To get to Havelock Island from Port Blair, you have to catch the ferry from Port Blair Harbor (called Phoenix Bay Jetty). There are two departures at 0600 hrs and 1100 hrs. Cruises take 2 hours and the Govt ferry takes 3 hours to reach Havelock. Ferries going via Neil Island take an extra 1 hour.

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The Takeaway:

• The only way to commute between Port Blair and Havelock Island in 2020 is via Ferry and Cruise.
• Sea Planes and Helicopters have been discontinued since 2018.
• Both Govt and private ferries operate between the two islands.
• Govt. Ferries are cheaper but take 1 extra hour to reach Havelock.
• Govt. Ferries cannot be booked online, and the first preference is given to the locals.
• Private ferries are faster, more convenient, easy to book, and mostly preferred by tourists.

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The Details:

• Port Blair and Havelock Island are separated by sea and therefore the only way to reach there is by a ferry. Ferry services are a fast and convenient way to travel as the journey is short and usually takes 2-3 hours.
• Helicopters and seaplanes from Port Blair to Havelock were operational in the past but have been discontinued since 2018. The only operational Helicopter on this route in 2020 is “Pawan Hans”, which used for medical emergencies and transporting high-profile officials.
• There are currently 2 types of ferries operating between the islands: Government Ferries and Private Ferries.
• Advance booking can only be done for private ferries while govt ferries have to be booked by visiting the DSS‌ office in the phoenix bay jetty and standing in the queue. The tickets are available 2 days before the departure date.

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Choosing the right ferry operator:

• Currently, there are 4 private ferries operating on the Port Blair - Havelock route: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link, and ITT‌ Majestic along with a Government ferry.
• ITT‌ Majestic is the fastest ferry service which reaches Havelock‌ Island in 1 Hour 30 Minutes, closely followed by Makruzz with 1 Hour 45 Minutes. Green Ocean and Sea link both take 2 - 2.5 Hours to reach Havelock from Port Blair.
• In terms of cost, Govt ferries are the most budget-friendly, followed by ITT‌ Majestic who charges ++, and Green Ocean that charges ++. Sea Link has a moderate price and Makruzz is the most costly among the five.
• In terms of service and comfort, Makruzz has the best options; for a more comfortable you can opt for Royal Class which allows you to have a separate cabin area, shared by 8 people. ITT‌ Majestic comes next in terms of service and comfort, followed by Green Ocean and Sea Link. Govt ferries are the least comfortable among the three.

You can read more about the ferries, their cost, and schedule using the links below:

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Government Ferries for Port Blair to Neil Island:

• Government ferries operate daily between Port Blair and Havelock Island, taking ++ hours to reach Havelock Jetty.
• These ferries are run by DSS and is mostly focused towards islanders and local as a standard mode of transportation. The tickets are mostly reserved for locals, and tourists are deferred from booking them.
• There is no online portal where you can book govt ferry tickets, the only way to book is to visit the DSS‌ office located at the Phoenix Bay Jetty and standing in the queue. Tickets are made available 2 days before the departure and tickets run out pretty fast.

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Booking procedure for Ferries:

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For Private Ferries:

• Select the route and travel dates.
• Select the seating class and check the availability.
• Fill the form and confirm the payment.
• We will send you a confirmation via email.
• You can call us anytime for support and information.

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For Government Ferry:

• Visit the DSS‌ office located on the right side of the Phoenix Bay Jetty gate.
• The counter opens from 9 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5 PM every day, except Sundays.
• Stand in line along with locals with your ID‌ proof and Passport (if foreigner), and get the form for the ticket.
• Fill the form and submit it along with the copy of‌ ID‌ proof and get the tickets.
• Wait for the confirmation and keep the tickets for the departure date.

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How to get to the Ferry Terminal:

• The ferry for Havelock leaves from Port Blair harbor called the Phoenix Bay Jetty, which is located at Phoenix Bay, near Aberdeen Bazaar.
• It is advised to use a map for directions if you are going there on your own.  Else you directly hire an auto-rickshaw, who will take you to the gate.
• Once past the gate, you will have to walk 50 meters and move to the right to find the ticketing office.
• Moving straight will take you to the ferry terminal and landing area.

Wheelchair Access: The walking area is wide and smooth, making it Wheelchair/ ADA accessible. Help and provisions are provided during boarding of the ferry.

Stroller Entrance / Access: The path from the gate to the ferry landing is accessible for strollers as well.

Bike Entrance / Access: The path/ walking area is accessible via bike and scooter. A safe parking area is provided at the Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Ferry Landing Area Features: Free Parking Space, Covered Waiting Area, Government Canteen, Helpdesk.