How To Reach

The Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 1,300 kilometers away from mainland India. Positioned between the southern coast of India and Indonesia, the islands are geographically closer to Indonesia by 150 kilometers but can only be accessed via Indian carriers and cargo.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be reached by air or sea, with Port Blair serving as the sole entry point. No other entry points exist in the Andaman Islands.

Reaching Andaman by Flight

The Andaman Islands are well-connected to mainland India by numerous flights that transport passengers and essential goods. Direct flights to Andaman operate from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Flight schedules may vary based on demand, so it’s recommended to check airline websites for the latest timings. A non-stop flight covers the approximate distance of 1,300 kilometers in about 2.5 hours.

Currently, there are no evening flights available after sunset. The first flight typically departs around 7 AM, and the last flight takes off around 4 PM.

There is only one commercial airport in the Andaman Islands:

• Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair.

We recommend travelers opt for flights as they are the fastest and most convenient way to reach the islands.

Note: International flights are not available to the Andaman Islands. Foreign nationals must first travel to mainland India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.) before taking a domestic flight to Port Blair.

Major Airlines Operating Flights to Andaman Islands:

• Air India
• GoAir
• IndiGo
• SpiceJet
• Vistara

Reaching Andaman by Sea

The Andaman Islands can also be reached by sea, with government-operated ships available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag. These ships are primarily passenger and cargo vessels, not luxury cruises. Tickets can be booked through the Directorate of Shipping or the Shipping Corporation of the respective ports.

• The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 days if weather conditions are favorable.
• Ships from Kolkata sail once or twice a month, while Chennai and Vizag offer a single sailing per month.

A new vessel built by Cochin Shipyard with a capacity of around 500 passengers is expected to enhance connectivity to the Andaman Islands. However, we recommend traveling by flight for a time-efficient and comfortable experience.

Main Seaport:

• Haddo Jetty in Port Blair.

Travelers often assume these vessels are luxury cruises, but they are functional passenger and cargo ships. Be aware of this distinction when planning to travel by sea.

Can You Travel to Andaman by Train?

No, it is not possible to reach the Andaman Islands by train as the Bay of Bengal separates the islands from mainland India. The closest train stations can only connect you to cities with flights to Port Blair.

Can You Travel to Andaman by Bus?

No, there are no bus services to the Andaman Islands. At best, you can use a bus to reach the nearest airport in mainland India for your onward flight to Port Blair.

Passport & Visa Requirements

For Indian Citizens:

• Passport and Visa: Not required for Indian citizens.
• Permits: Special permits are needed to visit certain islands, such as Jolly Buoy, Red Skin, and Cinque Islands. Permits are not required for Havelock, Neil, or Baratang Islands. Tour operators can assist with the necessary permits.

For Foreign Travelers:

• A valid visa is mandatory for foreign nationals visiting the Andaman Islands.
• As per recent updates, the Restricted Area Permit has been revoked, allowing access to most islands for both Indian and foreign tourists. However, immigration checks at Port Blair Airport are still required.

Foreign visitors must first travel to mainland India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.) before taking a domestic flight to Port Blair, as there are no direct international flights to the Andaman Islands.