Little Andaman is a beautiful island located in the southern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is known for its pristine beaches, waterfalls, and tribal culture. Many travelers visit Little Andaman to enjoy its natural beauty and peaceful environment away from the main city hustle.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to reach Little Andaman, including ferry services, flights, and road travel on the island. You will get detailed information on travel times, costs, and practical tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Port Blair to Little Andaman – Main Options

Ferry

Taking a ferry from Port Blair to Little Andaman is the most common and affordable way to reach the island. It offers a scenic sea journey but requires planning due to limited schedules and weather conditions.

• The ferry departs from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair and arrives at Hut Bay Jetty on Little Andaman, covering about 90 km in 4 to 6 hours depending on the vessel type and sea conditions.

• Fares typically range from ₹300 to ₹800 per person for government-operated ferries, with private operators charging slightly higher; tickets can be booked at the ferry terminal or online through Andaman Transport websites.

• Ferries run mostly during the daytime, but schedules can change due to monsoon season or rough seas, so it is advisable to check timings a day before departure.

• Facilities on ferries vary; some have basic seating and food stalls, while others offer more comfort. Carry water and snacks, especially for longer journeys, as options on board may be limited.

• During peak tourist season and holidays, ferries tend to be crowded, so booking tickets in advance is recommended to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles.

Flight

There is no direct commercial flight to Little Andaman, but you can fly to Port Blair and then take a ferry or helicopter service. Helicopter rides are limited and expensive but offer a faster alternative.

• Flights from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi land at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which is about 50 km from the ferry terminal.

• Helicopter services from Port Blair to Little Andaman are operated by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, mainly for emergency or government use, and are not regularly available for tourists.

• Flying to Port Blair is the fastest way to reach the Andaman Islands, with flight durations ranging from 2 to 3.5 hours depending on the origin city.

• Advance booking of flights is essential, especially during tourist season, as seats fill quickly and prices can rise significantly.

Bus and Taxi on Little Andaman

Once you arrive at Hut Bay Jetty, local transport options include government buses, shared taxis, and private cabs. These are suitable for exploring the island and reaching your accommodation.

• Government buses run on fixed routes connecting Hut Bay to popular spots like Butler Bay Beach and the waterfall areas, with fares around ₹20 to ₹50 depending on distance.

• Shared taxis and auto-rickshaws are available near the jetty and offer flexible travel but may charge higher fares during peak hours or for longer distances.

• Private taxis can be hired for a full day at rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500, ideal for groups or travelers wanting to explore the island comfortably.

• Road conditions on Little Andaman are generally good but can be affected by monsoon rains, so plan travel times accordingly to avoid delays or difficult driving conditions.

Car / Self-Drive

Self-driving on Little Andaman is possible but requires prior arrangements since vehicle rentals are limited. It is suitable for experienced drivers comfortable with island roads.

• Vehicle rentals, including bikes and cars, can be arranged in Port Blair or at Hut Bay, but availability is limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

• Driving distance from Hut Bay Jetty to key attractions like Butler Bay Beach is around 20 to 30 km, usually taking 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on road conditions.

• Fuel stations are scarce on the island; ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before starting your journey to avoid inconvenience.

• Roads are mostly paved but can be narrow and winding; exercise caution especially during monsoon months when roads can be slippery and visibility low.

• Self-driving offers flexibility to explore remote areas and travel at your own pace, but it is important to carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile network coverage may be patchy.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Port Blair to Little Andaman, helping you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your flight to Port Blair well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season, to secure the best fares and convenient timings.

• Upon arrival at Port Blair airport, take a prepaid taxi or app-based cab to Phoenix Bay Jetty, which is about 15 km away, allowing ample time to catch the ferry.

• Purchase your ferry ticket at the terminal or online a day before departure; confirm the schedule as timings can change due to weather or operational reasons.

• Board the ferry early to get good seating and carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen for the 4 to 6-hour sea journey to Little Andaman.

• After arriving at Hut Bay Jetty, use local buses or shared taxis to reach your accommodation or key tourist spots; negotiate taxi fares beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.

• If planning to explore extensively, consider renting a vehicle in advance or hiring a private taxi for the day; always check road conditions and fuel availability before setting out.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water on Little Andaman to prevent stomach issues; also, bring basic medicines for motion sickness if you are prone to seasickness during the ferry ride.

• Book ferry tickets early, especially during weekends and holidays, as government ferries have limited capacity and private operators fill up quickly.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Port Blair to avoid overcharging; on Little Andaman, negotiate fares in advance as digital payment options may be limited.

• Pack light but include rain gear and insect repellent, as the island has a tropical climate with sudden showers and mosquitoes, especially during monsoon months.

• Keep your luggage secure during ferry travel; use waterproof bags or covers to protect belongings from sea spray and rain.

• Respect local tribal communities and protected areas; avoid venturing into restricted zones and follow guidelines provided by local authorities or your accommodation hosts.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Little Andaman is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. This period offers smooth ferry rides and comfortable exploration.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and rough seas, often causing ferry cancellations and road difficulties. Travelers should avoid this period unless prepared for delays and wet conditions.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when ferry and flight bookings are in high demand, leading to higher prices and crowded services.

• Early morning departures from Port Blair are recommended to avoid afternoon sea winds and potential delays caused by weather changes.

• Fog can affect flights to Port Blair in winter months, so allow buffer time for connecting ferry travel to Little Andaman.

• Check weather forecasts and ferry status updates regularly during monsoon to plan your trip safely and avoid last-minute cancellations.

Arrival at Little Andaman & What to Expect

When you arrive at Hut Bay Jetty, you will find basic facilities including a small waiting area and local transport options. The jetty is well connected by road to nearby beaches and tourist spots.

Local transport includes government buses, shared taxis, and private cabs. Prepaid taxis are not common, so agree on fares before starting your journey. Popular areas to stay include Hut Bay and Butler Bay, which offer guesthouses and resorts catering to different budgets.

Conclusion

Traveling from Port Blair to Little Andaman is best done by ferry, offering an affordable and scenic route to this beautiful island. Booking your ferry tickets and flights in advance, especially during peak season, will help ensure a smooth journey without last-minute stress.

By following the step-by-step plan and practical tips in this guide, you can confidently navigate transport options, local travel, and seasonal challenges. Little Andaman’s natural beauty and tranquility await, and with proper planning, your trip will be comfortable and memorable.