Neil Island to Port Blair Ferry 2026: All 4 Operators Compared

Neil Island to Port Blair Ferry 2026: All 4 Operators Run Direct (Pick the Right One for Your Flight)

The Neil Island to Port Blair ferry is the easiest direction in the Andaman ferry network — and it’s the inverse of the outbound. Where Port Blair to Neil has no direct private service in 2026, the return direction is covered by all four private operators (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic) plus the government ferry. Multiple daily departures, full schedule flexibility, and a 75-120 minute crossing depending on operator. The hard part isn’t finding a ferry — it’s matching the right departure to your Port Blair flight time.

Quick answer if you’re in a hurry: Most travelers should book the 11:30 AM Makruzz Premium (Rs 1,550, ~90 min, arrives Port Blair around 1:00 PM) for late-afternoon flights, or the 9:00 AM Nautika Luxury (Rs 1,100, ~90 min, arrives ~10:30 AM) for early-afternoon flights with airport buffer. Compare current schedules and book on BookYourFerry.

TL;DR Key Takeaways:

• All 4 private operators (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic) run direct Neil → Port Blair
• 8-10 daily private departures combined in peak season (vs 1 govt ferry)
• Journey time: 75 minutes (Nautika Pro), 90 minutes (Makruzz, Nautika, ITT), 120 minutes (Green Ocean)
• Fares: Rs 725 (government), Rs 1,050-1,550 (private economy/luxury), up to Rs 3,400 (Nautika Pro Business)
• Latest practical departure: 3:30 PM Makruzz (arrives Port Blair ~5:00 PM)
• For Port Blair flights after 7 PM: book any operator, schedule has plenty of options
• For Port Blair flights before 4 PM: book a morning departure, no afternoon ferry will get you there in time

Check live Neil → Port Blair return ferry availability →

Why the Return Direction Has Better Coverage Than the Outbound

If you’ve already read our Port Blair to Neil Island ferry guide, you know the asymmetry: no direct private service on the outbound. Travelers heading TO Neil from Port Blair route via Havelock or take the limited government ferry. Coming back is a different story entirely.

The economics behind this asymmetry come down to vessel deployment. Private operators run their fleets on overnight rotations — vessels start the day at one terminal and end it at another. The morning shift moves them from Havelock or Neil back to Port Blair, where they pick up the heavy outbound demand to Havelock. By afternoon, vessels are positioned to either return to Havelock or stay at Neil for the next morning’s return.

For the traveler, this means: morning and early-afternoon Neil → Port Blair sailings are abundant. Late afternoon options thin out. The last practical private return is the 3:30 PM Makruzz, arriving Port Blair around 5:00 PM. Anything later and you’re stuck on Neil until the next morning.

A second asymmetry: all operators charge similar fares both directions on the same route, despite the schedule imbalance. You’re not paying a premium for the return direction’s better coverage. Compare the Port Blair to Havelock ferry and Havelock to Port Blair ferry fares — they match within Rs 50-100 across operators.

Makruzz Neil to Port Blair Schedule and Class Options

Makruzz runs two to three daily Neil → Port Blair departures depending on the season, more than any other operator on this return leg. Their fleet covers the route at 30-32 knots with consistent 90-minute crossings. Read our full Makruzz ferry review for class-by-class breakdown across all routes.

The standard Neil → Port Blair departures cluster around late morning to mid-afternoon: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. The 11:30 AM is the most-booked Makruzz return because it gives travelers a full morning on Neil (sunrise at Sitapur Beach, breakfast, beach time) before catching the ferry back. The 3:30 PM is your latest practical departure across all operators — useful if you want maximum Neil time but have a Port Blair flight after 7:30 PM.

Premium Class at Rs 1,550 is the standard return ticket. Aircraft-style seating, working AC, panoramic windows, and a 90-minute journey. Baggage allowance is 10-15 kg with free seat selection at check-in. Same vessel, same comfort as the outbound — Makruzz’s fleet (MV Makruzz, MV Makruzz Gold, MV Makruzz Pearl) rotates through the Port Blair-Havelock-Neil triangle.

Deluxe Class at Rs 1,750-1,850 puts you on the upper deck with wider seats, more legroom, and priority boarding. Deluxe does NOT include any complimentary food or refreshments despite what some booking aggregators claim. You buy from the cafeteria like Premium passengers. The upgrade is comfort and view, not food.

Royal Class at Rs 2,500-3,500 is Makruzz’s only class with included food: a complimentary sandwich and a drink (hot or cold). Plus the forward upper deck position with best stability and views. Honestly overkill for the 75-90 minute return — better value on the outbound when you have time to enjoy it.

