How to Reach Andaman: The Short Answer
Flying into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at Sri Vijaya Puram is the fastest and most practical way to reach Andaman. Direct flights operate from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad; Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad connect through a southern or eastern hub. The shortest routes, from Chennai and Kolkata, take about 2 hours 15 minutes.
There is no road or rail bridge connecting the mainland to the islands, so air travel is the default for most travellers. IndiGo and Air India are the airlines named in current route data for this sector, and direct services operate on selected days rather than uniformly across every departure city.
For Indian citizens, the standard tourist circuit covering South Andaman, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep requires no visa, Restricted Area Permit or Inner Line Permit. Carry a government-issued photo ID and confirm current ferry schedules and any protected-area rules before departure.
Ferries connect Sri Vijaya Puram with Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), with typical one-way fares of approximately INR 500–2,500 depending on vessel and class. Inter-island schedules are weather-dependent, so build buffer days rather than planning same-day connections from your flight.
At a glance
Andaman Travel Guide 2026: Islands, Costs, Best Time and Trip Planning, in brief
Andaman is reached almost entirely by air into Sri Vijaya Puram, then by ferry to the main islands. Indian citizens need only a government photo ID for the standard tourist circuit, while foreign nationals must follow current visa and Restricted Area Permit rules before booking.
Andaman Travel Guide 2026: Islands, Costs, Best Time and Trip Planning.
Planned around you.
- Main gateway airport
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Sri Vijaya PuramPrincipal entry point for all island circuits
- Rail or road access
- No rail or road link to the islandsAir is the practical default; ship is the only non-air alternative
- Fastest air route
- Direct flight from Chennai or Kolkata, about 2 hr 15 minSchedule varies by date and season
- Connecting routes
- Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad typically connect via Chennai or BengaluruBook on a single ticket where possible
- Entry documents — Indian citizens
- Government photo ID; no visa or permit for the standard tourist circuitTribal reserves and Nicobar remain restricted
- Entry documents — foreign nationals
- Passport, Indian visa or eligible e-visa; current RAP rules applyVerify before departure
Flights to Andaman
Direct flights to Sri Vijaya Puram operate from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, making air the best way to reach Andaman for travellers across the country. IndiGo and Air India are the carriers named in current route data, with flight durations ranging from about 2 hours 15 minutes on the shortest routes to about 5 hours 30 minutes from western cities.
Chennai
Direct
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Strongest southern gateway; morning arrivals allow same-day ferry with adequate buffer.
Kolkata
Direct
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Practical eastern gateway with frequent air and sea connectivity.
Bengaluru
Direct
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
One of the most convenient gateways for South India travellers.
Hyderabad
Direct when scheduled; otherwise Chennai or Bengaluru
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Verify operating days; direct availability can be seasonal.
Delhi
Direct when operating; otherwise Kolkata or Chennai
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Check whether the direct service operates on your chosen date before planning same-day ferries.
Mumbai
Chennai or Bengaluru
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Use a long connection buffer; the final IXZ sector has limited daily capacity.
Pune
Bengaluru or Chennai
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Compare Bengaluru and Chennai connections; the fastest option changes by date.
Ahmedabad
Bengaluru, Chennai or Kolkata
Typical fareIndicative, varies by season and booking window
Prefer single-ticket connections and avoid short self-transfer itineraries.
Travelling from your city?
Tell us where you start. A specialist can plan connections around your stay.
Plan my journeyIndiGo and Air India are the carriers named in current route data for this sector. Fares move with season and booking window, so treat any figure you see as an indicative planning range rather than a fixed price.
If your only option is a connecting itinerary, book it on a single ticket where possible. Self-transfer connections through Chennai or Kolkata leave you exposed if the first leg runs late, and the final IXZ sector has limited daily capacity. Booking early in the season typically gives more schedule options and better fare ranges.
How to Reach Andaman from India by Rail, Road or Sea
No rail or road route connects the mainland to Andaman, so the only non-air option is ship services from Kolkata and Chennai to Sri Vijaya Puram. These crossings take considerably longer than flying and run on limited schedules, making them a deliberate choice for travellers with time rather than a practical default.
Kolkata
Ship service to Sri Vijaya Puram
Typical fareIndicative, varies by class
Schedules are limited; confirm sailing dates well ahead of travel.
Chennai
Ship service to Sri Vijaya Puram
Typical fareIndicative, varies by class
Useful as a backup when flights are full in peak season.
Travelling from your city?
Tell us where you start. A specialist can plan connections around your stay.
Plan my journeyRail gets you only as far as a mainland port city such as Chennai or Kolkata; from there the onward leg to Sri Vijaya Puram is by ship or by air. No train or road bridge connects the mainland to the islands, and no bus service covers this route.
If you are considering the ship route, plan it as part of the experience rather than a way to save time. Sailing dates are limited and sea conditions can affect them, so keep your onward island plans flexible and avoid booking non-refundable ferry seats on the same day as your scheduled arrival.
