Govt Ferry Port Blair to Havelock: Fare 2026-27 (from Rs 460)

Government Ferry vs Private Ferry: Complete Andaman Islands Guide 2026

Government Ferry Andaman: Quick Answer

Government ferry Andaman services are run by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) and booked separately from private ferries, on the STARS portal. For visitors, the official 2026–27 fare from Port Blair to Havelock starts at Rs 460 for a deck place and Rs 700 for a seat, and depends on the vessel and class; residents of the islands pay a lower fare. These are the fares in the DSS fare order in force from 1 April 2026, before taxes and port charges.

The key difference beyond pricing: government ferries operated by Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) are the ONLY way to reach remote islands like Long Island, Rangat, and Diglipur that private operators skip entirely.

Here’s what surprises most travelers: government vs private ferry andaman choice isn’t just about budget. Government ferries serve 15+ routes while private operators cover only 4-5 profitable tourist corridors. But government ferries are primarily meant for local island residents — tourist seat allocation is limited, and during busy periods, your chances of securing one are slim. Private operators are the realistic option for most visitors planning a fixed itinerary, so understanding both systems matters for smart ferry planning.

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For a snapshot of typical DSS sailing times alongside every private departure, see the government ferry (DSS) schedule section of our timetable page.

How Much Do Government Ferries Cost vs Private Ferries?

Government ferry Andaman fares are fixed each year by the Directorate of Shipping Services. The fare depends on three things: the sector, the type of vessel that sails it, and whether the passenger is a resident of the islands (“islander”) or not. Visitors pay the non-islander fare.

Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), fares for visitors, 2026–27:

Source: Directorate of Shipping Services, Order No. 216 of 26 February 2026, “Revised Passenger fares for the FY 2026-27”, in force from 1 April 2026, read on 5 October 2026. Fares exclude taxes and port charges. The order prints the Kalighat-type row for this sector as “Dweep”.

The same order gives the same fares from Port Blair to Neil (Shaheed Dweep) on the first two vessel types, and for Havelock to Neil: Rs 700 (seat), Rs 970 (chair) and Rs 1,200 (bunk) on the North Passage, Bambooka and Rangat type, and Rs 460 to Rs 1,495 on the Bharat Seema and Sentinel type.

Islander fares on the Port Blair to Havelock sector run from Rs 80 to Rs 615 on the same vessels; for example Rs 100 for a seat on the Bambooka type.

How that compares with a private ferry. When we checked the operators on 5 October 2026, private fares from Port Blair to Havelock ran from Rs 1,050 (Green Ocean Economy) to Rs 3,500 (Makruzz Royal) before the Rs 50 port fee and fuel surcharge; the lowest private total was Rs 1,400. See the Andaman ferry prices guide for every route.

Which vessel sails on a given day, and so which fare applies, is shown on STARS when you book. The fare order does not say how many places are kept for visitors.

Government tourist availability can be limited. Check the current allocation and release notice; no sell-out interval is verified here.

Hidden Costs and Peak Season Surcharges

BookYourFerry’s private-ferry checkout currently adds a Rs 50 port fee per passenger, per leg. This does not establish the fees on government tickets: check those separately with DSS/STARS.

For private tickets, compare the selected fare plus the displayed port fees and applicable fuel surcharge, less any applied discount. Our checkout does not add a separate flat GST percentage; invoice-level tax treatment is not established by these reference fares. Seasonal pricing can already be reflected in the selected sailing. See the fare and checkout breakdown, and use DSS/STARS for government fares and conditions.

For BookYourFerry bookings: our published passenger cancellation policy states that an operator cancellation for weather or technical reasons qualifies for a 100% refund including all fees, or a free reschedule. This guide does not change that BYF commitment. Operator-direct and government ticket conditions are separate and need confirmation.

Government and private cancellation conditions should be checked separately. Read BookYourFerry’s published passenger cancellation policy for BYF bookings and ask support about the selected operator’s terms. Government refund and transfer rules need current DSS/STARS confirmation.

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How to Book Government Ferry Tickets (Step-by-Step Guide)

Govt ferry booking: Start with the official DSS site for STARS e-ticketing and counter instructions. Check the current route-specific booking notice rather than relying on older portal hours or release times.

See our step-by-step STARS e-ticketing guide for login and checking the current release notice and tourist availability.

Release timing: Confirm the opening date and time for your route and passenger category in the current DSS/STARS notice. We have not verified a universal release hour or advance-booking window.

