly 12 to 14 kilometers. In normal traffic, the taxi ride takes 30 to 40 minutes. Always account for this when planning your same-day ferry connection.

Is it safe to travel to Andaman solo?
Yes. Andaman is consistently rated one of the safest destinations in India for solo travelers, including solo women travelers. The islands are well-connected and locals are generally helpful.

Do I need to carry cash in Andaman?
Yes. Carry sufficient cash, especially on Havelock and Neil Island. ATMs exist but run out of cash during peak season. Most small restaurants and local shops do not accept cards.

Planning a trip to Andaman is not complicated once you understand the two-step transit: fly into Port Blair, then ferry out to the islands. I have done this route multiple times and the key is always the same. Book your morning flight, lock in your ferry slot in advance, and keep that 2-hour buffer between landing and boarding.

Get that right, and your Andaman trip starts perfectly.