How to Book Ferry Tickets in Andaman: Timings & Prices

Ferry Booking
Private passenger ferry travelling between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island in Andaman
Private passenger ferry travelling between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island in Andaman

Planning to visit Havelock and Neil Island? This complete Andaman ferry booking guide compares private-ferry operators, timings, prices, seating classes and government ferry availability.

How to Book Ferry Tickets in Andaman: Timings, Prices and Complete Guide

A trip to the Andaman Islands is not planned only around hotels and sightseeing. It is planned around ferry tickets.

Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island are separated by sea. There are no bridges or road connections between them. If your ferry is not available on the date you want, the entire itinerary may need to change.

This is why ferry tickets should be booked immediately after confirming your flight dates—and preferably before making non-refundable hotel reservations on Havelock or Neil Island.

Travellers can choose from private ferries such as Nautika, Makruzz and Green Ocean, or government-operated ferries. Private ferries are easier to reserve in advance and usually provide confirmed seats, fixed classes and downloadable tickets.

You can compare available operators, timings and classes through Adventure Andaman’s Andaman ferry booking page.

Andaman Ferry Booking at a Glance

Travel detailPractical information
Main tourist routesPort Blair–Havelock, Havelock–Neil and Neil–Port Blair
Popular private operatorsNautika, Makruzz and Green Ocean
Government operatorDirectorate of Shipping Services
Recommended booking timeAs soon as flight dates are confirmed
Private-ferry journey timeApproximately 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on the route and vessel
Documents requiredValid government-issued photo ID
Reporting timeUsually 45–60 minutes before private-ferry departure
Recommended tourist circuitPort Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
Best booking methodCompare operators and reserve all sectors together

Which Ferry Route Should Tourists Follow?

The most practical route for a first-time Andaman holiday is:

  1. Port Blair to Havelock Island
  2. Havelock Island to Neil Island
  3. Neil Island to Port Blair

This creates a natural circular itinerary and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

A typical five-night arrangement is:

  • Two nights in Port Blair
  • Two nights in Havelock
  • One night in Neil Island

Travellers with less time may visit only Port Blair and Havelock. Those with six or seven nights can spend an additional night in Havelock, Neil Island or Port Blair.

Do not finalise the island sequence only from a hotel perspective. First check whether ferries are operating on the required sectors and dates.

Private Ferries or Government Ferries?

FactorPrivate ferryGovernment ferry
Advance bookingUsually available well in advanceOften released only a few days before sailing
Tourist availabilityGenerally easierLimited and difficult during busy periods
SeatingReserved seating with different classesDepends on vessel and ticket category
Journey timeGenerally fasterUsually slower
Air conditioningAvailable on most private vesselsDepends on the vessel
Online confirmationImmediate or quick confirmationSubject to schedule release and availability
Best suited forTourists with fixed itinerariesFlexible travellers and island residents
Reliability for advance planningBetterNot recommended as the main plan for a fixed holiday

For tourists with pre-booked hotels, activities and return flights, private ferries are usually the safer choice.

Main Private Ferry Operators in Andaman

Quick comparison

OperatorMain attractionTypical classesGeneral journey style
NautikaFast, modern catamaransLuxury, Royal, Business and VIP on selected vesselsFast and premium
MakruzzMultiple vessels and sailing optionsPremium, Deluxe and RoyalComfortable and fully enclosed
Green OceanOpen-deck experience on Green Ocean 1Economy, Premium/Deluxe and RoyalSlower but scenic and economical

Nautika Ferry

Nautika operates modern high-speed vessels between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island.

The original Nautika vessel has Luxury and Royal classes. Nautika Pro adds Business Class, while Nautika Pride has Luxury, Royal, Business and VIP sections. Vessel deployment depends on the route and travel date. Nautika’s fleet is fully air-conditioned and includes panoramic windows, onboard entertainment and café facilities on selected vessels.

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Common Nautika ferry timings

RouteDepartureArrivalApproximate duration
Port Blair to Havelock7:30 AM9:00 AM1 hour 30 minutes
Port Blair to Havelock12:15 PM1:45 PM1 hour 30 minutes
Havelock to NeilAround 9:25 AMAround 10:10 AM45 minutes
Havelock to NeilAround 3:15 PMAround 4:00 PM45 minutes
Neil to Port BlairAround 10:35 AMAround 11:50 AM1 hour 15 minutes
Neil to Port BlairAround 4:15 PMAround 5:30 PM1 hour 15 minutes

Nautika’s current published schedule prominently lists the 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM Port Blair departures, while the other sectors follow the connected Port Blair–Havelock–Neil–Port Blair circuit. Timings may shift slightly with seasonal vessel deployment.

