Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Taxi Services in Andaman at a Glance
- Top Cities and Places in Andaman
- Tourist Circuits and Typical Taxi Routes
- Activities You Can Cover by Taxi
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Itineraries Using Taxis
- How to Reach Andaman
- Estimated Taxi Costs and Budget Tips
- Airport and Jetty Transfers
- Inter-Island Travel, Permits and Restrictions
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs about Taxi Services in Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning your Andaman trip and wondering how to get around? Taxis are the most convenient way to explore Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), Baratang, and even the far-flung North Andaman. With no app cabs on the islands and places spread out beyond walkable distances, a reliable taxi makes your beach hops, jetty transfers, and day trips seamless.
This guide explains how taxi services in Andaman work, realistic costs, the best circuits to cover by car, and practical tips for families, couples, and friends.
Taxi Services in Andaman at a Glance
- No Ola/Uber: App cabs are not available across the islands.
- Island-specific taxis: Vehicles cannot travel between islands; hire separate taxis on Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, etc.
- Easy airport access: A prepaid taxi counter operates at Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair).
- Vehicle types: AC hatchbacks/sedans, SUVs/MUVs (Ertiga, Xylo, Innova), and vans for groups.
- Self-drive: Limited availability on Port Blair; more common to rent two-wheelers on Havelock/Neil. Chauffeur-driven taxis dominate.
- Peak season: October–May is high season with higher demand and rates; monsoon (June–September) can affect road and sea schedules.
- Payment: Cash and UPI are common in Port Blair; carry some cash for Havelock/Neil and remote areas due to patchy networks.
- Eco rules: Some stretches (like the route past protected reserves) have speed/photography restrictions and controlled timings.
Top Cities and Places in Andaman
Port Blair (Capital)
The entry point for most visitors. Taxis are ideal for city circuits and sunset points.
- Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu (sunset), Wandoor
- Anthropological, Samudrika & Fisheries Museums
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Iconic beaches and water activities. Taxis cover jetty transfers and beach loops.
- Radhanagar Beach (No. 7), Kalapathar Beach
- Elephant Beach access point (boat/trek start)
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Compact and scenic; taxis or scooters suit quick island tours.
- Laxmanpur I & II (sunset), Bharatpur (snorkeling), Sitapur (sunrise)
Baratang
Famous for Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano. Access passes through protected forest with regulated timings; hire registered taxis or shared vehicles from Port Blair.
North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
Quieter stretches, scenic beaches, and Ross & Smith twin islands. Best covered by multi-day taxi hires due to distances.
Tourist Circuits and Typical Taxi Routes
- Port Blair City Loop (half-day): Cellular Jail → Corbyn’s Cove → Flag Point/Aquarium → Aberdeen Bazaar. 20–30 km.
- Port Blair Sunset Loop (evening): Chidiya Tapu via hills; plan 3–4 hours.
- Wandoor/Marine Park (half/full-day): Port Blair hotel → Wandoor Jetty (for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin boat) → return. ~50–60 km round trip.
- Baratang Day Trip: Port Blair → Jirkatang → Baratang → Limestone Caves/Mud Volcano → return. 220–260 km round trip with regulated forest stretch; early start required.
- Havelock 3-Point Loop: Jetty → Radhanagar → Kalapathar → market area. ~35–45 km.
- Neil Island Highlights: Jetty → Bharatpur → Laxmanpur → Sitapur → Jetty/Hotel. ~20–25 km.
- North Andaman Road Trip (2–3 days): Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith) → return or fly back. 600–750 km total depending on itinerary.
Activities You Can Cover by Taxi
- Beach hopping: Radhanagar, Kalapathar, Laxmanpur, Wandoor, Corbyn’s Cove.
- Nature and viewpoints: Chidiya Tapu sunset, Mount Harriet access via ferry + taxi from Bamboo Flat side.
- Museums and heritage: Cellular Jail, Samudrika, Fisheries, Anthropological Museum.
