How to Reach Andaman by Train + Ship — Chennai and Kolkata

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit 1,200 km off India's east coast in the Bay of Bengal. There's no bridge, no tunnel, and obviously no railway to the islands. You reach Port Blair either by ship from Chennai/Kolkata/Vizag or by flight. For the adventurous traveler on a budget, the ship route — combined with a train journey to the port city — is an experience in itself.

The Ship Route

Ships to Port Blair operate from three mainland ports:

Port	Ship Operator	Frequency	Duration	Fare Range
Chennai	Shipping Corporation of India	3-4/month	50-60 hours	₹1,800–₹9,000
Kolkata	Shipping Corporation of India	2-3/month	60-70 hours	₹1,800–₹9,000
Vizag	Shipping Corporation of India	1-2/month	48-56 hours	₹1,800–₹9,000

The ships are operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) — MV Nancowry, MV Nicobar, and similar vessels. They're functional passenger ships, not cruise liners. Don't expect luxury. Classes: Bunk class (cheapest, dormitory-style), Second Class (4-6 berth cabins), First Class (2-berth cabins), Deluxe (single/double cabins with attached bath). The experience: 2-3 days on open ocean. You'll see nothing but water for most of the journey. Dolphins sometimes appear. The sunrises and sunsets over the Bay of Bengal are spectacular. Meals are included (basic but adequate). There's a small canteen. Seasickness is a real concern — carry medication.

Train to Chennai for the Ship

If you're taking the ship from Chennai, get to Chennai Port (near Chennai Central station). The port is about 3 km from Chennai Central — a short auto ride.

From Delhi to Chennai: Multiple trains, 28-36 hours. Tamil Nadu Express, Grand Trunk Express, Rajdhani. From Kolkata to Chennai: Coromandel Express, 27 hours. From Bangalore to Chennai: Shatabdi, 5 hours. Timing: SCI ships typically depart at 3-4 PM from Chennai. Arrive Chennai by morning, complete port formalities (takes 3-4 hours — document verification, luggage inspection), and board by 2 PM.

Train to Kolkata for the Ship

Ships from Kolkata depart from Kidderpore Docks (about 10 km from Howrah station). A taxi from Howrah to Kidderpore takes 30-45 minutes.

From Delhi to Kolkata: Rajdhani, 17 hours. From other cities: Multiple daily trains to Howrah.

Booking the Ship

Ship tickets are sold through:

• SCI website: www.shipindia.com — check sailing schedule and book online


• Port Trust booking offices in Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag


• Travel agents in Chennai's George Town area near the port

Book early: Ships carry limited passengers (500-1,000). Popular sailings sell out. Book 1-2 months ahead, especially for October-March season.

Documents required: Government-issued photo ID. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Andamans — obtainable at the port or airport on arrival.

The Practical Reality: Fly Instead?

Let's be honest: flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore to Port Blair take 2-3 hours and cost ₹3,000-8,000. The ship takes 2-3 days and costs ₹1,800-9,000 (Deluxe class is comparable to a flight).

Take the ship if:

• You enjoy ocean travel and have time (4-6 extra days for round trip)
• You're on a very tight budget (Bunk class at ₹1,800 is unbeatable)
• You want the adventure of an open-ocean crossing
• You're prone to flying anxiety

Fly if:

• Time matters (and it usually does)
• You get seasick
• You want to maximize island time

Most travelers fly. The ship is for those who specifically seek the experience.

Port Blair and Andaman Highlights

• Cellular Jail: The infamous British colonial prison. Sound and light show every evening.
• Radhanagar Beach (Havelock): Consistently rated among Asia's best beaches.
• Scuba diving and snorkeling: Havelock and Neil Islands have crystal-clear water and coral reefs.
• Ross Island: British administrative headquarters ruins being reclaimed by jungle.
• Baratang (limestone caves): Boat ride through mangroves to see natural limestone formations.

Inter-Island Transport

Once in Port Blair, government ferries and private boats connect the islands. Havelock Island is the main tourist destination — ferry from Port Blair takes 2-2.5 hours (₹500-1,500) or private speedboat takes 1 hour.

Best Season

October to May: Dry season, calm seas, best for both ship travel and island activities. June-September: Monsoon. Rough seas — ships may be cancelled. Not ideal.

Check train timings to your departure port on indianrail.app, and ship schedules on the SCI website.