Kolkata to Andaman Ship — Fare, Schedule & Booking Guide
If you’re planning a Kolkata to Andaman ship journey, it’s worth knowing this is the longest of the three mainland sea routes — about 900 nautical miles and 66 to 70 hours at sea, compared to Chennai’s 60–70 hours and Visakhapatnam’s 50–60. Sailings are also less frequent here than from Chennai, typically once or twice a month rather than several times. We at Andaman Sea Hawk Tours and Travels take care of everything once you land in Port Blair, so here’s what the crossing itself looks like, what it costs, and how to book it.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship — Route Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~900 nautical miles (sea route) |
| Journey Duration | 66–70 hours (roughly 3 days) — the longest of the three mainland routes |
| Sailing Frequency | 1–2 times a month |
| Departure Point | Kolkata Port |
| Arrival Point | Haddo Wharf, Port Blair |
| Operated By | Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), A&N Administration, with SCI as agent |
Ships That Run the Kolkata–Port Blair Route
The same government-operated vessels that cover Chennai and Vizag also serve Kolkata, on rotation: MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda. Sindhu and Nalanda offer the cheaper Seat Class option, useful if you don’t need a cabin for the crossing. If you’d rather have the sea journey bundled in with the rest of your holiday, our Andaman and Nicobar cruise packages handle both.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship Fare (FY 2026–27)
 Fare by Class
| Cabin/Seat Class | Approx. Fare (Non-Islander) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Class | From ₹2,950 | Available on MV Sindhu, MV Nalanda only |
| Bunk Class | From ₹4,115 | Available on MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay |
| Cabin Class | Mid-range | Shared cabin, more privacy than Bunk |
| Deluxe Cabin | Up to ₹17,485 | Highest comfort tier |
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 generally the eligible component for reimbursement here — our Andaman LTC packages are built around that documentation. For the full picture of what an Andaman trip costs beyond the crossing, our Andaman trip cost guide covers the rest.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship Schedule
Sailing Frequency by Port
| Departure Port | Sailings Per Month | Journey Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | 1–2 | 66–70 hours |
| Chennai | 3–4 | 60–70 hours |
| Visakhapatnam (Vizag) | ~1 | 50–60 hours |
Kolkata’s schedule is genuinely one to plan around rather than assume — with only one or two sailings a month, and the DSS publishing schedules roughly a month ahead, fixed travel dates need checking well in advance. If your dates don’t line up, our Andaman tour packages from Chennai guide covers that considerably more frequent route, and our how to reach Andaman guide rounds up every mainland city’s options.
How to Book Your Kolkata 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 given how limited the monthly sailings are here, booking the moment the schedule for your travel month is released matters more on this route than almost any other.
Kolkata to Andaman Ship vs Flight — Which Should You Choose?
Ship vs Flight from Kolkata
| Factor | Ship | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 66–70 hours | Under 2 hours |
| Cost | From ₹2,950 (Seat Class) | ₹5,500 – ₹14,000 one-way |
| Frequency | 1–2 times a month | Multiple daily |
| Best For | Budget travelers with flexible dates | Anyone on a fixed schedule |
Kolkata’s flight time is one of the shortest of any mainland city — under two hours — so the gap between flying and sailing here is bigger than almost anywhere else: a two-hour flight versus a three-day crossing. The ship still fits our Andaman budget packages if the fare difference and the experience itself matter more to you than time. Once you’ve made the crossing, our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata cover the rest of the trip, and we also offer packages without flights included for exactly this kind of ship-arrival itinerary.
What to Expect On Board (the Longest Crossing of the Three)
At 66–70 hours, this is the longest sea journey of the three mainland routes, so it’s worth mentally preparing for a full three days rather than a quick overnight. Meals are included as part of your fare, and most passengers settle into a slow rhythm of deck time, conversation, and watching the Bay of Bengal — many fellow travelers are islanders themselves, heading home. A longer crossing is easier with company, so it’s worth looking at our Andaman group packages if you’re traveling with others. Pack light, comfortable clothing, basic toiletries, any medication, and more entertainment than you think you’ll need, since phone signal disappears well before Port Blair — our Andaman travel checklist is worth reading beforehand.
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 Kolkata to Andaman ship journey take? The crossing takes about 66–70 hours, or roughly 3 days — the longest of the three mainland sea routes to Port Blair.
2. How often do ships sail from Kolkata to Port Blair? About once or twice a month, less frequent than Chennai’s 3–4 monthly sailings, so it needs more advance planning around the DSS-published schedule.
3. What is the fare for a Kolkata 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 Kolkata to Port Blair route? MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Campbell Bay, MV Sindhu, and MV Nalanda are the current government-operated vessels serving Kolkata on rotation with Chennai and Vizag.
5. Where do I book a Kolkata 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 Kolkata to Andaman? Flying takes under 2 hours and runs daily, making it the practical choice for most travelers. The ship takes about 3 days and sails only once or twice a month, so it suits travelers with flexible dates who want the experience or the lower fare more than speed.
7. Why is the Kolkata to Port Blair ship journey longer than from Chennai or Vizag? Kolkata is the northernmost of the three mainland ports and simply farther from Port Blair by sea, at around 900 nautical miles, compared to roughly 794 from Chennai and 1,100 from Vizag by route.
8. Are meals included on the Kolkata to Andaman ship? Yes, meals are included as part of the fare for the multi-day crossing.
9. Do I need any special documents to travel by ship from Kolkata 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!
