Port Blair to Havelock & Neil Ferry Guide

September 30, 2026 · 4 min read

How to reach Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)

Almost every Andaman holiday includes Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and the only way to reach them from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) is by sea. There is no bridge and no road. The good news: the crossing is easy once you know how it works. Here is what we tell our own guests at KEVINS Bed & Breakfast, which is about 5 minutes from Haddo Jetty.

Private ferries or government ferry?

Most visitors travel by private ferry. They are air-conditioned, have assigned seats, can be booked online, and are faster and more comfortable. The main private operators are:

• Makruzz
• Nautika
• Green Ocean
• ITT Majestic

Government ferries are cheaper, but tickets are usually bought in person, seats are limited and the journey is slower. We rarely book them for our guests unless private ferries are sold out.

Which jetty do ferries leave from?

Private ferries to Havelock and Neil usually leave from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram). Occasionally a sailing is moved to Phoenix Bay Jetty, so always check the jetty printed on your ticket. Both jetties are only about 5 minutes by car or auto from KEVINS.

How long does the journey take?

• Port Blair to Havelock: roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the ferry
• Havelock to Neil: roughly 1 to 1.5 hours
• Neil back to Port Blair: roughly 1.5 to 2 hours

The fastest boats take about 90 minutes. Larger or budget vessels take longer. The government ferry usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours or more.

Ferry timings

Most private ferries leave Port Blair in the morning and early afternoon. The first sailings are usually around 6 AM and the last ones leave in the early afternoon. Timings change with the season and the weather, so always check the latest schedule before you plan your day.

How much do tickets cost?

Private ferry fares depend on the operator and the class you choose (economy, premium, business or royal). As a rough guide, one-way private tickets to Havelock range from around ₹1,500 to over ₹3,000 per person. Government ferries cost much less. Fares change often, so check the current price when you book.

Book early, especially from October to March

October to March is peak season in the Andamans. Private ferries, especially the popular morning sailings, get fully booked early during these months. Book your ferry tickets as soon as your travel dates are fixed, ideally along with your flights and hotel.

A simple island-hopping route

The most popular way to see both islands is:

• Day 1: Port Blair to Havelock
• Stay 2 to 3 nights in Havelock (Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach)
• Havelock to Neil
• Stay 1 night in Neil (Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge)
• Neil back to Port Blair

If you are flying in, try to plan a night in Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) on arrival. Morning ferries often leave before the first flights land, and a relaxed start is worth it.

Tips from your hosts

• Reach the jetty at least 1 hour before departure. Security checks and boarding take time.
• Carry a valid photo ID and your ticket (printed or on your phone).
• Fast ferries can feel bumpy in rough weather. If you get seasick, take medicine before boarding and choose a seat in the middle of the boat.
• Keep a light bag with water, sunscreen and a cap handy. Big luggage is usually stored separately.
• Sailings can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather, so keep your plans a little flexible during the monsoon.

Let us help you

Staying with us? We help our guests book ferry tickets to Havelock and Neil free of charge, and we can arrange a cab to Haddo Jetty on the morning of your sailing. Just ask us on WhatsApp when you book your room.

Planning the whole trip? Our Andaman tour packages cover Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), Ross Island and Baratang, with ferries and sightseeing arranged for you. See the Special Tour Packages page on our website.