Our team at Andaman Vacations India provides complete travel assistance, from flight guidance and airport transfers to inter-island ferry bookings, hotel reservations, sightseeing tours, and fully customised Andaman tour packages.
Reaching Andaman by Air
Air travel is the most convenient and time-efficient way to reach the Andaman Islands. The islands have a single commercial airport, Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA code: IXZ), located in Port Blair. The airport was renamed in honour of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the freedom fighter who was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail for more than a decade.
Port Blair is directly connected by nonstop flights to Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai on select days. With same-day arrival possible from most departure cities, flying makes it straightforward to begin your island holiday without losing time in transit.
Airlines Flying to Port Blair
IndiGo
IndiGo operates flights to Port Blair from multiple cities, offering extensive connectivity with schedules and fares.
Air India
Air India offers flights to Port Blair from select major cities with comfort and premium onboard passenger experience.
Air India Express
Air India Express connects Port Blair via affordable flights from key southern cities ensuring value based travel options.
Akasa Air
Akasa Air operates flights to Port Blair from Bengaluru and metro routes featuring modern aircraft and punctual operations.
SpiceJet
SpiceJet provides direct flights to Port Blair from major Indian cities at budget fares ensuring frequent services and booking.
Direct Flight Routes to Port Blair
The table below lists the cities with direct (nonstop) connections to Veer Savarkar International Airport and the approximate flight duration from each city.
| Departure City | Approx. Flight Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 2 hrs | Multiple daily |
| Kolkata | 2 hrs | Multiple daily |
| Bengaluru | 2.5 hrs | Daily |
| Hyderabad | 2.5 hrs | Daily |
| Delhi | 4-5 hrs | Daily |
| Visakhapatnam | 2 hrs | Daily |
| Bhubaneswar | 2 hrs | Select days |
| Mumbai | 3.5 hrs | Select days |
Flying Tips
- Book flights at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for travel during peak season (October to May) when fares and seat availability tighten quickly.
- Early morning departures from Chennai and Kolkata allow you to reach Port Blair by mid-morning, giving you a full first day to explore.
- Check for connecting flight options through Chennai or Kolkata if there is no direct route available from your city.
- The airport in Port Blair is small and manageable. Baggage claim is straightforward, and our team can arrange an airport pickup to take you directly to your hotel.
Reaching Andaman by Sea
For travellers who want to experience the journey itself, or those looking for a more economical way to reach the islands, passenger ships offer a practical alternative to air travel. Port Blair is connected by regular ship services to three mainland ports: Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Ships Operating to Port Blair
Three passenger vessels are currently managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), which operates under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
MV Swarajdweep
MV Swarajdweep operates between Port Blair, Chennai, and Kolkata, offering berth classes for budget passengers.
MV Campbell Bay
MV Campbell Bay serves Chennai and Kolkata routes, named after Nicobar headquarters, with berth accommodation.
MV Nicobar
MV Nicobar operates from mainland ports to Port Blair, including Visakhapatnam sailings running approximately monthly schedule.
Sea Routes and Sailing Frequency
| Departure Port | Sailings per Month | Journey Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 3 - 4 sailings | 60 - 72 hours |
| Kolkata | 3 - 4 sailings | 60 - 72 hours |
| Visakhapatnam | 1 sailing | 60 - 72 hours |
Sea Travel Tips
- Tickets must be booked well in advance through the Directorate of Shipping Services. Berths fill quickly, particularly during peak season.
- Several berth categories are available, ranging from economy bunk beds to deluxe cabins. Choose according to your comfort preference and budget.
- The sea can be rough, particularly between May and September during the monsoon. Most travelers prefer to sail during the calmer months from October to April.
- Pack light snacks, personal medications, and entertainment for the voyage, as the journey takes two and a half to three days each way.
- Sea travel is more economical than flying but far less time-efficient. It is best suited to those with flexible schedules or a particular interest in the voyage experience itself.
Getting Around After Arriving in Port Blair
Port Blair serves as the hub for onward travel to all other islands in the Andaman archipelago. From here, you can reach the most popular destinations by government or private ferry services.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Known for Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving, snorkelling, Swaraj Dweep is top tourist destination with daily ferry from Port Blair.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Shaheed Dweep offers beaches, coral bridges, relaxed atmosphere, ferry connections from Port Blair.
Baratang Island
Baratang Island is famous for limestone caves, mud volcanoes, mangrove creeks, accessible through convoys and boat rides
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
Once British administrative headquarters, this island features colonial ruins, deer, historic landmarks, boat ride from Port Blair.
We handle all inter-island ferry bookings as part of our tour packages. Private speedboats, government ferries, and reserved seat arrangements are all available depending on your schedule and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying is the fastest way to reach the Andaman Islands. Direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair operate daily from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai on select days. Flight durations range from around 2 hours (from Chennai or Kolkata) to approximately 4-5 hours (from Delhi or Mumbai).
All major domestic carriers operate direct flights to Port Blair. These include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet. Each airline offers nonstop services from multiple cities across India.
Yes. Passenger ships operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. There are three to four sailings per month from Chennai and Kolkata, and one sailing per month from Visakhapatnam. The voyage takes approximately 60 to 72 hours.
The vessels currently serving the mainland-to-Andaman sea routes are MV Swarajdweep, MV Campbell Bay, and MV Nicobar. All three are managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
After arriving in Port Blair, you can travel to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), and other islands by government or private ferry services. We handle all inter-island ferry bookings as part of our tour packages.
Air travel is recommended for most visitors. It is faster, more comfortable, and flights are available daily from multiple cities. Sea travel offers a unique experience and is more budget-friendly, but sailings are infrequent and the journey takes around three days each way. Tickets must be booked well in advance.
Ready to Plan Your Andaman Trip?
Whether you need help choosing the right flight, booking an inter-island ferry, or putting together a full itinerary, our team in Port Blair is here to help. We have been planning Andaman holidays since over 25 years and know these islands in detail.
Call or WhatsApp us on +91 99320 89893 and someone on the ground will answer.
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