Indicative Nautika fares

The following figures include the commonly applicable ₹50 Port Service Fee:

RouteLuxury ClassRoyal Class
Port Blair to Havelock—morningAround ₹1,950Around ₹2,300
Port Blair to Havelock—afternoonAround ₹1,850Around ₹2,200
Havelock to Neil—morningAround ₹1,750Around ₹2,050
Havelock to Neil—afternoonAround ₹1,650Around ₹1,950
Neil to Port BlairAround ₹1,850Around ₹2,150

These are indicative fares. The final price depends on the sailing, vessel, class and current availability.

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Nautika baggage and reporting rules

Nautika generally allows 15 kg of baggage per passenger. Excess baggage may be charged at ₹100 per kilogram. Passengers should arrive approximately 45 minutes before departure, and boarding can close 15 minutes before sailing.

Who should choose Nautika?

Nautika is suitable for:

  • Travellers who prefer a faster journey
  • Couples and families seeking modern interiors
  • Passengers who want multiple comfort categories
  • Travellers connecting Havelock and Neil within a short time
  • Senior citizens who prefer enclosed, air-conditioned seating

Makruzz Ferry

Makruzz has been operating in Andaman since 2009 and has one of the largest private-ferry networks connecting Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. Its fleet includes Makruzz, Makruzz Gold and Makruzz Pearl.

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Makruzz seating classes

ClassDeckBest suited for
PremiumLower deckFamilies and value-conscious travellers
DeluxeUpper deckTravellers wanting more space and comfort
RoyalExclusive upper-deck sectionCouples and premium travellers

The original Makruzz has 208 Premium, 64 Deluxe and eight Royal seats. Makruzz Gold has 262 Premium, 63 Deluxe and eight Royal seats, while Makruzz Pearl has 250 Premium seats.

Published Makruzz ferry timings

Makruzz publishes several seasonal sailing combinations:

RouteDepartureArrival
Port Blair to Havelock6:00 AM7:30 AM
Havelock to Port Blair8:00 AM9:30 AM
Port Blair to Havelock8:00 AM9:30 AM
Havelock to Neil10:00 AM11:00 AM
Neil to Port Blair11:20 AM12:30 PM
Port Blair to Havelock8:30 AM10:00 AM
Havelock to Neil10:30 AM11:30 AM
Neil to Port Blair12:00 PM1:15 PM
Port Blair to Havelock11:30 AM1:00 PM
Havelock to Neil2:00 PM3:00 PM
Neil to Port Blair4:00 PM5:00 PM
Port Blair to Havelock2:00 PM3:30 PM
Havelock to Port Blair4:00 PM5:30 PM

Not every listed sailing operates on every date. Search by the actual travel date before building the itinerary.

Indicative Makruzz fares

RoutePremiumDeluxeRoyal
Port Blair to Havelock₹1,300–₹2,000Around ₹2,590Around ₹3,550
Havelock to NeilAround ₹1,850Around ₹2,150Around ₹2,950
Neil to Port BlairAround ₹1,900Around ₹2,300Around ₹3,300
Havelock to Port BlairAround ₹2,000Around ₹2,590Around ₹3,550

The lower Port Blair–Havelock fare applies to selected early-morning promotional sailings. A ₹50 Passenger Service Fee applies, and Makruzz may add a ₹100 peak-season supplement during the specified December–January period.

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Makruzz baggage and check-in rules

Makruzz allows 25 kg of registered baggage per passenger. Travellers are required to report one hour before departure with a printed ticket and valid photo ID. Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure and boarding closes ten minutes before sailing.

Makruzz also recommends reconfirming the booking one day before travel. If a sailing is cancelled or changed because of weather or technical reasons, passengers may request a refund or reschedule subject to availability.

Who should choose Makruzz?

Makruzz is suitable for:

  • Travellers who need a wider choice of departure times
  • Families wanting a fully enclosed cabin
  • Passengers who prefer a larger baggage allowance
  • Travellers returning directly from Havelock to Port Blair
  • Couples who want Deluxe or Royal seating

Green Ocean Ferry

Green Ocean operates two main vessels: Green Ocean 1 and Green Ocean 2.

Green Ocean 1 is particularly popular because it offers an open deck—an experience not commonly available on other private ferries in Andaman. The journey is slower, but passengers can enjoy sea views and fresh air when weather conditions permit.

Green Ocean 2 is faster and primarily offers enclosed, air-conditioned seating.

