Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Car Rentals in Andaman: Key Facts
- Top Cities and Places for Driving
- Tourist Circuits by Road
- Activities and Scenic Stops by Car
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Sample Road-Trip Itineraries
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips, Packing, and Safety
- FAQs: Car Rentals in Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a dream for slow, scenic travel—emerald forests, quiet creeks, and beaches that glow at golden hour. While inter-island movement relies on ferries, having a car (usually with a driver) on South, Middle, and North Andaman unlocks flexibility: fewer transfers, sunrise-to-sunset freedom, and easy detours to secret viewpoints. Here’s a clear, expert guide to car rentals in Andaman—what’s available, where to drive, costs, permits, and the best road-trip circuits.
Car Rentals in Andaman: Key Facts
- Availability: Chauffeur-driven cars are the norm. True self-drive cars are limited and mainly in Port Blair; scooters are common on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
- Islands by car: You can drive on South/Middle/North Andaman (connected by the Andaman Trunk Road). Havelock and Neil require ferries; cars generally aren’t transported on passenger ferries.
- Licenses: Indian driving license is valid. Foreign nationals should carry a valid home-country license plus an International Driving Permit if attempting self-drive. Rental companies often prefer/require chauffeur service.
- Convoys: Sections of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) through the Jarawa Reserve operate in timed convoys; only authorized vehicles may pass. No stopping or photography is allowed inside the reserve.
- Road rules: Left-hand driving; seatbelts are mandatory. Distances are longer than they look—plan extra time for convoys, narrow roads, and monsoon conditions.
- Fuel & payments: Fuel stations thin out beyond Port Blair; fill up before long stretches. UPI works in towns, but carry cash for remote stops.
- Apps: App taxis like Ola/Uber do not operate. Use prepaid airport counters, hotel desks, local operators, or taxi unions.
- Seasonality: November–April offers the best driving weather. Monsoon (May–September) brings heavy rain and occasional closures.
Top Cities and Places for Driving
These are the most practical bases and routes for car-based exploration in Andaman.
Port Blair (South Andaman)
- Best for airport transfers, day trips, and sunset runs.
- Drive to: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu (sunset), Wandoor (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park), Mount Harriet viewpoint (via Bamboo Flat ferry).
Baratang Island (Middle Andaman)
- Drive via ATR convoy from Port Blair.
- Highlights: Mud Volcano, boat ride to Limestone Caves. Permit and boat tickets arranged on arrival; drivers usually assist.
Rangat and Mayabunder (Middle Andaman)
- Scenic coastal drives, mangroves, and quiet beaches.
- Stop at: Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk, Amkunj Beach, Karmatang Beach.
Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Long-haul drive with rewards like twin-island sandbar.
- See: Ross & Smith Islands (via Aerial Bay jetty), Saddle Peak trek (permit required), Kalipur Beach.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Reach by ferry only; cars are not commonly transported. Use scooters or local taxis on-island.
- Havelock: Radhanagar Beach (No.7), Kalapatthar, Elephant Beach trail/boat.
- Neil: Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Natural Bridge.
Tourist Circuits by Road
South Andaman Day Circuit (Port Blair & Surrounds)
- Port Blair → Corbyn’s Cove → Cellular Jail → Light & Sound Show → Marina Park evening.
- Alternate: Port Blair → Wandoor → Chidiya Tapu for sunset (excellent golden-hour drive).
Baratang Excursion Circuit (Convoy)
- Port Blair (early start) → ATR convoy → Baratang → Boat to Limestone Caves → Mud Volcano → Return convoy.
- Plan for 8–10 hours with buffer for convoy schedules.
Middle Andaman Explorer
- Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat (overnight) → Mayabunder → back to Port Blair or onward to Diglipur.
North Andaman Grand Circuit
- Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (2 nights) → Ross & Smith → return via same route.
Note: Ferries connect to Havelock/Neil; plan separate on-island transport.
