Table of Contents
- Introduction: Getting Around Port Blair by Taxi
- Quick Taxi Fare Snapshot (Estimated)
- How Taxis Work in Port Blair
- Airport Transfers and Typical Costs
- Sample Fares for Popular Local Routes
- Half-Day and Full-Day Taxi Packages
- Alternatives: Autos, Rentals, Buses, Ferries
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways and Island Connections
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
- Estimated Daily Budget (With Taxi Costs)
- Shopping and Souvenirs
- Taxi Tips and Safety
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, Friends
- FAQs: Taxi Fares in Port Blair
- Conclusion
Introduction: Getting Around Port Blair by Taxi
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is compact, scenic, and easy to navigate. Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to get around, especially if you’re planning beach hops, sunset drives, or connecting to ferries. Because supply is limited and distances can be longer than they look, fares are higher than many mainland Indian cities. This guide explains typical taxi fares, how pricing works, alternatives, and smart ways to save.
Quick Taxi Fare Snapshot (Estimated)
Fares below are indicative ranges as commonly quoted on the ground. Actual prices vary by vehicle type, season, time of day, and waiting.
- Airport to Aberdeen Bazaar / Cellular Jail area (4–6 km): INR 150–300 one way.
- Airport to Corbyn’s Cove Beach (6–7 km): INR 250–400 one way.
- City drop within 3–4 km: INR 150–250 (small car), INR 200–300 (SUV).
- Per-km guideline for point-to-point in town: approx. INR 20–30/km (small car) after a base minimum; SUVs higher.
- Waiting charges: approx. INR 150–250 per hour.
- Night surcharge (typically after 10 pm): 20–25% on the fare.
- Half-day (4 hours/40 km) package: INR 1,500–2,200 (small car).
- Full-day (8 hours/80 km) package: INR 2,800–3,800 (small car); SUVs higher.
Note: Drivers may follow union rate cards; always confirm the fare before starting.
How Taxis Work in Port Blair
- Meters are uncommon. Most trips are quoted as point-to-point or by package (hours/km).
- Taxi stands: You’ll find organized queues at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Aberdeen Bazaar, and near popular attractions.
- App cabs: Coverage is limited. Some local apps or hotel-contracted cabs operate, but availability fluctuates.
- Negotiation: Reasonable, especially for multi-stop or off-peak rides. Ask for a rate breakdown (base, distance, waiting).
- Vehicle types: Small hatchbacks/sedans are common. SUVs cost more but are better for families or if carrying snorkel/photography gear.
- Peak times: Evenings near Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show, weekend sunsets at Corbyn’s Cove or Chidiya Tapu, and ferry timings see higher demand.
Airport Transfers and Typical Costs
Veer Savarkar International Airport is 10–20 minutes from most central neighborhoods.
- Airport to Aberdeen Bazaar / Clock Tower: INR 150–250.
- Airport to Phoenix Bay / Haddo Jetty: INR 200–300.
- Airport to Corbyn’s Cove area: INR 250–400.
- Late-night or heavy luggage surcharges may apply (20–25%).
Money-saving tip: If your hotel is walkable from the main road, ask the driver for a roadside drop to avoid inner-lane surcharges.
Sample Fares for Popular Local Routes
These estimates help plan sightseeing days. Prices are for a small car, one way, unless noted.
- Aberdeen Bazaar to Cellular Jail (2–3 km): INR 100–200.
- Aberdeen Bazaar to Corbyn’s Cove (6–7 km): INR 200–350 one way; return with 1-hour wait INR 450–650.
- Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu (28–30 km): INR 1,200–1,800 one way; round trip with 1–2 hours wait INR 2,200–2,800.
- Port Blair to Wandoor Beach / Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (25–27 km): INR 1,000–1,600 one way; round trip INR 2,000–2,600 with waiting.
- Port Blair to Mount Harriet entry (via Chatham Jetty ferry to Bamboo Flat): Taxi to jetty INR 150–250, ferry minimal, onward taxi varies; budget INR 1,200–1,800 total for a half-day loop.
- Port Blair city hotel to Haddo/Phoenix Bay Jetties for inter-island ferries: INR 150–300 depending on distance.
Expect higher quotes during peak season (December–February, long weekends) and for sunset returns.
Half-Day and Full-Day Taxi Packages
Packages are good value if you plan multiple stops.
- 4 hours / 40 km: INR 1,500–2,200 (small car); extra km INR 15–20, extra hour INR 200–300.
- 8 hours / 80 km: INR 2,800–3,800 (small car); SUVs INR 3,800–5,000 depending on model/season.
- City sightseeing loop (Cellular Jail, Samudrika Museum, Anthropological Museum, Corbyn’s Cove): Typically fits a half-day if time-boxed.
- Beaches and sunset loop (Corbyn’s Cove + Chidiya Tapu): Often priced as a custom 5–6 hour package.
Clarify inclusions: tolls/parking (minimal in Port Blair), driver allowance, waiting charges, and night drop if applicable.
