Government Ferry in Andaman 2026: Booking, Ticket Price, Timings & Complete Guide

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands, of which only around 38 are inhabited. So, how do people travel between these islands?

By boat.

Just as people in many cities depend on trains for everyday travel, people in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands depend on boats. The boats that regularly carry passengers from one island to another are generally called ferries.

The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) operates government ferry services between several islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These include important tourist routes connecting Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), as well as longer routes to places such as Little Andaman, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Car Nicobar, Katchal, Kamorta and several other islands.

For the people living here, these ferries are not simply a means of transport; they are the lifeline of the islands. Islanders depend on them to travel between islands for work, education, medical needs, family visits and everyday life. Government ferry fares are therefore highly subsidised for island residents, and a large portion of the seats are reserved for them.

Tourists also used to travel to Havelock and Neil Island mainly by government ferry. This started changing with the growth of tourism and the introduction of private ferries. Makruzz launched its first private ferry in 2009, giving tourists another option for travelling between the major tourist islands.

Today, most tourists travelling between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island use private ferry services such as Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean. They are more expensive than government ferries, but they are generally much easier to plan and book in advance.

Government ferries are cheaper, but there is an important catch. A large portion of the seats are reserved for islanders and government ferry schedules are released a maximum of 7 days before departure. This makes them difficult to include in a holiday itinerary that has been planned weeks or months in advance.

So, although government ferries are economical, they are usually not the most practical option for tourists with a fixed itinerary.

However, if you would still like to experience a government ferry during your next trip to Andaman, or simply want to understand how government ferry booking works, this guide explains everything you should know before booking.

When Do Government Ferry Tickets Open for Booking?

One of the biggest differences between government and private ferries in Andaman is the booking window.

Government ferry schedules are released a maximum of 7 days before the departure date. This means you cannot normally book a government ferry several weeks or months in advance, even if the rest of your Andaman trip is already confirmed.

Once the schedule for your date is released, the ferry becomes available for booking through the STARS e-Ticketing Portal, subject to seat availability.

For tourists, this creates some uncertainty. You may have already booked your hotels in Havelock or Neil Island, but you will have to wait until close to your travel date to know the exact government ferry schedule and whether seats are available for your preferred route and timing.

This is one of the main reasons most tourists prefer private ferries such as Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean. Private ferry tickets can generally be booked much earlier, making it easier to confirm the complete itinerary in advance.

If you still want to travel by government ferry, start checking the STARS portal as your travel date approaches and book as soon as the schedule for your date is released.

Government Ferry Ticket Price: Port Blair to Havelock

Government ferry fares are considerably cheaper than private ferry tickets, particularly for island residents. However, DSS has separate fares for Islanders and Non-Islanders. Tourists visiting Andaman normally book under the Non-Islander fare.

Based on fares displayed on the STARS e-Ticketing Portal for sailings between Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) and Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) in September 2026:

Fare checked: September 2026 sailing schedule on the DSS STARS e-Ticketing Portal. Fares, vessels and available classes may change, so always verify the current fare before booking.

Which Government Ferry Class Offers the Best Value?

For tourists, the Seat class at ₹700 is the cheapest option shown in the above schedule and, in my opinion, offers the best value for a short journey between Port Blair and Havelock.

Interestingly, the fare does not necessarily increase according to what a tourist might assume to be the seating hierarchy. In this schedule, Chair costs ₹970 for a Non-Islander while Seat costs only ₹700.

Therefore, don't select a class based only on its name. Check the actual fare, seating category and availability shown against the particular ferry before booking.

Bunk costs ₹1,200 for Non-Islanders and provides a bed rather than a normal passenger seat. For a journey of around 2 to 2.5 hours between Port Blair and Havelock, paying extra for a bunk may not make much sense for most tourists.

Why Are Islander and Tourist Fares So Different?

You will notice a substantial difference between the two fare categories. For example, the same Seat class shown at ₹100 for an Islander costs ₹700 for a Non-Islander, while a ₹240 Bunk costs ₹1,200 for a Non-Islander.

This is because government shipping services are an essential means of public transportation for people living in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Islanders depend on these vessels for everyday inter-island travel, and their fares are therefore highly subsidised.

Tourists travelling to Andaman are treated as Non-Islanders for fare purposes and pay the applicable Non-Islander fare displayed on the booking portal.

Government Ferry Seating Classes

Government ferries in Andaman have different seating and accommodation classes depending on the vessel. While booking through the STARS portal, you may see options such as Chair, Seat and Bunk.

Not every ferry has all three classes, and the facilities can vary considerably from one vessel to another.

