Reaching Andaman is straightforward for most travelers, but getting between the islands requires a little more planning. For visitors from mainland India, flying to Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) is the most practical option, while ferries are the main way to travel between popular tourist islands.
Once you arrive, local transportation is relatively simple, with scooters, autos and cabs available depending on the island and your itinerary.
If you are planning a multi-island holiday, understanding the transport network before booking hotels and activities can help you avoid unnecessary transfers and build a more realistic itinerary.
How Do You Reach Andaman?
For most tourists, flying is the easiest and fastest way to reach Andaman from mainland India.
By Flight
Most travelers arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). The airport is the main air gateway to the islands and has regular connections with major Indian cities.
Depending on your departure city and travel dates, you may find a direct flight or need to travel with a connection.
Major Indian cities with flight options to Andaman include:
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Delhi
- Mumbai
Flight schedules and direct connections can change, so compare the available options for your specific travel dates before booking.
By Ship
Passenger ships also connect mainland India with Andaman. Services connect Sri Vijaya Puram with mainland ports including Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, but the journey takes considerably longer than flying.
For a typical 5–7 day holiday, flying is considerably more practical because a sea journey can consume several days of your trip.
The Practical Choice
For most travelers, the simplest transport combination is:
Flight to Sri Vijaya Puram → ferry to your chosen island → scooter, auto or cab for local sightseeing.
If you are planning a multi-island route, decide the island sequence before booking your return flight, because ferry schedules and sailing conditions can affect how you should structure the final days of your trip.
For the day-by-day route, see our Andaman Itinerary guide.
Flights to Andaman From Major Indian Cities
For most travelers, flying is the preferred way to reach Andaman, especially when you have only a few days for the trip. Flight availability varies by city and travel date, so compare the fare, total journey time and connection time before booking.
Departure City | Typical Flight Option | Planning Consideration |
| Chennai | Direct or connecting | One of the most convenient mainland gateways |
| Kolkata | Direct or connecting | Convenient option for travelers from eastern India |
| Bengaluru | Direct or connecting | Useful gateway for South India |
| Hyderabad | Direct or connecting | Another useful mainland connection |
| Delhi | Direct or connecting | Longer journey, depending on the schedule |
| Mumbai | Direct or connecting | Compare total travel time carefully |
Which City Is Best for Flying to Andaman?
If you have a choice of departure cities, Chennai and Kolkata are generally convenient gateways because of their location and flight connectivity.
However, you do not need to travel to another city just to find a flight. Compare options from your actual departure city based on total airfare, journey time and connection time.
Flight schedules can change by season and travel date, so check the available flights for your exact dates before finalizing your itinerary.
How to Get From the Airport to Port Blair
After landing at Veer Savarkar International Airport, reaching your hotel in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) is relatively straightforward.
Your main options are:
- Pre-booked hotel transfer: Convenient if you want a driver waiting on arrival.
- Private cab: Practical for couples, families and travelers with luggage.
- Auto-rickshaw: Suitable for shorter transfers, depending on availability and luggage.
If you are connecting directly to a ferry for Swaraj Dweep, allow sufficient time for baggage collection, the road transfer and ferry check-in. Do not treat the airport-to-jetty journey as a quick connection.
How to Travel Between the Andaman Islands
Once you arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), ferries are the main way to travel between the popular tourist islands. For most visitors, private ferries are the more convenient option, while government ferries can be a lower-cost alternative when the available route and schedule suit your plans.
Route | Typical Journey | Best For |
| Sri Vijaya Puram → Swaraj Dweep | Around 1.5–2.5 hours | Reaching Havelock Island |
| Swaraj Dweep → Shaheed Dweep | Around 1–2 hours | Adding Neil Island |
| Shaheed Dweep → Sri Vijaya Puram | Around 1.5–2.5 hours | Returning for your flight |
Journey times can vary by operator, vessel, route and sea conditions, so treat these as approximate rather than fixed timings.
Private vs. Government Ferries
Private ferries are generally the simpler choice for tourists, with online booking and different seating categories. Popular operators include Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean, although schedules and availability vary.
Government ferries are generally more economical and connect Sri Vijaya Puram with Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Government ferry tickets can be booked through the STARS e-ticketing system, subject to availability.
Where Do Ferries Depart From?
In Sri Vijaya Puram, inter-island services can operate from different jetties, including Phoenix Bay and Haddo, depending on the vessel and service.
Always check the departure jetty printed on your ferry ticket before leaving your hotel. Do not assume that every ferry to the same island leaves from the same terminal.
What Should You Book?
For a typical 5–7 day holiday, a private ferry is usually the more convenient choice if you want a straightforward island transfer.
Whichever service you choose, check the current sailing time, departure jetty and boarding instructions before traveling. Government ferry schedules are published on a regular basis and can change, while private operators may also adjust their services.
Also remember that the sailing time is only part of the journey. Allow additional time for getting to the jetty, check-in, boarding and reaching your hotel after arrival.
How to Get Around the Islands
Once you reach each island, local transportation is fairly simple. Your best option depends on the size of the island, how much sightseeing you plan to do, and whether you want flexibility or convenience.
Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)
For sightseeing and local transfers in Port Blair, cabs and auto-rickshaws are practical choices.
Scooters and motorcycles are also available for rent, but a valid driving license is required if you choose to ride yourself.
Swaraj Dweep
Scooters are one of the most practical ways to explore Swaraj Dweep, particularly if you want to visit beaches and attractions at your own pace.
Autos and cabs are also available, making them better choices if you are traveling with family, carrying luggage or simply prefer not to drive.
Shaheed Dweep
Shaheed Dweep is smaller and easier to explore than Swaraj Dweep. Scooters and bicycles can be practical for independent travelers, while autos and local cabs are useful for short transfers and sightseeing.
Because local transport options can be more limited here, especially during busy periods, it is sensible to arrange your preferred transport after confirming your hotel and arrival plans.
Scooter, Auto or Cab?
- Scooter: Best for couples and independent travelers who want flexibility.
- Bicycle: A practical option on smaller islands such as Shaheed Dweep.
- Auto-rickshaw: Useful for short local transfers.
- Private cab: Better for families, groups, luggage-heavy transfers and hassle-free sightseeing.
You do not need the same type of transport throughout your trip. Use cabs for airport and ferry transfers, and consider a scooter or bicycle when you want to explore an island independently.
Important Transport Tips for Andaman
- Book popular ferry routes in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
- Check your ferry's departure jetty carefully, as services can operate from different jetties in Sri Vijaya Puram.
- Reach the jetty with enough time for check-in and boarding.
- Keep your return ferry comfortably ahead of your flight from Sri Vijaya Puram. A delayed island transfer should not put your flight at risk.
- Carry a valid driving license if you plan to rent and ride a scooter, and follow local helmet and traffic requirements.
Golden Logistics Rule
Plan your island route first, then build your hotels, activities and return flight around the transport connections.
Plan Your Andaman Trip
Getting to Andaman is only the first part. Once you understand the flight, ferry and local transport options, you can build an itinerary that gives you more time to explore and less time worrying about connections.
If you are planning your first island trip, start by choosing your route and ferry connections, then finalize your hotels, activities and return flight around that plan.
Ready to turn your transport plan into a complete holiday? Explore our Andaman tour packages for curated stays, island transfers and sightseeing, or request a customized itinerary based on your travel dates and preferred pace.
