Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Bike Rentals in Andaman
- Top Islands and Places for Bike Rentals
- Scenic Riding Circuits and Routes
- Best Activities to Pair with Your Ride
- Best Time for Biking in Andaman
- Bike Rental Basics: Documents, Prices, Fuel, Deposits
- Rules, Restrictions, and Safety Tips
- How to Reach Andaman and Hop Between Islands
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs and Sample Budgets
- Food, Shopping, and Local Culture
- Suggested Bike-Friendly Itineraries
- Festivals and Events
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs: Bike Rentals in Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction: Why Bike Rentals in Andaman
Curvy coastal roads, coconut groves, and turquoise bays make the Andaman & Nicobar Islands a dream for slow travel. Renting a scooter or motorcycle lets you explore beaches at your pace, chase sunsets, and reach cafes and dive shops without waiting for autos. This guide covers where to rent, typical prices, documents, scenic routes, safety rules, and island-specific tips to help you ride confidently across Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
Top Islands and Places for Bike Rentals
Port Blair (Capital and Transport Hub)
- Best for: First-timers, city-sightseeing, short coastal rides.
- Pickup areas: Aberdeen Bazaar, Phoenix Bay, Junglighat, near Veer Savarkar Airport.
- Where to ride: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor, Mount Harriet viewpoints.
- Fuel: Multiple stations in town; carry cash for smaller pumps.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Best for: Beach-hopping, sunrise/sunset runs, dive shop access.
- Pickup areas: Govind Nagar market and near Havelock Jetty.
- Where to ride: Radhanagar (Beach No. 7), Kalapathar, Govind Nagar stretch, scattered cafes.
- Fuel: Limited pumps; some shops sell bottled petrol—use only if necessary.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Best for: Easy, short loops with picture-perfect bays.
- Pickup areas: Near Neil Jetty and in Bharatpur market.
- Where to ride: Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur I & II (sunsets), Sitapur (sunrise), Natural Bridge.
- Fuel: One main pump; plan daytime refuels.
Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Availability: Limited and seasonal. Confirm ahead with stays or local operators.
- Notes: Road rules and forest-reserve restrictions apply; long-distance two-wheeler transits can be restricted in sections of the Andaman Trunk Road.
Scenic Riding Circuits and Routes
Port Blair Day Loops
- City Heritage Loop (15–20 km): Cellular Jail → Marina Park promenade → Anthropological Museum → Aberdeen Bazaar cafes.
- Corbyn’s Cove Sunset (12–16 km return): Town → Corbyn’s Cove beach road (smooth coastal curve, watch sand on shoulders).
- Wandoor & Marine Park (60–70 km return): Urban exits → paddy fields → mangrove edges to Wandoor village. Start by 8–9 am.
- Chidiya Tapu Golden Hour (55–60 km return): Winding forested road; leave town mid-afternoon to reach for sunset.
Havelock Loops
- Eastern Shores Sunrise (20–25 km): Govind Nagar → Kalapathar Beach; smooth road, early light, quiet cafes.
- Radhanagar Classic (25–30 km return): Jetty/Govind Nagar → Beach No. 7 via village greens and shady lanes.
Neil Island Circuit
- Island Triangle (18–22 km): Jetty → Bharatpur (snorkel) → Natural Bridge → Laxmanpur II (sunset) → Sitapur (sunrise on another day).
Notes on Inter-Island Riding
- Most travelers rent separate bikes on each island; standard passenger ferries typically do not carry rental bikes.
- Check local advisories for any stretch with restrictions or convoy requirements.
Best Activities to Pair with Your Ride
- Snorkeling and diving: Bharatpur (Neil), Elephant Beach and reef spots (Havelock), North Bay (near Port Blair by boat).
- Beach days: Radhanagar, Kalapathar, Corbyn’s Cove, Laxmanpur II.
- Light treks: Chidiya Tapu trail, Mount Harriet National Park viewpoints.
- History and culture: Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum.
- Cafe hopping: Govind Nagar (Havelock) and Aberdeen Bazaar lanes (Port Blair).
Best Time for Biking in Andaman
- October to May: Dry to mildly humid, calmer seas—best for beach-hopping and visibility.
- June to September (Monsoon): Frequent showers, slippery curves, sporadic ferry delays—ride conservatively if visiting.
- Daily rhythm: Start early to avoid midday heat; aim to be back before full dark on forested stretches.
Bike Rental Basics: Documents, Prices, Fuel, Deposits
Documents and Eligibility
- Valid motorcycle/scooter driving license (Indian DL or home-country DL with International Driving Permit recommended).
- Passport copy and visa page for foreign nationals; a secondary ID (e.g., PAN/Aadhaar) for Indian citizens.
- Minimum age: Typically 18–21+ depending on operator.
Typical Prices (per calendar day)
- Scooters (100–125cc): INR 400–800, island and season dependent.
- Motorcycles (150–350cc, limited availability): INR 800–1,500.
- Helmet: Usually included for rider; pillion helmet may be extra or on request.
- Delivery/Pickup near jetty/airport: INR 100–300, where offered.
Deposits and Payments
- Refundable security deposit: INR 1,000–3,000; sometimes higher for big bikes.
- Payment modes: Cash prevalent; select shops accept UPI/cards in Port Blair and Havelock.
- Inspection: Record photos of all sides, fuel level, and odometer at pickup/return.
Fuel
- Not included; fill soon after pickup.
- Official pumps in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil; hours can be limited—refuel by late afternoon.
- Bottled petrol from shops is a last resort; verify quality.
Rules, Restrictions, and Safety Tips
- Helmets mandatory for rider and pillion; carry your license during checks.
- Speed limits are low; expect humps, sand patches near beaches, and occasional livestock.