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Common Green Ocean timings

Green Ocean 1

RouteDepartureArrivalApproximate duration
Port Blair to Havelock6:30 AM8:45 AM2 hours 15 minutes
Havelock to Neil9:15 AM10:30 AM1 hour 15 minutes
Neil to Port Blair11:00 AM12:45 PM1 hour 45 minutes
Port Blair to Havelock1:15 PM3:30 PM2 hours 15 minutes
Havelock to Port Blair3:45 PM6:00 PM2 hours 15 minutes

Green Ocean 2

RouteDepartureArrivalApproximate duration
Port Blair to HavelockAround 7:00 AMAround 9:00 AM2 hours
Havelock to Port BlairAround 9:30 AMAround 11:30 AM2 hours
Port Blair to HavelockAround 11:45 AMAround 1:45 PM2 hours
Havelock to NeilAround 2:15 PMAround 3:30 PM1 hour 15 minutes
Neil to Port BlairAround 3:45 PMAround 6:00 PM2 hours 15 minutes

Green Ocean’s schedule changes according to vessel deployment and season. Its online portal shows the exact departure, arrival, available class and live fare after the route and travel date are selected.

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Indicative Green Ocean fares

RouteEconomyPremium/DeluxeRoyal
Port Blair to Havelock₹1,100–₹1,400₹1,350–₹1,750₹1,550–₹1,850
Havelock to NeilAround ₹1,350₹1,500–₹1,700₹1,700–₹1,900
Neil to Port BlairApproximately ₹1,050–₹1,450, depending on vessel and class

Green Ocean’s booking portal currently displays a separate fuel surcharge of ₹300 per passenger. The final payable amount must therefore be checked on the payment screen rather than calculated only from the base fare.

Who should choose Green Ocean?

Green Ocean is suitable for:

  • Travellers who want an open-deck experience
  • Passengers who are not in a hurry
  • Budget-conscious families and groups
  • Photographers who want open sea views
  • Travellers who prefer a relaxed rather than high-speed journey

The open deck is subject to weather and onboard safety instructions. It should not be treated as guaranteed during rough sea conditions.

Private Ferry Fare Comparison

OperatorApproximate starting fareHighest premium-class fareJourney character
NautikaAround ₹1,650₹2,300 or moreFast and modern
MakruzzAround ₹1,300 on selected sailing₹3,550 or moreMultiple timings and premium classes
Green OceanAround ₹1,100 before applicable surchargeAround ₹1,900 before applicable surchargeEconomical and scenic

These figures are intended for planning only. The price displayed for your exact date should always be treated as final.

To view available operators together, use the online ferry booking facility for Andaman.

What About Government Ferries?

Government vessels are operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services and can be booked through the STARS e-ticketing system.

They are less expensive than private ferries and may offer open-deck access on certain vessels. However, they are primarily intended to meet the transport needs of island residents rather than tourism alone.

Why government ferries are difficult for tourists

Government ferry schedules and tickets are generally released only around one week before sailing. In some cases, tickets may be opened merely four or five days before the journey. For example, a 2026 notice released tickets on 30 April for sailings beginning on 4 May.

In practice:

  • Around 70% of the available seats are reserved for islanders.
  • The remaining tourist allocation is limited.
  • Tickets may sell out soon after booking opens.
  • Schedules can change according to vessel availability.
  • The desired route may not operate at a convenient time.
  • Travellers cannot safely depend on these tickets while booking hotels months in advance.

Government ferries can work for tourists with flexible dates, but they should not be the foundation of a tightly planned holiday.

A traveller who has already paid for a Havelock hotel cannot afford to wait until one week before travel and then discover that no government ferry ticket is available.

Government ferry booking process

Government tickets are booked through the STARS portal after registration and mobile-number verification. Passengers must enter valid ID details and carry the same original ID during embarkation. Government-ferry passengers are instructed to report two hours before sailing, and embarkation gates close 30 minutes before departure.

Because of the limited tourist quota and late release, private ferries are the more practical option for most holiday itineraries.

How to Book Andaman Ferry Tickets Online

Step 1: Confirm your flight dates

Do not book ferries before confirming when you will arrive in Port Blair and when your return flight departs.

Step 2: Decide the island sequence

The most practical route is usually:

Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair

Step 3: Search all sectors together

Open the Adventure Andaman ferry booking page and search for each journey date.

Compare:

  • Departure time
  • Arrival time
  • Operator
  • Vessel
  • Seating class
  • Journey duration
  • Total fare
  • Seat availability

Step 4: Choose timings before classes

A convenient departure time is generally more important than paying extra for the highest class.

For example, an expensive Royal seat at an inconvenient time may disrupt hotel check-out, sightseeing or your return flight. A regular class on a better-timed sailing may be the smarter choice.

Step 5: Enter passenger details exactly

Enter each passenger’s name exactly as it appears on the government-issued identity document.

Check carefully:

  • Name
  • Age or date of birth
  • Gender
  • Nationality
  • Mobile number
  • Email address
  • Travel date
  • Route

Corrections may not be permitted after the ticket is issued.

