Chennai to Andaman Ship — Fare, Schedule & Booking Guide

If you’re planning a Chennai to Andaman ship journey, you’re looking at one of the two most active mainland routes to the islands — Chennai and Kolkata both get 3–4 sailings a month, far more than Visakhapatnam’s roughly once-a-month schedule. We at Andaman Sea Hawk Tours and Travels handle the Port Blair side of your trip, so here’s a full breakdown of what the sea crossing from Chennai actually involves — the fare, the schedule, and how to book it.

Chennai to Andaman Ship — Route Overview

Ships That Run the Chennai–Port Blair Route

The same four government-operated vessels that serve Kolkata and Visakhapatnam also cover the Chennai route, on rotation: MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda. Sindhu and Nalanda are the two that offer Seat Class, the cheapest way to make the crossing if a cabin isn’t a priority. If you’d rather have the whole journey — sea crossing included — arranged for you, our Andaman and Nicobar cruise packages bundle it together with the rest of your trip.

Chennai to Andaman Ship Fare (FY 2026–27)

 Fare by Class

Islander fares (for residents of Andaman & Nicobar) are lower than the non-islander fares shown here. Fares are per the official DSS order and are subject to revision — always confirm current rates before booking.

If you’re a government employee traveling on LTC, the ship fare is typically the eligible component for reimbursement on this sector — our Andaman LTC packages are built around that documentation requirement. For a fuller sense of what a full Andaman trip costs, our Andaman trip cost guide covers the rest of the budget beyond the crossing itself.

Chennai to Andaman Ship Schedule

 Sailing Frequency by Port

Chennai’s 3–4 monthly sailings give you far more flexibility than Vizag’s once-a-month schedule, though it’s still worth checking the DSS-published schedule a month or so ahead since seats do sell out on popular dates. If Chennai’s dates don’t line up with yours, our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata guide covers that port’s equally frequent sailings, and our how to reach Andaman guide rounds up flight and ship options from every mainland city.

How to Book Your Chennai to Andaman Ship Ticket

Tickets are booked through the DSS STARS counters, open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday, and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays. You’ll need a valid government photo ID, and since Chennai is one of the busier routes, booking as soon as the month’s schedule is released — rather than waiting — gives you the best shot at your preferred class and dates.

Chennai to Andaman Ship vs Flight — Which Should You Choose?

Ship vs Flight from Chennai

The ship is the backbone of our Andaman budget packages, and with Chennai’s relatively frequent sailings, it’s a genuinely workable option here in a way it isn’t from Vizag. That said, if your leave is limited, flying is still the far more time-efficient choice. Once you’ve made the crossing, our Andaman tour packages from Chennai cover everything from Port Blair onward, and we also offer packages without flights included for exactly this kind of ship-arrival trip.

What to Expect On Board

The 2.5–3 day crossing includes meals as part of your fare, and most travelers spend the time on deck, chatting with fellow passengers, or simply watching the Bay of Bengal roll by. It’s a genuinely different pace from a 2.5-hour flight, and traveling with a few people makes the time pass faster — worth a look at our Andaman group packages if you’re coordinating for more than a couple of travelers. Pack light, comfortable clothing, basic toiletries, any medication you need, and something to keep you occupied, since phone signal drops out well before you’re near Port Blair — our Andaman travel checklist is worth a read before you go.

Once you’ve landed, browse our full range of Andaman tour packages to plan the rest of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the Chennai to Andaman ship journey take? The crossing takes about 60–70 hours, or roughly 2.5–3 days, covering approximately 794 nautical miles.

2. How often do ships sail from Chennai to Port Blair? About 3–4 times a month — one of the more frequent mainland routes, tied with Kolkata and well ahead of Visakhapatnam’s roughly monthly sailing.

3. What is the fare for a Chennai to Andaman ship ticket? FY 2026–27 fares start from ₹2,950 for Seat Class (on MV Sindhu/MV Nalanda) and ₹4,115 for Bunk Class, going up to ₹17,485 for a Deluxe Cabin. Islander fares are lower than these non-islander rates.

4. Which ships operate the Chennai to Port Blair route? MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda are the current government-operated vessels on rotation across Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag.

5. Where do I book a Chennai to Andaman ship ticket? Through the DSS STARS counters, open 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday to Friday and 9:00 AM–12:00 PM on Saturdays. A valid government photo ID is required.

6. Is it better to fly or take the ship from Chennai to Andaman? Flying takes about 2.5 hours and runs multiple times daily, making it the better choice if your dates are fixed. The ship is significantly cheaper and a genuinely different travel experience, and with 3–4 monthly sailings from Chennai, it’s more workable here than from routes with fewer departures.

7. Where does the ship dock in Port Blair? Ships from Chennai dock at Haddo Wharf, Port Blair’s main passenger terminal.

8. Are meals included on the Chennai to Andaman ship? Yes, meals are included as part of the fare for the 2.5–3 day crossing.

9. Do I need any special documents to travel by ship from Chennai to Andaman? A valid government-issued photo ID is required for booking and travel. No passport or visa is needed, since Andaman & Nicobar Islands are part of India.

10. Can islanders get a discounted fare on this route? Yes, the Andaman government offers a lower “islander” fare for residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands compared to the standard non-islander fare.

Need help coordinating your flights, ships, and ferry connections? Our team at Andaman Sea Hawk Tours And Travels arranges every leg of the journey mentioned here, matched to your travel dates and budget!