Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do After You Land
- Nearby Attractions and Distances
- How to Reach Port Blair Airport (IXZ)
- Private Cab Booking Guide from Port Blair Airport
- Estimated Costs and Sample Budgets
- Accommodation Options in Port Blair
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Practical Tips for Airport Transfers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Landing at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the moment your Andaman adventure truly begins. Whether you’re heading straight to your hotel in Aberdeen Bazaar, catching a ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) or Neil (Shaheed Dweep), or planning a sunset at Chidiya Tapu, a private cab from the airport is the fastest, most comfortable way to get moving. This guide covers everything you need to know about booking a private cab from Port Blair Airport—options, fares, routes, tips, and practical island know-how—so your first hour on the islands is as smooth as the turquoise waters you came to see.
History and Importance
Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport is the primary gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once a small airstrip serving a strategic outpost, it has evolved into a busy civilian airport connecting the archipelago with major Indian cities. For travelers, private cabs play a vital role because:
- There are no metro-style public transport links from the airport to tourist hubs.
- Island roads are narrow and hilly; door-to-door transfers save time and hassle.
- Prepaid and private taxis help you catch tight ferry schedules at Phoenix Bay or Haddo Jetties.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: Best overall weather; calm seas; great for snorkeling and beach days.
- December to February: Peak season; book cabs and hotels in advance; expect higher rates.
- June to September: Monsoon; heavy showers and rough seas can cause ferry/cab timing changes.
Tip: If you land during monsoon or late evenings, build buffer time into your airport-to-jetty transfers.
Top Things to Do After You Land
These are easy to pair with a private cab on Day 1:
- Cellular Jail and evening Light & Sound Show (historical highlight of Port Blair).
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach for a quick beach fix close to town.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Fisheries Museum for marine life and island heritage.
- Jogger’s Park viewpoint (near the airport) for runway views at sunset.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) via Phoenix Bay Jetty boat rides.
- Chatham Saw Mill (one of Asia’s oldest) and Sagarika Government Emporium for souvenirs.
Nearby Attractions and Distances
- Aberdeen Bazaar (city center): 3–5 km; 15–20 minutes.
- Phoenix Bay Jetty: 4–5 km; 20–25 minutes (traffic dependent).
- Haddo Jetty: 5–6 km; 20–30 minutes.
- Cellular Jail: ~4 km; 15–20 minutes.
- Corbyn’s Cove: ~8 km; 25–30 minutes.
- Wandoor Beach (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park): ~25–27 km; 45–60 minutes.
- Chidiya Tapu: ~28–30 km; 60–75 minutes.
- Mount Harriet National Park (via Chatham–Bamboo Flat ferry): ~12–15 km + short ferry.
Note: Travel times vary with traffic, ferry timings, and weather.
How to Reach Port Blair Airport (IXZ)
- By Air: Direct flights from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and seasonal connections from other cities.
- By Sea: Occasional government passenger ships from Kolkata/Chennai/Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited schedules). Most tourists fly.
- Entry Rules: Indian citizens need valid ID. Most tourists do not need special permits for Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil; certain protected areas require permits obtained locally.
- Connectivity: Airtel, Jio, and BSNL work best; data can be patchy—carry offline maps.
Private Cab Booking Guide from Port Blair Airport
Options at the Airport: Prepaid vs Private Operators
- Airport Prepaid Counter: Fixed-zone fares to popular areas; convenient for immediate arrivals. Availability may be limited late night.
- Private Cab Operators/Hotel Transfers: Pre-book via your hotel or local operators for meet-and-greet service and assured vehicle type.
- App-based ride-hailing: Typically not available in Port Blair; rely on prepaid or pre-booked taxis.
Vehicle Types and Capacity
- Hatchback/Sedan (AC): 1–3 adults with 2 large bags.
- MPV/SUV (AC): 4–6 adults with luggage; recommended for families or dive gear.
- Tempo Traveller: 8–12 pax; pre-book only; limited availability.
- Child Seats: Not standard—request in advance if required.
Indicative Airport Transfer Fares (One-way)
Actual rates vary by season, time, and vehicle type. Expect night surcharges after ~22:00.
- IXZ → Aberdeen Bazaar/Cellular Jail zone: INR 300–600 (sedan), INR 500–900 (SUV).
- IXZ → Phoenix Bay/Haddo Jetties: INR 300–700 (sedan), INR 600–1,000 (SUV).
- IXZ → Corbyn’s Cove: INR 500–900 (sedan), INR 800–1,300 (SUV).
- IXZ → Wandoor: INR 1,200–1,800 (sedan), INR 1,800–2,600 (SUV).
- IXZ → Chidiya Tapu: INR 1,500–2,200 (sedan), INR 2,200–3,000 (SUV).
