Government Ferry in Andaman – Schedule, Ticket Price [2024 Updated]
Find out details of Government ferry services in Andaman! Check schedules, ticket prices, and
booking info for routes from Port Blair to Havelock, Neil Island, and more.
About Government Ferries in Andaman
Government ferries are the primary mode of transportation for islanders and tourists in the Andaman Islands. Managed and operated by the Directorate Of Shipping Services (DSS), these vehicles are the only way for inter-island travel, providing affordability and connecting to each reliable archipelago route. While these ferries are highly subsidized for locals, limited seats are available every time for tourists and after prior bookings.
All government ferries in Andaman are deep-sea vessels, making them suitable for all weather conditions. They often serve as rescue ships for tourists stranded on remote islands when private ferries cannot operate. Government ferries are the most affordable transportation option to reach remote locations in Andaman, such as Little Andaman, the Nicobar Islands, and Diglipur.
Now, you might get demotivated and wonder how you will access uncovered Andaman regions if you don’t get a seat. Also, private ferries, buses, and cabs have less access to remote Andaman. Well, we have you covered. This article will provide the detailed schedule and timings of government ferries to different islands, making travel reachable for everyone. So, read on.
Govt Ferry From Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Government ferries to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) (Havelock Jetty) operate daily from Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay Jetty, offering an affordable travel option for both locals and tourists. These ferries take almost 2.5 – 3 hours to reach Havelock Island because of lousy weather, longer size, slower pace, and several stops. As these ferries have most seats for the locals, tourists are advised to book tickets much earlier before planning the trip.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry name | Departure (Port Blair) | Arrival (Havelock) | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Bambooka | 11:30 AM | 1:45 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875(chair) |
| MV Hutbay | 6:30 AM, 11:30 AM | 8:30 AM, 1:45 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875 (chair) |
| MV Chouldari | 6:30 AM | 8:30 AM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875 (chair) |
| MV Baratang | 2:30 PM | 5:45 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875 (chair) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) to Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
Government ferry to Neil Island also departs from Phoenix Bay Jetty (Port Blair) every day, with basic and fewer amenities but offers a cheaper and more reliable way to explore the picturesque Neil Island. Let’s look at the schedules and timings of the ferries below. Govt. ferry is the only way to reach Neil Island directly from Port Blair as no ferry services are available as of now.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry name | Departure (Port Blair) | Arrival (Havelock) | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Barantang or MV Hutbay | 6:30 AM, 2:30 PM | 8:30 AM, 5:45 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875(chair) |
| MV Jollybuoy | 11:00 AM | 12:45 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875 (chair) |
| MV Bambooka | 6:00 AM | 9:00 AM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875(chair) |
| MV Baratang | 2:30 PM | 5:45 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875 (chair) |
Govt Ferry From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) to Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
Havelock and Neil Islands are two of the main inhabited islands in the Andaman archipelago, besides the main island. Ferry connectivity between these islands is essential, as they are among the most visited tourist destinations in the region. The government operates 11 ferry services per week between these islands.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Bambooka / Baratang / Chouldari | 2:00 PM | 3:15 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875(chair) |
| MV HUTBAY / JOLLYBOUY | 05:30 AM | 06:45 AM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875 (chair) |
Govt Ferry From Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Currently, there is limited transportation between Neil Island and Havelock Island, with no private ferries operating on this route. Government ferries are the only means of travel from Neil Island to Havelock Island, with only 5-6 services per week. These ferries depart from Neil Kendra Jetty and arrive at Havelock Jetty.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV BARATANG / HUTBAY / JOLLYBOUY / CHOULDARI | 01:00 PM | 2:15 PM | ₹630 (seat), ₹875(chair) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair to Little Andaman (Hutbay)
Government ferries provide connectivity between Port Blair and Little Andaman or Hutbay, one of the remote destinations in the Andamans. These ferries take longer to reach their destination and are less frequent.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Campbell Bay / Kalighat | 7:00 AM, 09:00 PM | 2:00 PM, 06:00 AM | ₹1210 (bunk), ₹1490 (Cabin), & ₹2025 (deluxe) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair to Long Island
Those seeking for a trip to North Andaman’s islands like Long Island, Rangat, Diglipur, and Mayabunder, government ferries are the only vehicles to these regions. These are mostly long, deep-sea ferries that create the only way to reach the Andaman archipelago. There are 6-7 Govt. ferries available in these routes from Port Blair.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry Name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV BARATANG / JOLLYBOUY / HUTBAY / BAMBOOKA / | 06:00 AM | 10:15 AM | ₹ 865 (Seat), ₹ 1140 (Chair) |
| M V CHOULDARI | 07:00 AM | 12:45 AM | ₹ 865 (Seat), ₹ 1140 (Chair) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair to Rangat
Rangat is a prime town in middle Andaman. Total distance covered 70 nautical miles, total time to reach Rangat from Port Blair is 5 hr 45 min.
