Andaman Ferry Guide 2026: Government vs Private Ferries, Routes, Timings, Prices and Travel Plan

Planning for an Andaman holiday involves more than booking flights and hotels. If you are planning to includes Havelock Island and Neil Island, now officially known as Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep then ferry selection can influence your entire travel experience.All ferries are run from Port Blair officially now known as Sri Vijaya Puram.

 The selection of right departure time determines when you reach the next island and how much time you have for sightseeing and also whether your hotel transfers fit comfortably around your journey.

All the travellers generally compare two options for island hopping in Andaman: government-operated passenger services managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), and private passenger ferries operated by companies such as Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean Seaways and ITT Majestic.

Government operated passenger services have their own time table routes, vessels, schedules, fare rules and ticketing procedures. Private operators offer date specific sailings on popular tourist connections with different seating categories and fares. All the option is automatically not the best for every traveller. But the choice depends on your destination, travel date, available seats, budget and preferred departure time.

All the ferries either a government or Private ferries are running from Sri Vijaya Puram formerly known as Port Blair. Haddo Jetty (Port Blair) serving as the primary commercial and passenger harbour of the capital city. It is situated in the northern coast of Port Blair, it sits roughly 4 to 5 kilometres away from the Veer Savarkar International Airport, translating to a brief 10 to 15-minute commute by taxi or auto-rickshaw. This is the base of private ferries like Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean. The government ferry are running from Phoenix Bay Jetty..

This Andaman ferry guide 2026 by Bagpack2go explains the main routes, indicative journey durations, published private ferry timings, available fare examples, government booking procedures and a practical six-night island hopping plan for you to choose the best travel package according to your time and budget for your unforgettable memories.

 

 

 

1. Government Ferry vs Private Ferry in Andaman

Government operated ferries

Government passenger services are operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The service network includes inter island, foreshore, harbour and mainland routes. The vessel, ticket category, operating date and available facilities depend on the particular service.

The official DSS website provides you access to voyage information and related passenger services. All eligible services can be booked through the STARS e-Ticketing portal while the relevant enquiry facilities can help travellers to check voyage schedules, fares, PNR status and berth availability.

Government ferries may suit travellers whose destination and travel dates match the available government schedule. However, the travellers should not assume that a government service operates at the same time follows the same route or offers the same facilities as a private tourist ferry.

Official government resources:

DSS website: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/

DSS STARS e-Ticketing: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/ShipETicketingWeb/Login.jsp

Passenger fares for FY 2026–27: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/docs/press/DSS_Passenger_Fares_2026-27.pdf

Private passenger ferries

Private ferries are commonly considered by visitors planning a short holiday around Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. Private ferries booking websites let travellers to select a route and date, review available sailings and compare the seating categories offered on a particular vessel.

The principal operators to compare include:

Makruzz: https://makruzz.com/

Nautika: https://gonautika.com/

Green Ocean Seaways: https://greenoceanseaways.com/

ITT Majestic: https://www.ittmajestic.com/

Private ferry services can make it easier to plan according to the tourist itinerary, but the schedule varies by operator and date. Every company not operates every route at every time.

Government vs private ferry comparison

Feature	Government ferry	Private ferry
Booking	DSS official booking and enquiry services	Individual operator's booking website
Timings	Depend on the published government voyage schedule	Depend on the operator and selected sailing
Fare	Based on applicable government fare rules	Varies by route, date, vessel and class
Seating	Categories depend on the vessel and service	Categories depend on the operator and vessel
Route coverage	Includes several government-served sectors	Concentrates on selected passenger routes
Best comparison method	Check the route, vessel, fare and availability	Compare departure, duration, class and final fare

Bagpack2go tip: Compare the complete journey, not just the ticket price. A cheaper ferry may involve a longer wait, a different arrival time or additional transfer costs.

2. Main Andaman Ferry Routes and Travel Time

The most frequently planned tourist ferry are operated between Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep, formerly Havelock Island, and Shaheed Dweep, formerly Neil Island.

The following durations are planning estimates for private passenger ferries. Actual journey times can differ depending on the vessel, sailing and intermediate stops.