Booking requirements:

• Valid email ID for registration
• Mobile number for OTP verification
• Photo ID details matching exactly (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, driving license)
• Payment method (debit/credit card, net banking, UPI)

Step-by-step process:

1. Create STARS account well in advance — don’t wait until booking day
2. Log in before the release time in the current DSS/STARS notice; follow the portal’s instructions
3. Select route and choose “Tourist” category
4. Pick vessel (MV Coral Queen most preferred with well-maintained facilities)
5. Complete payment immediately — sessions timeout quickly

Availability depends on the current tourist allocation and demand. A stated release time is not a promise that seats will be available.

Backup options: Physical counters at Phoenix Bay Jetty (6 AM - 1 PM) or Aberdeen Jetty (2 PM - 5 PM), but expect long queues.

STARS e-ticketing walkthrough →

STARS Portal Navigation Tips

The STARS portal crashes during peak booking times due to high traffic. Have multiple devices ready and keep trying if you encounter errors.

Common booking mistakes include ID name mismatches (causes boarding denials), so double-check spelling. “No seats available” might mean checking different vessels on the same route.

Follow the portal’s payment instructions and any displayed session timer. Save the issued ticket when it becomes available; if it is missing, check booking status and contact support before paying again.

Government Ferry Routes vs Private Ferry Coverage

Government ferry Andaman services cover 15+ routes across the islands while private operators stick to 4-5 profitable tourist corridors. This isn’t just about remote destinations — government ferries run cargo-passenger combinations serving local communities year-round.

Port Blair to Havelock Government Ferry

Direct answer: the government ferry from Port Blair to Havelock costs a visitor from Rs 460 (deck) or Rs 700 (seat) in 2026–27, depending on the vessel, before taxes and port charges. It leaves from Phoenix Bay Jetty and is booked on STARS. See our ferry schedule guide for planning context.

How to book Port Blair to Havelock government ferry online: Follow the STARS link from the official DSS site, check the current booking notice, log in, select an available route/date, enter passenger details, review the total and follow the payment instructions. Save the issued ticket.

Government Ferry Havelock to Port Blair (return): the fare order sets the fare by sector, so the fares above are the ones for this sector. Check STARS for the return sailing on your date, its vessel and its booking release.

Port Blair to Neil Island Government Ferry

For Port Blair to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), the 2026–27 fare for visitors is Rs 700 (seat), Rs 970 (chair) or Rs 1,200 (bunk) on the North Passage, Bambooka and Rangat type, and Rs 460 to Rs 1,495 on the Bharat Seema and Sentinel type, before taxes and port charges. Check STARS for the sailings on your date. Check live private inventory rather than assuming a direct private service exists; for a connection via Havelock, see our Havelock to Neil Island ferry guide.

Routes ONLY Government Ferries Cover:

• Port Blair to Long Island (3 weekly, 130+ nautical miles)
• Port Blair to Rangat Bay (4-5 weekly)
• Port Blair to Diglipur (130 nautical miles, ~6 hours 15 minutes, 2 weekly)
• Port Blair to Little Andaman (weekly)
• Baratang via Middle Strait
• Inter-island cargo routes

Private Ferry Tourist Routes:

• Port Blair to Havelock ferry (10+ daily across 4 operators)
• Havelock to Neil Island (6-8 daily)
• Neil to Port Blair (4-5 daily)
• Port Blair to Neil (IMPORTANT: NO direct private service currently available)

Critical detail many miss: While all major private operators run direct Neil to Port Blair services daily, NONE currently offer direct Port Blair to Neil service. To reach Neil from Port Blair via private ferry, you must take the standard route: Port Blair → Havelock (90 min) → Neil Island (45-60 min), requiring two separate tickets.

Journey time differences are significant. Port Blair to Havelock takes 2-2.5 hours on government ferries versus 75-90 minutes on fast catamarans like Nautika (~90 minutes at 30 knots) or Makruzz (~90 minutes at 30-32 knots). About 80 minutes into a fast ferry crossing, the deep blue of the open Bay of Bengal gives way to shallower turquoise water, and Havelock appears as a lush green silhouette — one of the most memorable visual moments of any Andaman trip.

For Long Island or Diglipur exploration? Government ferry andaman service is your only option.

How Does the Comfort Compare Between Government and Private Ferries?

The comfort gap between government vs private ferry andaman options is substantial. Government ferries like MV Coral Queen offer basic padded seats and limited AC sections. Private ferries like Makruzz Gold provide airline-style reclining seats with full climate control.