Add Rs 50 Port Security Fee at Bharatpur Jetty + Rs 325 fuel surcharge per passenger.

Nautika and Nautika Pro Return Sailings

Nautika runs two to three daily Neil → Port Blair return ferries, the second-most on this leg after Makruzz. Both the original Nautika and the newer Nautika Pro operate the return route, with Pro adding business-class amenities. Read our full Nautika ferry review for vessel comparison and class details.

Standard return departures are 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:30 PM (the Pro slot). The 9:00 AM is the earliest practical Neil → Port Blair departure — useful for travelers with afternoon Port Blair flights who want maximum airport buffer. Nautika’s check-in at Bharatpur Jetty closes 30 minutes before sailing, and the jetty gets crowded during peak season morning rushes.

Luxury Class at Rs 1,100 is Nautika’s entry-level return ticket and the cheapest comfortable private option. Slightly newer interiors (2021-2025 fleet vs Makruzz’s 1996-2002), tinted glass instead of clear panoramic windows. Makruzz wins on scenic views; Nautika wins on overall vessel newness.

Royal Class at Rs 2,100 sits between Makruzz Deluxe and Royal — wider seats, priority boarding, complimentary water and snack.

Nautika Pro Business at Rs 3,400 is the most premium return ferry experience on the Neil → Port Blair route. The seats are comfortable and the cabin is fresh, but the real differentiator is the barista coffee — properly frothed, genuinely good. The service culture across both Nautika vessels is also consistently more professional than other operators, which matters at the end of a tired island trip.

The Nautika Pro’s 75-minute crossing time is also 15 minutes faster than any other operator on this route. If you have a tight Port Blair connection and the Pro slot fits your schedule, the time savings can matter.

Green Ocean Return Ferries — Budget Option

Green Ocean is the budget option and the only Neil → Port Blair operator running a vessel with open-deck access. One to two daily returns depending on the season, with crossing time of about 120 minutes — meaningfully slower than Makruzz/Nautika’s 90 minutes. Full breakdown in our Green Ocean ferry review.

Standard returns are 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. The afternoon timing makes Green Ocean a poor pick for travelers with Port Blair flights before 5:00 PM — arrival at Haddo Jetty around 4:00 PM doesn’t leave enough buffer for a 5:00 or 6:00 PM domestic flight.

Counterintuitive insight: Green Ocean is actually a better choice if you’re prone to seasickness, not worse. The slower cruising speed makes for a smoother, less jolting ride — less pitching at slower speeds. Travelers who get sick on high-speed catamarans often find Green Ocean’s longer journey more comfortable, even with the added time.

Economy Class at Rs 1,050 is the cheapest private return ferry available. Basic cushioned seats, AC works but inconsistent, no panoramic windows. Real talk: comfort-wise it’s noticeably below Makruzz Premium at Rs 1,550 — but you save Rs 500.

Premium Class at Rs 1,400-1,450 closes most of the comfort gap but doesn’t reduce the journey time. Pick this if you’re a budget traveler who doesn’t mind the longer crossing.

Green Ocean 1 is the only Andaman ferry with open-deck access — passengers can actually go outside in the breeze. This is unique to GO1 (Nautika, Makruzz, ITT Majestic are all fully enclosed). The open deck often turns into an impromptu music + dance party an hour into the return crossing. It really happens, and it’s fun — backpackers love it, families with sleeping kids do not. Only GO1 has the open deck; GO2 is enclosed.

ITT Majestic Single Daily Return

ITT Majestic runs just one daily Neil → Port Blair direct return at approximately 11:45 AM, the same vessel completing the Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair circuit. Read our full ITT Majestic ferry review for vessel and class details.

The 11:45 AM departure arrives Port Blair around 1:05 PM, giving travelers about 80 minutes total journey time including the short Neil → Port Blair leg. As of 25 May 2026, ITT Majestic removed its fuel surcharge entirely while Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean still charge Rs 300-350 per person. That changes the effective comparison meaningfully — ITT Silver Class becomes one of the better mid-priced options once you factor the no-surcharge advantage.

Silver Class at Rs 1,700 (no fuel surcharge added) is the standard ITT return. Dark leatherette seats that look modern and feel firm but comfortable enough for 90 minutes, massive transparent glass windows running the full length of the vessel, and an air-conditioned cabin that runs cool but not bone-chilling.

Majesty Class at Rs 1,900 puts you in the front section with wider seats, more legroom, and priority boarding. Worth it if someone in your group needs extra legroom or you want the calmer environment up front. The complimentary refreshments (packaged snacks plus a soft drink) help justify the modest Rs 200 upgrade.

