Table of Contents
- Introduction: Car rentals in Long Island, Andaman
- Car Rentals and Local Transport on Long Island
- How to Reach Long Island
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on Long Island
- Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping, and Local Culture
- Essential Tips for Visiting Long Island
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs: Car Rentals in Long Island Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction: Car rentals in Long Island, Andaman
Planning a laid-back island escape and searching for car rentals in Long Island, Andaman? Here’s the essential truth: Long Island is a tiny, pristine island in Middle Andaman with no road network for cars. That means you won’t find conventional car hire here. But that’s part of its charm—think jungle trails, glassy creeks, bicycle rides, boat trips to secret bays, and barefoot beach time at places like Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay.
This guide explains realistic transport options, how to reach, costs, where to stay, and the best experiences—so you can plan smartly even without a steering wheel.
Car Rentals and Local Transport on Long Island
Are car rentals available on Long Island?
No. There are no car rentals on Long Island, Andaman. The island is small, pedestrian-friendly, and mostly covered in reserve forest with footpaths and limited village tracks. Vehicles are not part of day-to-day travel here.
Best alternatives to car rentals
- Bicycles: Available through some guesthouses or local shops (daily hire). Ideal for the village and short trails.
- On foot: Popular trekking routes include the forest trail to Lalaji Bay.
- Boats: Hire local boats for Lalaji Bay (if sea conditions allow), Merk Bay (North Passage Island), and Guitar Island sandbar trips.
Getting around the Andaman main islands (before/after Long Island)
- Taxis with driver: Common on South/Middle Andaman (Port Blair, Rangat). Self-drive car rentals are generally unavailable in the Andamans.
- Two-wheelers: Scooters can be rented in Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep)—not on Long Island.
- Buses: Government and private buses run the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) to Rangat.
SEO note for clarity: If you’re searching “car rentals in Long Island Andaman” or “Long Island Andaman car hire,” plan for bikes, boats, and hikes on the island, and use taxis/buses only for mainland segments like Port Blair to Rangat.
How to Reach Long Island
- Step 1: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) – Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Step 2: Port Blair to Rangat (Yerrata Jetty)
- By road: 6–8 hours via ATR by bus or taxi with driver.
- By ferry (limited): Inter-island government ferries operate on changing schedules.
- Step 3: Ferry to Long Island
- From Yerrata Jetty (Rangat): Government ferries to Long Island (typically 1–1.5 hours; frequency varies).
- Occasional routes: Seasonal/occasional ferries from Havelock to Long Island may operate but are not guaranteed.
Tickets & schedules: Check the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) counters in Port Blair and Rangat. Schedules can change with weather and demand. Book in advance where possible.
Permits: Indian nationals generally do not require special permits for Long Island. Foreign nationals may require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued on arrival in Port Blair; always confirm current rules.
History and Importance
Long Island sits within the Middle Andaman group and is known for its serene village life, lush reserve forests, and sparkling beaches. Historically, the Andaman islands were touched by colonial-era activities and forestry; today, Long Island represents low-impact living where communities rely on small-scale fishing, forestry-linked livelihoods, and nature-based tourism. The island is valued for its biodiversity, mangroves, and reefs—making it one of the Andamans’ quieter, more eco-sensitive getaways.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April: Best weather, calmer seas—ideal for boat trips to Lalaji and Merk Bay, snorkeling, and trekking.
- May to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain and rough seas can disrupt ferries and boat excursions. Trails can be muddy.
Top Things to Do on Long Island
- Trek to Lalaji Bay: Forested trail to a stunning white-sand beach; alternatively, go by boat when conditions permit.
- Boat to Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Known for clear water and snorkeling on calm days.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: A photogenic sandbar accessible by boat; tides and weather dictate feasibility.
- Mangrove creek cruise: Glide through calm creeks and spot birdlife at dawn or dusk.
- Sunset at the Jetty: A simple, beautiful daily ritual with pastel skies and glassy water.
- Intertidal walks: Explore tidal pools; wear reef-safe gear and avoid touching marine life.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
- Rangat (Middle Andaman): Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, Aamkunj Beach, Yeratta Mangrove Viewpoint.
- North Passage Island: Merk Bay, snorkeling on calm days (from Long Island by boat).
- Guitar Island: Short boat excursion from Long Island, conditions permitting.
Accommodation Options
Long Island offers a handful of simple, eco-focused stays and basic guesthouses. Expect limited inventory and rustic charm.