Chair

Chair is generally the most basic seating option. It is usually a bucket-style seat inside a common passenger cabin that may accommodate around 30–50 passengers.

The seats may have basic cushioning or, on some vessels, very little cushioning. It is a functional seating arrangement rather than the type of seat you would normally expect on a tourist ferry.

Seat

Seat is generally a little more comfortable than the basic Chair category. The seats usually have better cushioning and may provide a more comfortable journey, particularly on routes such as Port Blair to Havelock or Neil Island.

However, the exact type of seat and cabin depends on the vessel operating that particular sailing, so do not expect the same seating arrangement on every government ferry.

Bunk

A Bunk is completely different from Chair or Seat. Instead of a normal passenger seat, you get an individual bed inside a shared cabin.

A cabin may typically contain around 4–6 bunk beds. Bunk accommodation is particularly useful on longer inter-island or overnight voyages.

For a short tourist journey such as Port Blair to Havelock or Neil Island, a bunk is usually unnecessary unless you specifically prefer one and it is available.

Which Class Should Tourists Choose?

For the usual tourist routes between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island, Seat is generally the better choice when available, as it offers a reasonable balance between fare and comfort.

However, government ferries are primarily meant to provide essential inter-island transportation. The experience is very different from private tourist ferries such as Makruzz or Nautika.

Also remember that the meaning and quality of Chair, Seat and Bunk can vary from vessel to vessel. Treat these categories as a general guide rather than expecting a standardised experience across the entire DSS fleet.

What Is the Government Ferry Experience Really Like?

Is travelling by government ferry an exciting experience? Can you stand on the deck, watch Port Blair disappear behind you, enjoy panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and then watch Havelock Island slowly appear on the horizon?

Not quite.

Government ferries are designed entirely for functionality and inter-island transportation. Panoramic views, sightseeing and a tourist-friendly onboard experience are simply not considerations in their design.

These vessels exist to transport people between islands, particularly the local population that depends on them for everyday travel.

That doesn't mean the journey cannot be interesting. Travelling by government ferry can give you a very different experience of the Andaman Islands, but you should know what to expect before boarding.

Don't Expect a View From the Cabin

The passenger cabins on government ferries do not have the large glass windows you might expect on a tourist ferry.

The windows are small circular portholes, roughly 8 inches in diameter, positioned high on the cabin walls. They serve the functional requirements of the vessel rather than providing passengers with a view.

So, once you take your seat inside the cabin, you practically cannot see the sea at all.

In fact, when the sea is calm, sitting inside the cabin may not even feel like you are travelling on a moving vessel. There is no scenery passing outside your window and very little visual indication that the ferry is moving across the sea.

For the next two to two-and-a-half hours, you are essentially sitting inside an enclosed passenger cabin until passengers are permitted to go onto the open deck.

The Open Deck Is Where the Journey Gets Interesting

Once the ferry has travelled a certain distance from the port, passengers may be allowed onto the open deck, subject to instructions from the crew and weather conditions.

This is the part of the government ferry journey that tourists generally enjoy the most.

You can finally see the open Andaman Sea, feel the sea breeze and take photographs. On a clear day, being outside in the middle of the sea can be quite enjoyable.

But don't imagine a spacious observation deck with seating designed for sightseeing.

The deck is a working part of the vessel. Large exhaust structures, liferafts and other marine equipment occupy much of the available space. Whatever area remains available to passengers is incidental; the deck was never designed as a tourist viewing area.

Why Tourists Often Get Enough Space on the Deck

A large proportion of passengers on government ferries are local islanders. For them, travelling by ferry is routine and something they may have done countless times.

Most locals therefore remain inside the passenger cabin rather than coming outside simply to look at the sea.

Tourists, on the other hand, naturally want to spend some time outside taking photographs and enjoying the surroundings. Because relatively few passengers may be interested in doing this, tourists can often find enough space on the permitted portion of the deck despite its limited size.

You Cannot Watch the Ferry Leave or Enter the Port

There is one disappointment that tourists should know about.

The open deck must be cleared during departure and arrival.

These are important working periods for the crew, and passengers are required to remain inside while the vessel is leaving or approaching the port.

This means you miss two moments that would otherwise have been among the most scenic parts of the journey: watching the ferry leave Port Blair harbour and watching Havelock or Neil Island come closer as you approach the jetty.

By the time passengers are permitted onto the deck, the ferry is already away from the port. Similarly, before reaching the destination, passengers are instructed to return inside.

So, a government ferry should definitely not be considered a sightseeing cruise.

Comfort Is Basic

Comfort and maintenance standards can vary considerably from one government vessel to another.