Ferry route	Approximate journey duration	Planning note
Port Blair - Havelock	Around 1 hour 30 minutes	Popular route for starting an island holiday
Havelock - Neil Island	Around 45–60 minutes	Short connection between the tourist islands
Neil Island -Port Blair	Around 1 hour 15 minutes on some sailings	Common return route
Havelock -Port Blair, direct	Around 1 hour 30 minutes on some sailings	Check that the selected sailing is direct
Port Blair - Neil Island	Varies by sailing	Confirm whether the service is direct or connecting
Port Blair -other government-served islands	Varies by route	Check the official DSS schedule

 

Remember that the printed sailing duration is not your complete door-to-door travel time. You must also allow for reporting, ticket verification, boarding, disembarking and transfers between the ferry terminal and your hotel.

3. Updated Private Ferry Timings and Fare Chart

The following tables provide a practical comparison of published ferry information.

A. Nautika ferry: Port Blair to Havelock

Ferry	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Starting fare displayed
Nautika	06:15	07:45	1 hr 30 min	RS 1,250
Nautika-Pro	07:30	09:00	1 hr 30 min	RS 1,900
Nautika	11:00	12:30	1 hr 30 min	RS 1,900
Nautika-Pro	12:30	14:00	1 hr 30 min	RS 1,800

 

These are the range of departures and starting fares shown for the specified date. They should not be treated as a permanent daily timetable. You must check the official website before travelling for updated travel time and fare.

Official booking: https://gonautika.com/

B. Nautika ferry: Havelock to Neil Island

Ferry	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Starting fare displayed
Nautika	08:15	09:00	45 min	RS 1,700
Nautika-Pro	09:25	10:10	45 min	RS 1,700
Nautika-Pro	15:00	15:45	45 min	RS 1,500

A morning departure may be convenient if you want to reach Neil Island with time for hotel check in and sightseeing. Before booking a ferry confirm whether your hotel can accommodate your expected arrival time and arrange a suitable transfer.

C. Nautika ferry: Neil Island to Port Blair

Ferry	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Starting fare displayed
Nautika	09:30	10:45	1 hr 15 min	RS 1,800
Nautika-Pro	10:35	11:50	1 hr 15 min	RS 1,800
Nautika-Pro	16:15	17:30	1 hr 15 min	RS 1,800

 

If you choose a return sailing that leaves enough time for your hotel checkout and transfer to the terminal. If you have a flight the next morning then staying overnight in Port Blair is generally a better plan than relying on a same day island transfer.

D. Nautika ferry: Havelock to Port Blair

Sailing shown	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Starting fare displayed
Via Neil Island	08:15	10:45	2 hr 30 min	RS 1,900
Via Neil Island	09:25	11:50	2 hr 25 min	RS 1,900
Via Neil Island	15:00	17:30	2 hr 30 min	RS 1,450
Direct	15:45	17:15	1 hr 30 min	RS 1,450

 

A direct sailing and a sailing via Neil Island are not interchangeable when planning your day. Check the full route displayed during booking rather than estimating the duration from the departure and destination alone.

Important: The timings and fares above are dated operator examples, not guaranteed future departures. Fares may vary by class, date, availability and additional charges shown at checkout.

4. Green Ocean Seaways: Timings and Starting Fares

Green Ocean Seaways publishes a seasonal schedule on its official website. The timetable page lists services through 31 May 2027 but travellers should still confirm the departure for their exact travel date.

Published Green Ocean timing examples

Route	Departure	Arrival	Approximate duration
Port Blair -Havelock, Green Ocean 1	06:30	08:30	2 hours
Port Blair - Havelock, Green Ocean 1	13:15	15:15	2 hours
Havelock -Neil, Green Ocean 1	09:15	10:45	1 hr 30 min
Neil -Port Blair, Green Ocean 1	11:00	13:00	2 hours
Havelock - Port Blair, Green Ocean 1	15:45	17:45	2 hours
Port Blair -Havelock, Green Ocean 2	07:00	09:00	2 hours
Havelock - Neil, Green Ocean 2	09:45	11:15	1 hr 30 min
Neil - Port Blair, Green Ocean 2	11:15	13:15	2 hours

These are published timetable examples. The service available to you may differ depending on the date and operational changes.

