Havelock Island is a beautiful island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters. Mumbai, located on the west coast of India, is a major metropolitan city and a common starting point for travelers heading to the islands.

This route is popular among tourists seeking a tropical getaway from the city hustle. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Havelock Island, covering flights, ferries, and local transport options to plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Mumbai to Havelock Island – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Andaman Islands from Mumbai. Since there are no direct flights to Havelock Island, you will fly to Port Blair first and then take a ferry to Havelock.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers multiple daily flights to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Airport, with one or two stops, usually via Chennai or Kolkata, taking around 6 to 8 hours including layovers.

• Flight fares typically range from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 one-way, depending on the airline and booking time; booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable for better prices and seat availability.

• Port Blair airport is well connected to the city center by prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, which take about 15-20 minutes to reach the ferry terminals.

• Flights can get crowded during peak tourist seasons and Indian holidays, so booking early is important; also, monsoon weather can cause occasional delays or cancellations.

Ferry

After reaching Port Blair, ferries are the only way to reach Havelock Island. These ferries are popular and essential for island access but require advance planning.

• Government ferries operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services run daily between Port Blair and Havelock Island, taking about 2 to 3 hours depending on the vessel type.

• Private ferries and cruise services offer faster rides (around 1.5 to 2 hours) but are more expensive, with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500 per person one-way.

• Tickets for government ferries can be booked online via the official Andaman ferry booking portal or at the Port Blair jetty; private ferry tickets should be booked in advance, especially during peak season.

• Ferry services may be affected by rough seas during the monsoon season (June to September), causing cancellations or delays, so check weather updates before travel.

• Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf are the main departure points; arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and secure seating.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea crossing, but you can rent a car or taxi for local travel within Port Blair and Havelock Island.

• In Port Blair, car rentals and taxis are available for airport pickup and travel to ferry terminals, with fares around ₹300 to ₹600 depending on distance and negotiation.

• On Havelock Island, self-drive options are limited; however, you can rent scooters or bikes to explore the island comfortably, with daily rental rates between ₹300 and ₹600.

• Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available but may be scarce on Havelock; pre-booking or arranging transport through your hotel is recommended.

• Roads on Havelock Island are mostly narrow and can be uneven; drive carefully and avoid night driving due to limited street lighting.

Flight to Havelock Island

Currently, there are no direct flights from Mumbai or any other city to Havelock Island. Air travel is limited to Port Blair only, so ferry transfer is mandatory.

• Port Blair is the only airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located on South Andaman Island, about 50 km from Havelock Island.

• Any air travel plan must include a ferry ride from Port Blair to Havelock Island, which cannot be bypassed by air.

• Helicopter services are rare and expensive, mostly for emergency or private use, and not a practical option for regular travelers.

• Plan your itinerary to accommodate ferry timings after your flight arrival to avoid overnight stays in Port Blair unless desired.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Havelock Island, helping you manage flights, transfers, and bookings efficiently.

• Book your Mumbai to Port Blair flight early via IRCTC Air or airline websites to get the best fares and confirm your travel dates well in advance.

• Arrange airport transfer in Port Blair through prepaid taxis or app cabs to reach the ferry terminal comfortably, especially if your flight arrives late.

• Purchase ferry tickets online or at the Port Blair jetty for the next available government or private ferry to Havelock Island; booking a day before is recommended to avoid sold-out trips.

• Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to complete boarding formalities and secure your seat, as ferries can get crowded during peak season.

• On arrival at Havelock Island, use pre-booked scooter rentals or local taxis to reach your accommodation; many hotels offer pickup services—confirm in advance.

• Carry essential documents like ID proof, ferry tickets, and flight tickets throughout your journey for smooth verification at checkpoints and boarding points.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and light snacks during ferry rides, as onboard food options are limited and sometimes expensive.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs in Port Blair to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using local taxis without meters.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, especially during ferry boarding and disembarking, as handling can be challenging and theft risk exists in crowded areas.

• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for humid tropical weather and beach activities on Havelock Island.

• Check weather forecasts before travel; monsoon months can cause ferry cancellations and flight delays, so plan buffer days in your itinerary.

• Book flights and ferries well in advance during peak seasons like December to February and Indian holidays to avoid last-minute hassles and inflated prices.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Havelock Island is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and rough seas, affecting travel plans.

Peak tourist seasons coincide with winter holidays and festivals, leading to crowded flights and ferries. Planning your trip during shoulder seasons can offer better availability and lower costs.

• Avoid traveling during June to September due to monsoon rains causing rough seas and frequent ferry cancellations.

• December to January sees high tourist traffic; book flights and ferries at least a month in advance to secure seats.

• Early morning flights and ferry departures are less crowded and more reliable, helping you avoid afternoon heat and delays.

• Festivals like Diwali and Christmas increase demand for travel; expect higher fares and limited availability during these times.

Arrival at Havelock Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Havelock Island jetty, you will find basic facilities and local transport options. The island is small, and most accommodations are within a short distance from the jetty.

Local transport includes rented scooters, bicycles, and limited taxis. Many hotels offer pickup services, so arranging transport in advance is helpful. Prepaid taxis are not common, so negotiate fares before travel.

Conclusion

Flying from Mumbai to Port Blair followed by a ferry to Havelock Island is the most efficient and practical way to reach this beautiful destination. Booking flights and ferry tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons, will ensure a smooth journey.

Careful planning of transfers, local transport, and weather considerations will help you enjoy your trip without stress. With this guide, you can confidently plan your travel from Mumbai to Havelock Island and look forward to a memorable island experience.