Aerial view of ocean waves meeting the shoreline.

Chennai to Andaman by Ship: Fares, Sailings, and the Way to Havelock


Travelling from Chennai to Andaman by ship takes approximately 50 to 60 hours in fair weather, with passengers spending around 2 nights aboard a government-operated vessel. Chennai generally has 3 to 4 sailings a month, so checking the schedule is an essential first step when planning the journey. Ship fares vary by accommodation class and vessel, making it possible to compare options before booking.

However, the mainland voyage is only the first part of the journey. Ships arrive at Sri Vijaya Puram, from where travellers must take a separate ferry to Swaraj Dweep, home to Havelock Island's beaches and resorts. Understanding both legs in advance helps you coordinate sailing dates, budget for tickets and plan your onward transfer. This guide covers the journey duration, ship fares, booking procedures, seasonal considerations and ferry connections to Havelock.

The Route and the Hours at Sea


Regular passenger ships sail to the islands from 3 mainland ports, namely Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Regular passenger ships connect Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam with Sri Vijaya Puram, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chennai and Kolkata generally have 3 to 4 sailings a month in each direction, while Visakhapatnam has one monthly sailing. These are scheduled services rather than daily departures, so check the latest sailing calendar before fixing your travel dates.

The mainland crossing takes approximately 50 to 60 hours in fair weather. Allow extra time for possible changes caused by sea conditions or schedule revisions, and plan your onward ferry to Swaraj Dweep around the confirmed arrival time.

A distant white ship sails across calm, pale blue open ocean waters under a light cloudy sky.

What a Berth Costs: The Chennai to Andaman Ship Ticket Price


The Directorate of Shipping Services has published a revised passenger fare schedule for the 2026-27 financial year. Mainland-sector fares vary by vessel and accommodation class, with different rates applying to eligible islanders and other passengers.

Before booking, check the applicable fare for your chosen sailing through the official DSS booking system. Treat the amount displayed for your selected vessel and passenger category as the reference for your booking, and confirm the final payable total before payment.

Looking out from the sheltered open deck of a ship, the ocean stretches toward the calm horizon.

From Fare to Ferry: Booking Your Passage to Andaman


The Chennai to Andaman ship ticket price depends on the vessel and accommodation class. Published mainland-sector fares for non-islanders range from Rs 2,950 for a seat to Rs 17,485 for a Deluxe ticket.
  • Seat: Rs 2,950 on MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda
  • Bunk: Rs 4,115 to Rs 4,515
  • 2nd Class: Rs 10,495 to Rs 11,535
  • 1st Class: Rs 13,195 to Rs 14,520
  • Deluxe: Rs 15,905 to Rs 17,485

Tickets are booked through the STARS e-ticketing portal. Although often searched as a Chennai to Andaman cruise, this is a scheduled passenger service, not a leisure liner. Carry the original ID used during booking, reach the terminal 2 hours before sailing and note that mainland embarkation gates close 30 minutes before departure. Counters operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and until noon on Saturdays. Check the latest DSS fare order, sailing schedule and refund policy before booking. Refunds for administrative cancellations or delays of 6 hours or more are subject to the applicable DSS conditions.

Sailing Months, Calm Seas, and When the Ferries Run


Anyone planning Andaman from Chennai by ship should check the sailing calendar alongside the season. October to May is commonly treated as a favourable period for tourism, while December to March generally offers more settled conditions for sea travel. Weather can still affect individual departures, and rough conditions may alter ferry schedules or outdoor plans.

Check the latest mainland and inter-island schedules before booking accommodation or activities that depend on a particular arrival time. Temperatures hold between 24°C and 32°C through the year, so the season is about swell rather than heat. Ferries out to the smaller islands follow the same October to May calendar, which shapes any island-hopping plan. Arriving in June means a sailing that could roll, and onward connections that may not run at all.

The setting sun casts a golden glow across serene waters as a large ship silhouettes along the distant coast.
Passengers carrying luggage board a large white and red ferry docked at a concrete port ramp.

What to Pack Before You Board at Chennai

 
  • Documents: The original photo ID used at booking, since that same document is checked again before boarding
  • Motion Sickness: Tablets packed within reach, taken before departure rather than after the swell builds
  • Charging: A power bank with real capacity, since you should not count on a socket beside every berth
  • Food and Water: Dry snacks and a refillable bottle for the stretches between meal services
  • Warm Layer: A light jacket for open decks, which turn cold once the sun drops
  • Entertainment: Downloaded books or films, since mobile signal is not worth counting on in open water
     

From the Jetty at Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep


After docking at Sri Vijaya Puram, you will need a separate ferry to reach Swaraj Dweep. Government ferries depart from Phoenix Bay Jetty, while private high-speed services operate on their own schedules. Check the departure point on your private ferry ticket before travelling, and book both the mainland ship and onward ferry in advance during peak season.

