How to Reach the Andaman Islands: Flights, Ferries & Getting Around

Reaching the Andamans is an adventure in itself. The only way in is by air or sea – and both have their charms.

By Air

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair connects to Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Flights are frequent during peak season; prices range from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 one-way, depending on advance booking. I flew from Chennai – a crisp 2-hour flight with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Pro tip: book at least 2–3 months ahead for the best rates.

By Sea

Government-run passenger ships (like MV Nicobar or MV Andaman) sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The journey takes 3–4 days and costs a fraction of airfare (₹2,000–₹8,000 for a bunk). It’s a slow, romantic way to arrive, but the schedule is erratic and the sea can be rough. If you have time and a strong stomach, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Inter-Island Ferries

Once you’re in Port Blair, inter-island ferries connect the main destinations – Havelock, Neil, Ross, and North Bay. Two types operate:

• Government ferries: Cheap (₹200–₹500) but run on fixed schedules and sell out quickly. Book at least a day in advance.
• Private catamarans (Green Ocean, Makruzz, Nautika): Faster, more comfortable, and costlier (₹1,000–₹2,500). They have multiple daily departures and are my recommendation for time-saving and reliability.

Getting Around the Islands

On the islands, rental scooters are the most popular way to get around – about ₹400–₹600 per day. Helmets are mandatory, and roads are generally good (though potholes exist). Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available but pricey. For groups, hiring a jeep with a driver for the day is economical.

A Few Warnings

A few warnings: ferry tickets cannot be booked online easily – you’ll need to either use a travel agent or buy at the counter upon arrival. I recommend pre-booking your return ferry from Havelock to Port Blair to avoid last-minute panic.

Transport in the Andamans teaches patience. Ferries delay, roads get blocked by fallen trees, and schedules change. Embrace the chaos – it’s part of the island charm. And always keep a spare day in your itinerary for contingency.

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Neil Island: The Sleepy Sibling with a Big Heart

If Havelock is the star, Neil Island (now Shaheed Dweep) is its quieter, more laid-back sibling. Just a two-hour ferry from Port Blair, this tiny island measures barely 13 square kilometres, yet it packs in some of the most unspoilt beaches and a pace of life that feels like a gentle exhale.

I arrived at Neil’s jetty on a lazy morning, the water so calm it mirrored the sky. The first thing you notice is the absence of crowds. A single road runs through the island, lined with coconut palms and the occasional cycle rickshaw. My guesthouse owner greeted me with a fresh coconut and said, “Relax, nothing here is urgent.” He meant it.

Bharatpur Beach & Laxmanpur Beach

Bharatpur Beach is Neil’s most popular stretch, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The reef starts just a few metres from the shore, and I spotted parrotfish, clownfish, and even a small moray eel within minutes. But the real gem is Laxmanpur Beach, especially at low tide. Walk out over the exposed coral flats and you’ll reach the Natural Bridge – a rock arch carved by centuries of waves. Locals call it the “Howrah Bridge” of Neil, and watching the sunset through that arch is a moment you’ll carry forever.

A Birder’s Delight

Neil is also a birder’s delight. Early mornings bring flocks of white-bellied sea eagles and Brahminy kites gliding overhead. If you’re lucky, you might spot the rare Andaman wood pigeon.

Food & Local Life

Food here is simpler than Havelock – think grilled catch of the day, coconut curries, and fresh juices. The island produces most of its own vegetables, so even a basic thali tastes remarkably vibrant.

Three days on Neil taught me that travel isn’t about ticking sights; it’s about sinking into a rhythm. I spent hours sitting on the jetty, watching fishermen haul their nets, children laughing as they jumped off the pier, and the sun painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. No Wi-Fi, no distractions – just the sound of the sea and the warm hospitality of the islanders.

If you’re seeking solitude and simplicity, Neil Island is your haven. It doesn’t try to impress – and that’s exactly why it does.

— Brought to you by The Kite Journeys – explore more at
thekitejourneys.com