You may find old or damaged seats, ageing interiors, air-conditioning that is not working properly, rusted surfaces and the familiar smell of an ageing marine vessel.

The open deck is also a working environment, so you may encounter grease and oily surfaces around equipment and machinery. Be careful where you lean or place your bags because you could end up with grease or rust marks on your clothes.

None of this is particularly surprising when you understand the purpose of these vessels. They are public transportation serving remote islands rather than premium ferries designed specifically for tourists.

One Experience You May Not Get on a Private Ferry

There is another side to travelling by government ferry that I personally find interesting: you are travelling with the people who actually live in these islands.

Government ferries are part of everyday life in Andaman. Your fellow passengers may be students, government employees, families, workers or people travelling between islands for personal work.

Islanders are generally friendly and good-natured towards tourists, and a ferry journey can give you an opportunity to start a conversation with someone sitting next to you.

You might learn something about life on the islands, hear about places tourists rarely visit, get a local recommendation or simply make a new friend during the journey.

That kind of interaction can sometimes become a more memorable part of the journey than the ferry itself.

So, Is the Government Ferry Experience Worth It?

If you are looking for comfort, large windows, predictable schedules and a tourist-oriented journey, a private ferry such as Makruzz, Nautika or Green Ocean will usually be a better choice.

If you are expecting a scenic cruise, the government ferry will probably disappoint you.

But if you are comfortable with basic facilities and want to experience how people in the Andaman Islands actually travel between islands, travelling by government ferry can be interesting.

You may spend much of the journey inside a basic cabin with practically no view. You won't get to stand outside while leaving or entering the port. But somewhere in between, you may get some time on the open deck, enjoy the Andaman Sea, take a few photographs and perhaps have a conversation with an islander that gives you a completely different perspective on the place you are visiting.

That is the real government ferry experience.

Government Ferry vs Private Ferry: Which Should You Choose?

*₹700 is an example Non-Islander Seat fare observed for a Sri Vijaya Puram–Swaraj Dweep sailing in September 2026. Fares can change.

Which One Do We Recommend?

For most tourists, we recommend booking a private ferry.

The biggest reason is not comfort; it is certainty.

When you are planning an Andaman holiday in advance, your hotel nights in Havelock and Neil Island depend on your ferry connections. With government ferry schedules available only up to 7 days before departure, waiting for a government ferry ticket introduces uncertainty into an otherwise confirmed itinerary.

However, if your itinerary is flexible, you are travelling on a budget, or you specifically want to experience how islanders travel between the islands, taking a government ferry can be worthwhile.

In fact, for someone who has never travelled on one, I would consider doing one sector by government ferry and another by private ferry. This gives you an opportunity to experience both sides of inter-island travel in Andaman.

How to Book Government Ferry Tickets Online in Andaman

If you have decided that a government ferry suits your travel plans, tickets can be booked through the official Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) STARS e-Ticketing Portal.

You can use the portal to search published voyages, check different ferry timings, see available seating classes and fares, enter passenger details and complete the booking online.

Directorate of Shipping Services Official Website 

Step 1: Create an Account and Login

Visit the official STARS e-Ticketing Portal and create an account if you do not already have one. Once registered, log in to start the booking process.

Open the DSS STARS e-Ticketing Portal 

Step 2: Search for Your Ferry

Select your source port, destination port and travel date, and then click Search Voyage.

For example, if you are travelling from Port Blair to Havelock:

• Source: Sri Vijaya Puram
• Destination: Swaraj Dweep
• Date: Your intended travel date

The available government ferry services for that date will then be displayed.

Step 3: Check Timings, Fares and Seat Availability

Depending on the route and date, you may find several ferry options at different departure times.

Government vessels are not identical, so available accommodation can vary from one ferry to another. Depending on the vessel, you may see categories such as Seat, Chair or Bunk.

The portal also displays availability and separate fares for Islanders and Non-Islanders. Tourists should check the Non-Islander fare.

Step 4: Select Your Ferry and Class

Once you find a suitable departure time, check availability for your preferred class and click the corresponding Book Now button.

Pay attention to both the ferry timing and selected class before proceeding.

Step 5: Enter Passenger Details

Enter the required details for every passenger travelling on the ticket. These generally include:

• Full name
• Age
• Gender
• Passenger category
• ID details

Enter the passenger's name exactly as it appears on the ID proof that will be carried during the journey.

Step 6: Review Your Booking

Before making payment, carefully review the ferry name, travel date, departure and arrival ports, departure time, passenger details, class and total fare.

If everything is correct, proceed to payment.

Step 7: Make Payment and Download Your Ticket

Complete the payment using one of the payment methods available on the STARS portal.