Alternatives: Autos, Rentals, Buses, Ferries
- Auto-rickshaws: Minimum INR 50–80 for short hops; INR 15–20 per km thereafter. Great for quick city rides.
- Scooter/Motorbike rentals: INR 500–800 per day (fuel extra). Carry a valid license; roads can be hilly and slippery after rain.
- Public buses: Cheapest option for Wandoor/Chidiyatapu routes, but infrequent. Good if you have flexible time.
- Shared cabs: Occasionally available on busy corridors; ask at taxi stands or your hotel.
- Ferries: Essential for Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island), North Bay, and inter-island travel. Budget taxi to jetty + ferry ticket.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
- Anthropological Museum
- Chidiya Tapu (sunset)
- Wandoor Beach and Marine National Park
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island) and North Bay (via boat)
Taxis are handy to cluster sights into half-day blocks with minimal backtracking.
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair blends indigenous heritage with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari influences. Seafood is a highlight—try grilled fish, crab, lobster, and coconut-based curries.
- Budget eats: Aberdeen Bazaar lanes for snacks and thalis.
- Sea-view dining: Along the Marine Hill and Corbyn’s Cove road.
- Local specialties: Fish curry rice, banana flower cutlets, and fresh fruit juices.
Nearby Getaways and Island Connections
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): High-speed ferry from Haddo/Phoenix Bay. Taxi needed to jetty; prebook ferry in peak season.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Ferry from Port Blair; similar jetty transfers apply.
- Ross Island & North Bay: Half-day boat trips; combine with a short taxi to the embarkation point.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights from major Indian cities to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Most travelers fly.
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam operate occasionally; long travel times and schedules vary.
On arrival, use the airport taxi queue for transparent fares or ask your hotel to arrange a pickup.
Where to Stay and Estimated Costs
- Aberdeen Bazaar / Middle Point: Central, easy taxi access; budget to mid-range hotels (approx. INR 1,200–3,500 per night).
- Marine Hill / Ross Island view ridge: Mid-range to boutique stays (approx. INR 3,000–6,000).
- Corbyn’s Cove area: Beach proximity; mid-range to upscale resorts (approx. INR 4,000–10,000+).
Staying central reduces taxi costs for museum and market days; beach areas are ideal for sunrise/sunset runs.
Estimated Daily Budget (With Taxi Costs)
- Shoestring (autos + buses + walking): INR 1,200–2,200 per person (includes local transport, meals, entry fees).
- Comfort (mix of taxis and autos): INR 2,500–4,500 per person (2–3 taxi rides or a half-day cab, decent meals).
- Convenience (private taxi packages): INR 4,500–7,000 per person (full-day cab split between 2–3 travelers, better dining).
Sharing taxis or using half-day packages often yields the best cost-to-convenience ratio.
Shopping and Souvenirs
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Handicrafts, shell artifacts, spices, and casual wear.
- Government emporiums: Fixed-price coral and shell alternatives (note: coral/shell collection restrictions apply).
- Tip: Carry small change for autos and short taxi hops; digital payments are increasingly accepted but not universal.
Taxi Tips and Safety
- Confirm fare and inclusions before boarding; for packages, write down hours/km.
- Ask for an approximate total with waiting and return; avoid surprises after sunset.
- Share vehicle number with your hotel for late-night rides.
- Carry cash for remote stretches where connectivity can drop.
- Respect local speed and coastal safety norms; weather can change quickly.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, Friends
Families
- Book an SUV for stroller/gear space; factor in nap-friendly breaks.
- Choose half-day packages to prevent fatigue; prioritize Corbyn’s Cove and museums.
Honeymooners
- Time a taxi for sunset at Chidiya Tapu; arrange a return with waiting included.
- Opt for a full-day car if combining Wandoor with city spots to avoid clock-watching.
Friends/Groups
- Split full-day packages; per-person costs drop significantly.
- Mix scooters for short hops with a taxi for longer beach runs.
FAQs: Taxi Fares in Port Blair
Q: Are taxis metered in Port Blair?
A: Most taxis are not metered. Drivers follow union rate cards or quote point-to-point prices. Always confirm the fare upfront.
Q: How much is a taxi from the airport to the city center?
A: Typically INR 150–300 depending on your exact drop, time of day, and vehicle type.
Q: Is it cheaper to book a half-day or pay per ride?
A: If you plan 3+ stops, a half-day (4h/40 km) package at INR 1,500–2,200 usually works out cheaper and more convenient.
Q: Are app-based cabs available?
A: Availability is limited and inconsistent. Taxis from stands or hotel-arranged cars are more reliable.
Q: What are typical waiting charges?
A: Around INR 150–250 per hour, depending on the driver and vehicle. Confirm before starting the trip.
Conclusion
Port Blair’s taxis offer flexible, door-to-door transport for beaches, museums, and ferry connections. While fares are higher than many mainland cities, choosing half- or full-day packages, confirming rates in advance, and mixing in autos or rentals can keep costs predictable. With the estimates above, you can plan smart routes, catch sunsets on time, and make the most of your Andaman days.