The crossing takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on a government ferry and around 1.5 hours on a private service. Keep a manageable bag, as luggage may need to be carried on and off by hand, and allow enough time between connections. From Swaraj Dweep Jetty, the resort is approximately 5 km away, or around 10 minutes by road, depending on local conditions.

Rocky outcroppings dot the sandy shoreline beneath a bright, lightly clouded blue sky over calm ocean waters.

Blue Flag Sand, Black Rock, and the Trek-in Beach


Radhanagar Beach holds Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education in Copenhagen, Denmark. That badge covers cleanliness, eco-friendly amenities, and visitor safety, each judged against an audited standard. The tourism department also lists it among the islands' sunset viewpoints, alongside Laxmanpur and Chidiya Tapu.

Two scuba divers swim through deep blue waters lit by sunlight beaming down from the surface.

Beaches and Experiences on Swaraj Dweep

 
  • Radhanagar Beach: Known for its white sand, sunsets, and Blue Flag certification, it is a good choice for a relaxed beach visit
  • Elephant Beach: Popular for water-based activities, including snorkelling, kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, subject to local operating conditions
  • Kalapathar Beach: Offers a quieter coastal setting for a leisurely walk, photography, and time by the sea
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: Explore organised experiences through authorised local operators, checking the location, sea conditions, and safety requirements before booking

A Week Built Around the Sailing Date

 
  • Day 1: Board in Chennai, settle into the berth, and watch the mainland coast go by before dark
  • Day 2: Open water, with no stops and no land in sight from first light until dark
  • Day 3: Dock at Sri Vijaya Puram, then cross the harbour for the island ferry out
  • Day 4: Reach Swaraj Dweep, transfer along the beach road, and keep the whole afternoon free
  • Days 5 and 6: Sunset on the Blue Flag sand, a quiet morning at Kalapathar, and an afternoon of water sports
  • Day 7: The return ferry and the sailing home, with a buffer night if the dates allow it

Waves crash along a sandy beach looking out toward bright turquoise water and a hilly green island.
A paved pathway runs between wooden resort cottages surrounded by lush green lawns and tropical palm tree - coral reef havlock, facade

Coming Ashore on the Vijayanagar Stretch

 

Once the ferry reaches Swaraj Dweep, choosing accommodation close to the jetty can make the final leg of the journey more convenient. Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Havelock, is approximately 5 km by road from Swaraj Dweep Jetty, making onward transfers an important part of arrival planning. Check your ferry's scheduled arrival and arrange local transport in advance, especially if you are travelling during a busy period. After the journey, our resort offers a private beach, swimming pool, spa, and comfortable rooms with private balconies and king size beds.

Dining options include multi-cuisine dishes at Ocean Prime, refreshments at Splash Pool Bar, and island-grown coffee at 5th Bistro Cafe & Bar. Guests can also enquire about the fitness centre, game zone, private yoga sessions, and other available activities before arrival.

Choosing Chennai to Andaman by ship turns the journey into part of the holiday, offering time to slow down before the islands come into view. Plan your sailing dates, check the available ticket classes and arrange your onward ferry and transfers in advance. Once you reach Swaraj Dweep, Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Havelock, is approximately 5 km by road from the jetty. Settle into your room, spend time by our private beach and let the pace of island life take over.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does Chennai to Andaman by ship take?

What is the Chennai to Andaman ship ticket price?

Published fares for 2026-27 run from Rs 2,950 for a seat to Rs 17,485 for deluxe, before taxes and port charges. Islanders pay a subsidised fare, so a lower figure quoted elsewhere may not be the rate that applies to you.

Is there a Chennai to Andaman cruise?

TNot in the leisure-liner sense, no. The service is a scheduled government passenger ship, with berths priced by class rather than cabins bundled into a package. Searches for a Chennai to Andaman cruise usually land on this same sailing.

Where do I book tickets for the ship?

Tickets sell through the government e-ticketing portal, which also covers inter-island and harbour ferries. A valid original ID is needed at booking, and the same document is checked again at the gate.

When should I plan the journey?

The tourist window runs from October onwards to May, and December to March brings the calmest water of the year. Ferries to the smaller islands follow the same calendar, so a monsoon arrival risks losing the onward connections.

Where should I stay on Havelock after arriving by ship?

The Vijayanagar stretch puts you within a short drive of the jetty, which suits an arrival that lands late in the day. Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Havelock, sits on that same shoreline with a private beach, a pool, and a travel desk that handles the return ferry.

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