Havelock Island is a beautiful island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major city in southern India. Many travelers from Bangalore visit Havelock Island to enjoy its natural beauty and adventure activities.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Bangalore to Havelock Island. You will learn about trains, flights, buses, and ferries, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Bangalore to Havelock Island – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable for those who want to reach Chennai or Kolkata by rail before flying to Port Blair. It is popular for budget travelers who prefer overnight journeys and scenic routes.

• Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) connects to Chennai Central and Howrah Station in Kolkata, major hubs for flights to Port Blair. The journey to Chennai takes about 6-7 hours, while to Kolkata it takes around 30-35 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 400 to INR 1500 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC), offering affordable options for long-distance travel.

• Trains run daily or several times a week, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during holiday seasons to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Overnight trains provide sleeping berths, but be prepared for crowded compartments during peak travel times and festivals.

• From Chennai or Kolkata, you will need to take a flight to Port Blair, the gateway to Havelock Island, as no direct train or road connects to the islands.

Bus

Bus travel from Bangalore to Chennai or Kolkata is possible but less common due to the long distances. It is mainly used to reach Chennai for onward flights to Port Blair.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station offers Volvo and non-AC buses to Chennai, taking approximately 7-9 hours with fares between INR 600 and INR 1200.

• Bus services to Kolkata are rare and not recommended due to the very long journey exceeding 40 hours.

• Buses are frequent to Chennai, but traffic congestion can cause delays, especially during peak hours and festivals.

• Comfortable Volvo buses provide reclining seats and onboard amenities, suitable for overnight travel to Chennai.

• From Chennai, you must take a flight to Port Blair, then a ferry to Havelock Island, as buses do not connect to the islands.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Chennai is feasible for those who prefer road travel before flying to Port Blair. Self-drive beyond Chennai is not possible due to the sea crossing.

• The distance from Bangalore to Chennai is about 350 km via NH48, taking 6-7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Highways are mostly four-lane and well-maintained, with toll plazas charging around INR 200-300 in total.

• Rest stops and dhabas along the route offer local food and refreshments, ideal for breaks during the drive.

• Driving beyond Chennai is not possible to reach Havelock Island; you must park your vehicle and take a flight to Port Blair.

• Car rentals in Bangalore offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven options; booking in advance is recommended for better rates and vehicle availability.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most popular way to reach Havelock Island from Bangalore. It involves a flight to Port Blair followed by a ferry to the island.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) offers direct and connecting flights to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), with at least one stop in Chennai or Kolkata.

• Flight duration is around 6-8 hours including layovers, with fares ranging from INR 6000 to INR 12000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Flights operate daily but can be affected by weather conditions like monsoon storms or fog in the Andaman region, so check schedules carefully.

• From Port Blair, you must take a government or private ferry to Havelock Island, which takes about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the ferry type.

• Booking flights and ferry tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (December to March), is essential to avoid last-minute hassles.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Havelock Island. It covers booking, transfers, and tips to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your flight from Bangalore to Port Blair online through airline websites or trusted travel portals. Early booking helps secure better fares and preferred timings.

• Arrange ferry tickets from Port Blair to Havelock Island via the official Andaman ferry booking portal or authorized agents. Ferries fill up quickly during holidays.

• Reach Bangalore airport at least 2 hours before your flight to avoid stress, considering traffic and security checks common in Indian airports.

• On arrival at Port Blair, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach the ferry jetty safely and quickly.

• Carry valid ID proofs and print copies of all bookings, as these are often checked at ferry boarding points and airport counters.

• Pack light and waterproof luggage, as ferry rides can be rough during monsoon and luggage handling facilities are limited on the island.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid tap water on the islands to prevent stomach issues; buy from trusted shops near ferry terminals.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Bangalore and Port Blair to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during transfers.

• Book flights and ferries at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially if traveling during peak season or Indian festivals like Diwali and Christmas.

• Carry a portable power bank and chargers, as electricity supply can be unstable on Havelock Island during monsoon months.

• Wear comfortable footwear and carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as you will spend time outdoors exploring beaches and forests.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as ferry boarding involves walking on uneven jetties and luggage handling is manual.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Havelock Island is from November to April when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and rough seas.

Travel during peak tourist months like December and January can be crowded and expensive. Planning your trip in shoulder months like November or March offers a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) as ferries may be canceled due to rough seas and heavy rains.

• Festivals like Christmas and New Year see a surge in tourists, leading to fully booked flights and ferries, so book well in advance or avoid these dates.

• Early morning flights and ferries are less crowded and offer smoother travel experiences, so plan departures accordingly.

• Fog in winter months can occasionally delay flights to Port Blair; keep some buffer time in your itinerary for such delays.

Arrival at Havelock Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Havelock Island jetty, you will find basic facilities and local transport options like shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws. The island is small, so most popular beaches and resorts are within short travel distances.

Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range resorts, mainly concentrated near Radhanagar Beach and Vijay Nagar. Pre-booking your stay is advisable to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Local transport is limited, so many travelers prefer renting bicycles or scooters to explore the island at their own pace. Ola and Uber are not available here, so rely on local taxis or rental services.

Cash is preferred for most transactions on the island, as ATMs are limited and card acceptance is not universal.

Conclusion

Flying from Bangalore to Port Blair followed by a ferry to Havelock Island is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach this island paradise. Booking flights and ferries well in advance ensures a hassle-free journey, especially during peak seasons.

Planning your travel with attention to timing, local transport, and luggage will help you enjoy the trip without stress. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey from Bangalore to Havelock Island and look forward to a memorable island experience.