Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a major metropolitan city in southern India. Traveling from Hyderabad to Port Blair is a popular route for tourists and government officials heading to the islands.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Hyderabad to Port Blair. You will learn about flights, trains, buses, and driving options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Hyderabad to Port Blair – Main Options

Flight

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

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad connects to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair with one or two stops, usually via Chennai or Kolkata, taking around 6 to 9 hours total travel time including layovers.

• Flight fares typically range from ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 one way, depending on the season and how early you book; booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable to get better prices.

• Flights operate daily but frequency may reduce during monsoon months; early morning or late evening flights tend to be less crowded and more affordable.

• Port Blair airport has limited transport options; prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available outside the terminal for the 15-20 minute ride to city center.

Train

There is no direct train connectivity to Port Blair as it is an island. However, you can take a train from Hyderabad to Chennai or Kolkata and then fly or take a ship to Port Blair.

• Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station (HYB) offers several trains to Chennai Central (MAS) and Howrah (HWH) in Kolkata, with journey times ranging from 12 to 24 hours depending on the train.

• Train fares vary from ₹500 to ₹2,000 for sleeper and AC classes; booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats well in advance.

• From Chennai or Kolkata, you can catch a direct flight to Port Blair or opt for the ship service, though ships take 3 to 4 days and are less comfortable.

• Trains are frequent and reliable but can be crowded during festival seasons; plan your journey accordingly to avoid last-minute rush.

Bus

Bus travel is not a practical option for the entire journey since Port Blair is on an island. However, you can take buses from Hyderabad to Chennai or Kolkata before continuing by air or sea.

• Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) runs buses from Hyderabad to Chennai, taking around 12 to 14 hours, with fares between ₹700 and ₹1,200 depending on the bus type.

• Buses to Kolkata are less common and take over 30 hours, making it a tiring option; private Volvo or deluxe buses are more comfortable but costlier.

• From Chennai or Kolkata bus stands, you must switch to flights or ships to reach Port Blair; plan connections carefully to avoid long waits.

• Bus travel can be affected by monsoon rains and highway traffic, especially on NH44 and NH16 routes; night buses are popular for saving daytime hours.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Hyderabad to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea crossing. However, you can drive or hire a car to Chennai or Kolkata and then take a flight or ship.

• The road distance from Hyderabad to Chennai is about 630 km via NH44 and NH16, taking approximately 11 to 13 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Driving to Kolkata covers around 1,500 km and takes 28 to 32 hours, requiring multiple overnight stops; tolls and fuel costs add to expenses.

• Rest stops along NH44 and NH16 include well-known places like Kurnool and Vijayawada, with decent food and fuel options.

• Self-drive is suitable if you want flexibility and to explore en route, but plan for fatigue and road conditions, especially during monsoon season.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers from Hyderabad to Port Blair make their journey smooth and stress-free.

• Book your flight tickets early on airline websites or trusted portals like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip to get the best fares and seat options; avoid last-minute bookings during holidays.

• Reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at least 2 hours before departure to complete security and check-in without rush; Hyderabad airport has good signage and facilities.

• If taking connecting flights, confirm layover times and terminals in Chennai or Kolkata; keep some buffer time to avoid missing connections due to delays.

• Upon arrival at Port Blair airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank for your flight and local travel; bottled water is recommended to stay hydrated.

• For local sightseeing in Port Blair, use government-run buses or rent scooters; avoid renting vehicles without valid licenses and always wear helmets.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar or passport when traveling by air or train, as it is mandatory for ticket verification and security checks in India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your trip to avoid waterborne illnesses; avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from hygienic vendors.

• Book your flights and trains at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like December to February, to secure confirmed seats and better prices.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber at Hyderabad and Port Blair airports to avoid bargaining and ensure safety.

• Pack light but include rain gear if traveling during monsoon (June to September), as sudden showers can disrupt travel plans and local transport.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly during bus or train journeys; use lockable bags and keep important documents close.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Hyderabad to Port Blair is during the dry winter months when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. Monsoon season can cause flight delays and rough seas.

Peak tourist season in Port Blair is from November to February, so expect higher fares and crowded flights. Planning your trip just before or after this period can save money and reduce crowd stress.

• Avoid traveling during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Christmas when flights and trains are heavily booked and prices surge.

• Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rains and occasional flight cancellations; sea travel is not recommended during this time due to rough waters.

• Early morning flights from Hyderabad tend to have fewer delays and smoother connections compared to afternoon or evening flights.

• Winter months offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Port Blair.

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 2 km from the city center.

For local transport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available outside the airport. Auto-rickshaws are less common here. Many hotels offer pick-up services if informed in advance.

Popular areas to stay include Aberdeen Bazaar and near the Cellular Jail, which are close to major attractions and have good access to restaurants and shops. Port Blair is a small city, so local buses and rented scooters are convenient for getting around.

Conclusion

Flying from Hyderabad to Port Blair is the most efficient and practical option, offering the fastest travel time and reasonable fares with proper planning. Connecting flights via Chennai or Kolkata are common, so booking early and allowing buffer time for layovers is essential.

Remember to prepare for local conditions by carrying valid ID, booking prepaid taxis, and packing according to the season. With these tips and a clear travel plan, you can confidently enjoy your journey from Hyderabad to the beautiful islands of Port Blair.