Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around by Public Bus in Port Blair
- Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Sample 2-Day Itinerary Using Public Buses
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the tropical gateway to India’s Andaman Islands, blends emerald hills with colonial history and island life. One of the most budget-friendly ways to explore its beaches, museums, and markets is the public bus network run primarily by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s State Transport Service (STS). This guide explains how to use Port Blair’s buses efficiently, what they connect, and how to pair them with ferries, autos, and taxis for a smooth island trip.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
These highlights are either directly reachable by public bus or by a short auto/taxi hop from the nearest bus stop.
- Cellular Jail (National Memorial): Historic heart of Port Blair with moving evening light-and-sound shows. Nearest busy hub: Aberdeen Bazaar (walk/short auto).
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Calm waters and coconut-fringed sands. Buses run towards Dollygunj / Garacharma side; expect a short auto from the nearest stop.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: Marine biodiversity exhibits. Accessible from central routes; alight near Delanipur/Junglighat area and walk.
- Anthropological Museum: Insight into indigenous communities. Near central city routes, short walk from main roads.
- Fisheries Museum: Close to the harbor side; short auto from central bus corridors.
- Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point): Birding, mangroves, dramatic sunsets. Public buses head south via Sippighat–Tirur; frequency tapers late afternoon.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Gateway to glass-bottom boats and island trips (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin—seasonal). Buses operate via Manglutan–Wandoor corridor.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Lively central market and typical base stop for many routes.
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
Port Blair’s culture fuses South Indian, Bengali, and island influences.
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry, prawn masala, and simple South Indian breakfasts. Popular local snacks near Aberdeen Bazaar make easy bus-linked meal stops.
- Shopping: Handicrafts, coconut shell articles, spices, and local art. Avoid buying coral/shells from protected species—check legality before purchasing.
- Culture: Evenings are laid-back. Museums and the Cellular Jail narrate layered island histories.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
Use a mix of bus and ferry connections to reach these getaways.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Short boat from Aberdeen Jetty; bus to central jetty area then ferry.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling and glass-bottom boats; ferries from the jetty area.
- Baratang (Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano): Long-distance STS buses ply the Andaman Trunk Road; departures from Port Blair. Check permits/schedule locally.
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: North Andaman hubs via STS buses; book in advance due to limited seats.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Daily flights from Chennai, Kolkata, and other Indian metros.
- By Sea (Occasional): Government-operated passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam sail periodically; voyage takes several days. Schedules and cabins are limited—verify well in advance.
Airport to City: The airport sits close to town. Autos and taxis are the easiest transfer. Local buses run along the main road outside the airport approach; expect a short walk to the nearest stop.
Getting Around by Public Bus in Port Blair
Overview and Operators
- Main operator: State Transport Service (STS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
- Coverage: Central Port Blair (Aberdeen Bazaar and surrounding suburbs like Junglighat, Lamba Line, Dollygunj, Garacharma, Bathubasti) and outlying corridors (Sippighat–Tirur–Chidiya Tapu; Manglutan–Wandoor).
- Typical hours: Approx. 6:00–20:30 for most city routes; suburban/long routes start early morning, with fewer evening services. Confirm locally as timings can change.
Main Terminals and Hubs
- Central Hub: The primary STS bus terminus in/near Aberdeen Bazaar functions as a common origin/transfer point for many routes.
- Other common stops: Delanipur, Junglighat, Dollygunj, Garacharma, Bathubasti, Sippighat, Manglutan, Wandoor (for suburban runs).
Exact terminal names/addresses can vary by timetable updates. Check the STS counter or posted boards for the latest.
Popular City and Suburban Routes (Traveler-Focused)
- Aberdeen Bazaar ⇄ Chidiya Tapu: Scenic southern run via Sippighat/Tirur. Great for sunset plans—ensure a return bus before late evening.
- Aberdeen Bazaar ⇄ Wandoor: For beaches and Marine National Park access; fewer late buses.
- Town Loop Corridors: Aberdeen Bazaar connecting Junglighat, Delanipur, Dollygunj, Garacharma, Bathubasti, Lamba Line—handy for museums, markets, and general sightseeing.
Note: Some attractions (e.g., Corbyn’s Cove) may require a short auto from the nearest bus corridor.
Frequency, Reliability, and Peak Times
- City segments: Every 10–30 minutes during the day on busy corridors.
- Suburban routes: 30–90 minutes; services thin out in the late afternoon/evening.
- Weather factor: Monsoon showers can affect punctuality—build buffer time.
Fares, Tickets, and Payment
- Within city: Approx. INR 10–30 depending on distance.