The catch: if the ITT vessel cancels (weather, technical), there’s no backup — ITT runs only one vessel on this circuit. Build a buffer day if you specifically book ITT for a tight-timeline trip.

Government Ferry Neil to Port Blair via STARS Portal

The government ferry from Neil Island to Port Blair runs through the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) on the STARS portal. Tourist fares are approximately Rs 675 + Rs 50 PSF for a total around Rs 725 per adult — less than half the cheapest private option. Step-by-step booking instructions in our government ferry Andaman guide.

The catch matches the outbound direction: government ferries are primarily designed for local Andaman residents. Tourist quota is limited, and during peak season (December-February), the quota sells out within 5-15 minutes of the booking window opening exactly 2 days before sailing at 10:00 AM IST.

Government ferry journey time is 90-120 minutes for Neil → Port Blair, comparable to private operators at the upper end. Older vessels at 12-13 knots compared to private’s 26-32 knots, but on the shorter Neil → Port Blair route, the time gap is less pronounced than on longer crossings.

Reality check: visiting travelers should plan around private ferries as the realistic option. Government ferry is a budget bonus if you happen to land a seat through STARS. Don’t build a tight Port Blair flight schedule assuming the government ferry will come through — book a private backup ferry, then cancel if government quota lands.

Neil Island to Port Blair Ferry Timings + Schedule At-a-Glance

Here’s a consolidated return-direction schedule covering all private operators. Government ferry timings vary; check STARS portal for current schedule.

Schedules are 2026 base. Peak season (Dec 15 – Jan 15) may add departures; monsoon (Jun-Sep) may cancel them. Always check live availability before finalizing flights.

Which Return Ferry Should You Book Based on Your Port Blair Flight

This is the dominant decision for return-direction travelers. The right ferry depends entirely on when your Port Blair flight leaves and how much airport buffer you want.

If your Port Blair flight is between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM (evening): You have maximum flexibility — book any operator. The 3:30 PM Makruzz Premium at Rs 1,550 gives you 4.5 hours buffer after arriving Port Blair around 5:00 PM. The 2:00 PM Green Ocean Economy at Rs 1,050 saves Rs 500 if you don’t mind the slightly longer crossing and don’t mind less buffer (4 hours).

If your Port Blair flight is between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM (late afternoon): Book a midday departure. The 1:30 PM Nautika Pro Business at Rs 3,400 gets you to Port Blair fastest (75 min crossing, arrives 2:45 PM = 2-3 hours buffer). Budget option: 11:45 AM ITT Majestic Silver at Rs 1,700 (no fuel surcharge — effectively the cheapest mid-comfort option), arriving 1:05 PM.

If your Port Blair flight is between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (early afternoon): Morning departures only. The 9:00 AM Nautika Luxury at Rs 1,100 is the earliest practical option, arriving Port Blair 10:30 AM = 3.5-5 hours buffer. Avoid anything departing after 11:00 AM — the math just doesn’t work for early afternoon flights.

If your Port Blair flight is before 2:00 PM: Don’t try to do same-day return from Neil. Build an overnight buffer in Port Blair the night before. Take the previous-day 3:30 PM Makruzz, overnight at a Port Blair hotel, then easy morning transfer to the airport.

If you want maximum Neil time before flying: The 3:30 PM Makruzz Premium is the latest practical departure across all operators. Gives you a full beach day on Neil (morning at Bharatpur Beach, lunch, afternoon at Laxmanpur for the sunset, then a slightly rushed jetty arrival). Only book this if your Port Blair flight is after 7:30 PM.

How to Book Your Neil Island Return Ferry

You can book Neil → Port Blair return ferries through three channels:

1. BookYourFerry (recommended for return-direction comparison) — Search BookYourFerry.com by route and date. Compare all four private operators side-by-side, see live availability, book in 2-3 minutes. Same prices as direct operator websites with zero booking fees. See our complete Andaman ferry booking guide for the step-by-step process and combined outbound + return discounts.

2. Direct from operator websites — Makruzz.com, gonautika.com, Green Ocean Seaways, ittmajestic.com. Useful if you have strong operator preference; slower for comparison shopping.

3. Government ferry via STARS portal — stars-andaman.in. Required for government ferry tickets. Tourist quota opens 2 days before sailing at 10:00 AM IST and sells out fast in peak season.

Combined booking advantage: If you book your outbound (Port Blair → Havelock → Neil routing) and return (Neil → Port Blair direct) together on BookYourFerry, both legs are linked as a single transaction. Cancellations or weather rebookings are handled by a single support thread instead of three separate ones (Port Blair → Havelock operator, Havelock → Neil operator, Neil → Port Blair operator).