Waiting charges may apply for shopping or multiple stops; clarify before boarding.
Half-Day and Full-Day Cab Packages
- Half-Day City Tour (4 hrs/40 km): INR 1,500–2,500 (sedan); INR 2,200–3,200 (SUV).
- Full-Day City + Beaches (8 hrs/80 km): INR 2,800–4,000 (sedan); INR 3,800–5,200 (SUV).
- Beyond City Limits (e.g., Baratang): Special permits/convoy timings and higher distance slabs apply; confirm inclusions (tolls/permits/ferry) in writing.
Booking Tips, Safety, and Etiquette
- Pre-book in peak season; share flight details to adjust for delays.
- Confirm inclusions: parking, waiting, night charges, ferry tickets (if any).
- Carry some cash; UPI works but data can be spotty.
- Request receipts and driver name/plate number; photograph fare board at prepaid counter.
- Respect protected areas and photography restrictions; avoid littering beaches and jetties.
Estimated Costs and Sample Budgets
- Solo/Couple (Day 1): Airport → hotel (INR 300–600), evening Cellular Jail + Corbyn’s Cove (2–3 hrs add-on INR 800–1,200). Total: INR 1,100–1,800.
- Family of 4: SUV airport transfer (INR 600–1,000), half-day city tour (INR 2,200–3,200). Total: INR 2,800–4,200.
- Airport → Wandoor round-trip with 2–3 hours waiting: INR 2,200–3,200 (sedan), INR 3,200–4,400 (SUV).
Note: Prices are indicative; negotiate or confirm fixed quotes before travel.
Accommodation Options in Port Blair
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500): Guesthouses around Aberdeen Bazaar; walkable to eateries and shops.
- Mid-range (INR 2,500–6,000): City hotels with AC and in-house dining; good for families.
- Premium (INR 7,000–15,000+): Seaview stays near Marine Hill/Corbyn’s Cove; limited inventory—book early in peak months.
Areas to consider: Aberdeen Bazaar (central), Delanipur, Junglighat, Marine Hill, Shadipur, Corbyn’s Cove.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood (fish curry, prawn masala), South Indian breakfasts, Bengali thalis; try coconut-based dishes.
- Shopping: Sagarika Government Emporium for handicrafts; avoid buying corals/shells prohibited by law.
- Culture: A blend of communities from across India, with colonial-era history centered on the Cellular Jail.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Book SUVs for luggage and stroller space; request child seat in advance.
- Plan shorter first-day itineraries to account for flight fatigue.
Honeymooners and Couples
- Time your cab for sunset at Corbyn’s Cove or Jogger’s Park on arrival day.
- Confirm night charges for post-dinner pick-ups.
Friends and Solo Travelers
- Split full-day cab packages for value; combine attractions smartly.
- Keep small bills for short hops and parking.
Practical Tips for Airport Transfers
- Buffer Time: For ferries to Havelock/Neil, keep 90–120 minutes between landing and sailing.
- Luggage: Confirm boot space; MPVs/SUVs handle dive/snorkel gear better.
- Weather: Carry a light rain jacket (monsoon) and sun protection year-round.
- Permits: Some spots (e.g., Jolly Buoy) require permits; your driver can guide you to counters.
- Connectivity: Save hotel and jetty locations offline; share live location when network allows.
FAQs
Q: Is there a prepaid taxi counter at Port Blair Airport?
A: Yes. A prepaid counter usually operates in the arrivals area with fixed-zone fares. Late-night availability can vary; pre-book a private cab if arriving after 22:00.
Q: Do Uber or Ola operate in Port Blair?
A: No. App-based ride-hailing is typically unavailable. Use airport prepaid taxis, hotel-arranged cabs, or pre-booked local operators.
Q: How much is a taxi from the airport to Phoenix Bay Jetty?
A: Expect around INR 300–700 for a sedan and INR 600–1,000 for an SUV, depending on time and season.
Q: Can I take a cab directly to Havelock or Neil?
A: No. These are separate islands. Take a cab to Phoenix Bay or Haddo Jetty, then a ferry to the islands. Book ferries in advance during peak season.
Q: Are night charges applicable?
A: Yes, many operators add a night surcharge (often after ~22:00). Confirm the amount before boarding.
Conclusion
Private cabs from Port Blair Airport make arrivals efficient, comfortable, and ferry-friendly. With clear choices—prepaid counters for quick hops or pre-booked vehicles for assured capacity—you can tailor transfers to your plans and group size. Keep an eye on peak-season demand, confirm inclusions and night charges, and carry some cash for smooth payments. Pair your first drive with easy Day 1 highlights like Cellular Jail or Corbyn’s Cove, and you’ll settle into island time right away.
