Ship to Andaman: the Slow Way In
Passenger ships sail Chennai → Port Blair in 3–4 days and Kolkata → Port Blair in about 4 days. Cheapest way to reach the islands by far — if your calendar, stomach and patience allow it.
The two routes
- Chennai → Port Blair (3–4 days)
The most frequent sailing. Combine it with a cheap train/flight to Chennai from anywhere in the south. - Kolkata → Port Blair (~4 days)
The eastern option — popular with West Bengal travellers and students. Sailings depend heavily on weather.
Ship vs flight, honestly
- Take the ship if…
Dates are flexible · budget beats speed · you love sea journeys · you carry dive gear or heavy luggage. - Fly if…
Dates are fixed · it is a honeymoon · monsoon season · anyone in the group gets seasick · your leave is short.
Questions, answered
- How long does the ship take to Andaman?
Chennai → Port Blair takes 3–4 days; Kolkata → Port Blair takes about 4 days, depending on the vessel and weather. Schedules are fortnightly-ish per sector, not daily. - How much does the ship to Andaman cost?
Budget bunks start at a few thousand rupees — far cheaper than flying — rising through cabin classes. Exact fares move with the vessel and season; we confirm current fares on WhatsApp before you decide. - Who should take the ship instead of flying?
Travellers with flexible schedules, sea lovers, students and budget groups, and anyone carrying lots of luggage (cargo allowances beat airline baggage fees). Anyone on fixed dates, honeymooners, or the seasick-prone should fly. - Do I need to book the ship in advance?
Yes — sailings are infrequent and berths, especially cabins, sell out. Book as early as your dates firm up, and keep a buffer day at each end for weather delays.