Step 6: Complete payment and save the ticket

After payment:

  • Download the ticket
  • Save it on your phone
  • Email it to yourself
  • Send a copy to another traveller
  • Keep a printed copy where required

Step 7: Reconfirm before travelling

Check the ferry status one day before departure, particularly during monsoon weather or when a technical change has been announced.

Documents Required for Ferry Travel

Carry:

  • Original Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, voter ID or other accepted photo ID
  • Ferry ticket
  • Passport and valid visa for foreign nationals
  • Identification for children, where applicable
  • Medical information for passengers requiring assistance

The passenger name on the ticket should match the ID.

Important Ferry Booking Tips

Book all sectors together

Do not book Port Blair to Havelock and postpone the remaining sectors. Havelock-to-Neil seats may sell out even when the first journey remains available.

Do not book a tight flight connection

Avoid returning from Havelock or Neil on the same morning as your flight. Ferry delays and cancellations can occur because of weather or technical reasons.

Spend the final night in Port Blair whenever possible.

Morning ferries are useful—but require preparation

Morning sailings may provide an early arrival and more sightseeing time. However, passengers must wake early, check out and reach the jetty before reporting closes.

Check the jetty name

Private ferries generally operate from designated jetties in Port Blair, Havelock and Neil. Always read the boarding point printed on the ticket.

Higher class does not always mean a better view

Window position, vessel design and safety equipment can affect the view. Choose a higher class mainly for comfort, privacy and seating—not because you expect uninterrupted panoramic visibility.

Keep medicines accessible

Passengers prone to motion sickness should consult a doctor or pharmacist before travel and keep any prescribed medicine in hand baggage.

Which Andaman Ferry Is Best?

There is no single operator that is best for every traveller.

Choose Nautika when speed, modern interiors and shorter sector timings are your priority.

Choose Makruzz when you want more timing options, a fully enclosed vessel and different premium seating categories.

Choose Green Ocean 1 when the open deck and the experience of travelling slowly across the sea matter more than reaching quickly.

Choose a government ferry only when your dates are flexible and you are prepared to wait for the schedule and ticket quota to open.

For most travellers, the best ferry is the one that fits the itinerary, has confirmed seats and allows comfortable hotel transfers at both ends.

Book Andaman Ferry Tickets with Adventure Andaman

Ferry availability changes by route, date, vessel and class. Comparing three separate operator websites can become confusing, particularly when a family needs tickets for all three island sectors.

Adventure Andaman allows travellers to check and reserve ferries through one dedicated page:

Check Andaman ferry timings, fares and availability

Booking the ferry early helps you:

  • Finalise the island sequence
  • Reserve suitable hotels
  • Plan airport and jetty transfers
  • Avoid last-minute seat problems
  • Select the most practical sailing
  • Keep the complete itinerary connected

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book an Andaman ferry?

Private ferries should be booked once your flight dates and itinerary are confirmed. During October to May, Christmas, New Year and long weekends, popular timings can sell out early.

Can I book Andaman ferry tickets online?

Yes. Private ferry tickets for Nautika, Makruzz and Green Ocean can be booked online. You can compare available options through Adventure Andaman’s ferry booking page.

Which ferry route is best for an Andaman trip?

The most convenient route is usually Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil and Neil to Port Blair. This creates a circular itinerary without repeating a sector.

Which is the fastest ferry in Andaman?

High-speed vessels operated by Nautika and Makruzz generally complete Port Blair to Havelock in about 90 minutes. Green Ocean usually takes approximately two to two-and-a-quarter hours, depending on the vessel.

Which Andaman ferry has an open deck?

Green Ocean 1 is known for its open deck. Access is subject to weather conditions and crew instructions.

Are government ferries available for tourists?

Yes, but tourist seats are limited. Tickets are released close to the sailing date, and a large share of seats is reserved for island residents. Tourists with fixed hotel bookings should not depend entirely on government ferries.

Do I need a printed ferry ticket?

Carry a printed copy where required and retain a digital copy on your phone. Makruzz specifically requires a hard copy at check-in.

How early should I reach the jetty?

Reach at least one hour before a private-ferry departure unless the ticket specifies otherwise. Nautika advises arriving around 45 minutes early, while government ferry passengers are instructed to report two hours before sailing.

Can ferry timings change after booking?

Yes. Weather, technical issues, operational requirements and vessel deployment can lead to changes. Reconfirm the sailing before travel and keep your phone accessible for messages or calls.

Should I return from Havelock on the day of my flight?

It is not advisable. Spend the last night in Port Blair so that a delayed or cancelled ferry does not cause you to miss the flight.

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