How to Book Ferry Tickets in Andaman: Complete 2025 Guide

There are no bridges between the Andaman Islands — ferries are the only way to travel between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. Getting your ferry booking wrong can derail your entire trip. This guide covers everything: which operator to choose, how to book, and exactly what to do when you arrive at the jetty.

Why Ferries Are Essential — and Why You Must Pre-Book

The Andaman archipelago spans over 700 islands. The three main tourist destinations — Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) — are separated by open sea. Private ferry operators carry around 300–500 passengers per vessel, and during peak season (December–February), these fill up days or even weeks in advance.

A word of warning: Travellers who arrive at the jetty hoping to "just buy a ticket" during December–January regularly find ferries sold out for the next 3–5 days. Don't be that person. Book ahead.

Ferry Operators Compared

Makruzz

Premium

The most popular private ferry. Air-conditioned, cushioned seats, onboard café, generally punctual. The closest thing to a comfortable ferry experience in Andaman.

Routes: PB–Havelock–Neil and return | Speed: 30 knots | Journey PB→Havelock: ~2 hours

Green Ocean Ferry

Mid-Range

Slightly cheaper than Makruzz, comparable quality. Good reliability record. Slightly larger vessel, which means less rocking in rough seas.

Routes: PB–Havelock–Neil | Speed: 28 knots | Journey PB→Havelock: ~2.5 hours

Nautika

Mid-Range

Newer operator with modern vessels. Gaining popularity for its business class seats and reliable schedule. Good option when Makruzz is sold out.

Routes: PB–Havelock–Neil | Speed: 28 knots

AGTSL Government Ferry

Budget

Run by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Very cheap but significantly slower (3–4 hours vs 2 hours), much more basic facilities, and often crowded. No guarantee of seat comfort.

Price: ₹500–800 vs ₹1,500–2,500 for private | Journey PB→Havelock: ~3.5 hours

Main Routes & Schedules

Route	Operators	Duration	Departures
Port Blair → Havelock	Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika, Govt	2–3.5 hours	6–8 departures/day
Havelock → Neil Island	Makruzz, Green Ocean	45–60 min	2–3 departures/day
Port Blair → Neil Island	Makruzz, Govt	1.5–3 hours	2–4 departures/day
Neil Island → Port Blair	Makruzz, Green Ocean, Govt	1.5–3 hours	2–4 departures/day

Ticket Classes Explained

Economy Class

• Recliner seats, air-conditioned
• No dedicated viewing deck access
• Good enough for 2-hour journeys
• Cheapest private ferry option

Business Class

• Wider, more comfortable seats
• Priority boarding
• Complimentary snacks on some operators
• Worth it for 3+ hour journeys

Premium / Upper Deck

• Outdoor or panoramic viewing access
• Best seats on the vessel
• Sea views from the front deck
• Great for photography

How to Book on Andamanly

Step-by-Step Booking

1Search your route and travel date on Andamanly
2Compare available operators, timings and classes
3Enter passenger details — name must match government ID exactly
4Pay securely via Razorpay (UPI, card, net banking)
5Receive instant booking confirmation on WhatsApp with a PDF voucher attached
6Show your PDF voucher at the jetty — download it from the confirmation page or WhatsApp

Government Ferry: Is It Worth It?

The government-run AGTSL ferries are significantly cheaper (₹500–800 vs ₹1,500–2,500) but come with trade-offs. They're slower, more crowded, basic in facilities, and their schedules are less flexible. For a single traveller on a very tight budget, they work fine. For families or anyone valuing comfort, stick to private ferries.

10 Ferry Booking Tips

1. Book 3–4 weeks ahead during peak season (Dec–Feb)

2. Name on ticket MUST match your government ID exactly

3. Arrive at the jetty 45 minutes before departure

4. Download your e-ticket before losing internet connectivity

5. Book return journey immediately on arrival at the island

6. Pack seasickness tablets if you're prone — seas can be rough

7. Check cancellation policy before booking (varies by operator)

8. First boat of the day (6–7 AM) is usually the calmest crossing

9. Baggage limit: 15kg cabin + 20kg hold for most operators

10. Children under 3 years travel free on most private ferries

At the Jetty: What to Expect

Phoenix Bay Jetty (Port Blair) is the main departure point. For Neil Island return journeys, you depart from Neil Island Jetty near the market. Havelock uses Havelock Jetty (also called Swaraj Dweep Jetty).

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure — boarding closes 20 minutes before
• Show your PDF voucher (from WhatsApp or downloaded from the booking confirmation page) at the ticket counter to collect your boarding pass
• You must show original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence)
• Large bags go in the hold — keep valuables in your cabin bag
• Ferries depart on time — there are no delays waiting for latecomers
• Food and water are available on-board at private ferry operators

2025 Ferry Price Guide

Route	Govt (Economy)	Private (Economy)	Private (Business)
Port Blair → Havelock	₹500–700	₹1,400–1,800	₹2,000–2,500
Havelock → Neil	—	₹700–900	₹1,100–1,400
Neil → Port Blair	₹400–600	₹900–1,200	₹1,400–1,800
Havelock → Port Blair	₹500–700	₹1,400–1,800	₹2,000–2,500