How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal about 1300 kilometers away from mainland India. In between the southern coast of India and Indonesia, even though the islands are closer to Indonesia by 150 kilometers it can be accessed via Indian carriages and cargo only.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be reached via air and sea. These are the only ways to reach the capital city (Port Blair) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are flights and ships available from different points in mainland India. Port Blair is the only entry point to the Andaman Islands, there is no other point in Andamans that you can enter it will be only through Port Blair.
Reaching Andaman By Flight:
The Andaman Islands has numerous flights flying from the mainland to the islands for the transfers of passengers and necessary goods. The direct flights to Andamans are operated from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Please note the schedule may change based upon pay load. We recommend you to check the airlines website to know about the latest flight timings to Port Blair. An approximate distance of 1300 Kms from Mainland India to the island by air, in a non-stop flight, is covered in 2.5 Hrs maximum.
Currently, there are no evening flights available that are post-sunset, the first flight takes off at around 7 AM and the last flight of the day around 4 PM.
There is just one commercial airport in the islands, the Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair.
We recommend travelers to reach by flight to Andaman as this is the most convenient way to reach the Andaman Islands.
Note: There are no international flights to Andamans only domestic. People from other countries will have to come to India and then take a flight to Andamans.
Major Airlines that operates flight to Andaman Islands
Air India
Goair
GoIndigo
Spicejet
Vistara
Reaching Andaman By Sea
The Andaman Islands can be reached by sea as well; some ships are available to the islands. Ships are the oldest method of transfer to Andamans from the mainland. The major ports which have ships that sail to Andamans are Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag. These are government-operated ship services that can be availed. The tickets for the ships can be booked through the Directorate of Shipping/ Shipping Corporation of the concerned ports. If the weather is clear the journey usually takes up to 2.5-3 days to reach the Andaman Islands. The frequency of sailing to and fro from Kolkata is usually once or twice a month, in Chennai and Vizag it is just a single sailing per month. (And all the journeys depend on the weather conditions.)
We are expecting one new vessel build by the Cochin shipyard to Andaman Islands from 2021. This ship will have a capacity of about 500 People. This vessel will add convenience to people who plan to visit Andaman Islands by Ship
There is just one main seaport in Andamans located in Port Blair named Haddo Jetty. Many people expect that the vessels that sails to Andaman are cruises, however, these vessels are passenger as well as cargo ships. It's not the luxury cruises that we usually see in pictures. Here we have explained the myth about Cruise to the Andaman Islands.
Please make sure you are aware of such a difference when you planning to reach Andaman by sea route.
We always recommend the tourists to take flights to the Andaman Islands as it is time-saving and convenient. Ships can also be taken to the islands if the tourists are coming on a long vacation it will be a different experience to sail, we usually do not suggest ship journeys due to the long journey and weather conditions that might become an issue during the journey.
Can we travel to Andaman By Train?
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There is NO Way you can reach Andaman Islands by Train from anywhere in the world. There is a sea in between which has to be crossed by a flight or a ship. At best, you can come by train to the nearest city station from where you have an onward flight to Port Blair.
Can we reach Andaman By Bus?
NO bus services are available to Andaman Islands. You will have to cross the Bay of Bengal Sea either by flight or Ship. At best, you can come by bus to the nearest bus stand from where you can reach the airport for your onward flight to Port Blair.
Passport & Visa For Indian Citizens?
NO Passport or Visa is required for Indian Citizens. However, you will require a permit if you are visiting Jolly Bouy Island, Redskin Island and Cinque Island. To visit Havelock, Neil and Baratang you do not require any permits. In some cases, Experience Andamans will be able to help you with the necessary permits to see various sightseeing places in Andaman.
Foreigners Visiting Andaman Islands
Foreign travelers visiting Andaman Islands should have a valid visa. As per recent updates from the Andaman administration restricted area permit has been revoked and most islands are open for both Indian and Foreigners. Though at the time of arrival at the airport you will have to pass through immigration which is a usual process as in any other location.
Foreigners who are planning to visit Andamans should first reach mainland India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata etc) from where you can take a flight to Port Blair in Andaman Islands. Direct flight to Port Blair from your country is not available as of 2021.
Refer Guidelines for Foreign Natioanals.