Getting There & Away: Havelock Island

Air Travel

Airports & Routes

All air travel to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands funnels through Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), located in Port Blair.

Flight Information

Several Indian domestic airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Air India, fly to Port Blair.
Direct flights originate from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
No direct international flights operate to Port Blair. International travelers connect via an Indian metropolitan city.

Seasonal Flight Patterns

Flight availability and prices fluctuate with the seasons, impacting your booking strategy.

Booking Considerations

High Season (Oct-Mar): Flight frequencies increase, but prices are more expensive. Book well in advance. Dollar Flight Club can assist with deals.
Low Season (Jun-Sep): Fewer flights due to reduced demand and potentially adverse weather. Prices might be lower, but delays or cancellations are possible.
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair offers basic facilities including food stalls, ATMs, and pre-paid taxi counters.

Airport Transfers

Upon arrival at Port Blair airport, take a pre-paid taxi or auto-rickshaw to your accommodation.

To Havelock Jetty

If immediately heading to Havelock, arrange transport to Phoenix Bay Jetty or Haddo Jetty for ferry departures.

Hotel Arrangements

Many hotels in Port Blair and Havelock offer pre-booked airport transfer services for added ease.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving a car is generally not a viable option for tourists on the Andaman Islands.
While you can rent scooters on Havelock, bringing your own vehicle from the mainland is not practical.
Roads on Havelock are generally well-maintained for an island setting, though some potholes or unpaved sections exist.
Driving standards can be erratic; drive cautiously, especially when encountering local traffic or stray animals. Night driving on less lit roads calls for particular care.

Local Transport Options

Scooter rental: ₹400 - ₹600 per day (plus fuel).
Taxi (full-day hire): ₹2,000 - ₹4,000. DiscoverCars.com can help with car rentals in India, though not specifically on Havelock.
Bicycle rental: ₹100 - ₹200 per day.
Auto-rickshaw ride (short distance): ₹100 - ₹300.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Terminals

Port Blair ferries depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Jetty. All ferries arrive and depart from Havelock Jetty in Govind Nagar (Village No. 1).

Ferry Services

Government ferries are budget-friendly but slower and harder to book. Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) offer a faster, more comfortable experience. Booking private ferries well in advance, especially during high season, is strongly recommended.

Journey Duration & Route

The journey from Port Blair to Havelock typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The main ferry route connects Port Blair ↔ Havelock Island ↔ Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Skyscanner for flight and ferry comparisons.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees apply when departing from Havelock Island or the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Any standard airport development fees or taxes are usually included in your airline ticket for departure from Port Blair.

Ferry Departure

For your ferry departure from Havelock Jetty, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled private ferry departure.
If taking a government ferry, allow for at least 1 hour, as boarding can take longer.
Indian citizens do not undergo specific immigration procedures for inter-island travel.

Connecting Flights from Port Blair

If you are catching a flight from Port Blair, plan your ferry from Havelock with ample buffer time.

Airport Connection

Arrive at Port Blair airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight departure for check-in and security.
Factor in the ferry travel time from Havelock to Port Blair (1.5-2.5 hours) and additional transit time from the Port Blair jetty to the airport (approximately 30 minutes).
Early morning ferries from Havelock are popular for connecting to afternoon flights from Port Blair.

Airport Facilities

Port Blair airport (IXZ) is a relatively small domestic airport.

Passenger Amenities

Facilities include limited food stalls where you can grab a snack.
ATMs are available for cash withdrawals.
Baggage services are available.

Travel Planning Tip

Always account for potential ferry delays due to weather when planning connections to flights from Port Blair.

Getting There & Away