Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is located in northern India and is known for its rich history and culture. Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, lies in the Bay of Bengal and is famous for its scenic beauty and tropical climate.

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

Getting from Lucknow to Port Blair – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Lucknow to Port Blair is not direct but can be combined with flights or ships. Trains are suitable for those who want to experience Indian railways before flying to the islands.

• Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station connects to major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, or Vishakhapatnam, which have flights to Port Blair. Train travel to these cities takes 24 to 36 hours depending on the route.

• Train fares from Lucknow to these connecting cities range from ₹500 to ₹1500 for sleeper class and ₹1500 to ₹3500 for AC classes, depending on the train and booking time.

• Trains run frequently but can be crowded during festivals like Diwali or Holi, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is recommended to secure seats.

• Major trains include Lucknow-Chennai Express and Lucknow-Kolkata Mail, which offer decent onboard catering and clean coaches, but delays of 30 minutes to 2 hours are common during monsoon season.

• From the connecting city airport, you can take a direct flight to Port Blair, which takes about 2 to 3 hours, making this a combined rail-air journey.

Bus

Bus travel from Lucknow to Port Blair is not feasible due to the sea crossing. However, you can use buses to reach nearby airports or railway stations for onward flights or trains.

• Lucknow has several bus terminals like Charbagh Bus Stand and Alambagh Bus Stand, offering buses to cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, or Vishakhapatnam, which have flights to Port Blair.

• Bus journeys to these cities take 18 to 36 hours depending on the destination and bus type, with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹2000 for AC and non-AC buses.

• MSRTC and private operators run these buses, but comfort levels vary; sleeper buses are recommended for overnight travel.

• Bus travel during monsoon can be affected by roadblocks or waterlogging, so check weather updates before booking.

• From the bus terminal in the connecting city, you can take local transport to the airport for your flight to Port Blair.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Port Blair is not possible directly due to the sea gap. However, you can drive to nearby airports or ports for onward travel.

• The road distance from Lucknow to Kolkata or Chennai airports is around 1200 to 1500 km, taking 24 to 30 hours of driving via NH27 and NH16 highways.

• Driving offers flexibility to stop at rest areas like Varanasi, Raipur, or Bhubaneswar, which have decent dhabas and hotels for food and rest.

• Fuel costs for this trip can range from ₹6000 to ₹9000 depending on your vehicle’s mileage and fuel prices along the route.

• Be prepared for toll plazas on NH27 and NH16, with toll fees totaling around ₹500 to ₹800 for the entire journey.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional flooding, especially near river crossings.

Flight

Flying is the most popular and practical way to reach Port Blair from Lucknow. Direct flights are not available, but connecting flights through major hubs make the journey faster and comfortable.

• Lucknow Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers daily flights to Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi, which have direct flights to Port Blair.

• Flight duration from Lucknow to connecting cities ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours, and from there to Port Blair takes about 2 to 3 hours more.

• Airfares vary between ₹4000 to ₹9000 depending on the airline, booking time, and season, with budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operating on these routes.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog in northern India during winter, causing delays or cancellations, so plan accordingly.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip can help secure better prices and preferred timings.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Step 1: Book your flight from Lucknow to a connecting city like Kolkata or Chennai at least 2 weeks in advance to get better fares and seat availability.

• Step 2: Upon arrival at the connecting city, check the schedule for your onward flight to Port Blair and confirm your boarding pass to avoid last-minute issues.

• Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a valid photo ID, as these are important for island travel and security checks.

• Step 4: At Port Blair airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport to your hotel or destination.

• Step 5: If you prefer train travel, book your Lucknow to connecting city train tickets early on IRCTC and plan your flight from there to Port Blair accordingly.

• Step 6: Always keep a printed copy of your tickets and ID proofs handy, as some checkpoints in the Andaman Islands require verification for security reasons.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Port Blair to prevent stomach infections common among tourists.

• Book your flights and trains well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like December to February, to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at Port Blair airport to avoid overcharging; avoid haggling with local taxi drivers at the station.

• Carry light luggage as many domestic flights to Port Blair have strict baggage limits, usually around 15 to 20 kg for economy class.

• Be cautious of monsoon rains from June to September, which can cause flight delays and rough sea conditions affecting ferry services to nearby islands.

• Try local food from hygienic restaurants and avoid street food in Port Blair to prevent food-borne illnesses during your stay.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Port Blair is during the dry season from October to May. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, which can delay flights and make road travel challenging. Winter fog in northern India can also affect early morning flights from Lucknow.

• Avoid traveling during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and flights are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon rains can cause flight delays and cancellations, especially for flights connecting to Port Blair, so keep flexible travel dates.

• Early morning flights from Lucknow are best to avoid fog-related delays common in winter months.

• Plan your journey to avoid weekends if possible, as flights and trains tend to be more crowded and expensive.

Arrival at Port Blair & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, you will find a small but well-maintained terminal with basic facilities. The airport is about 2 km from the city center.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs, and auto-rickshaws. Prepaid taxis are recommended for safety and fixed fares. Many hotels offer airport pick-up services if arranged in advance.

Popular areas to stay include Aberdeen Bazaar, Middle Point, and Haddo, which are close to markets, restaurants, and ferry terminals for island tours. Expect moderate traffic and friendly locals who can guide you to your destination.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Lucknow to Port Blair is by combining a flight from Lucknow to a major city like Kolkata or Chennai, followed by a direct flight to Port Blair. This option saves time and offers comfort compared to long train or bus journeys.

Plan your bookings well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and keep an eye on weather conditions to avoid delays. With proper preparation and the tips provided, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the beautiful Andaman Islands without stress.