Green Ocean published starting fare comparison

Route	Economy	Premium	Royal
Port Blair - Havelock	From RS 1,400	From RS 1,600	From RS 1,800
Havelock - Neil	From RS 1,400	From RS 1,800	From RS 2,050
Neil - Port Blair	From RS 1,400	From RS 1,800	From RS 2,050

These are starting fares published on the operator's website and not guaranteed prices for every sailing. Confirm the fare for your date, passenger and class during booking. Additional charges, if applicable, should be reviewed at checkout.

Official schedule and booking: https://greenoceanseaways.com/schedule/

5. Makruzz and ITT Majestic: How to Check Fares and Timings

Makruzz and ITT Majestic are additional operators to consider when comparing ferry options for your Andaman itinerary.

Makruzz

Makruzz publishes route and booking information on its official website. Its public schedule may be labelled for a particular operating season, so do not assume an older schedule applies to your travel dates.

To compare Makruzz with other operators, select the same route and travel date, then review the departure time, arrival time, class, fare and ticket conditions. A fare quoted for one sailing should not be used as the confirmed price for another date.

Official website: https://makruzz.com/

ITT Majestic

ITT Majestic provides you an online booking system for its passenger services. The route, sailing, class and final fare should be confirmed through the official booking page for your travel date.

Official website: https://www.ittmajestic.com/

For both operators, the most reliable fare is the one shown for your actual booking. If a current fare or departure cannot be verified from the official booking system, it is better to leave it unquoted than publish an estimate as a confirmed price.

6. Government Ferry Timings and Fare Information for 2026–27

Government ferry schedules differ from private tourist ferry timetables. DSS manages multiple sectors and the available route, vessel, departure time and ticket category depend on the particular voyage.

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration publishes government passenger fare information for FY 2026–27. However, the correct fare for a traveller depends on the route and applicable passenger category. It would be misleading to quote one government ferry price as though it applied to every island connection.

Where to check government ferry information

Information needed	Official source
Current voyage schedule	https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/
Online government ticket booking	https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/ShipETicketingWeb/Login.jsp
Government passenger fares, FY 2026–27	https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/docs/press/DSS_Passenger_Fares_2026-27.pdf
PNR and voyage enquiry	DSS official enquiry services
Berth availability	Current DSS booking or enquiry result

How to check a government ferry

First you have to open the official DSS website and select the relevant enquiry or booking service. Enter your details like source port, destination port and travel date. Review the voyage details, departure time, vessel, passenger fare and availability. Read the ticket conditions and confirm that the boarding and arrival points match your itinerary before completing your booking.

Government services may be useful when a suitable voyage matches your travel dates. However, travellers should not plan around an unverified departure or assume that a government ship will operate like a private high speed tourist ferry.

DSS advises passengers to report two hours before scheduled sailing for applicable sectors and indicates that boarding gates will close 30 minutes before departure. Follow the specific instructions printed on your ticket and check for operational updates before travelling.

Why this guide does not quote one universal government fare: A single figure could apply to the wrong route, vessel or passenger category. Use the official fare notification and route specific enquiry to establish the applicable amount.

7. Ferry Seating Classes: Economy, Luxury, Royal and Business

Private operators use different names for their seating categories. Even when two operators use similar labels then the seating arrangement and facilities may not be identical.

Class or category	General description	What to check
Economy	Entry level seating was offered	Seat arrangement and inclusions
Luxury	A category offered on selected private ferries	Deck, seating position and facilities
Royal	A premium category on selected vessels	Legroom, windows and cabin location
Business	Premium seating or cabin options on selected services	Exact facilities and availability
Government seat or berth categories	Depend on vessel and service	Ticket category, facilities and fare rules

Nautika describes Luxury, Royal and Business categories on relevant vessels. Its published information distinguishes main deck seating from upper deck seating and describes premium options on Nautika Pro. The precise categories available depend on the selected sailing.

For government services check the actual seat or berth category shown in the DSS booking result. Do not assume that government and private ferry classes provide equivalent facilities.

