5★Flight
≈ 2 h 15 m
CCU → IXZ, non-stop; check current schedules
By land or sea
Fly
No rail link
Best time
November to April
rough seas in the monsoon
Stay
4 or 5 nights
2 more for island hopping
Country
India
no passport needed for Indians
Non-stop flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) take about 2 hours 15 minutes, covering roughly 1,250 km across the Bay of Bengal. There is no rail link, and passenger ships from Kolkata take several days and sail infrequently, so flying is the practical route. Stay three or four nights, splitting time between Port Blair town, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Go between November and April.
Getting from Kolkata to Port Blair
By air
Non-stop flights link Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) with Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) near Port Blair, and the typical journey time is about 2 hours 15 minutes. Services are busiest from November to April, and seats fill quickly around holidays, so book ahead. Check with the airline for current schedules and baggage rules.
IXZ sits a short drive south of Port Blair town centre, with taxis and auto-rickshaws outside arrivals. Fares vary, so agree the fare before setting off. Most hotels in Port Blair town are within a short drive; Havelock and Neil need a ferry connection from Port Blair harbour, and crossings depend on weather.
By train, road or sea
There is no rail link between Kolkata and the Andamans. Passenger ships from Kolkata take several days and sail infrequently, so flying is the practical option for almost every traveller. If a sea crossing appeals, check sailing schedules with the shipping operator well in advance and build in slack for weather.
Where to stay in Port Blair
Port Blair town
The arrival base and the island capital, useful for the airport, the museums, Aberdeen Bazaar and ferries to the smaller islands. Stay the first and last night here.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
The largest draw for a slow beach stay, with long stretches of sand, dive schools and boat trips to shallow reefs. Suits travellers who want a few unhurried days near the water.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
Quieter and smaller than Havelock, with short cycle rides between beaches and a village feel. Good for a night or two between ferry crossings.
Top things to do in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail: The colonial prison and freedom-struggle memorial, with a light-and-sound show in the evening. Allow half a day and check opening days with the authorities.
- Corbyn's Cove beach: A short drive from town, with a curved bay and shallow water. Busy at weekends, calmer on weekday mornings.
- Ross Island day trip: A boat ride from Port Blair harbour to the old British administrative ruins, now overgrown and home to deer and peacocks. Crossings depend on weather.
- North Bay snorkelling: Shallow reefs close to Port Blair where glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips run. Water clarity varies with the tide and season.
- Radhanagar beach: The wide sweep of sand on Havelock that draws most day visitors, best walked at low tide and quietest early.
- Elephant Beach: Reached by boat or a forest walk from Havelock, with reef snorkelling offshore. Trips run in season and stop when the sea is rough.
- Neil Island cycling: Rent a bicycle and ride between Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and Sitapur, with paddy fields and small beaches on the way.
- Chidiya Tapu sunset: A wooded point south of Port Blair with a jetty and a westward view over the water. A road trip for late afternoon.
- Anthropological Museum: Covers the islands' indigenous communities and their history. Check opening days in Port Blair before setting out.
Three days in Port Blair
- Day 1: Port Blair arrival: Land at IXZ, settle into Port Blair town and walk Aberdeen Bazaar. See Cellular Jail in the afternoon and stay for the evening show. Keep the first day light to allow for flight timings.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock: Take the morning ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), leave bags and spend the afternoon on Radhanagar beach. Sunset there is the island's main ritual; carry water and a torch for the walk back.
- Day 3: Neil and return: Cross to Neil (Shaheed Dweep) for a morning of cycling between beaches, then take an afternoon ferry back towards Port Blair. Confirm the last crossing time before leaving, as weather can cut services.
Add two nights on Havelock for diving and boat trips, or a night on Neil to slow down. Day trips run to Ross Island and North Bay.
Best time to visit Port Blair
November to April is the comfortable window, with dry days, calmer seas and reliable ferry crossings to Havelock and Neil. December and January are the busiest, so book ferries and rooms early. The monsoon, roughly June to September, brings rough seas and cancelled boats; October is a shoulder month with rain easing. Check the India Meteorological Department forecast before booking.
Getting around Port Blair
- Ferries: Government and private ferries link Port Blair with Havelock and Neil; crossings are weather dependent and tickets sell out in season.
- Auto-rickshaw: Shared and reserved auto-rickshaws cover short hops in Port Blair town and to nearby beaches. Agree the fare first.
- Bicycle or scooter: The usual way around Havelock and Neil, where roads are flat and quiet. Check brakes and lights before setting off.