| Ferry Name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV BARATANG / JOLLYBOUY / HUTBAY / BAMBOOKA | 06:00 AM, 07:00 AM | 11:45 AM, 02:00 PM | ₹ 865 (Seat), ₹ 1140 (Chair) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair to Mayabunder
| Ferry Name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M V STRAIT ISLAND | 06:15 AM | 12:30 PM | ₹ 1420 (Seat), ₹ 1700 (Chair) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair to Diglipur
Total distance covered 130 nautical miles, total time to reach Diglipur from Port Blair is 6 hours and 15 minutes.
| Ferry Name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M V STRAIT ISLAND | 06:15 AM | 03:15 PM | ₹ 1420 (Seat), ₹ 1700 (Chair) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair To Campbell Bay Jetty
Only one Govt. ship connects the Nicobar Islands main towns such as Nancowry, Katchal & Campbell Bay per week. It takes around 31 hour to reach Campbell Bay Jetty from Port Blair, total distance covered is around 300 nautical miles.
[NOTE: Govt. ferry schedules & ticket prices are always updated, check official website before planning a trip.]
| Ferry name | Departure | Arrival | Non Islander Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nalanda / Sindhu | 09:00 AM | 04:00 PM (Next Day) | ₹ 5650 (DELUXE), ₹ 5205 (First), ₹ 5200 (Second), ₹ 3910 (Bunk), ₹ 1490 (Seat) |
Govt Ferry From Port Blair To Ross Island
Ross Island is a historic place in the Andaman, a 10-minute ferry ride from Port Blair. As government fairies don’t operate on this Island, tourists can take private boats @₹100-600 per person to witness the place’s scenic beauty.
Note: These schedules often change and are updated, so it’s advised to take a closer look at the exact ferry times and fares before your travel date.
How do you book a government ferry in Andaman?
To book a ticket on a government ferry in Andaman, you can take the following steps mentioned below:
Private Ferry & Govt Ferry: Which One Should You Choose?
As you will be off for a vacation, your significant priorities while choosing a private or government ferry will come first: speed and budget. At the same time, private ferries are specially meant for tourists, offering faster journeys, entertainment, refreshments, newer vessels, and unmatched comfort. Government ferries, on the other hand, are meant for local people to use for daily public transport. They are cheaper, connect to several remote regions, and provide fewer amenities, older vessels, and longer travel periods.
Let’s examine the pros and cons of using private and government ferries and why, as a tourist, you should choose private ones.
| Feature | Government ferry | Private ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower; text takes a longer time to reach the destination | Faster speed; take shorter time to reach the destination |
| Comfort and environment | Unclean, not fully ac, older vessels | Neat and clean interiors, centralized AC, new vessels |
| Amenities | No entertainment or refreshment facilities; open decks are available | Offers entertainment and refreshments; some ferries have open decks. |
| Routes | Connect all the remote island areas | Connect to the popular jetties of the major islands. |
| Pricing | Low cost, cheaper for budget or local travelers | High cost, offers high-end services and comfort |
| Target audience | Everyone who has less budget. | Tourists looking for Speed, comfort, refreshments, and entertainment |
| Safety and emergency | Basic safety measures and equipment are available. | Modern safety measures and equipment, along with first aid |
| Ideal for | Local people. | Tourists |
Different Types of Govt. Ferry Service in Andaman
The Directorate of Shipping Services manages the government ferry services in Andaman. It has more than 66 vessels in its fleet, offering several ferry services. Every service is special and created to offer convenience and safety to locals and tourists. Govt is even expanding its ferry fleet for tourists. Let’s explore some important ferry services in Andaman.