- Eco-huts/guesthouses: Rustic cottages or huts close to nature.
- Government guesthouse (if operational): Bookings typically via local administrative channels.
Power & network: Electricity may be limited or on schedules; mobile data is patchy (BSNL works best; others are unreliable). No ATMs—carry cash.
Estimated Costs
- Port Blair to Rangat by bus: INR 300–600 per person (one way).
- Port Blair to Rangat by taxi with driver: INR 7,000–10,000 (one way, vehicle).
- Rangat (Yerrata) to Long Island ferry: INR 50–200 per person (one way; government ferry).
- Bicycle rental on Long Island: INR 200–400 per day.
- Boat to Lalaji Bay (charter): Approx. INR 1,500–2,500 per boat (round trip; varies by season/availability).
- Boat to Merk Bay/Guitar Island (charter): Approx. INR 4,000–7,000 per boat.
- Accommodation: INR 1,000–4,000 per night (double, depending on season and category).
- Meals: INR 200–450 per plate at local eateries/guesthouses.
Prices are indicative, seasonal, and subject to change. Always confirm locally.
Food, Shopping, and Local Culture
- Food: Simple island fare—fresh fish, rice, dal, seasonal veggies, and coconuts. Pre-order meals at your stay.
- Shopping: Minimal. A few basic stores in the village; no souvenir markets. Stock essentials in Port Blair or Rangat.
- Culture: A close-knit community with deep ties to the sea and forest. Keep noise low, dress modestly in the village, and ask before photographing people.
Essential Tips for Visiting Long Island
- No car rentals: Plan for walking, cycling, and boats. Hire taxis only for mainland segments (Port Blair–Rangat).
- Cash only: No ATMs; limited UPI/card reliability. Carry enough cash for the entire stay.
- Connectivity: Patchy network; download maps and keep offline copies of tickets/IDs.
- Safety: Check sea conditions before any boat trip; wear life jackets. Avoid isolated swims and respect currents.
- Eco-responsibility: Pack out all waste, use reef-safe sunscreen, and do not touch corals or wildlife.
- Permits & rules: Foreign nationals should verify RAP rules. Some areas may require local permissions—check with your stay/boatman.
- Health: Carry personal medication, motion-sickness tablets, and a small first-aid kit.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose centrally located stays to minimize walking with kids.
- Plan shorter boat trips (good weather only) and early starts to avoid midday heat.
- Pack snacks, electrolytes, hats, and insect repellent.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Time a private boat to Lalaji or Merk Bay for quieter hours.
- Book an eco-hut with privacy; confirm power backup and meal arrangements.
- Bring a stargazing app—night skies can be spectacular.
Friends/Backpackers
- Share bicycle rentals and boat charters to split costs.
- Attempt the Lalaji trail with proper footwear; return before dark.
- Carry a dry bag for gear on boat days and a headlamp for night walks.
Solo Travelers
- Inform your host of planned routes/return times.
- Stick to marked paths; avoid isolated swims.
- Keep emergency cash and a backup power bank.
FAQs: Car Rentals in Long Island Andaman
Q: Are there car rentals in Long Island, Andaman?
A: No. The island has no car rentals or road network for cars. Use bicycles, walking trails, and hired boats.
Q: Can I rent a car in Port Blair and drive to Long Island?
A: Self-drive rentals are uncommon in the Andamans. Most visitors hire taxis with drivers to Rangat, then take a ferry to Long Island. Cars do not operate on Long Island itself.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Long Island?
A: On foot for village areas and forest trails, bicycles for short distances, and local boat hires for Lalaji Bay, Merk Bay, or Guitar Island trips.
Q: When is the best time to visit Long Island?
A: October to April offers calmer seas and pleasant weather, ideal for treks and boat excursions. Monsoon months bring rain and possible ferry disruptions.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks available?
A: There are no ATMs on Long Island. Carry sufficient cash. Mobile coverage is limited; BSNL may work intermittently, while other networks are often unreliable.
Conclusion
Long Island, Andaman is designed for slow travel—no car rentals, no traffic, and no rush. Instead, you’ll wander forest trails to Lalaji Bay, charter small boats to Merk Bay and Guitar Island, and unwind in a quiet village by the sea. With careful planning around ferries, cash, simple stays, and the right season, you’ll experience one of the Andamans’ most peaceful corners exactly as it’s meant to be—naturally and unhurried.