Port Blair vs Kolkata: what feels different
Port Blair runs at a slower pace than Kolkata, with smaller streets around Aberdeen Bazaar and far less traffic. The heat is steadier and the sea is never far away. Bengali is widely spoken and Bengali food appears on menus, but the kitchens lean on fish, coconut and island produce. Evenings end early.
Before you go
- Documents: Indian citizens need no visa or passport for the islands; carry a government photo ID for flights, ferries and checks. Foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa covering the Andamans, so check the official Indian Visa Online portal.
- Money: Cards and UPI work in Port Blair town, but smaller islands and boats often run on cash. Draw enough before crossing to Havelock or Neil.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal is reasonable in Port Blair town and patchier on the smaller islands. Download ferry tickets and maps before setting out.
- Permissions: Some islands and tribal reserve areas require permits; check current rules with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration before planning outlying trips.
Hotels in Port Blair
Hotels from the IMPT hotel database in Port Blair’s main areas, listed by star rating (5-star first, then 4-star) and guest score. No prices are shown here: each button opens live availability for your dates in the IMPT app, and every booking removes one tonne of CO₂.
5★
5★Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bay Island Port Blair
≈ 6 km from Port Blair town, Port Blair · 5-starGuest score 4.5/5 · 3663 reviewsSee live price
5★Sea Shell Neil
≈ 3 km from Neil (Shaheed Dweep), Port Blair · 5-starGuest score 4.5/5 · 1382 reviewsSee live price
5★Sea Shell Resort & Spa Havelock
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Port Blair · 5-starGuest score 4.4/5 · 2007 reviewsSee live price
5★Havelock Island Beach Resort
≈ 7 km from Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Port Blair · 5-starGuest score 4.3/5 · 5378 reviewsSee live price
5★Summer Sands Beach Resort
Neil (Shaheed Dweep), Port Blair · 5-starGuest score 4.2/5 · 2700 reviewsSee live price
4★
4★Sand Heaven
≈ 3 km from Port Blair town, Port Blair · 4-starGuest score 4.7/5 · 2157 reviewsSee live price
4★Hotel Bipasha
≈ 3 km from Port Blair town, Port Blair · 4-starGuest score 4.7/5 · 244 reviewsSee live priceFAQ
How do I get from Kolkata to Port Blair?
Non-stop flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) take about 2 hours 15 minutes, covering roughly 1,250 km across the Bay of Bengal. There is no rail link. Passenger ships from Kolkata take several days and sail infrequently, so most travellers fly. Book early for the November to April season.
How long should I stay in Port Blair and the islands?
Four or five nights allows a night or two in Port Blair town and time on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Add nights if you dive or want a slower pace. Ferry timings shape the itinerary, so keep a spare half day before the return flight.
When is the best time to visit Port Blair from Kolkata?
November to April brings dry weather, calmer seas and dependable ferry crossings. December and January are busiest. March and April are hot and humid. The monsoon, roughly June to September, brings rough seas and cancelled boats; check the India Meteorological Department forecast and ferry operators.
Do Indian citizens need a passport for Port Blair?
No. Indian citizens need no visa or passport for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but carry a government photo ID for flights, ferry bookings and checks. Foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa that covers the islands. Rules for restricted areas change, so check with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
Are there ferries from Kolkata to Port Blair?
Passenger ships from Kolkata do sail to Port Blair, but crossings take several days and depart infrequently. Schedules change, so confirm with the shipping operator before relying on a sailing. For a short trip, flying is the practical option; the sea route suits travellers with time and flexibility.
How do I get between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil?
Ferries run from Port Blair harbour to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), operated by government and private companies. Crossings depend on weather and sell out in season, so book ahead and keep a buffer before your flight home. Confirm the day's sailings at the jetty.
What should I eat in Port Blair?
Seafood dominates: grilled fish, prawns and crab, with Bengali, Tamil and north Indian cooking alongside. Coconut, banana and island fruit turn up on most menus, and beach shacks on Havelock keep things simple. Vegetarians are catered for, though choice narrows on the smaller islands.
Is Port Blair good for a short break from Kolkata?
Yes. The short flight makes a four-night trip workable, with a day in Port Blair town, two on Havelock and a morning on Neil. Cellular Jail, Radhanagar beach and a reef trip cover the essentials. Book ferries in advance and keep the last night in Port Blair town.
What is the weather like in Port Blair?
Tropical and warm year round. November to April is drier and calmer, with comfortable evenings. March and April turn hot and humid. The monsoon, roughly June to September, brings heavy rain and rough seas, and October is a shoulder month. Check the India Meteorological Department forecast before booking boats.
More from Kolkata
Sources: airline schedules, Indian Railways (IRCTC), official tourism and immigration authorities. Times are approximate; check before you travel. Editorial review: 3 November 2026.