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Port Blair is easy to reach from mainland India but requires planning around ferries, permits, and monsoon weather. This Port Blair travel tips and FAQ guide covers the airport, transport costs, visas, money, tipping, and safety, plus answers to the questions travelers ask most. For the best season to apply all of this, see best time to visit Port Blair.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Getting There and Around
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) sits about 4 km south of the city centre and receives direct flights from Chennai (2h 10m), Kolkata (2h 15m), Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad on airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara. A prepaid taxi to Aberdeen Bazaar costs about ₹300 to ₹400. Within town, auto-rickshaws run ₹20 to ₹150 depending on distance, and taxis ₹300 to ₹1,200 for day hire. Ferries to Havelock and Neil leave from Phoenix Bay and Haddo jetties; see the things to do in Port Blair list for island details.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Permits and Visas
Most foreign nationals can enter India on an e-Visa, which costs US$10 to US$80 depending on nationality and validity and is applied for online before travel. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) that once covered the Andamans was abolished for most islands in 2018, so Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil need no extra permit. The Nicobar Islands remain off-limits to tourists. Carry your passport on ferry trips; operators check ID at boarding. For the annual event calendar, see our events and festivals in Port Blair.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Money and Costs
The currency is the Indian rupee (₹). ATMs are concentrated in Aberdeen Bazaar, and Havelock has a few, but Neil Island has limited or no reliable ATM service, so carry enough cash for island stays. A budget trip runs about ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 a day, a mid-range one ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, including hotels, ferries, and meals. Cards work at larger hotels and ferry offices, but small shops and guesthouses are cash only. where each area sits and who it suits is covered in our Port Blair neighborhoods guide.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Tipping and Customs
Tipping is not customary in Port Blair and is entirely optional. At restaurants, a 5 to 10% tip is appreciated if a service charge is not already added; for drivers and dive guides, rounding up or ₹100 to ₹200 per day is generous. Dress modestly at religious sites and avoid photographing indigenous communities, which is prohibited by law and enforced by fines. See our where to stay in Port Blair for hotels by area and budget.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Port Blair has a low crime rate and is considered safe for solo travelers, including women, though standard precautions apply after dark in quiet areas. The main risks are environmental: strong monsoon currents, sun exposure, and occasional ferry cancellations in rough seas. Tap water is not safe to drink, so use bottled water. Medical facilities are limited to GB Pant Hospital in town, so travelers with serious conditions should plan mainland evacuation options. For an overview of the city, see our Port Blair travel guide.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in Port Blair on Airtel and BSNL, and Jio works in town and parts of Havelock. Expect patchy or no signal on Neil Island and remote beaches. Most hotels and cafes offer Wi-Fi, but speeds are modest. Download offline maps and ferry tickets before leaving town, since signal drops on the open water and on smaller islands.
Port Blair Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Port Blair? Three to five days covers the town sights plus a two-night island hop to Havelock or Neil. Can you drink tap water? No, stick to bottled or filtered water. When do ferries get cancelled? Most cancellations happen June to September and during cyclone alerts in October and November; book refundable ferry tickets in those months. Do you need a wetsuit to dive? A 3 mm suit is optional since water stays 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F) year round. Is it worth going in the monsoon? Only for budget travelers who accept that ferries and diving may be cancelled; see the Port Blair weather by month data for what to expect.
Suggested Hotels in Port Blair
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bay Island
This hilltop resort on Marine Hill has a swimming pool, spa, and sea-view restaurants overlooking the bay. Best for couples and travelers who want a resort base in town. Check rates and availability
Sea Shell Port Blair
Sea Shell Port Blair is a dependable mid-range hotel about 1 km from the Cellular Jail with a rooftop restaurant and family-friendly buffet breakfast. Best for families and first-time visitors. Check rates and availability
Hotel Shompen
Hotel Shompen offers central, air-conditioned rooms opposite the Anthropological Museum with an in-house restaurant and tour desk. Best for budget travelers who want a walkable location. Check rates and availability
