Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. Nagpur, situated in central India, is a major city in Maharashtra known for its oranges and central location. Traveling from Nagpur 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 main travel options, step-by-step plans, and practical tips to make your journey from Nagpur to Port Blair smooth and enjoyable. You will learn about flights, local transport, and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Nagpur to Port Blair – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the most practical and fastest way to reach Port Blair from Nagpur. There are no direct flights, so you will need to connect through major airports like Chennai or Kolkata. Flights are frequent but booking in advance is recommended.

• Flights from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (Nagpur) connect via Chennai International Airport or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) to Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair). Total travel time ranges from 6 to 10 hours including layovers.

• Airfares typically range from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 one-way depending on the season and how early you book. Prices rise during holidays and peak tourist seasons.

• Flight frequency is daily on most routes, but delays can occur during monsoon season due to weather conditions affecting island connectivity.

• Veer Savarkar International Airport is about 13 km from Port Blair city center. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for last-mile connectivity.

• Carry valid ID and check baggage restrictions carefully, as airlines servicing the islands have specific limits due to smaller aircraft.

Bus

There is no direct bus or road connectivity from Nagpur to Port Blair due to the island location. However, buses can be used for local travel within Nagpur or Port Blair after flights.

• In Nagpur, MSRTC and private buses operate for local and regional travel but cannot be used to reach Port Blair.

• Port Blair has local bus services connecting the airport, city, and nearby islands, but these are limited and often crowded during peak hours.

• For island hopping, government ferries and private boats operate rather than buses.

• Bus travel is useful only for short distances within cities before or after your flight journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Nagpur to Port Blair is not possible due to the sea crossing. However, self-drive options are available within Port Blair and nearby islands for sightseeing.

• You can rent cars or two-wheelers in Port Blair for local travel, with options available near the airport and city center.

• Driving distances on the islands are short; main roads connect key spots like Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove Beach.

• Fuel stations are limited on the islands, so plan refueling carefully to avoid inconvenience.

• Road conditions are generally good but can be slippery during monsoon months, so drive cautiously.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Nagpur to Port Blair to help you prepare and avoid common issues.

• Book your flight tickets early via IRCTC Air or airline websites to get the best fares and confirm connecting flights through Chennai or Kolkata.

• Arrive at Nagpur airport at least 2 hours before departure to complete security and baggage checks smoothly, especially during busy seasons.

• On arrival at Port Blair airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and reliable transport to your accommodation.

• Carry some cash in Indian Rupees as many small vendors and taxis may not accept cards, especially in remote areas of the islands.

• Plan your local sightseeing and transport in advance, considering ferry timings if you want to visit nearby islands like Havelock or Neil Island.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep a copy of your ID and flight tickets handy, as security checks are strict when traveling to the islands due to restricted area regulations.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food initially to prevent stomach issues, as the islands have limited medical facilities.

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

• Use prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs from the airport to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and rain gear, as the islands have tropical weather and occasional rain showers.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon months (June to September), as flights and ferries may be delayed or canceled.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Port Blair is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and sea conditions are calm. Monsoon season brings heavy rain and rough seas, which can disrupt travel plans.

Peak tourist periods include winter holidays and festivals, so expect higher prices and crowded flights during these times.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months (June to September) due to frequent flight delays and ferry cancellations caused by rough seas and storms.

• Plan your flights early morning or late evening to avoid afternoon heat and potential weather disruptions common in the islands.

• Festival seasons like Christmas and New Year attract many tourists, so book flights and hotels months in advance to secure availability.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot and humid, so carry adequate hydration and sun protection.

Arrival at Port Blair & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, you will find a small but well-maintained terminal with basic facilities. The airport is about 13 km from the city center, and you can find prepaid taxi counters right outside the arrivals area.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs, and limited local buses. Most travelers prefer taxis or app-based cabs for convenience and safety. Popular areas to stay include Aberdeen Bazaar and near the Cellular Jail, which have good hotel options and easy access to local attractions.

Conclusion

Flying is the most efficient and practical way to travel from Nagpur to Port Blair, with connecting flights through Chennai or Kolkata. Booking flights early and planning your local transport in Port Blair will help you avoid common travel hassles.

By following this guide’s step-by-step plan and practical tips, you can confidently plan your journey to the Andaman Islands. With good preparation, your trip from Nagpur to Port Blair will be comfortable, safe, and enjoyable, opening the door to one of India’s most beautiful destinations.