Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is located in central India, known for its lakes and rich history. Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, lies in the Bay of Bengal and is famous for its scenic beauty and beaches.

This route is commonly traveled by tourists and government officials heading to the islands. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bhopal to Port Blair, covering trains, buses, flights, and driving options with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Bhopal to Port Blair – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Bhopal towards Port Blair is only possible for part of the journey, as the islands are not connected by rail. Train travel is suitable for reaching major airports or ports on the east coast before flying or sailing to Port Blair.

• Bhopal Junction is the main railway station connecting to cities like Kolkata and Chennai, which have airports with flights to Port Blair. The train journey to Kolkata takes about 24-30 hours covering around 1400 km.

• Trains from Bhopal to Chennai take approximately 30-35 hours over 1600 km, offering sleeper and AC classes for comfort. Booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• From Kolkata or Chennai, you can catch direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Train plus flight is a common combination for this route.

• Train travel is economical but time-consuming and requires planning for connecting flights or ships. Seasonal delays during monsoon and fog in winter can affect punctuality on eastern routes.

Bus

Bus travel from Bhopal to Port Blair is not feasible due to the sea crossing. However, buses can be used for local travel within Bhopal or from nearby cities to airports or ports before flying or sailing.

• Bhopal has well-connected bus services to cities like Nagpur, Raipur, and Jabalpur, which have better air connectivity to eastern hubs. These buses run frequently from ISBT Bhopal and take 5-10 hours depending on the destination.

• State-run buses by MPSTDC and private operators offer comfortable Volvo and sleeper buses for overnight journeys, useful for reaching airports early morning.

• Bus fares range from ₹300 to ₹1000 depending on distance and bus type. Booking tickets online or at ISBT counters is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Using buses to reach major airports like Kolkata or Chennai before flying to Port Blair is common, but the overall journey is long and requires multiple transfers.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bhopal to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea gap. However, self-drive can be used to reach airports or railway stations in nearby cities before taking a flight or ship.

• The road distance from Bhopal to Kolkata is about 1400 km via NH 44 and NH 16, taking approximately 26-30 hours of continuous driving with tolls and rest stops.

• Driving to Chennai covers around 1600 km via NH 44 and NH 48, requiring about 30-35 hours. Planning overnight halts at cities like Nagpur or Hyderabad is essential for safety.

• Fuel costs for the journey can range from ₹7000 to ₹9000 depending on vehicle mileage. Toll plazas on national highways add to the cost and should be budgeted.

• Self-drive offers flexibility but requires good navigation skills and awareness of road conditions, especially during monsoon when some highways may face waterlogging or delays.

Flight

Flying is the most practical and popular way to reach Port Blair from Bhopal. There are no direct flights, so connecting flights via major hubs like Kolkata, Chennai, or Delhi are common.

• Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport offers daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, where you can connect to flights heading to Kolkata or Chennai for onward travel to Port Blair.

• From Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport or Chennai International Airport, direct flights to Port Blair take about 2.5 to 3 hours with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• Flight fares from Bhopal to Port Blair via connecting cities typically range from ₹6000 to ₹12000 one way, depending on booking time and season.

• Booking flights at least 2-3 weeks in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip helps secure better fares and preferred timings.

• Flight frequency to Port Blair is higher from Kolkata and Chennai, with multiple flights daily. Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to weather.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Bhopal to Port Blair, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

• Book your flight tickets early through IRCTC Air or popular travel apps to get the best fares and confirm your connecting flights to Port Blair.

• Reach Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal at least 2 hours before departure to complete security checks and avoid last-minute rush, especially during festivals.

• Upon arrival at Kolkata or Chennai, follow airport signage to your connecting flight gate. Use airport lounges or food courts to rest during layovers.

• Carry valid ID and travel documents for the final flight to Port Blair, as security is strict for island-bound flights.

• After landing at Veer Savarkar International Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable transport to your accommodation.

• Plan your stay in advance in popular areas like Aberdeen Bazaar or near Corbyn's Cove Beach for easy access to local attractions and transport.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and light snacks during long transit times, as food options may be limited during early morning or late-night flights and train journeys.

• Use IRCTC and airline apps to book tickets and check live status updates to avoid surprises due to delays or cancellations.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, especially when transferring between trains, buses, and flights. Use lockable suitcases and avoid overpacking.

• Prefer prepaid taxis or app-based cabs at airports and railway stations to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during late arrivals.

• Be cautious of monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rains can cause flight delays and road traffic jams on highways leading to airports.

• Try local food only from trusted outlets during layovers to avoid stomach issues, and carry basic medicines for travel sickness or indigestion.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bhopal to Port Blair is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and flights operate smoothly. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rains affecting road and air travel.

Summer months can be hot and humid in Bhopal, but Port Blair remains warm year-round. Early morning or late evening departures help avoid peak traffic and airport crowds.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when flights and trains are fully booked and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season from June to September often causes flight delays and road flooding, especially on highways connecting Bhopal to eastern airports.

• Winter fog in northern India can affect train and flight timings, so plan buffer time for connections.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Bhopal and ensure timely arrival at airports or stations.

Arrival at Port Blair & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, you will find a small but well-organized terminal. The airport is about 2 km from the city center, making local travel convenient.

Prepaid taxi counters are available just outside the arrival area, offering fixed fares to popular destinations. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber also operate here, providing affordable and safe transport. Many travelers prefer staying near Aberdeen Bazaar or near the waterfront for easy access to markets and ferry terminals.

Conclusion

Flying via Kolkata or Chennai is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach Port Blair from Bhopal. While train and bus options help reach connecting airports, the sea crossing makes flights essential for the final leg. Planning your journey with advance bookings and considering seasonal factors will make your trip smooth.

By following this guide, you can confidently plan your travel from Bhopal to Port Blair, knowing the best routes, transport modes, and practical tips. With proper preparation, your journey to the beautiful Andaman Islands will be enjoyable and hassle-free.