- Suburban (Wandoor/Chidiya Tapu): Approx. INR 40–100 each way.
- Long distance (Baratang/Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur): Priced by distance and bus type; book early at the STS counter.
- How to pay: Cash to the conductor on board; keep small change.
- Passes/Day tickets: Information not available.
Airport Connectivity
- Direct airport bus: Information not available.
- Nearest corridors: Buses ply the main roads nearby; many travelers prefer quick auto/taxi hops due to short city distances.
Night Service and Safety
- After dark: Services reduce substantially post-sunset on many routes; plan last legs earlier.
- Safety: Port Blair is generally calm; stick to well-lit stops, and confirm your last return bus.
Accessibility and Etiquette
- Accessibility: Most buses are standard step-entry. Priority seating may be marked; assistance varies by vehicle.
- Etiquette: Queue when boarding, offer seats to elders, keep change ready, and avoid bulky luggage during peak hours.
When to Choose Alternatives
- Autos/Taxis: Best for early/late trips, beach returns after sunset, or when connecting to ferries on a tight schedule.
- Two-wheelers (rentals): Useful for flexible beach hopping; check license and fuel availability.
Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Budget stays: INR 1,200–2,500 per night around Aberdeen Bazaar/Junglighat; easy bus access.
- Mid-range hotels: INR 2,500–6,000 per night in central and seaside areas.
- Upscale resorts: INR 6,000–15,000+ per night; many rely on taxis for transfers.
Daily local transport budget (bus-focused): INR 60–200 for city/suburban bus rides; keep extra for autos (INR 100–300 for short hops).
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Packing Essentials
- Light, breathable clothing; rain jacket in monsoon.
- Sun protection: hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Small change for bus fares; offline maps for spotty signal zones.
- Water bottle and light snacks for longer bus segments.
For Families
- Plan museum visits (Anthropological, Samudrika) midday and beaches early/late.
- Choose accommodations on or near a main bus corridor for smoother transfers.
- Confirm last bus times to Chidiya Tapu/Wandoor before setting out.
For Honeymooners
- Use buses for daytime sightseeing; take a taxi back after sunset beach sessions.
- Pick quieter stretches (Wandoor) on weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Carry a light shawl for breezy evening rides.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Start early to cover more on suburban legs; frequencies drop later.
- Mix bus plus shared autos for last-mile beach links.
- Ask conductors about short transfers—locals are helpful with directions.
Safety and Practicalities
- Keep valuables close and dry inside a zip pouch.
- Respect local guidelines on protected areas and photography.
- Check ferry/bus holiday schedules around national holidays and festivals.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary Using Public Buses
Day 1: Heritage and City Sights
- Morning: Bus to Aberdeen Bazaar hub; walk to Anthropological Museum.
- Midday: Bus towards Delanipur/Junglighat for Samudrika Museum; quick lunch near market.
- Afternoon: Head to Cellular Jail (bus + short walk); book evening light-and-sound show.
- Evening: Return via bus to your stay or take an auto if shows end after frequent bus hours.
Day 2: Beach and Nature
- Morning: Bus to Wandoor for beach time and optional marine park activities (check boat schedules).
- Afternoon: Return to city; quick museum/market stop around Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Late afternoon: Bus to Chidiya Tapu for sunset; confirm last return bus or pre-arrange a taxi back.
FAQs
Q: What are typical bus timings in Port Blair?
A: Most city routes run roughly 6:00–20:30, with suburban services starting early but tapering after late afternoon. Always verify the current schedule locally.
Q: How much do bus rides cost?
A: City rides generally cost about INR 10–30, while suburban legs to Wandoor or Chidiya Tapu are roughly INR 40–100. Long-distance fares vary by distance and bus type.
Q: Is there a bus from the airport to the city?
A: Information not available. The airport is close to town; autos and taxis are the most convenient. Local buses operate on nearby main roads.
Q: Can I rely on buses to return from sunset points?
A: Not always. Frequencies drop after sunset, especially from Chidiya Tapu and Wandoor. Plan an earlier return or arrange an auto/taxi.
Q: Where do I board long-distance buses to Baratang or North Andaman?
A: Long-distance STS services depart from Port Blair’s main bus terminus (central/Aberdeen Bazaar area). Check the STS counter for current timings, seats, and any permit requirements.
Conclusion
Public buses in Port Blair are an affordable, authentic way to experience the city’s museums, markets, and nature escapes. With central connections around Aberdeen Bazaar and routes reaching Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu, you can cover a lot on a small budget. Keep an eye on schedules, plan sunset returns thoughtfully, and combine buses with short autos for last-mile beach access to make the most of Port Blair’s easygoing island rhythm.