- Drunk driving is strictly penalized—zero tolerance.
- Forest and tribal reserve rules: Stopping, photography, or unsanctioned entry is prohibited in protected zones; some roads/segments may disallow two-wheelers—ask locally before planning long transits.
- Inter-island ferries usually do not transport rental bikes; plan separate rentals per island.
- Night riding: Avoid rural/forested stretches after dark due to poor lighting and wildlife.
- Weather: Rains make painted lines and steel bridges slick—ease throttle and braking.
- Security: Use the steering lock and a cable lock at beaches; do not leave valuables in the boot.
- Connectivity: Data is improving but expect patchy 4G beyond main markets; download offline maps.
How to Reach Andaman and Hop Between Islands
Reaching Port Blair (Base for Rentals)
- By Air: Direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities (seasonal schedules vary).
- By Sea: Long-distance passenger ships operate occasionally from Chennai, Kolkata, or Visakhapatnam; cabins book out early; voyages take multiple days.
Island Hops (Without Taking the Bike)
- Government and private ferries connect Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil. Book early in peak months.
- Arrive at each island and rent locally near the jetty.
- Keep buffer time for weather-related delays, especially in monsoon.
Where to Stay
Port Blair
- Areas: Aberdeen Bazaar (central, lively), Marine Hill (views), Haddo/Phoenix Bay (near jetties).
- Range: Budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels; a few boutique options.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Areas: Govind Nagar (convenient), Radhanagar side (quiet), Kalapathar (sunrise side).
- Range: Beach huts to upscale resorts; easy scooter access to cafes/dives.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Areas: Near Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches; compact island, all within a short ride.
- Range: Cozy homestays, eco-stays, and mid-range resorts.
Estimated Costs and Sample Budgets
Daily Cost Snapshot (Per Couple)
- Bike rental (scooter): INR 500–700
- Fuel (30–60 km of riding): INR 120–250
- Meals (local eateries + 1 cafe): INR 1,200–2,000
- Accommodation (mid-range): INR 2,500–4,500
- Activities (snorkeling/entry fees): INR 500–2,000
- Total estimate: INR 4,800–9,400 per day
Money-Saving Tips
- Rent by multiple days to negotiate a better rate.
- Refuel at official pumps; bottled petrol is pricier.
- Choose homestays a short ride from main beaches for value.
- Pair free activities (sunrises/sunsets, self-guided beach days) with one paid activity.
Food, Shopping, and Local Culture
Food to Try
- Andamani fish curry, grilled reef fish, prawn fry, coconut-based stews.
- Island-style parathas for breakfast; fresh fruit shakes post-ride.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Spices, shell-inspired crafts, jute and bamboo items.
- Important: Do not buy coral, turtle shell, or any protected marine products—illegal to trade.
Culture
- Melting pot of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobarese, and Ranchi communities.
- Respect signage in protected areas and local modesty norms at village beaches.
Suggested Bike-Friendly Itineraries
2 Days: Port Blair on Two Wheels
- Day 1: Cellular Jail → Marina Park → Corbyn’s Cove (sunset) → Night show at Cellular Jail.
- Day 2: Early ride to Chidiya Tapu → Lunch back in town → Samudrika Museum → Evening cafe-hop in Aberdeen.
4 Days: Port Blair + Havelock + Neil
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, rent scooter, city heritage loop.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock → Rent scooter → Kalapathar sunrise next day, Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 3: Optional snorkeling/diving → Cafes in Govind Nagar.
- Day 4: Morning ferry to Neil → Scooter loop: Bharatpur → Natural Bridge → Laxmanpur II sunset → Return to Port Blair or overnight.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January): Cultural shows, food stalls in Port Blair.
- Beach Festival (often around April): Music and beach games on popular shores.
- Subhas Mela/Local fairs (seasonal): Community celebrations with local crafts and cuisine.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Child seats for scooters are rare; consider taxis if riding with very young kids.
- Plan shorter hops with shaded breaks; carry hats, snacks, and water.
Honeymooners
- Time rides for golden hours: Kalapathar sunrise and Radhanagar/Laxmanpur sunsets.
- Pick stays with on-site parking and easy beach access.
Friends/Backpackers
- Share rentals where legal and safe; swap riders only if both are licensed.
- Opt for homestays with early breakfast to start rides at dawn.
Packing Essentials for Riders
- Light rain jacket, microfiber towel, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses.
- Phone mount and power bank; basic first-aid and a reusable water bottle.
- Copy of license, IDP (if applicable), and offline map downloads.
FAQs: Bike Rentals in Andaman
Q: Can I carry my rented bike on the ferry between islands?
A: Standard passenger ferries generally do not carry rental bikes. Most travelers rent a separate scooter on each island.
Q: Is an International Driving Permit required for foreigners?
A: Carry your home-country license along with an IDP for two-wheelers. Some renters may accept a valid foreign license, but an IDP helps with police checks and insurance.
Q: What are typical scooter rental rates in Port Blair and Havelock?
A: Expect INR 400–800 per day for scooters, higher in peak season or for newer models. Fuel is extra.
Q: Are helmets provided?
A: Yes, at least one helmet is usually included. Ask for a pillion helmet and ensure both fit properly.
Q: Are there areas where two-wheelers are restricted?
A: Yes. Certain protected and reserve zones have restrictions, and some long-route transits may be closed to bikes. Always check current local advisories before planning.
Conclusion
Renting a bike in the Andamans turns island time into your time—efficient for beach-hopping, great for sunrise runs, and perfect for finding quiet coves. Focus on Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil for easy rentals, keep documents and helmets handy, plan refuels early, and respect protected areas. With the right prep, two wheels are the smoothest way to explore these emerald isles.
