The Lifeline of the Andaman & Nicobar Archipelago
Government ferries, managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, form the transportation backbone connecting inhabited islands across the entire territory.
While private catamarans cater predominantly to tourists on the popular Port Blair – Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) – Shaheed Dweep (Neil) triangle, government passenger vessels sail across both tourist routes and remote offbeat lifelines extending from Diglipur in the north down to Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar.
Destinations Connected by DSS Government Ferries
Government vessels operate on three broad sectors:
| Sector | Key Destinations | Operating Frequency | Approx. Sailing Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-Island (Tourist Hubs) | Port Blair ⇄ Havelock ⇄ Neil | Daily scheduled sailings | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Southern Sector (Offbeat) | Port Blair ⇄ Little Andaman (Hut Bay) | 4 to 6 sailings weekly | 6 to 8 hours |
| Northern Sector (Coastal) | Port Blair ⇄ Long Island ⇄ Rangat ⇄ Diglipur | 2 to 4 sailings weekly | 8 to 14 hours |
| Far Southern Sector | Port Blair ⇄ Car Nicobar ⇄ Campbell Bay | Weekly or bi-weekly | 24 to 36 hours (Permits required) |
Pros and Cons: Government Ferry vs Private Catamarans
Advantages
- Unbeatable Cost: Subsidized fares (approx. ₹250–₹550) compared to ₹1,400+ on private ferries.
- Open-Deck Experience: Most DSS vessels feature breezy open promenade decks where you can watch the sea.
- Access to Remote Islands: The only sea transit to Little Andaman (surfing paradise) and Long Island.
- Heavy Weather Stability: Larger displacement vessels handle heavy monsoon swells with minimal roll.
Limitations for Tourists
- No Advance Booking: Tickets generally open just 2 to 3 days prior, making advance itinerary planning risky.
- Islander Quota Priority: Significant percentage of seats are reserved for island residents and administration officials.
- Long Counter Queues: Offline booking requires queuing early in the morning at STARS counters.
- Slower Transit: Takes 2.5 to 3 hours between Port Blair and Havelock (versus 90 mins on private catamarans).
How Government Ferry Booking Works
If you plan to use government ferries, here are the two official booking channels:
1. Official Online STARS Portal
Tickets can be booked online at dss.andaman.gov.in. An online user account must be registered with mobile OTP. Availability opens 48 to 72 hours prior to the sailing date. High demand during holiday seasons often causes seats to sell out within minutes of release.
2. Offline STARS Ticket Counters
Physical counters are located at the Phoenix Bay Jetty Passenger Terminal in Port Blair, as well as sub-counters in Havelock, Neil, Rangat, and Diglipur. You must fill an application slip, submit photocopies of government photo IDs, and pay in cash or UPI.
Our Expert Advice for Holiday Travellers
If you are visiting the Andaman Islands for a standard 4, 5, or 6-day holiday covering Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil: Book private catamarans (Makruzz, Nautika, or Green Ocean).
Relying on government ferries for a short holiday creates unnecessary stress, because if tickets sell out or the schedule shifts by 3 hours, you risk losing non-refundable resort reservations, pre-booked water activities, or return flights.
However, if you are a backpacker spending 2 to 3 weeks in the islands, or your itinerary specifically includes Hut Bay (Little Andaman) or Long Island, the government ferry is an affordable, authentic, and scenic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets can be booked online through the official Directorate of Shipping Services (dss.andaman.gov.in) portal or offline through STARS (Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System) counters at Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. Tickets generally open only 2 to 3 days before sailing.
Government ferry fares are heavily subsidized, typically ranging between ₹250 and ₹550 per passenger for non-islanders, depending on chair class or bunk accommodation.
For tight 4 to 6-day holiday itineraries, private ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) are strongly recommended over government ferries. Government ferries prioritize local islanders, release seats only 48 hours prior, and have unpredictable schedules that can disrupt pre-booked hotels and flights.
Government ferries operate almost exclusively from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), unlike private catamarans which depart from Haddo Wharf.
Remote destinations like Little Andaman (Hut Bay), Long Island, Campbell Bay (Great Nicobar), and coastal routes connecting Rangat and Diglipur are serviced exclusively by government passenger vessels.
Yes, foreign passport holders can travel on government ferries to open tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang) with valid passports and Indian visas. Protected tribal areas remain strictly off-limits.
Need a Confirmed Island Transit Plan?
Let Andaman Vacations coordinate your inter-island ferry tickets with verified seat confirmations, jetty assistance, and luggage support across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island.
