Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major metropolitan city in southern India. Traveling from Bangalore to Port Blair is a popular route for tourists seeking a tropical island getaway.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Port Blair from Bangalore, including flights and sea travel. You will find detailed transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and advice on what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Bangalore to Port Blair – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the most popular and fastest way to reach Port Blair from Bangalore. Direct flights and connecting flights via Chennai or Kolkata are available, making air travel convenient for most travelers.

• Direct flights from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) take around 3.5 to 4 hours and cost between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 depending on the season and airline.

• Connecting flights via Chennai or Kolkata increase travel time to 6–8 hours but offer more flight options and sometimes cheaper fares, especially during off-peak seasons.

• Flight frequency is generally daily, but during monsoon or cyclone seasons, delays or cancellations can occur, so booking flexible tickets is advisable.

• Veer Savarkar Airport is about 15 km from Port Blair city center; prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber cabs are available outside the terminal for safe and reliable last-mile transport.

• Booking tickets 2–3 weeks in advance through IRCTC Air or airline websites helps secure better prices and seat availability, especially during holiday seasons.

Sea Travel

Sea travel is an alternative for those who prefer a slower journey or want to experience the maritime route. Passenger ships operate between Chennai and Port Blair, but this option is less common due to longer travel times.

• Government-operated ships from Chennai to Port Blair take approximately 60 to 70 hours, covering around 1,200 km across the Bay of Bengal, with fares ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 depending on class.

• Ships depart once or twice a week, usually from Chennai’s Chennai Port Trust area; advance booking at the Directorate of Shipping Services is mandatory due to limited seats.

• Facilities onboard vary; lower classes are basic, while higher classes offer air conditioning and meals, but seasickness can be an issue during rough weather.

• Sea travel is not recommended during monsoon months (June to September) due to high wave activity and possible delays or cancellations.

• Upon arrival at Haddo Wharf in Port Blair, local buses and taxis are available to reach the city center, about 5 km away.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea crossing. However, you can drive to Chennai or Kolkata to catch a ship or flight to Port Blair.

• The drive from Bangalore to Chennai is approximately 350 km via NH48, taking 6–7 hours depending on traffic and stops, with tolls along the route.

• From Chennai, you can board a ship or take a flight to Port Blair, making it a combined road and sea/air journey.

• Car rentals or self-drive options in Bangalore are widely available, but ensure you plan for overnight stays if you choose to drive to Chennai before continuing your journey.

• Driving to Kolkata from Bangalore is a long trip of over 1,700 km and is not practical for most travelers aiming for Port Blair.

• Parking at Chennai airport or port is available but limited; pre-booking parking or using airport shuttles is recommended.

Flight & Sea Combination

Some travelers prefer flying to Chennai or Kolkata and then taking a ship to Port Blair to combine speed and experience. This option requires careful scheduling.

• Fly from Bangalore to Chennai (1 hour) or Kolkata (2.5 hours) with multiple daily flights available at reasonable fares.

• Book ship tickets from Chennai or Kolkata ports in advance, as these ships have limited capacity and fixed sailing days.

• This combination can take 3–4 days total, including waiting times, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy the sea journey without rushing.

• Check weather forecasts and ship schedules closely to avoid cancellations, especially during monsoon season.

• Local transport from ports to city centers is available via prepaid taxis and buses, but last-mile connectivity may be limited late at night.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Port Blair, focusing on ease and safety.

• Step 1: Book your flight tickets early through official airline websites or IRCTC Air to get confirmed seats and better prices, especially if traveling during holidays or peak season.

• Step 2: Pack light but include essentials like medicines, sunscreen, and a valid ID, as Port Blair has tropical weather and security checks at airports.

• Step 3: Arrive at Bangalore airport at least 2 hours before your flight to complete security and boarding procedures smoothly, considering Bangalore’s traffic.

• Step 4: Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fixed-price transport to your accommodation.

• Step 5: If you choose sea travel, confirm your ship booking at the Directorate of Shipping Services and reach Chennai port early on the sailing day; carry snacks and water for the long journey.

• Step 6: On arrival at Haddo Wharf, use local buses or taxis to reach Port Blair city; keep some cash handy as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued photo ID like Aadhaar or passport, as it is mandatory for flights and ship boarding in India.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water in Port Blair to avoid stomach issues; street food should be eaten cautiously, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Book flights and ships well in advance through official portals to avoid scams and last-minute price surges common in Indian travel.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs at airports and ports to avoid overcharging; avoid unregistered taxis or auto-rickshaws.

• Pack light and secure your luggage with locks, as crowded transport hubs in India can sometimes lead to misplaced bags.

• During monsoon months, check weather updates regularly as flights and ships may be delayed or canceled due to storms or rough seas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Port Blair is during the dry season, from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas, which can disrupt both flights and ship services.

• Avoid traveling during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Christmas when flights and hotels are crowded and prices spike.

• Early morning flights from Bangalore tend to be less delayed and more comfortable due to lighter air traffic and cooler temperatures.

• Sea travel is best planned outside monsoon months to avoid cancellations and seasickness caused by rough waters.

• Afternoon and evening flights may face delays due to Bangalore’s traffic and airport congestion, so plan accordingly.

Arrival at Port Blair & What to Expect

When you arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport, you will find a small but well-organized terminal. The airport is about 15 km from the city center, and prepaid taxi counters are available just outside the arrivals hall.

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Port Blair, offering convenient and affordable rides. Auto-rickshaws are also available but negotiate fares beforehand. Popular areas to stay include Aberdeen Bazaar and Marina Park, which are close to major attractions and transport hubs.

Conclusion

Flying directly from Bangalore to Port Blair is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach the Andaman Islands. Booking flights early and choosing morning departures can help avoid delays and secure better fares. Sea travel is an adventurous alternative but requires more time and planning.

With proper preparation, including advance bookings, packing essentials, and using prepaid transport, you can enjoy a smooth and safe journey from Bangalore to Port Blair. This guide equips you with practical steps and tips to plan your trip confidently and make the most of your island adventure.