Reach Bharatpur Jetty 45-60 minutes before departure. Check-in counters close 30 minutes before sailing; boarding gates shut 15 minutes prior. Bharatpur is smaller and less chaotic than Haddo Jetty in Port Blair, but private operators still run distinct counters that you need to find. Have your ID and printed ticket ready before reaching the counter.

Neil Island to Port Blair Ferry FAQ

How long is the ferry from Neil Island to Port Blair?

The Neil Island to Port Blair ferry takes between 75 and 120 minutes depending on operator. Nautika Pro is fastest at 75 minutes with its high-speed catamaran. Makruzz, Nautika, and ITT Majestic run 80-90 minutes. Green Ocean takes 120 minutes (older vessels at slower cruising speed). Government ferry covers the route in 90-120 minutes.

How much is the Neil Island to Port Blair ferry?

Government ferry costs Rs 675 plus Rs 50 PSF, around Rs 725 total per adult. Private ferries start at Rs 1,050 for Green Ocean Economy, Rs 1,100 for Nautika Luxury, Rs 1,550 for Makruzz Premium, and Rs 1,700 for ITT Majestic Silver. Most premium experience: Nautika Pro Business at Rs 3,400. All private fares add Rs 50 PSF; Makruzz, Nautika, and Green Ocean also charge Rs 300-350 fuel surcharge per pax (ITT removed theirs on 25 May 2026).

What’s the distance from Neil Island to Port Blair?

The Neil Island to Port Blair sea distance is approximately 65 km (35 nautical miles) direct. There’s no road or land route — both islands are separated by open Bay of Bengal water. Vessels take slightly different routes around smaller islands en route, so actual distance covered varies by 5-10 km depending on operator.

Which operators run Neil Island to Port Blair direct?

All four private operators run direct Neil → Port Blair daily: Makruzz (2-3 departures), Nautika (2-3 departures including Nautika Pro), Green Ocean (1-2 departures), and ITT Majestic (1 departure). Plus the government ferry via STARS portal. This is in contrast to the outbound direction (Port Blair → Neil), where no private operator currently runs direct service.

Is there a government ferry from Neil to Port Blair?

Yes, the Directorate of Shipping Services runs a daily government ferry from Neil to Port Blair via the STARS portal. Tourist fare is Rs 675 plus Rs 50 PSF, journey time 90-120 minutes. The booking window opens 2 days before sailing at 10:00 AM IST on stars-andaman.in. Tourist quota is limited and sells out fast in peak season (December-February).

What’s the latest Neil Island to Port Blair ferry of the day?

The latest practical Neil → Port Blair departure is the 3:30 PM Makruzz Premium, arriving Haddo Jetty around 5:00 PM. The 2:00 PM Green Ocean 1 (arriving 4:00 PM) is the latest budget option. No private ferry departs Neil after 3:30 PM — if you miss this, you’re on Neil until the next morning. Government ferry timings vary; check STARS portal for current schedule.

Should I book the morning or afternoon return ferry?

It depends on your Port Blair flight time. For flights between 5-8 PM, an 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM departure gives 4-6 hour airport buffer. For flights between 2-5 PM, take a morning departure (9:00 or 11:00 AM Nautika). For flights before 2 PM, don’t try same-day return — overnight in Port Blair the day before. For flights after 8 PM, the 3:30 PM Makruzz gives you the longest possible day on Neil before flying.

Can I book Neil Island to Port Blair ferry one-way?

Yes, all operators allow one-way bookings on the return leg. Many travelers book outbound (Port Blair → Havelock → Neil) and return (Neil → Port Blair) separately to lock in early-bird outbound fares while leaving return flexibility. Combined outbound + return bookings on BookYourFerry give you linked PNRs and unified rebooking support if weather disrupts plans.

Plan Your Neil Island Return Today

The Neil Island to Port Blair ferry route is the easiest direction in the Andaman network — full operator coverage, multiple daily departures, and direct service across all four private operators plus government ferry. The only real planning decision is matching your departure to your Port Blair flight time. Build at least a 3-hour airport buffer for evening flights, and overnight in Port Blair if your flight leaves before 2:00 PM.

Compare live Neil Island → Port Blair ferry availability across all operators →

Have questions about combined outbound + return bookings, want to mix operators between legs, or curious about a specific date? See our Port Blair to Neil Island ferry guide for the inverse-direction routing, Havelock to Port Blair ferry for the parallel return-direction sibling, or the complete Andaman ferry booking guide.