Havelock Island is a beautiful island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters. It lies in the Bay of Bengal and is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Traveling from Delhi to Havelock Island involves multiple transport modes, including flights, trains, and ferries. This guide will help you understand the best routes, timings, and tips to plan your journey comfortably and efficiently.

Getting from Delhi to Havelock Island – Main Options

Train

Trains are suitable for reaching the nearest mainland airport or port before heading to Havelock Island. Since there is no direct train to the Andamans, trains help you reach Kolkata or Chennai, major hubs for onward flights or ferries.

• Delhi to Kolkata trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station, taking around 17 to 20 hours, with fares ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500 depending on class and train type.

• Trains to Chennai from Delhi take approximately 28 to 32 hours, with multiple daily services offering sleeper and AC classes, costing between INR 700 and INR 2000.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC is recommended at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during holiday seasons, to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Major stations like Howrah (Kolkata) and Chennai Central have good connectivity to airports and ferry terminals, easing your transfer to flights or ships.

• Train travel offers a budget-friendly option but can be tiring; plan overnight journeys to save daytime for sightseeing or transfers.

Flight

Flying is the most popular and time-saving way to reach Havelock Island from Delhi. Since there are no direct flights to Havelock, you must fly to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then take a ferry to Havelock.

• Direct flights from Delhi to Port Blair operate daily from Indira Gandhi International Airport, with flight times around 4 to 5 hours and fares ranging from INR 6000 to INR 12000 one way.

• Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offer frequent flights; booking 3-4 weeks ahead helps in getting better prices and seat availability.

• Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport is well connected to ferry terminals; taxis and buses are available for the 15-20 km transfer to the jetty.

• Flight delays can occur during monsoon season (June to September) due to weather; plan buffer time for connecting ferries to Havelock.

• Carry valid ID and follow airport security norms; early arrival at Delhi airport is advised due to security checks and traffic.

Bus

Buses are not a direct option for the entire journey but can be used for local transfers near airports or ferry terminals. Long-distance buses from Delhi to eastern cities are rare and time-consuming.

• From Kolkata or Chennai airports, you can take local buses or prepaid taxis to ferry terminals like Port Blair jetty for onward travel to Havelock.

• Local buses in Port Blair are limited; shared autos and taxis are more common and convenient for short distances.

• Bus services on the mainland are frequent between major cities but not practical for reaching Andaman Islands due to sea crossing.

• For last-mile connectivity in Delhi, use DTC or private buses to reach the airport if you prefer public transport over taxis.

• Bus travel in Andaman Islands is minimal; plan for cabs or rented scooters on Havelock Island for local mobility.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Havelock Island is not possible due to the sea crossing. However, self-drive options are available on Havelock Island for local sightseeing after arrival.

• You can rent scooters or bikes on Havelock Island to explore beaches and nearby attractions at your own pace, with daily rental rates between INR 300 to INR 600.

• Port Blair offers car rentals and taxis for transfers between airport, ferry terminals, and city areas, usually costing INR 500 to INR 1000 per trip.

• Driving on Havelock Island is on narrow roads; helmets and local traffic rules must be followed strictly for safety.

• There are no car ferry services from Port Blair to Havelock; all vehicles must be left behind on the mainland.

• Booking vehicles in advance during peak tourist season (December to February) is advisable to avoid shortages.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Havelock Island, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your Delhi to Port Blair flight tickets early through airline websites or travel portals to get good fares and confirmed seats, especially during holidays.

• Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport at least 3 hours before your flight to complete security and check-in procedures without stress.

• On reaching Port Blair, collect your luggage and proceed to the ferry terminal by prepaid taxi or app-based cab like Ola or Uber for a safe and fixed fare ride.

• Purchase ferry tickets to Havelock Island in advance online or at authorized counters to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during peak season.

• Board the ferry, which takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the service; carry light luggage and water, as food options on board are limited.

• Upon arrival at Havelock Island jetty, rent a scooter or take a local taxi to your accommodation; confirm prices beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued photo ID like Aadhaar or passport for flight check-ins and ferry boarding; keep photocopies separately for safety.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at recommended eateries on Havelock Island to avoid stomach issues common among travelers.

• Book flights and ferries at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure seats and avoid price surges during festivals or holiday seasons.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Port Blair for safe and transparent fares; avoid unmetered cabs at the airport or jetty.

• Pack light and use waterproof bags for ferry travel, as luggage handling can be tricky and weather unpredictable.

• During monsoon, check weather updates regularly as rough seas can delay or cancel ferries; have flexible travel plans.

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 months bring heavy rains and rough seas, affecting ferry schedules.

Peak tourist seasons include December to February and summer holidays, so expect crowded flights and ferries. Booking early is essential during these times.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon (June to September) due to frequent ferry cancellations and flight delays caused by storms and heavy rains.

• Festivals like Christmas and New Year see a surge in tourist numbers, leading to higher prices and limited accommodation availability.

• Early morning flights and ferries are less crowded and more likely to operate on time, making them ideal for smoother connections.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot and humid; carry light cotton clothes and stay hydrated during transfers and sightseeing.

Arrival at Havelock Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Havelock Island jetty, you will find basic facilities like ticket counters and small shops. The island is small, and local transport options include taxis, auto-rickshaws, and scooter rentals.

Popular areas to stay include Vijay Nagar and Govind Nagar, close to beaches and restaurants. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so negotiate fares before travel or rent a scooter for flexibility.

The island has limited ATM and mobile network coverage, so plan your cash and connectivity needs in advance. Many hotels offer Wi-Fi and travel assistance.

Conclusion

Flying from Delhi 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 ferry tickets well in advance ensures a smooth journey without last-minute stress.

Plan your travel around the best seasons, carry essential documents, and prepare for local transport options on the island. With proper planning and awareness of Indian travel conditions, you can enjoy a memorable trip to Havelock Island from Delhi confidently.