Travellers combining rail and sea can take a train to Chennai or Kolkata, then board a ship to Sri Vijaya Puram. This multi-modal approach suits those who want to experience the sea crossing, but the total journey time is significantly longer than a direct flight.
From the Airport to Your Stay
After landing at IXZ in Sri Vijaya Puram, airport taxis and pre-paid or app-based cabs reach most city stays in a short ride. For Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, the onward leg is a government or private ferry from the Sri Vijaya Puram jetty, with fares typically INR 500–2,500 one way depending on vessel and class.
IXZ airport, Sri Vijaya Puram
Airport taxi or pre-paid cab
Typical fareIndicative, metered or fixed by operator
App-based cabs also serve the city; confirm availability at the terminal.
Sri Vijaya Puram jetty
Government or private ferry
Typical fareApproximately INR 500–2,500 one way
Schedules are weather-dependent; book ahead in peak season and reconfirm the day before sailing.
Travelling from your city?
Tell us where you start. A specialist can plan connections around your stay.
Plan my journeyWithin South Andaman, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rental scooters and private cars are the common ways to move around. Short auto rides commonly cost INR 100–300, and scooter rental runs about INR 500–800 per day, making it a practical option for covering beaches and viewpoints independently.
If your itinerary starts on Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep, do not assume you can land at IXZ and catch the next ferry. Leave a meaningful buffer between your flight arrival and the sailing, because both the IXZ sector and ferry timings are schedule-sensitive and weather can affect the sea crossing.
Step-by-Step Journey Plan to Andaman
Plan Andaman as a flight-first trip: fix your IXZ arrival date, then build ferry and island days around it. Indian citizens need only a government photo ID for the standard circuit, while foreign nationals must confirm visa and current Restricted Area Permit rules before booking any travel.
- Confirm your gateway city and travel date
Check whether a direct flight operates from your city on your chosen date. Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have direct services on selected days; Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad usually connect through a hub.
- Check your entry documents
Indian citizens need a valid government photo ID for the standard tourist circuit of South Andaman, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Foreign nationals need a passport, Indian visa or eligible e-visa and must follow current Restricted Area Permit rules.
- Book flights with a connection buffer
Prefer single-ticket connections and avoid tight self-transfers. If you plan a same-day ferry to Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep, leave a long gap after landing at IXZ — the final sector has limited daily capacity.
- Reserve ferries and island accommodation
Ferry fares are typically INR 500–2,500 one way depending on vessel and class. In peak season, book both ferry seats and island accommodation well ahead, as availability on popular sailings fills quickly.
- Arrange your arrival transfer
Use an airport taxi or pre-paid cab from IXZ to your Sri Vijaya Puram stay. For island stays, arrange the jetty transfer on the same day as your sailing and confirm the boarding time in advance.
- Build in weather flexibility
Inter-island ferry schedules are weather-dependent. Hold at least one spare day in your itinerary so a cancellation does not break your return flight or the rest of your island plan.
Getting Around in Andaman on Arrival
On arrival in Andaman, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rental scooters and private cars cover South Andaman, while government and private ferries link Sri Vijaya Puram with Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Scooter rental is roughly INR 500–800 per day and short auto rides typically cost INR 100–300.
- Use taxis and autos for short hops in Sri Vijaya Puram
Airport taxis and app-based or pre-paid cabs serve Sri Vijaya Puram. Short auto-rickshaw rides within the city commonly cost INR 100–300, making them the quickest option for reaching the jetty or a nearby attraction.
Transport - Rent a scooter for independent island days
Scooter rental in South Andaman is approximately INR 500–800 per day. This is a practical way to cover beaches, viewpoints and local markets at your own pace without depending on fixed taxi schedules.
Transport - Book ferries for inter-island legs
Government and private ferries connect Sri Vijaya Puram with Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Typical one-way fares are approximately INR 500–2,500 depending on vessel and class; book ahead in peak season.
Ferries - Treat ferry timings as weather-dependent
Inter-island schedules can change with sea conditions, particularly during the monsoon months. Reconfirm your sailing the day before and keep a spare day in your itinerary to absorb any cancellation.
Planning - Carry cash for local transport
Auto-rickshaws and smaller ferry operators may not accept digital payments. Keep sufficient cash for short rides, jetty fees and any incidental transport costs on the islands.
Money
South Andaman's road network connects Sri Vijaya Puram with key sites such as Corbyn's Cove Beach and the Cellular Jail, both reachable by taxi or auto within the city. For longer drives across the island, private cabs or hired vehicles are the standard choice.
Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep have their own local transport once you arrive by ferry. Renting a bicycle or scooter on those islands is common and lets you reach beaches and viewpoints that shared taxis do not always cover.
Mistakes to Avoid When Reaching Andaman
The most common Andaman travel mistakes are tight same-day flight-to-ferry connections, assuming a direct flight operates daily from every city, and treating restricted areas as open to independent tourism. Each has a straightforward fix that can be built into your booking before you travel.
- Booking a ferry immediately after landing at IXZ
How to avoid itLeave a long buffer between your flight arrival and the sailing, or overnight in Sri Vijaya Puram before the island leg. The IXZ sector has limited daily capacity and delays can cascade.