Activities and Scenic Stops by Car
- Beaches and viewpoints: Radhanagar, Kalapatthar, Chidiya Tapu, Amkunj, Karmatang.
- Nature walks and treks: Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk (Rangat), Saddle Peak (Diglipur; permit needed), Mount Harriet viewpoint.
- Marine parks and boats: Wandoor jetties for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal, permits on-site; plastic restrictions apply).
- Caves and geology: Baratang Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano via organized local boats.
- Cultural heritage: Cellular Jail, Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Marine Museum in Port Blair.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, typically January): Cultural shows, local food, crafts.
- Beach Festivals (various beaches, late winter to spring): Music, games, and food stalls.
- Subhash Mela (around late January in select islands/towns): Local fairs commemorating Netaji’s legacy.
Dates can vary; check locally for current schedules.
Sample Road-Trip Itineraries
3 Days: Quick Andaman Drive + Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Corbyn’s Cove → Cellular Jail & Light & Sound Show.
- Day 2: Wandoor Marine Park boat (seasonal) → Chidiya Tapu sunset drive.
- Day 3: Baratang excursion (convoy) or museums + Mount Harriet viewpoint.
5 Days: Classic Andaman with Ferries
- Day 1–2: Port Blair and Wandoor circuit by car.
- Day 3–4: Ferry to Havelock; use scooter/taxi; visit Radhanagar and Elephant Beach.
- Day 5: Ferry back → Chatham Saw Mill or shopping → airport transfer.
7 Days: North Andaman Road Adventure
- Day 1–2: Port Blair bases (Cellular Jail, Wandoor, Chidiya Tapu).
- Day 3: Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat (overnight).
- Day 4–5: Rangat → Diglipur; Ross & Smith Islands; Saddle Peak (fit hikers).
- Day 6: Return to Rangat/Port Blair.
- Day 7: Buffer/shopping/museums → depart.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Direct/connecting flights from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (schedules vary seasonally).
- By Sea: Government ships operate infrequently from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (3–4 days; basic cabins; limited schedules). Most travelers prefer flying.
- Inter-island: Government and private ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock and Neil. Book early in peak season.
Accommodation Options
- Budget stays: INR 1,200–2,500 per night; guesthouses and simple hotels around Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) and Rangat.
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–7,000; boutique resorts and beachside cottages in Port Blair, Havelock, Neil.
- Luxury: INR 9,000–25,000+; upscale beach resorts mainly on Havelock and Port Blair’s waterfront.
Estimated Costs and Typical Taxi Rates
Rates vary by season, vehicle class (hatchback/sedan/SUV), and inclusion (fuel, parking, driver allowance). Approximate 2024–2025 figures:
- Airport transfer (Port Blair city, one-way): INR 400–800 (private taxi).
- Local use (Port Blair):
- 4 hours/40 km: INR 2,000–3,000 (sedan), INR 2,800–3,800 (SUV).
- 8–10 hours/80–100 km: INR 3,500–5,000 (sedan), INR 4,800–6,500 (SUV).
- Baratang day trip (convoy-based): INR 6,500–9,500 per vehicle + boat/permit fees on-site.
- Port Blair → Rangat (one-way drop): INR 7,000–10,000 (may include return-empty charge).
- Port Blair → Diglipur (one-way drop): INR 12,000–16,000.
- Driver night allowance (if outstation): INR 300–500 per night.
- Parking/tolls: Minimal; INR 20–100 at select sites.
- Fuel: Petrol typically INR 95–105/litre; fewer pumps outside Port Blair—top up early.
- On-island alternatives: Scooter rental (Havelock/Neil) INR 500–800/day + fuel; helmets provided.
Note: App cabs (Ola/Uber) are not available. Use prepaid taxi counters, hotel desks, or licensed local operators.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood staples: Fish curry, grilled lobster/prawns, fish fry with island spices.
- Vegetarian finds: South Indian thalis, island-grown veggies, coastal curries.