After successful payment, your government ferry ticket is generated electronically. Download or save a copy of the ticket and keep it available during your journey along with the required passenger ID proof.

Government Ferry Cancellation and Refund Policy

If your travel plans change, or if DSS cancels or significantly delays the voyage, the following cancellation and refund conditions are important:

1. If DSS cancels the voyage, a full refund is initiated.
2. If the voyage is delayed by more than 6 hours, a full refund is initiated.
3. Passenger-initiated cancellations must be completed online. Cancellation is not facilitated at the STARS counter.
4. Online cancellation is not permitted within 2 hours of the actual sailing time.

Cancellation rules can change, so it is advisable to check the current terms displayed by DSS when making your booking.

What to Do on the Day of Your Government Ferry Journey

Once your ticket is booked, the next important part is reaching the correct jetty on time and carrying the documents required for boarding.

Which Jetty Do Government Ferries Depart From?

Government ferries do not always operate from the same jetty for every route or sailing. In Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), your ticket may mention an embarkation point such as Phoenix Bay Jetty or another designated harbour facility.

Always check the Embarkation Port printed on your ticket rather than assuming the departure point. The jetty shown on the ticket is the one you should report to.

How Early Should You Reach the Jetty?

Passengers should reach the embarkation point well before the scheduled sailing time. The DSS ticket itself advises passengers to report in advance, and embarkation gates may close before departure.

Do not plan to reach the jetty at the last minute. Allow enough time for entry, ticket verification, luggage handling and boarding formalities.

Carry Your Original ID Proof

The passenger name entered during booking should match the valid ID proof carried during the journey.

Keep your original ID proof and ferry ticket easily accessible until boarding is complete. The ticket is non-transferable and is valid only for the passenger whose details were entered at the time of booking.

Check the Vessel, Class and Embarkation Details on Your Ticket

Before leaving for the jetty, verify the following details printed on your ferry ticket:

• Passenger name
• Voyage number
• Vessel name
• Boarding port
• Destination port
• Date and time of sailing
• Class
• Embarkation jetty

Government ferry schedules can sometimes be affected by weather, operational or technical reasons, so it is also sensible to check for any last-minute updates before leaving for the harbour.

Government Ferry Luggage and Baggage Rules

If you are travelling to Havelock or Neil Island with suitcases, you can carry personal luggage on a government ferry. However, DSS has baggage limits, and the permitted free baggage depends on your ticket class.

How Much Luggage Can You Carry?

According to the baggage conditions printed on DSS government ferry tickets, the free baggage allowance for inter-island vessels is:

The ticket conditions also state that heavy luggage, merchandise and other goods are not permitted at the time of embarkation.

Where Is Your Luggage Kept?

Government ferries are working passenger vessels rather than tourist-oriented ferries, so do not expect an airline-style baggage handling system.

Follow the instructions of the ferry and jetty staff regarding where larger bags should be placed. Keep important items such as your ferry ticket, original ID proof, phone, wallet, medicines and valuables with you rather than packing them inside luggage that may be stored away from your seat.

Can You Carry Food and Personal Items?

Normal personal belongings required for your journey can be carried, subject to DSS rules. However, passengers are not permitted to carry explosive, inflammable or otherwise dangerous articles onboard.

Traveller Tip: If you are visiting Havelock or Neil Island for a few nights, normal tourist luggage should generally fall comfortably within the permitted baggage limits. Keep one small bag with your documents, valuables and anything you may need during the journey.

Understanding Government Ferry Availability, Waitlist and WL/REGRET

When you search for a government ferry on the STARS e-Ticketing Portal, you may see different availability statuses against each ferry and seating class.

These are important because the same ferry can have seats available in one class while another class is already full or waitlisted.

Check Every Class Before Choosing Another Ferry

One useful thing to remember is that availability is shown separately for each class.

For example, a ferry may show no availability in Bunk while seats are still available in Seat. Similarly, Chair may be waitlisted while another class on the same vessel is available.

Therefore, don't reject a convenient ferry just because the first class you check is full. Look at the availability of all the classes offered on that voyage.

Government Ferry Seats Can Be Limited for Tourists

Government ferries primarily serve the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the STARS portal displays separate Islander and Non-Islander fares and booking categories.

If you are travelling as a tourist and find a suitable government ferry showing availability, it is sensible to book it rather than assuming the same option will remain available later. This becomes particularly important because government ferry schedules are released only close to the travel date.

Important: If STARS shows a waitlist, do not treat it as a confirmed ferry booking for an itinerary that depends on reaching Havelock or Neil Island that day. Check the current ticket status and DSS conditions before making travel arrangements around a waitlisted ticket.

