Cheapest Ferry in Andaman: How to Pay Less (2026)
The cheapest private ferry in Andaman is Green Ocean Economy at Rs 1,100 on the Port Blair to Havelock route. Government ferries cost even less — Rs 400 to Rs 700 — but their tourist seats are scarce and sell out fast. Here’s how the real cheapest options stack up, and how to actually pay less without ending up on a worse boat.
The cheapest private ferry: Green Ocean Economy
At Rs 1,100, Green Ocean Economy is the lowest private fare on Port Blair to Havelock. You give up some polish for the price — the vessel shows its age, and the crossing takes 2 hours instead of 90 minutes because Green Ocean cruises slower.
But that slower ride has two upsides. It’s smoother, which helps if you’re prone to seasickness. And Green Ocean 1 is the only Andaman ferry with an open deck — fresh air, open views, and sometimes a DJ playing. For Rs 1,100, that’s a lot of boat.
The government ferry: cheapest, with a catch
Government ferries run Port Blair to Havelock for roughly Rs 400 to Rs 700 — less than half the cheapest private fare. So why doesn’t everyone take them?
Because they’re built for residents, not tourists. The tourist seat quota is small, opens on the STARS portal about two days before sailing, and sells out within minutes in peak season. They’re also slower and far less comfortable. For most visitors, the government ferry is a nice idea that rarely works out in practice — see how it compares in our government vs private ferry guide.
Cheapest fares by operator
Here’s the lowest entry fare for each private operator on Port Blair to Havelock:
| Operator | Cheapest class | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Ocean | Economy | Rs 1,100 | Cheapest private; slower; open deck on GO1 |
| Makruzz | Premium | Rs 1,250 | Most reliable; most departures |
| Nautika | Luxury | Rs 1,250 | Best service onboard |
| ITT Majestic | Silver | Rs 1,564 | No fuel surcharge since May 2026 |
| Government | Standard | Rs 400–700 | Cheapest overall, but residents-first |
Add a Rs 50 service fee per sector to every private fare. Three operators also add a Rs 300 to Rs 350 fuel surcharge — ITT Majestic dropped its in May 2026, which narrows the gap between its Rs 1,564 Silver fare and the cheaper operators once surcharges are counted.
How to pay less
The fare you see isn’t the only thing you control. A few moves keep costs down:
- Book the lowest class. Economy or Premium gets you the same 90-minute crossing as a Royal cabin. You’re paying for deck position and seat comfort, not a faster boat.
- Book early. The cheapest classes sell out first in peak season. Last-minute often means only the expensive seats are left.
- Factor in surcharges. A headline fare with a Rs 350 fuel surcharge can cost more than a slightly higher fare without one. Compare the final total.
- Travel off-peak if you can. Demand and availability shift through the year — the cheapest classes are easier to get outside the October-to-May rush. Check the best time to visit Andaman for the trade-offs.
Compare every operator’s final price side by side on the Port Blair to Havelock ferry route page.
Is the cheapest ferry worth it?
Mostly, yes — with one honest caveat. The cheapest crossing gets you to the same island at the same time of day as the priciest one. On a calm morning, Green Ocean Economy is a perfectly good ride, and the open deck is something the pricier enclosed ferries can’t offer.
The trade-offs are real but small: a slightly older vessel, a slower journey, and basic seating. If you want barista coffee, the freshest cabin, or a private upper-deck spot, you’ll pay more on Nautika or Makruzz Royal. But if your goal is to reach Havelock for the least money, Green Ocean Economy is the answer — and the government ferry only if you’re lucky with the quota.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest ferry in Andaman?
Green Ocean Economy at Rs 1,100 is the cheapest private ferry on Port Blair to Havelock. Government ferries cost less (Rs 400 to Rs 700) but have very limited tourist seats that sell out fast, so they’re rarely available to visitors in practice.
Is the government ferry cheaper than private ferries?
Yes, government ferries cost Rs 400 to Rs 700 versus Rs 1,100-plus for private. But they’re meant for residents, with a small tourist quota that opens two days before sailing and sells out within minutes in peak season. They’re also slower and less comfortable.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Havelock?
The cheapest realistic option is Green Ocean Economy at Rs 1,100. Book the lowest class, book early before cheap seats sell out, and compare final prices including the Rs 50 service fee and any fuel surcharge. The government ferry is cheaper but rarely available to tourists.
Why do Andaman ferry prices vary so much?
Prices vary by operator, class, and surcharges. A basic Economy seat and a private Royal cabin make the same crossing, but differ in deck position, seat comfort, and food. Three operators add a fuel surcharge; ITT Majestic dropped its in May 2026.