A premium ticket may be worthwhile for travellers who prioritise a particular seating arrangement, but it is not automatically necessary for every short crossing. Compare the actual features and final price before choosing.

8. Six NightAndaman Ferry Travel Plan

A six-night itinerary can cover Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island without changing hotels every day. The following plan is a sample structure not a confirmed ferry reservation.

Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair

Arrive at Sri Vijaya Puram and transfer to your hotel. Keep your first day flexible because flight delays or baggage issues can affect your plans. If time permits, explore nearby attractions like Light & sound show, cellular Jail, Flag point and Corbyn’s cove beach or can enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Port Blair.

Day 2: Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock

Take a suitable morning ferry after confirming your booking, reporting time and terminal. Many private services on this route take around 90 minutes although other sailings can take longer.

After arrival, transfer to your hotel and plan a relaxed afternoon around your check-in time.

Overnight: Havelock Island.

Day 3: Explore Havelock Island

Spend the day exploring beaches and selecting activities according to local conditions, availability and your interests. Radhanagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach are popular places to consider. Also, can go for Elephanta Beach for water sports activity. Leave sufficient time for road transfers and any pre booked activities like scuba, water sports, submarine boats, Kayaking and Bioluminescent.

Overnight: Havelock Island.

 

Day 4: Ferry from Havelock to Neil Island

Choose a sailing that gives you enough time for checkout and travel to the terminal. Some private ferries cover the Havelock to Neil route in approximately 45–60 minutes while other services may take longer.

After arriving at Neil Island, check in and explore at a comfortable pace.

Overnight: Neil Island.

Day 5: Explore Neil Island

Visit places such as Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach or Natural Bridge, depending on access, tides and local advice. Avoid scheduling every attraction too tightly, as road transfers and conditions may affect your timings.

Overnight: Neil Island.

Day 6: Return to Port Blair

Take a confirmed return ferry from Neil Island to Port Blair. Some private sailings take around 75 minutes, but the actual duration depends on the operator and route.

Once you arrive, transfer to your hotel. Keeping this night in Port Blair provides a buffer before your departure flight.

Overnight: Port Blair.

Day 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Staying in Port Blair the previous night is a cautious choice when your flight is important, as weather or technical issues can disrupt ferry operations.

Six-night hotel allocation

Destination	Nights
Port Blair	2
Havelock Island	2
Neil Island	2
Total	6 nights

 

Example ferry transfers for this itinerary

Transfer	Example departure	Example arrival	Duration
Port Blair - Havelock	06:15	07:45	1 hr 30 min
Havelock -Neil	08:15	09:00	45 min
Neil - Port Blair	09:30	10:45	1 Hr 15 min

These are Nautika examples displayed. They illustrate possible journey durations but do not confirm availability on the dates of your holiday. Check each sector separately before finalising hotels and activities.

9. How to Book an Andaman Ferry Ticket

Booking procedures differ between private operators and government services, but the same basic checks help prevent avoidable mistakes.

For a private ferry, visit the operator's official website and enter your route and travel date. Add the number of passengers, review the available departures and select the required class. Before paying, verify the complete route, arrival time, total fare, baggage conditions and cancellation policy.

For a government service, use the official DSS booking or enquiry system. Confirm the applicable voyage, fare, ticket category, berth availability and boarding instructions.

After booking, save your ticket and recheck the departure details before travel. Make sure that the ferry terminal shown on the ticket matches the location arranged with your hotel or transfer provider.

10. Common Ferry Booking Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is assuming that every operator follows the same timetable. Each company publishes its own departures, and a sailing shown for one date may not be available on another.

Another mistake is comparing only the starting fare. The final price may depend on the selected class, availability and charges shown during checkout. Compare the total displayed amount for the same route and date.

Travellers should also avoid confusing a direct sailing with a service that stops at another island. Intermediate stops can change the overall journey time. Similarly, do not schedule an important flight immediately after an island ferry without considering possible disruption.

Finally, check the ticket's reporting instructions. Government and private operators may have different boarding procedures and arriving at the terminal too late can put your journey at risk.

 

 

11. Frequently Asked Questions About Andaman Ferries

Which ferry is best for Andaman?