Inter-Island Ferry
Inter-Island ferry, as its name implies, is a long-distance ferry service suitable for travelling between two or more islands. Andaman is home to several islands, and using an inter-island ferry service, one can travel from one Island to another.
Harbour Passenger Ferry
It is one of the most used government ferry services. This ferry service covers short distances within a harbour. It is considered a daily transport service because it travels across rivers, bays and other regions within a small radius. Govt operates more than 11 harbour passenger ferries in several regions around Port Blaire and other densely populated regions.
Foreshore Vessel Ferry
A Foreshore vessel ferry is a special ferry suitable for activities around the coastline. This ferry service revolves around the shorelines and helps tourists and locals enjoy activities like fishing, sightseeing, and a short, relaxing ride. Several tourists who don’t want to explore deep water and long rides prefer foreshore vessel ferries.
Touring
Touring is another popular ferry service among tourists. As its name implies, this service promotes touring across the region. When compared with other govt ferries, Touring vessels are far better. It is a long as well as short distance service mainly launched for sightseeing. It follows a specific route and explores all-natural and popular attractions within the route.
Vehicle-Cum Passenger Ferry
Vehicle-Cum Passenger Ferry is an essential ferry service for locals. This ferry service not only onboards passengers but also vehicles. These are big vessels, and the government has a good fleet of such vehicles. People living in the region use this ferry service to transport vehicles and other heavy machines. Sometimes tourists also use such ferries.
Ferry Ticket Rules & Regulations, Cancellation Policies
Travelling in Ferry is easiest in Andaman, but it doesn’t mean there are no rules & regulations. Foreign tourists extensively surround ferry services, so there are very strict rules & regulations. Here are some ticket rules, regulations, and cancellation policies to help you with your ride.
Ticket Rules & Regulations
- A person must have valid ID proof while booking tickets online through any platform. Moreover, he must bring the same ID proof while onboarding the ferry; otherwise, the government will charge heavy fines & penalties.
- Individuals must bring the concession IDs if they have concession tickets. Without that, entry will be blocked.
- Passengers without tickets or passengers travelling in higher class than their tickets can face legal actions from authorities.
- Most importantly, passengers must arrive 2 hours before the scheduled time and embarking will be closed 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
Cancellation Policy
Government Ferry Service has an extensive cancellation policy. Tourists and passengers will get full convenience over cancellation. However, knowing the rules and guidelines will eliminate any confusion. Here are some important rules in Cancellation Policies.
- Government and Administration have the right to cancel, postpone or delay the sailing. In such cases, passengers will get a full refund.
- The cancellation window closes 2 hours prior to the scheduled sailing time.
- Tickets booked through the STARS Portal can only be cancelled through the portal itself.
- Cancellation charges increase as time approaches the scheduled time. The minimum cancellation charge is Rs 10, while the maximum charge is 60% of the fare.
- You will not get any refund if cancelled after the cancellation window. Simply put, there will be no refund after the sailing starts.
Safety & Securities in Govt. Ferries
Emergency procedures:
When it comes to security, government ferries are the best. Firstly, all government authorities and security agencies coordinate and are involved deeply. From verification to baggage scanning and onboard security personnel to continuous monitoring & surveillance, passengers are fully secure in government ferries.
Government ferries have essential safety tools like lifeboats, first aid kits, life jackets, emergency exit plans, and ways. The crew on the ferry is trained to control and manage emergencies like flooding, fire, or ferry hazards. Tourists are also taught how to utilize safety protocols and evacuation rules before setting off.
Passenger safety:
Whether private or government, top safety measures exist in ferries. As per government strict rules & guidelines, every ferry must have safety kits, emergency equipment and life-saving supplies. Only trained staff and sailors are allowed, ensuring safe and comfortable sailing. Govt ensures there are no cases of overcrowding, and Govt. ferries are allowed to book passengers as per the capacity. Emergency helpline support is available on both private and government ferries. Overall, ferries are fully secure & safe, and authorities are deeply involved in making them more safe, comfortable and exciting.
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