Government Ferry Routes to Havelock and Neil Island

For tourists, the most important government ferry routes are those connecting Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island).

DSS operates sailings on these sectors according to the government shipping schedule. However, unlike private ferries, you should not assume that the same departure time, vessel or route combination will operate every day.

Important: Government ferry schedules are not fixed far in advance. The vessel, departure time, route and even the availability of a particular sector can vary with the DSS sailing programme. Always check the current STARS schedule before finalising your island itinerary.

Can Government Ferries Be Cancelled Due to Bad Weather?

Yes. Government ferry sailings in Andaman can be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled because of adverse weather, sea conditions, technical reasons or other operational requirements.

This is particularly important to keep in mind during periods of rough weather. Ferry operations ultimately depend on whether conditions are suitable for the vessel to sail safely.

What Happens If DSS Cancels Your Ferry?

According to the DSS cancellation conditions, if a voyage is cancelled by the Directorate of Shipping Services, passengers are eligible for a full refund. A full refund is also provided when a voyage is delayed by more than 6 hours.

However, a refund solves only the ticket cost. For a tourist, a cancelled ferry can also affect hotel bookings, sightseeing plans and onward travel.

For example, if you have a hotel booked in Havelock but your Port Blair to Havelock ferry is cancelled, you may need to rearrange both your ferry and accommodation plans.

Should You Depend on a Government Ferry Before Your Flight?

Be particularly careful when planning your return from Havelock or Neil Island to Port Blair close to your flight departure.

Whether you travel by government or private ferry, inter-island ferry services are affected by sea and weather conditions. It is therefore sensible to keep sufficient time between your island return journey and your flight from Port Blair.

Travel Tip: Avoid creating an itinerary where a ferry delay or cancellation would immediately cause you to miss your flight. Keep a reasonable buffer when returning from Havelock or Neil Island before your departure from Port Blair.

Check Your Ferry Status Before Leaving for the Jetty

Even after you have a confirmed ticket, check for any schedule changes before leaving for the embarkation point, particularly when the weather is poor.

Follow official DSS information and the details provided through the STARS system for the latest status of your voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Government Ferry in Andaman

Can tourists book government ferry tickets in Andaman?

Yes. Tourists can book government ferry tickets when seats are available. While booking through STARS, tourists should check the Non-Islander fare and availability.

How can I book a government ferry in Andaman online?

Government ferry tickets can be booked through the official DSS STARS e-Ticketing Portal. Create an account, search your route and travel date, select the available voyage and class, enter passenger details and complete the payment.

How many days in advance can I book a government ferry?

Government ferry schedules are released a maximum of 7 days before departure. This is one of the main differences between government and private ferry booking in Andaman.

What is the government ferry ticket price from Port Blair to Havelock?

In the September 2026 STARS fares we checked for Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep, Non-Islander fares were ₹700 for Seat, ₹970 for Chair and ₹1,200 for Bunk. Fares can change, so check the current STARS fare before booking.

Which government ferry class is best for tourists?

For short tourist routes such as Port Blair to Havelock, Seat class is generally our preferred choice when available. Actual seating and comfort can vary between government vessels.

Can I see the sea from inside a government ferry?

Do not expect panoramic views from the passenger cabin. Government ferries generally have small circular porthole-style windows positioned high on the cabin wall. These vessels are designed primarily for transportation rather than sightseeing.

Can tourists go to the open deck of a government ferry?

Deck access may be permitted after the ferry has moved away from port, depending on the vessel, weather and crew instructions. The deck must be cleared during departure and arrival.

How early should I reach the jetty for a government ferry?

DSS advises passengers to report at the embarkation point 2 hours before the scheduled sailing. Check the embarkation jetty printed on your ticket before travelling.

Do I need ID proof to board the government ferry?

Yes. Carry the original valid ID used for your journey. Government ferry tickets are non-transferable, and passenger details should match the identification presented for travel.

Is government ferry better than a private ferry in Andaman?

Government ferries are a good option for flexible travellers who want a lower-cost and more local travel experience. For most tourists with fixed hotel bookings and a planned itinerary, private ferries are usually easier because they can generally be confirmed further in advance.

Can government ferries be cancelled because of bad weather?

Yes. Ferry sailings can be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled because of weather, sea conditions, technical issues or operational requirements. Check the latest sailing information before going to the jetty.

Should I choose government ferry or private ferry for my Andaman trip?

If your itinerary is flexible, trying a government ferry can be an interesting local experience. If your hotels and island dates are already fixed, a private ferry is usually more practical because you do not have to wait until the government schedule opens close to departure.