Planning a trip to the Andamans always begins with the same question: how do you actually get there? Since these islands sit around 1,400 km off India's east coast in the Bay of Bengal—with no road or rail link to the mainland—your only two options are by air or by sea. Here's everything you need to know to plan the journey smoothly, whichever route you choose.
By Air: The Fastest Way In
Flying is by far the quickest and most popular way to reach the islands. All flights land at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), the only airport in the Andamans.
Direct flights operate from major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet running daily services. From Chennai or Kolkata, the flight takes roughly 2–2.5 hours; from Delhi or Mumbai, expect around 5 hours, including a common layover at Chennai.
A few practical tips: book two to three months ahead for the best fares, favor midweek departures, and try to take a morning flight—afternoon arrivals are more prone to weather delays. Allow a comfortable 2–3 hour gap between any connecting flights. Once you land, the airport is barely 1–2 km from the heart of the city.
By Sea: Sailing Across the Bay of Bengal
If you have time to spare and a taste for adventure, passenger ships sail to Sri Vijaya Puram from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. It's a slow voyage — anywhere from 50 to 70 hours depending on the route and sea conditions — and sailings are limited to just three or four a month, so schedules need planning around. Fares are budget-friendly, though (roughly ₹2,000–₹10,000 depending on class), which makes it a favourite for travellers who see the journey itself as part of the trip.
Getting Around: Inter-Island Ferries & Seaplanes
Once you arrive, the islands are linked by boat, and this is where most of your on-trip travel happens.
Government ferries are the most affordable way to hop between Sri Vijaya Puram, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). They're slower and can be cancelled in rough weather, but they're easy on the wallet.
Private high-speed ferries — names like Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean—are the sweet spot for most visitors: air-conditioned catamarans that reach Havelock in around 90 minutes to 2 hours, at higher but reasonable fares. Seats sell out fast in peak season, so it's worth sorting your Andaman ferry booking in advance rather than gambling on counter tickets.
Seaplanes and helicopters occasionally run point-to-point transfers (such as Sri Vijaya Puram to Havelock) as a novelty. They're scenic but limited and pricey—worth it only if you're very short on time.
One golden rule for all sea travel: always check the forecast. The monsoon months (June–September) frequently see cancellations, so keep your plans flexible during that window.
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How to Reach the Andamans from Major Cities
Delhi: Direct flights to Sri Vijaya Puram (around 5 hours), or via Chennai/Kolkata. For a sea route, travel to Kolkata, Chennai, or Vizag first, then board a ship.
Mumbai: Direct flights available (5+ hours depending on routing). By rail, reach Chennai first, then fly or sail onward.
Chennai: One of the best-connected gateways—frequent 2–3 hour direct flights, plus regular ships from Chennai Port (50–60 hours).
Kolkata: Both direct flights and ships to the islands; Kolkata is roughly 1,300 km away.
Bengaluru: A mix of direct and one-stop flights (usually via Chennai); direct services are seasonal and demand-based.
Pune, Kochi, Patna, Chandigarh & others: No direct flights—route via Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, or Vizag, then fly or sail to the islands.
Whichever city you start from, the fastest option is almost always to reach Chennai and fly onward.
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Permits & Documents
Indian nationals don't need a permit for the main tourist islands—just carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar or passport).
Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually issued on arrival at the airport for sightseeing. Carry your passport and visa at all times.
Restricted islands such as Jolly Buoy, Cinque, and Redskin need a separate entry permit, typically arranged locally a day ahead or bundled into your tour. Tribal areas require special clearance and are off-limits to regular tourists.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Intro Trip: Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram and unwind at Corbyn's Cove. Ferry to Havelock for beach time on day two, then squeeze in snorkeling or a short island tour before flying home on day three.
5-Day Island Hopper: Add Neil Island to the mix — sunsets at Laxmanpur, snorkeling, and a couple of unhurried days across Havelock and Neil before heading back. A great fit for couples; browse our Andaman honeymoon packages if you're planning a romantic escape.
7-Day Extended Trip: Everything above, plus a Baratang day trip for the limestone caves and mangroves, and time for the water activities in Andaman — scuba, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides — that make the islands unforgettable.
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Packing & Transfer Tips
Pack light — ferries and small aircraft have strict weight limits, so a sturdy duffel or backpack beats a hard suitcase. Bring a waterproof bag for electronics on boat rides, a compact raincoat if you're travelling near monsoon, and enough cash, since ATMs are mainly in Sri Vijaya Puram and many ferry counters and local transport are cash-only. Mobile coverage thins out beyond the main towns, so download offline maps and save your ferry timings before you set off.
Safety Notes
On the water, always board with the official crew and wear a life jacket. If you're prone to motion sickness, carry medication and a bottle of water, as onboard refreshments aren't guaranteed. Flights are reliable but can be delayed in the monsoon, so build a little buffer into tight connections.