Government Ferry Realities:

• Seating: Basic cushioned benches or plastic chairs
• Capacity: 400-500 passengers (crowded during peak times)
• AC: Limited to certain decks/sections
• Toilets: 4-6 basic facilities, can develop queues
• Food: Confirm refreshment inclusions for the selected vessel and class before booking. Current meal entitlements, cafeteria availability and catering arrangements are not verified consistently enough here to promise complimentary food or a named caterer.
• Entertainment: None (some have old TVs)
• Open deck: Yes, great for fresh air but sea breeze gets cold

Private Ferry Standards:

• Seating: Aircraft-style with seat belts (Premium) to luxury recliners (Royal class). ITT Majestic stands out with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows — passengers with window seats tend to have phones pressed against the glass within the first ten minutes
• Capacity: 200-400 passengers with strict limits
• AC: Full vessel climate control — cool but manageable with a light layer (not the “Arctic blast” some reviews claim)
• Toilets: 8-12 modern facilities with running water and soap
• Food: Full cafeterias on all vessels; only Makruzz Royal class includes a complimentary sandwich + drink — all other classes buy from the onboard café
• Entertainment: LED TVs showing movies/music
• Open deck: Only Green Ocean 1 among private operators — Makruzz, Nautika, and ITT Majestic are all fully enclosed

Safety-wise, both meet Indian Register of Shipping standards. Government ferries carry more life jackets (500+) due to higher capacity, while private ferries feature modern navigation systems and regular Singapore/Malaysia dry-dock maintenance.

The real difference? Space and reliability. Government ferries pack more people leading to cramped conditions during peak season, while private ferries maintain passenger limits strictly with guaranteed departure times.

Having traveled on all four private operators multiple times, here’s what stands out: Makruzz runs the most organized boarding operation at Haddo Jetty — more ground staff means smoother check-in even during peak morning rushes when hundreds of passengers converge at once. ITT Majestic’s lean crew can feel rushed and impersonal by comparison. Nautika’s service culture is consistently the most professional across both their vessels. And Green Ocean’s open deck on GO1 offers something no other private ferry can — fresh air, panoramic views, and on good days, a full-on DJ party atmosphere that transforms the crossing into an experience rather than just transport. (Government ferries also have open deck areas, though without the party vibe.)

Government Ferry Vessel Details

The government fleet includes MV Coral Queen (newest, best maintained), MV Bambooka, MV Kalighat, MV Nalanda, and MV Strait Islander. Coral Queen offers cushioned seats, partially air-conditioned decks, and cleaner toilets than older DSS fleet vessels.

Facilities vary dramatically by vessel. Coral Queen has a basic canteen with tea, coffee, snacks, and simple meals (Rs 20-100). Older vessels might only provide water access.

Must-have items for government ferry comfort:

• Light jacket (sea breeze and AC sections get cold)
• Own water bottle and snacks (single-use plastic banned)
• Toilet paper (sometimes runs out)
• Motion sickness medication
• Power bank (no charging points)
• Cushion for hard seats on older vessels

When Do Government Ferry Tickets Open for Booking?

Government ticket release dates and times must be checked in the current DSS/STARS notice for the route and passenger category. Older fixed-hour and two-day claims are not verified for your sailing.

Private-ferry booking windows depend on the released inventory. Search your dates and compare final totals; early booking does not guarantee a particular discount.

Peak season patterns (December 20 - January 5):

• Government ferry: Check current tourist allocation and release instructions
• Private ferry: Check available sailings early if your itinerary is fixed; sell-out timing varies

Smart booking timeline:

• When dates are fixed: Search private inventory for suitable released sailings
• After booking: Follow the reconfirmation instructions on your ticket
• Before a government release: Check current DSS/STARS eligibility, dates and times
• Before travel: Recheck departure and boarding instructions; last-minute discounts are not guaranteed

Do not rely on an assumed counter allocation or last-minute fare reduction. Ask the operator or DSS about actual availability before changing confirmed plans.

View Current Ferry Schedules →

Which Ferry Should You Choose? Decision Framework

After analyzing thousands of traveler patterns, clear scenarios emerge for government vs private ferry andaman selection. Budget backpackers during off-season prefer government ferries despite booking challenges. Families with children overwhelmingly choose private for reliability and comfort.

Choose Government Ferry When:

• Traveling to remote islands like Long Island or Diglipur (no alternative)
• Your current government quote fits your budget and the available sailing fits your itinerary
• Visiting during off-season (June-September) with flexible dates
• You enjoy authentic local experiences over comfort
• Transporting vehicles between islands

Choose Private Ferry When:

• Fixed itinerary with confirmed hotel bookings
• Traveling with elderly or young children
• Peak season travel (October-May) when reliability matters most
• Prefer a particular journey duration or cabin; no operator guarantees a symptom-free crossing
• Want guaranteed departure times
• Prefer booking certainty months ahead

Real scenarios: December family trip with grandparents? Book Makruzz Royal (Rs 2,940+, confirm cabin and refreshment inclusions) or Nautika Royal (Rs 2,250, modern catamaran). Solo traveler in September exploring Long Island? Government ferry is your only option. Couple on moderate budget in November? Try govt ferry booking first, ITT Majestic Silver (Rs 1,850) as backup.