- Adventure bases: Taxi to jetties/starting points for scuba, snorkeling, sea walk, and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Day excursions: Baratang Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano; North Bay and Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) via boat with taxi drop/pickup at jetty.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, typically January): Cultural shows, food, and crafts; taxis help with late-evening venue transfers.
- Beach festivals/pop-ups (seasonal): At Corbyn’s Cove or Havelock market area during peak months.
- Subhash Mela (Diglipur, usually January): Local fairs and performances; plan multi-day taxi hire if attending.
Note: Dates and venues can change year-to-year; confirm locally before planning.
Sample Itineraries Using Taxis
3 Days: Port Blair Essentials
- Day 1: Airport → Hotel → Cellular Jail + Light & Sound → dinner run. Taxi: 15–25 km.
- Day 2: Wandoor Marine Park/Jolly Buoy boat (drop & pick) → evening Chidiya Tapu. Taxi: 60–80 km.
- Day 3: Ross Island + North Bay boat (jetty transfers) → Corbyn’s Cove. Taxi: 20–30 km.
5 Days: Port Blair + Havelock
- Day 1: Port Blair city loop.
- Day 2: Wandoor or Baratang (early start if Baratang).
- Day 3: Morning ferry to Havelock → taxi to Radhanagar for sunset.
- Day 4: Elephant Beach boat point transfer → Kalapathar → market.
- Day 5: Jetty transfer → ferry to Port Blair → airport drop.
7 Days: Add Neil + North Andaman Option
- Day 1–2: Port Blair (city + Wandoor/Baratang).
- Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Kalapathar, activities).
- Day 5: Neil Island highlights; evening ferry to Port Blair.
- Day 6–7: North Andaman (Diglipur/Ross & Smith) with overnight; return.
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (schedules vary seasonally).
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day voyages). Limited schedules; plan well in advance.
- Inter-Island: Government and private ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock, Neil, Baratang (road + boat), and North Andaman. Book early in peak months.
Estimated Taxi Costs and Budget Tips
Typical Taxi Costs (indicative, per car)
- Airport (Port Blair) → Aberdeen Bazaar/hotel: ₹250–₹450 via prepaid counter.
- Port Blair city 3–4 hour loop: ₹1,200–₹1,800 (sedan), ₹1,600–₹2,400 (SUV).
- Full-day hire Port Blair (8 hr/80 km): ₹2,500–₹3,200 (sedan), ₹3,200–₹4,200 (SUV); extra km/hrs chargeable.
- Port Blair → Wandoor (one-way, ~25 km): ₹1,200–₹1,800; round-trip with waiting: add ₹150–₹250/hour.
- Baratang day trip (private): ₹7,000–₹10,000+ depending on vehicle and inclusions (permits/boat not always included).
- Havelock Jetty → Radhanagar: ₹600–₹1,000 one-way; round-trip with waiting: ₹1,200–₹1,800.
- Havelock full-day (8 hr/80 km): ₹2,500–₹3,500; Neil 3-point tour: ₹800–₹1,200.
- North Andaman multi-day hire: ₹4,500–₹6,500 per day (SUV/MUV) + driver night allowance ₹300–₹500.
- Two-wheeler rentals (Havelock/Neil): ₹500–₹800 per day + fuel (helmet usually included).
Notes: Prices vary by season, fuel, and demand. Night/early-morning surcharges (often 20–30%) and parking/toll/permit fees may apply. Always confirm waiting charges and extra km rates upfront.
Budget Tips
- Combine sights in the same direction to minimize backtracking.
- Use half-day packages for city/beach loops; book point-to-point for jetty drops.
- On small islands, consider scooters for short hops; use taxis for sunset/late returns.
- Share cabs for Baratang/North Andaman if you’re solo or a couple to reduce costs.
- Pre-book for sunrise/sunset slots and early ferries; availability is tighter then.
Airport and Jetty Transfers
- Airport → City: 10–15 minutes to central Port Blair; prepaid taxis available at arrivals.
- Port Blair jetties: Phoenix Bay/Haddo for private ferries; Government Ferry terminals vary—ask your operator which gate and plan a buffer.
