Chennai to Andaman Ship Ticket Price 2026: Fares, Classes & Booking
Planning the Chennai to Port Blair ship? See how Andaman government ferries work in 2026, fare classes, sailing time, and where to book official tickets.
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If you are looking at the Chennai to Andaman ship ticket price, the first thing to know is that the sea route to Port Blair is run by the government, not by a private cruise line. Fares are modest compared with flying, but sailings are infrequent and the journey is long. This guide explains how the service actually works in 2026, the fare classes you can choose from, and exactly where to book — without any of the invented "ship names and fixed prices" that float around on unofficial sites.
Is there a direct ship from Chennai to Port Blair?
Yes. Chennai is one of the three mainland ports — along with Kolkata and Visakhapatnam — that connect to Port Blair by passenger ship. The service is operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, with vessels also managed by the Shipping Corporation of India. Government ships such as the MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Nicobar, MV Nancowry and MV Campbell Bay are deployed on the mainland sector, and the vessel assigned to any given sailing changes from voyage to voyage.
Sailings are not daily. On the Chennai route you can typically expect a departure roughly every 10–15 days, and the schedule is heavier during the October–May tourist season. Because seats are limited and demand is high, tickets often sell out well before the sailing date.
Chennai to Andaman ship ticket price (2026)
Fares are fixed by the DSS fare schedule and are divided into classes, from an open Bunk class up to private Deluxe cabins. As a rough guide, the 2026–27 schedule puts the Chennai–Port Blair fare somewhere between about ₹4,100 for Bunk class and ₹16,000 for a Deluxe cabin (one way, per person, before taxes and port charges). Mid-range options — Second class / A-class and First class cabins — sit between those two figures.
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Two points matter here. First, fares are split into Islander and Non-Islander categories; visitors from the mainland pay the Non-Islander rate. Second, these numbers are indicative only — the DSS revises its fare order periodically, so always confirm the current fare on the official notification or at the ticket counter before you plan a budget around it.
How long does the voyage take?
The Chennai to Port Blair crossing takes roughly 60 hours — about two and a half days at sea, depending on the vessel and weather. It is an experience in itself rather than a quick transfer, so pack for two nights on board, carry any medication you need, and be prepared for limited connectivity once you leave the coast.
How to book Chennai to Andaman ship tickets
Unlike flights, mainland ship tickets are not sold through a normal online checkout. In practice you book in one of these ways:
- At the DSS / Shipping Corporation of India counter in Chennai, or the offices in Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Port Blair.
- Through an authorised travel agent who handles the counter formalities for you (useful if you are not in Chennai).
- Use the official DSS portal at dss.andaman.gov.in to check voyage schedules, berth availability, fares and PNR status before you head to the counter.
Booking usually opens a limited number of days before departure, so track the schedule and be ready on the day reservations open.
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Documents and rules
Indian nationals do not need a permit to visit Port Blair and most of the popular islands, but you must carry a valid government photo ID for the ticket and for boarding. Foreign nationals should check the current entry rules separately. Baggage limits, boarding times and cancellation rules are set by DSS and printed on your ticket — read them carefully.
Ship or flight — which makes sense?
A flight from Chennai reaches Port Blair in about two hours, while the ship takes two and a half days. The ship wins only on price and on the experience of the crossing itself; if your holiday days are limited, flying and spending that time on the islands is almost always the better trade. Many travellers do one leg by ship for the adventure and fly the other way. If you are comparing options across the region, our guides to the Vizag to Andaman ship ticket price and the Chennai to Andaman cruise cover the alternatives.
Practical tips
- Plan around the season — sailings and availability are best from October to May.
- Book as early as the counter allows; popular sailings fill quickly.
- Carry cash for on-board and port incidentals.
- Confirm the exact fare and class on the day — never rely on a price quoted on an unofficial blog.
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