Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. Guwahati, situated in Assam, is the gateway to Northeast India. Traveling from Guwahati to Port Blair is a popular route for tourists seeking the islands' natural beauty and historic sites.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options between Guwahati and Port Blair. You will learn about flights, trains, and road travel, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Guwahati to Port Blair – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the most common and fastest way to reach Port Blair from Guwahati. Direct flights are limited, so most travelers take connecting flights via major hubs like Kolkata or Chennai.

• Flights from Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport) to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport usually involve one or two stops, mainly in Kolkata or Chennai, with total travel time around 6 to 10 hours depending on layovers.

• Airfares range from ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 one-way, varying by season and how early you book. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance on airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip helps secure better prices.

• Flight frequency is moderate; daily flights connect Guwahati to Kolkata and Chennai, but direct flights to Port Blair are rare. Avoid booking flights during peak holiday seasons like summer vacations or Christmas to reduce delays and higher fares.

• Veer Savarkar Airport has prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for easy last-mile connectivity to hotels and ferry terminals in Port Blair.

Train

There is no direct train connecting Guwahati to Port Blair because the islands are separated by sea. However, you can take a train to Kolkata or Chennai and then fly or take a ship to Port Blair.

• From Guwahati Railway Station, you can board trains like the Kamrup Express or Saraighat Express to Kolkata, which take approximately 30-36 hours covering over 1,000 km.

• Train fares vary between ₹500 to ₹1,500 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC). Booking tickets through IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to high demand on this route.

• After reaching Kolkata, you can catch a direct flight or a ship to Port Blair. The ship journey from Kolkata to Port Blair takes 3-4 days and is less comfortable but cheaper for those not in a hurry.

• Train travel offers scenic views of Northeast India but can be crowded during festivals and monsoon season, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Bus travel from Guwahati to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea crossing. However, buses can be used for short distances within Guwahati or to nearby cities before taking a train or flight.

• Local buses and private taxis operate from Guwahati city to the airport and railway station, with fares ranging from ₹30 to ₹150 depending on distance and vehicle type.

• For onward travel to Kolkata or Chennai, long-distance buses are available but are not practical for this journey due to the long distance and sea crossing.

• Bus travel is more suitable for local sightseeing or reaching nearby towns before boarding trains or flights.

• During monsoon, road conditions can be challenging in Assam, so allow extra travel time when using buses or taxis.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Port Blair is not possible because the islands are separated by the sea. However, you can drive to nearby airports or railway stations for onward travel.

• Driving within Guwahati city is convenient via NH27 and NH37, with tolls and fuel costs to consider. Renting a car or taxi for airport transfers is common and costs around ₹500-₹1,000 depending on distance.

• Self-drive options are available in Guwahati, but intercity drives to Kolkata or Chennai are long and tiring, often taking 2-3 days with multiple stops.

• Once in Port Blair, renting a scooter or car is recommended to explore the islands, as public transport options are limited.

• Road conditions in Northeast India vary; during monsoon, some highways may face landslides or delays, so check weather and road status before driving.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Guwahati to Port Blair to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your flight tickets early through airline websites or trusted travel portals to get the best fares and confirm your travel dates well in advance.

• Reach Guwahati Airport at least 2 hours before your flight departure to complete security checks and avoid last-minute rush, especially during peak travel seasons.

• If taking a train to Kolkata or Chennai, book your IRCTC tickets at least 3 weeks ahead and confirm train timings to avoid cancellations or delays.

• Upon arrival at Port Blair Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and transparent fares to your accommodation or ferry terminals.

• Carry essential documents like ID proofs and travel tickets in both digital and physical forms, as they are required at multiple checkpoints during your journey.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially if you have long layovers or train journeys.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar card or passport, as it is mandatory for flight and train travel within India, including the Andaman Islands.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, especially when traveling through humid and tropical climates.

• Use official websites like IRCTC for train bookings and airline websites or apps like Cleartrip for flights to avoid scams or inflated prices.

• In Port Blair, local transport options are limited; renting a scooter or using prepaid taxis is safer and more reliable than hailing random cabs.

• Pack your luggage carefully, keeping valuables and travel documents in your carry-on bag to avoid loss or theft during transfers.

• Be aware of seasonal weather conditions; monsoon rains can cause flight delays and road disruptions, so check forecasts before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Port Blair is during the dry season when weather conditions are favorable for flights and sightseeing. Avoid monsoon months when heavy rains can disrupt travel plans.

Peak travel periods like summer holidays and festivals see higher fares and crowded transport, so plan accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

• Avoid traveling during June to September due to heavy monsoon rains causing flight delays and rough sea conditions for ships.

• December to February offers pleasant weather in Port Blair and Guwahati, making it ideal for travel and outdoor activities.

• Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed and offer smoother travel experiences compared to late evening flights.

• Festival seasons like Durga Puja in Guwahati and New Year in Port Blair can cause higher demand and limited availability, so book tickets well in advance.

Arrival at Port Blair & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for easy transfers to your hotel or ferry terminals. The airport is small but well-maintained, with basic amenities.

Popular areas to stay include Aberdeen Bazaar and Corbyn’s Cove, which are close to major attractions and have good connectivity. Local buses are limited, so taxis or rented scooters are the best options for getting around.

Conclusion

Flying remains the most efficient and practical way to travel from Guwahati to Port Blair, with connecting flights via Kolkata or Chennai offering the best options. Train travel to these hubs is possible but adds significant time and complexity.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in Port Blair will help you enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and experience the beauty of the Andaman Islands without hassle.