The best ferry depends on your route, travel date, budget, preferred class and available departures. Compare the current booking results from government and private operators rather than choosing solely by company name.

How much is a ferry ticket from Port Blair to Havelock?

Nautika showing starting fares from ?1,250 for one sailing while Green Ocean publishes starting fares from ?1,400 for this route. These are not guaranteed prices for all departures or future dates. Confirm your actual fare through the official booking website.

How long does the Port Blair to Havelock ferry take?

Many private sailings take around 1 hour 30 minutes. Some services take longer, so check the selected sailing's arrival time.

How long is the ferry from Havelock to Neil Island?

Some private sailings take approximately 45 minutes, while other services may take around 60–90 minutes or more. The actual duration depends on the operator and route.

How long does Neil Island to Port Blair take?

Some private sailings take around 1 hour 15 minutes, while other services may take longer. Check the live timetable for your date.

How much is a government ferry ticket in Andaman?

The fare depends on the route, vessel, passenger category and applicable ticket class. Check the official DSS enquiry service and the FY 2026–27 passenger-fare notification for the relevant journey.

Which private ferry operators serve Andaman tourists?

Operators to compare include Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean Seaways and ITT Majestic. Confirm the current route and departure on the operator's official website.

Can I book a government ferry online?

Yes, you can book government ferry online through the DSS STARS e-Ticketing portal. Route and voyage availability depend on the service and travel date.

Are private ferry fares fixed throughout the year?

NO, Private ferry fare are not fixed throughout the year. Some fixed for seasonal basis but other fixed on demand basis. Check the fare shown for your actual route, date, passenger and selected class.

Can weather affect ferry services?

Yes. Weather and technical conditions can affect ferry operations. Check official voyage updates and follow the instructions provided by the operator or DSS.

Should I return to Port Blair one day before my flight?

For an important flight, spending the previous night in Port Blair is a cautious option. It reduces the risk of a ferry disruption affecting your flight.

How far in advance should I book private ferries?

You can book a private ferry in advance before one week in Off season. But you should book at least 2-3 week before in peak season.

What is the identification required for booking the ferry?

A valid government issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport are required for booking the ferry. This document is also available in physical form during boarding time.

Which ferry is more budget friendly?

Generally, a government ferry is budget friendly as per private ferry.

What is the baggage limit for private ferries?

The baggage limit for private ferries lies between 15kg to 25kg per passenger depending on operator. You should check term & conditions relating to luggage on your ticket.

Is there a luggage limit on government ferries?

Government ferries allow luggage from 25kg to 40kg per passenger.

 

Plan Your Andaman Holiday with Bagpack2go

A successful Andaman holiday depends on how well your flights, hotels, ferry transfers, sightseeing and activities fit together. Choosing a ferry only by its price can create unnecessary waiting time or leave too little time for your planned activities.

Bagpack2go can help you to plan an Andaman itinerary around your travel dates, preferred islands, hotel category and budget. Before confirming a package, ask for a clear breakdown of ferry sectors, transfers, hotel nights, sightseeing inclusions, activity costs and cancellation terms.

If you want for a smoother island hopping holiday, confirm the actual ferry departures first and arrange your hotel transfers around the selected sailings.

Contact Bagpack2go to plan your Andaman holiday.

Official Ferry Resources

Directorate of Shipping Services: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/

DSS STARS e-Ticketing: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/ShipETicketingWeb/Login.jsp

DSS Passenger Fares FY 2026–27: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/docs/press/DSS_Passenger_Fares_2026-27.pdf

Andaman Tourism boat-operator directory: https://tourism.andamannicobar.gov.in/boatoperator.php

Makruzz: https://makruzz.com/

Nautika: https://gonautika.com/

Green Ocean Seaways: https://greenoceanseaways.com/

Green Ocean timetable: https://greenoceanseaways.com/schedule/

ITT Majestic: https://www.ittmajestic.com/

 Ferry timings, fares, seating classes and availability may change. Nautika prices in this guide are dated examples, and Green Ocean prices are published starting fares. Government fares should be checked against the applicable official route and passenger category. Verify all details through the relevant official booking channel before travelling.