- Cafés: Beachside cafés in Havelock and Port Blair for sunset bites and breakfasts.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Spices, handicrafts, shell-inspired art (avoid buying real corals/shells—many are protected).
- Government emporiums: More reliable quality and pricing.
Culture
- A mosaic of communities from mainland India; respectful of local customs.
- Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits to tourists; follow signage and convoy rules on the ATR.
Traveler-Specific Tips, Packing, and Safety
Driving and Rental Basics
- Self-drive scarcity: Expect chauffeur-driven cars; self-drive cars are limited and may require large deposits and address proof.
- Documents: Passport/ID, valid driving license (IDP for foreigners if self-driving), and copies for hotel/permit desks.
- Ferry logistics: Do not plan to carry a rental car to Havelock/Neil; switch to ferries and hire scooters/taxis on arrival.
- Timing: Start Baratang/North Andaman legs before dawn to meet convoy windows and reduce fatigue.
Packing
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; breathable clothing; light rain jacket (monsoon).
- Dry bag, microfiber towel, spare footwear for boat landings.
- Reusable water bottle (single-use plastics are restricted in parks).
- Power bank and offline maps (signal can be patchy beyond towns).
- Portable child seat if traveling with kids—rare with local taxis.
Safety and Etiquette
- Drive slow on narrow/forest stretches; watch for livestock and sudden bends.
- ATR convoy rules: No stopping or photography in the Jarawa Reserve; follow police/escort instructions.
- Swimming: Only at designated beaches; heed crocodile warnings in mangrove areas (e.g., Wandoor region) and obey lifeguards.
- Night driving: Limit long after-dark drives; visibility and services are limited.
For Families
- Book larger vehicles (Ertiga/Innova class) for luggage and comfort.
- Plan frequent snack/toilet stops; services can be spaced far apart.
For Honeymooners
- Time sunset drives to Chidiya Tapu or Kalapatthar; ask driver for less-crowded viewpoints.
- Choose AC sedans/SUVs for quieter, comfortable inter-town journeys.
For Friends and Small Groups
- Mix modes: Car + scooters (on Havelock/Neil) for flexible beach-hopping.
- Confirm music/USB/Bluetooth options with your vehicle for long stretches.
For Solo Travelers
- Use reliable operators and share route plans with your hotel.
- Carry cash for remote fuel/refreshment stops.
FAQs: Car Rentals in Andaman
Q: Are self-drive car rentals available in Andaman?
A: Self-drive cars exist in very limited numbers in Port Blair and are often booked out. Most travelers hire chauffeur-driven cars. On Havelock/Neil, scooters are the practical self-drive choice.
Q: Can I take a rental car to Havelock or Neil by ferry?
A: Generally, no. Passenger ferries do not transport cars, and vehicle ferries are not a standard option for tourists. Park your car plans on South/Middle/North Andaman and use ferries plus local transport for Havelock/Neil.
Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
A: Indian license holders can drive without an IDP. Foreign nationals should carry their home-country license and an IDP if attempting self-drive; many companies still prefer providing a driver.
Q: Are Ola or Uber available in Andaman?
A: No. Use prepaid taxi counters at the airport, hotel desks, local operators, or taxi unions to arrange rides or full-day cars.
Q: What is the best time for road trips in Andaman?
A: November to April offers calmer seas and drier roads, ideal for Baratang and North Andaman drives. Monsoon months bring heavy rain and occasional delays—build in buffers and drive cautiously.
Conclusion
Car travel in Andaman is most effective on South, Middle, and North Andaman, where chauffeur-driven vehicles make long, scenic stretches comfortable and safe. Plan ferries separately for Havelock and Neil, use scooters or local taxis there, and time Baratang and North Andaman journeys around convoy schedules. With realistic drive times, reef-safe packing, and a flexible plan, you’ll cover the islands’ signature beaches, mangroves, caves, and viewpoints at an unhurried island pace.
