How to Reach Andaman

Andaman Islands: Essential Travel Guide

Quick Facts

✔ Area: 8,249 square kilometers
✔ Capital: Port Blair
✔ Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
✔ Visa for Indian Travelers: Not Required
✔ Visa for Foreign Travelers: Required
✔ Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
✔ Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST)
✔ Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Nicobarese
✔ Climate: Tropical, humid, and warm throughout the year
✔ Temperature: 23°C to 31°C
✔ Humidity: 70% to 90%

Where is Andaman?

📍 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical paradise in the Bay of Bengal, located approximately 1,200 km from the Indian mainland.

How to Reach Andaman

Reaching the Andaman Islands is possible by air and sea. The fastest and most convenient way is by air, while sea travel offers a scenic but longer journey.

By Air: The Quickest Way

The Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the only commercial airport in the Andaman Islands, with flights from major Indian cities.

✈ Flight Durations from Different Cities:

• Delhi to Port Blair: ~2,500 km, 5-7 hours (mostly connecting flights)
• Mumbai to Port Blair: ~2,300 km, 5-7 hours (mostly connecting flights)
• Kolkata to Port Blair: ~1,255 km, 2.5 hours (direct flights available)
• Chennai to Port Blair: ~1,190 km, 2 hours (direct flights available)
• Visakhapatnam to Port Blair: ~1,200 km, 2.5 hours (direct flights available)
• Hyderabad to Port Blair: ~1,500 km, 3.5-4 hours (mostly connecting flights)
• Bangalore to Port Blair: ~1,650 km, 2.5-3 hours (direct and connecting flights available)

✈ Airlines Operating to Port Blair:
✔ IndiGo
✔ SpiceJet

By Sea: An Adventurous Voyage

Passenger ships connect Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, offering a budget-friendly but time-consuming journey.

⛴ Ports with Passenger Ship Services:

• Chennai (~1,190 km)
• Kolkata (~1,255 km)
• Visakhapatnam (~1,200 km)

⏳ Travel Duration: 60-70 hours, depending on weather conditions.

🛳 Ship Classes Available:

• Deluxe Cabins
• First-Class Cabins
• Second-Class Cabins

Best Travel Option

✔ For Quick and Comfortable Travel: Flights are the best choice.
✔ For Budget Travelers and Adventure Seekers: Ships offer a unique sea travel experience.

No matter how you choose to travel, Andaman’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant marine life promise an unforgettable journey! 🌴✨

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar islands from Malaysia

Fly Direct from Malaysia to Andaman Islands with AirAsia!

Exciting news for travelers! AirAsia has launched the first-ever direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair, making it easier than ever to explore the breathtaking Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This new route enhances regional connectivity and opens up endless travel opportunities for adventure seekers, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts.

Flight Details:

• Route: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
• Frequency: Three times per week
• Flight Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes

How to reach Foreign Tourists in Andaman

Foreign travelers can visit the Andaman Islands by flying into India and then taking a domestic flight to Port Blair. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. International Arrival in India

Currently, there are no direct international flights except Malaysia to the Andaman Islands. Foreign tourists must first arrive in India at one of the major international airports:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)
• Chennai International Airport, Chennai (MAA)
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR)

2. Domestic Flight to Andaman

Once in India, foreign tourists can take a domestic flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ). Several airlines operate flights from major Indian cities to Port Blair:

• From Delhi – 5 to 7 hours (mostly connecting flights)
• From Mumbai – 5 to 7 hours (mostly connecting flights)
• From Chennai – ~2 hours (direct flights available)
• From Kolkata – ~2.5 hours (direct flights available)
• From Bangalore – ~3 hours (direct and connecting flights available)
• From Hyderabad – ~4 hours (mostly connecting flights)

Airlines Operating to Andaman: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara

3. Reaching Andaman by Sea (Optional)

Foreign tourists can also travel by ship from Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam, but this takes around 60-70 hours and is not recommended for short trips.

Entry Requirements for Foreign Tourists

✅ Visa: A valid Indian visa is required for foreign travelers. Apply online via the Indian e-Visa portal before arrival.
✅ Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Best Time to Visit Andaman for Foreign Tourists

The ideal time to visit is between October and May when the weather is pleasant, and sea conditions are favorable.

Would you like additional details on accommodation, transportation, or travel tips for foreign tourists in Andaman?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reaching Andaman

1. How can I reach Andaman from mainland India?

You can reach Andaman by air or sea:

• By Air: Direct flights operate from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad to Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
• By Ship: Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. The journey takes approximately 60-70 hours, depending on weather conditions.

2. Which airlines operate flights to Andaman?

Airlines offering direct and connecting flights to Port Blair include:

• IndiGo
• SpiceJet
• Vistara
• Air India

3. Can I travel to Andaman by ship?

Yes, passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. However, the journey is lengthy, taking around 2.5 to 3 days and is subject to weather conditions.

4. Are there direct international flights to Andaman?

Currently, there are no direct international flights to Andaman. International travelers must first fly to a major Indian city (such as Delhi or Chennai) and then take a domestic flight to Port Blair.

5. What are the entry requirements for Andaman?

• Indian citizens do not need a visa.
• Foreign travelers must have a valid Indian visa to enter the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

6. Which is the best way to travel to Andaman – flight or ship?

• Flights are the fastest and most convenient option, reaching Port Blair in 2-3 hours from major Indian cities.
• Ships are a budget-friendly alternative, but the journey takes around 60-70 hours and is dependent on sea conditions.

7. How often do ships operate to Andaman?

Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam approximately 3-4 times a month, subject to availability and weather conditions.

8. Are ferry services available between Andaman Islands?

Yes, government and private ferries operate regular services connecting islands such as:

• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)

9. What is the best time to book flights or ships to Andaman?

• For flights, book 2-3 months in advance for better prices.
• For ships, advance booking through official shipping offices is required.

10. Can I reach Andaman by train?

There is no direct train to Andaman. However, you can take a train to Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam and then travel by ship or flight to Port Blair.

11. How to reach Andaman by train, bus, or ship?

Since Andaman is an island, direct train or road connectivity is not available. Travelers must:

1. Take a train or bus to Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam.
2. Board a ship or flight to Port Blair from these cities.

12. How long does a ship take to reach Andaman?

Passenger ships take around 60-70 hours to reach Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam.

13. What is the cheapest way to reach Andaman?

The most economical way is:

1. Travel by train or bus to Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam.
2. Board a passenger ship to Andaman.
   However, this option is time-consuming compared to flying.

14. Is it better to travel to Andaman by ship or flight?

• Flights: Faster (2-3 hours), more comfortable, and available daily.
• Ships: Budget-friendly but take 2.5 to 3 days and are subject to weather delays.

15. New Direct Flight: Kuala Lumpur to Andaman!

Great news for travelers! AirAsia has launched the first-ever direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair, making it easier for international tourists to explore the breathtaking Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This new route enhances regional connectivity and opens up endless travel opportunities.