- Assuming a direct flight operates from your city every day
How to avoid itVerify the operating days for your chosen date on the airline's booking platform. Delhi and Hyderabad direct services in particular can be seasonal or operate on select days only.
- Planning a self-transfer connection through Chennai or Kolkata
How to avoid itBook a single-ticket itinerary where possible. Self-transfers leave you exposed if the first leg runs late, and the final IXZ sector has limited daily frequency.
- Treating Nicobar or tribal reserves as open tourist areas
How to avoid itStick to the standard circuit of South Andaman, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Confirm current rules for any other area before departure, as access restrictions apply.
- Leaving no spare day for a weather-affected ferry
How to avoid itBuild at least one flexible day into the itinerary so a cancellation does not break your return flight or the rest of your island plan.
- Forgetting to carry government photo ID
How to avoid itIndian citizens must carry a valid government-issued photo ID for the standard tourist circuit. Keep a physical copy and a digital backup accessible throughout the trip.
Holiday ideas to start from
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Andaman Family Week 6 Nights: 2026 Tour Package & Itinerary
From₹48,000per adult, twin sharing, land only; standard duration bucket; within destination research bandAndaman Beach Resort Retreat 6 Nights: Luxury Tour Package 2026
From₹1,25,000per adult, twin sharing, land only; luxury duration bucket; within destination research band
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From our travel specialists
What our team sees when planning these trips, beyond what the guidebooks say.
Confirmed 11 Oct 2026
Travellers commonly add or prioritise experiences such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, and sunrise or sunset beach visits after seeing the conditions locally. Reports specifically mention early-morning bioluminescence kayaking, Radhanagar sunset, and Kala Pathar or Sitapur sunrise visits.
Travellers commonly wish they had allowed more time for ferry travel and island transfers, and had understood that weather can disrupt fixed ferry schedules. Several reports also suggest planning water activities and ferries ahead during the October–March busy period.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is the strongest first-visit base for travellers wanting beaches and water activities, especially Radhanagar Beach, snorkelling and scuba diving. Neil (Shaheed Dweep) is better added for at least two nights if a quieter pace is preferred; Port Blair works mainly as the gateway and history base.
The June–September monsoon is the season travellers most often caution against for a beach-and-water-sports trip because rain and rough seas can affect ferries and outdoor activities. October to February is generally preferred, although it is busier and more expensive.
Before you go
Straight answers to help you plan — then personalise the trip with a specialist.
10 answered belowAsk a specialist anything about this trip — there’s no obligation.
Ask a specialist01What is the best way to reach Andaman?
Flying into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at Sri Vijaya Puram is the best way to reach Andaman for most travellers. Direct flights operate from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, while Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad usually connect through a southern or eastern hub.
02How long is the flight to Andaman from Chennai or Kolkata?
Direct flights from Chennai and Kolkata to Sri Vijaya Puram take about 2 hours 15 minutes. These are the shortest air routes to the islands and the most useful gateways if you want to minimise travel time before starting your island itinerary.
03Are there direct flights to Andaman from Delhi and Mumbai?
Delhi has direct services when they operate on your chosen date, taking about 5 hours 30 minutes. Mumbai usually requires one stop, commonly via Chennai or Bengaluru, with a total journey of about 5 hours. Always verify operating days before booking.
04Can I reach Andaman by train or bus?
No. There is no rail or road link to Andaman, so trains and buses can only get you to a mainland port city such as Chennai or Kolkata. From there, the onward leg to Sri Vijaya Puram is by ship or by air.
05Is there a ship service to Andaman from Kolkata or Chennai?
Yes, ship services run from Kolkata and Chennai to Sri Vijaya Puram. They take considerably longer than flying and operate on limited schedules, so confirm sailing dates well ahead if you plan to travel this way.
06Do Indian citizens need a permit for Andaman?
Indian citizens need a valid government photo ID for the standard tourist circuit of South Andaman, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. No visa, Restricted Area Permit or Inner Line Permit is required for these areas. Tribal reserves and Nicobar remain restricted.
07How do I get from Port Blair to Havelock or Neil Island?
Government and private ferries connect Sri Vijaya Puram with Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil). Typical one-way fares are approximately INR 500–2,500 depending on vessel and class, and schedules are weather-dependent, so book ahead in peak season.
08How much does it cost to travel to Andaman?
Indicative land-only twin-sharing packages are approximately INR 28,000 budget, INR 45,000 standard, INR 70,000 premium and INR 125,000 luxury per person, before variable airfare. Ferry fares and local transport are separate, so treat these as planning ranges only.
09Which airlines fly to Andaman?
IndiGo and Air India are the airlines named in current route data for the Sri Vijaya Puram sector. Both operate services from multiple mainland cities, though direct availability varies by departure city and travel date, so check schedules when booking.
10What documents do I need to carry for Andaman travel?
Indian citizens need a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or passport for the standard tourist circuit. Carry a physical copy and a digital backup. Foreign nationals need a passport, Indian visa or eligible e-visa and must check current Restricted Area Permit rules.