- Island jetties (Havelock/Neil): Taxis wait outside; during peak arrivals, pre-arranged pickups avoid queues.
- Time buffers: Keep 30–45 minutes buffer for airport returns; 45–60 minutes for ferry check-ins.
Inter-Island Travel, Permits and Restrictions
- Separate taxis per island: You cannot take the same vehicle across islands; book local taxis at each stop.
- Protected forest stretch (en route to Baratang/North Andaman): Travel is regulated with speed/stop rules and specific timings. Current procedures can change; your taxi operator will advise the latest.
- Permits: Most popular islands are open to domestic and foreign tourists without special permits. Tribal/reserved areas remain off-limits. Carry valid government ID; foreigners should keep passport/visa handy for checks.
- Photography restrictions: Strictly no photography or interaction in/near protected tribal reserves; heavy penalties apply.
- Monsoon adjustments: Adverse weather may alter ferry and road timings; plan flexible transfers.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Budget lodges near Aberdeen Bazaar; mid-range and boutique stays across Phoenix Bay/Marine Hill; premium resorts along outskirt beaches. Choose based on proximity to jetties if you have early ferries.
- Havelock: Beachside resorts near Radhanagar or Govind Nagar; a mix of cabana-style stays and boutique hotels.
- Neil: Intimate resorts and homestays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; compact distances make taxi or scooter commutes short.
- North Andaman: Basic to mid-range guesthouses in Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur; book taxis with your stay for early Ross & Smith connections.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, prawns, crab, squid; vegetarian thalis widely available.
- Cuisines: Coastal Indian with Bengali, South Indian, and island influences; cafés popular in Havelock/Port Blair.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Spices, handicrafts, shell-inspired art. Avoid purchasing corals or items from protected species.
- Havelock/Neil markets: Small boutiques, beachwear, local snacks.
Culture & Etiquette
- Eco-sensitivity: Carry refillable bottles; dispose of waste responsibly.
- Respect restrictions: No drones or flash in sensitive zones; observe beach safety flags.
- Dress: Light, breathable clothing; carry a cover-up for evenings and boat rides.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Child seats are rarely provided—bring a portable booster if needed.
- Opt for SUVs/MUVs for stroller and luggage space.
- Schedule beach time in the morning; save short drives for nap hours.
Honeymooners
- Time your taxi for golden-hour photos at Radhanagar and Chidiya Tapu.
- Book private, full-day hires to move at your pace and add impromptu stops.
- Confirm late return surcharges for romantic dinners by the beach.
Friends/Groups
- Choose MUVs; per-person cost drops significantly.
- Combine water activities on the same side of the island to cut rides.
- For Baratang/North Andaman, compare private vs shared costs; shared jeeps can be economical.
FAQs about Taxi Services in Andaman
Q: Are Ola or Uber available in Andaman?
A: No. App-based cabs do not operate in Andaman. Use local taxis arranged via stands, hotels, or operators, or hire by the day.
Q: Can I use the same taxi across multiple islands?
A: No. Vehicles cannot be transported on passenger ferries. You’ll need separate taxis on Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and other islands.
Q: How much is a taxi from Port Blair Airport to the city or jetty?
A: To central hotels: typically ₹250–₹450 via the prepaid counter. To Phoenix Bay/Haddo jetties: usually ₹350–₹700 depending on distance and time.
Q: Do taxis provide child seats or roof racks?
A: Child seats are uncommon; bring your own booster if required. Roof racks are rare—book a larger vehicle for surf/photography gear.
Q: Is it easy to get taxis late at night or for sunrise trips?
A: Early morning and late-night availability is limited. Pre-book and expect possible surcharges for off-hour pickups.
Conclusion
Taxis are the most dependable way to explore the Andaman Islands, from city heritage loops and sunset points in Port Blair to beach circuits on Havelock and Neil, and even the long scenic drives to Baratang and North Andaman. With island-specific hires, realistic cost expectations, and a little pre-planning around ferry timings and protected areas, you can move smoothly between adventures and make the most of your time on these remarkable islands.