Emergency Planning Considerations

Always screenshot private ferry operators’ WhatsApp numbers. During weather disruptions, private operators communicate better via SMS/WhatsApp alerts. Government ferry updates come slowly through official DSS channels.

Weather cancellation procedures differ significantly:

• Government: Announcement at jetty, minimal advance notice
• Private: SMS/WhatsApp alerts 2-4 hours before departure

Smart monsoon travel strategy: Book morning government ferries (fewer afternoon storms) with afternoon private backup. Always maintain 2-3 buffer days for weather delays during June-September monsoon season.

What Happens if You Need to Cancel Your Ferry Ticket?

Government cancellation, transfer and operator-cancellation rules need confirmation from DSS/STARS for the ticket you select. Do not assume either a refund or a blanket no-refund rule from older guide copy.

Private operator cancellation policies: Ask support to confirm the selected ticket’s cancellation deadlines, deductions and refundable fee components. Read BookYourFerry’s published passenger cancellation policy separately from operator-specific terms. Current operator refund rules and invoice-level GST treatment are awaiting confirmation; this guide does not establish either. For a no-show or a requested date change, check the applicable ticket conditions before relying on a refund or reschedule. For a weather or technical cancellation, contact support for the available options and the amount, method and timing of any refund.

During monsoons (June-September), government ferries face schedule disruptions with trips merged or cancelled, but they resume faster since vessels are built for rougher seas. Private operators cancel for passenger comfort even in moderate swells.

Monsoon season considerations:

• Government ferries continue operating in conditions where private ferries cancel
• Makruzz sometimes suspends service in July-August if traveler inflow is low
• Morning departures generally face fewer weather disruptions
• Always add 2 buffer days to monsoon itineraries

Smart monsoon strategy: Book morning government ferries with afternoon private backups. Keep 2-3 buffer days for potential weather delays.

Frequently Asked Questions: Government vs Private Ferries

How much cheaper are government ferries compared to private options?

From Port Blair to Havelock, a visitor’s government fare in 2026–27 starts at Rs 460 (deck) or Rs 700 (seat), before taxes and port charges. The lowest private fare we found on 5 October 2026 was Rs 1,050, or Rs 1,400 with the port fee and fuel surcharge. So a seat on a Bambooka-type government ferry costs about half the lowest private total. Places for visitors are limited, so check STARS before you plan around it.

Can I book government ferry tickets online in advance?

Government tickets are booked through DSS/STARS or the counters identified in the current DSS instructions. Check the announced release date and time for your route and passenger category; this guide does not verify a universal release hour, advance window or sell-out interval.

Do government ferries serve the same destinations as private ferries?

No — and this is a key distinction. Government ferry andaman services reach ALL inter-island routes including Long Island (3 weekly), Rangat (4-5 weekly), Diglipur (2 weekly), Baratang, and Little Andaman that private ferries completely skip. Private ferries only connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island on profitable tourist routes.

What’s the actual journey time difference between ferry types?

Port Blair to Havelock takes 2-2.5 hours on government ferries versus 75-90 minutes on private catamarans. Nautika is fastest at ~90 minutes (30 knots), followed by Makruzz at ~90 minutes (30-32 knots). That extra hour matters significantly for seasickness-prone travelers or tight itineraries.

Are foreigners allowed to book government ferries?

International travellers should confirm current passenger-category eligibility, documentation and release instructions with DSS/STARS before relying on a government booking. Do not infer an advance window or permit requirement from older guide copy.

Will I experience more seasickness on government ferries?

Conditions and individual sensitivity vary on government and private ferries. No operator guarantees a symptom-free crossing. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about precautions and any medicine, and follow crew instructions.

How quickly do government ferry tickets sell out during peak season?

Availability depends on the current allocation and demand. We have not verified a fixed sell-out interval or release hour. Follow the current DSS/STARS notice and keep a fallback itinerary until your ticket is confirmed.

What happens if weather cancels my government ferry?

Check the current DSS/STARS instructions if a government sailing is cancelled. Ask which alternatives and refund conditions apply to that ticket; this guide does not promise a refund, deny one or guarantee a place on another sailing. Allow contingency time before onward travel.

Can I get last-minute government ferry tickets?

Sometimes. No-shows create last-minute availability — reach counters 2 hours before departure to check. General category tickets (if tourist quota full) might be available for some routes. Don’t plan trips assuming last-minute govt ferry booking availability — it’s pure chance, especially for popular routes during peak season.

Are government ferries as safe as private ferry operators?

Both meet Indian Register of Shipping safety standards mandated by maritime authorities. Government ferries are older but maintained to regulatory requirements and carry more life jackets due to higher capacity. Private ferries feature modern navigation systems and undergo international maintenance standards. Accident rates remain similarly low for both types.

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