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How to Plan Your Chennai to Port Blair Trip: A Complete Flight & Cruise Guide

An aerial view of Port Blair with boats, trees and a road in view
Port Blair—officially known as Sri Vijaya Puram—is the warm and welcoming heart of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It greets travellers with gentle coastal breezes, exciting adventure activities, and historic sites that make it an ideal holiday destination.

If you are planning a Chennai to Port Blair trip and are wondering how to reach these beautiful islands, here are two quick and convenient options:
  • By air, the fastest option, with flights taking just over two hours.
  • By sea, a slower yet scenic cruise that offers a relaxed 60–70-hour voyage across the Bay of Bengal.
Whether you prefer the speed of a flight or the charm of a sea journey, Port Blair sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable island experience. Come, let’s explore in detail how to reach the islands through these two modes of travel.
An AirIndia aircraft parked at the ramp during the day time.

Travel by Air from Chennai to Port Blair


Chennai to Port Blair flights are the fastest and most convenient way to start your island getaway.
  • Flight Route: Chennai International Airport (MAA) → Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
  • Popular Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet
  • Flight Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Average Airfare: INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 per person (*fares may vary based on flights, season, and availability)
  • Indian Nationals' Travel Requirements: Aadhaar card accepted; PAN card is not valid.
  • Foreign Nationals' Travel Requirements: Valid passport and Indian visa.
     
A large cruise ship sailing on calm waters, showing multiple decks, antennas, and lifeboats with the horizon visible in the distance.

The Chennai to Port Blair Cruise Experience


For travellers who prefer a slower, more scenic journey, the Chennai to Port Blair cruise offers a relaxed 60–70-hour voyage—complete with peaceful ocean views, golden sunsets, and a beautiful introduction to the Andaman Islands.
  • Ship Route: Chennai Port → Haddo Wharf, Port Blair
  • Operating Ships: MV Nancowry, MV Swaraj Dweep, and MV Akbar
  • Journey Duration: Approximately 60–70 hours
  • Bunk / Seat Class Ticket Fares: Approx. INR 3,000
  • Standard Cabin Ticket Fares: Approx. INR 8,000
  • Deluxe / 4-Berth Cabin Ticket Fares: Approx. INR 11,000+
  • *(Fares vary based on ship, season, and availability.)
A close-up of a passport placed on top of a flight ticket.
For Indian nationals, both Aadhaar and PAN cards are accepted as valid identification, though carrying your Aadhaar card is recommended for smoother verification during the journey. Foreign nationals must travel with a valid passport and an Indian visa to complete the required immigration and boarding formalities.
A couple of boats on a beach with an island in the background.

Top Places to Visit in Port Blair


Whether your Chennai to Port Blair trip brings you here by air or sea, the city welcomes you with soothing coastal views, warm tropical breezes, and a vibrant mix of history and island culture. The best months to visit Port Blair are October to May, when the weather is calm and ideal for sightseeing, water sports, island hopping, and exploring its pristine beaches. Once you arrive, a world of historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable island experiences unfolds before you, offering plenty of must-visit attractions to explore. Hotel Shompen offers easy access to these popular attractions, making it the perfect base for your stay. Some of them are:
The facade of Cellular Jail in Port Blair with visitors awaiting the light and sound show that happens in the evenings.

1. Cellular Jail
Once infamous as Kala Pani, this colonial-era prison stands as a powerful reminder of India’s freedom struggle. Located within walking distance of our hotel, you can explore its museum galleries and experience the moving Sound & Light Show, which brings stories of bravery and sacrifice to life. 
 

2. Samudrika - A Naval Marine Museum
Operated by the Indian Navy, the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum offers a clear and engaging introduction to the Andaman Islands. Around 2 km from our hotel, it features five themed rooms that showcase the region’s geography, marine life, corals, shells, and tribal heritage. Compact yet comprehensive, the museum is a great way to understand the islands’ natural and cultural richness beyond their beaches.

A coastal shoreline with clear water, palm trees, a sandy beach, and clouds scattered across a bright sky.

3. Ross Island
Just a short 15-minute boat ride from Port Blair, Ross Island—now known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island—offers atmospheric ruins of British-era buildings slowly reclaimed by nature. You’ll also find remnants of Japanese bunkers, gun emplacements, and other wartime structures that reflect the island’s history. With crumbling architecture, winding banyan roots, and peaceful surroundings, it’s a wonderful spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
 

4. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Around 4 km from our hotel, Corbyn’s Cove is a charming palm-fringed beach known for its laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the sand, enjoy a swim, or experience jet-ski thrills, this scenic shoreline has something for everyone.
A woman walking on a rocky seashore with trees in the background..

5. Chidiya Tapu Island
Often referred to as Bird Island, Chidiya Tapu is a favourite among birdwatchers, nature lovers, and sunset seekers. Located around 25 km from our hotel, its forested trails, rocky shoreline, and stunning sunset viewpoints make it one of the most captivating places to visit near Port Blair.
 

6. Mount Harriet National Park
For trekking and nature lovers, Mount Harriet—now Mount Manipur—offers lush forest trails, diverse wildlife, and panoramic views of Port Blair and nearby islands. About 14 km from the hotel, it rises to roughly 365 metres, making it one of the highest peaks in the South Andamans. Established as a national park in 1969, visitors can enjoy forest paths, serene lookouts, and a Forest Guest House at the summit for a peaceful rest amid nature.
Seating arrangements amidst nature at the Love Garden - Hotel Shompen

Hotel Shompen: The Smartest Stay in Port Blair

 
To complete your island adventure, choose Hotel Shompen, located in the heart of Port Blair and just minutes away from the ferry terminal. Our hotel’s cosy, island-inspired rooms offer comfort and warmth, giving you the perfect base—whether you arrive by flight or cruise—to relax, recharge and begin exploring the islands at your own pace.
Beyond its ideal location, Hotel Shompen delights guests with warm hospitality and inviting dining spaces. Enjoy flavourful local and multi-cuisine dishes, paired with service that captures the true spirit of the Andamans, making every meal a memorable part of your stay.
Whether you choose the speed and convenience of a flight or the relaxed, scenic charm of a cruise, your Chennai to Port Blair trip can be tailored to the kind of experience you’re seeking. Flights are perfect for travellers who want to reach the islands quickly and make the most of their time exploring, while cruises appeal to those who enjoy a leisurely voyage across the Bay of Bengal, soaking in the ocean views along the way. With our location just a short walk from Veer Savarkar International Airport and around 4 km from Haddo Wharf, we provide the perfect base for your stay in Port Blair. So pack your bags, choose the journey that suits your style, and get ready to experience the magic of the Andamans—one unforgettable moment at a time.

FAQs

1. What is the quickest way to travel from Chennai to Port Blair?

The Chennai to Port Blair flight is the fastest option, taking around 2 hours and 15 minutes.


2. How long does the Chennai to Port Blair cruise take?

The Chennai to Port Blair cruise typically takes 60–70 hours, depending on the vessel.


3. What is the best time to plan a Port Blair trip?

The ideal travel window is from October to May, when the weather is calm and sunny.


4. Which attractions should I not miss in Port Blair?

Top spots include Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu and Mount Harriet.


5. Is Hotel Shompen close to major attractions in Port Blair?

Yes, Hotel Shompen is centrally located and just minutes away from key tourist points, the airport, and the ferry terminal.

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