Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. Chandigarh is a major city in northern India, known for its modern architecture and as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. Traveling from Chandigarh to Port Blair is a popular route for tourists heading to the islands for their natural beauty and historical sites.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Chandigarh to Port Blair. You will learn about the main transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Port Blair.

Getting from Chandigarh to Port Blair – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the most common and fastest way to reach Port Blair from Chandigarh. There are no direct flights, so you will need to take connecting flights via major hubs like Delhi or Kolkata.

• Chandigarh Airport (IXC) connects to Delhi (DEL) and Kolkata (CCU) with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, offering convenient timings and fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000.

• From Delhi or Kolkata, you can take direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair, which take about 2.5 to 3 hours and cost between ₹5,000 and ₹9,000 depending on the season and airline.

• Flight frequency to Port Blair is limited, so booking tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons like winter and holidays.

• Layover times can vary from 1 to 5 hours; plan accordingly to avoid long waits. Delhi and Kolkata airports have good lounges and food options to make layovers comfortable.

• Port Blair airport is about 13 km from the city center; prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for last-mile connectivity, with fares around ₹300–₹500.

Train

There is no direct train connectivity to Port Blair due to its island location. However, you can take a train from Chandigarh to Kolkata or Chennai and then fly or take a ship to Port Blair.

• Chandigarh Railway Station connects to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai with several trains daily, including Rajdhani and Duronto Express, offering comfortable travel over 24 to 48 hours.

• From Kolkata or Chennai, you can board a ship to Port Blair, but this journey takes 3 to 4 days and is suitable only for those with flexible schedules and interest in sea travel.

• Train fares vary widely depending on class, from ₹500 for sleeper to ₹3,000 for AC classes; booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• Train travel can be affected by fog in winter and monsoon rains, causing delays on northern routes; plan accordingly and check train status before departure.

• Major train stations like Howrah (Kolkata) and Chennai Central have good facilities and options for onward travel to the port or airport.

Bus

Bus travel from Chandigarh to Port Blair is not feasible due to the sea crossing and long distance. Buses can be used for local travel within Chandigarh or Port Blair but not for intercity travel between these two points.

• Within Chandigarh, buses operated by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) connect to nearby towns and cities, useful for reaching Chandigarh Airport or railway station.

• In Port Blair, local buses and shared taxis connect the airport, ferry terminals, and city center, with affordable fares under ₹50.

• For travel between mainland cities and Port Blair, buses are not an option due to the Andaman Sea separating the islands from the Indian mainland.

• Using buses for last-mile connectivity in both cities is economical but can be crowded during peak hours and festivals.

• For intercity travel on the mainland, consider trains or flights instead of buses for comfort and time-saving.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea crossing. However, you can drive to Chandigarh Airport or railway station for onward travel and rent vehicles in Port Blair for local sightseeing.

• Chandigarh is well connected by roads like NH 44 and NH 5, making it easy to reach the airport or railway station by car or taxi within 30 to 60 minutes depending on your location.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Chandigarh for local travel, with daily rates starting around ₹1,200 for small cars.

• In Port Blair, car rentals and two-wheeler hires are popular for exploring nearby islands and beaches; daily rental costs range from ₹800 to ₹1,500.

• Driving in Port Blair requires caution due to narrow roads and local traffic patterns; renting vehicles with a driver is advisable for first-time visitors.

• Toll plazas are present on Chandigarh highways, so keep cash or digital payment options ready for smooth travel to the airport or railway station.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chandigarh to Port Blair, focusing on ease and comfort.

• Book your flight tickets early via airline websites or travel portals to secure the best fares and convenient connections through Delhi or Kolkata.

• Reach Chandigarh Airport at least 2 hours before your flight to complete security checks and boarding procedures without stress.

• During layovers in Delhi or Kolkata, use airport lounges or rest areas to relax; keep your boarding passes and ID handy for smooth transit.

• Upon arrival at Port Blair, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely and avoid inflated fares.

• Plan your local transport in Port Blair by renting vehicles or using local buses; confirm timings and routes with your hotel or local guides.

• Keep digital copies of all tickets, ID proofs, and hotel bookings on your phone or cloud storage for easy access during travel.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued photo ID like Aadhaar or passport when traveling, as it is mandatory for flight check-ins and hotel registrations in India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water in Port Blair to avoid waterborne illnesses; avoid street food unless recommended by trusted locals or guides.

• Book flights and accommodations at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak tourist seasons like December to February to avoid last-minute price surges and availability issues.

• Use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Chandigarh and Port Blair for safe and reliable local transport; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and comfortable walking shoes, as Port Blair has tropical weather and outdoor attractions.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling; monsoon season (June to September) can cause flight delays and rough seas, affecting travel plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Chandigarh to Port Blair is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and flights operate smoothly. Avoid monsoon season due to heavy rains and possible disruptions.

Peak tourist periods like Christmas, New Year, and Indian festivals can cause higher fares and crowded flights, so plan accordingly for a comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of June to September, as heavy rains can cause flight delays and rough sea conditions.

• Winter months from November to February offer the most comfortable weather and frequent flights, making travel easier and more enjoyable.

• Early morning flights from Chandigarh tend to be less crowded and less prone to delays, improving your chances of smooth connections.

• Festival periods such as Diwali and Christmas see increased passenger traffic; book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

Arrival at Port Blair & What to Expect

When you arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, you will find a small but well-maintained terminal with basic amenities. The airport is about 13 km from the city center, and you can easily find prepaid taxi counters just outside the arrivals area.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, app-based cabs like Ola, and shared auto-rickshaws. Many hotels also offer pick-up services if arranged in advance. Popular areas to stay include Aberdeen Bazaar and near the Marina Park, which are close to major attractions and dining options.

Conclusion

Flying via Delhi or Kolkata is the most efficient and practical way to reach Port Blair from Chandigarh. While there are no direct flights, connecting flights are frequent and well-coordinated, making air travel the preferred choice for most travelers.

Plan your journey by booking flights early, considering layover times, and preparing for local transport in Port Blair. With the right planning and practical tips, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable trip from Chandigarh to the beautiful Andaman Islands.