Neil Island to Port Blair Ferry 2026: Timings & Fares

Neil Island to Port Blair Ferry 2026: Timings, Fares & Flight Buffer

For travel on 15 October 2026, the private feeds returned eight direct Neil Island to Port Blair ferry sailings across Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean. ITT Majestic returned no sailing for that date. Government service must be checked separately on STARS.

Quick answer if you’re in a hurry: Choose a departure that preserves a generous flight buffer; the available operator mix changes by travel date. Compare current schedules and book on BookYourFerry.

TL;DR Key Takeaways:

• 8 direct private departures in the verified 15 October snapshot
• Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean appeared; ITT Majestic did not
• Journey time: 75 minutes (Nautika Pro), 90 minutes (Makruzz, Nautika, ITT), 120 minutes (Green Ocean)
• Fares: Compare current private-checkout totals and obtain a separate government tourist quote from DSS/STARS. Historical amounts below are not final payable fares.
• Latest departure in the snapshot: 4:15 PM Nautika
• 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 the available morning and afternoon choices must be checked for the exact date. In the 15 October snapshot, the last departure was Nautika at 4:15 PM.

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 returned three Neil → Port Blair departures in the feed snapshot for 15 October 2026. Inventory varies by date. Read our full Makruzz ferry review for class-by-class information.

In that dated snapshot, Makruzz departed at 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM and 4:00 PM. The last sailing across the reporting operators was Nautika at 4:15 PM. Do not plan a same-day flight from this example; search your exact date and allow a generous connection buffer.

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.

For private bookings, review the Port Service Fee and applicable fuel surcharge already shown at checkout. Do not assume a second cash charge at Bharatpur Jetty; ask support if an additional payment is requested.

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.

The older Nautika Luxury reference of Rs 1,100 is from a different record than the dated snapshot above. Neither establishes the current available price; compare your selected sailing’s final total.

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.

Motion comfort: A slower vessel is not a guarantee of a smoother or symptom-free crossing. Conditions and individual sensitivity vary; discuss precautions and any medicine with a doctor or pharmacist.

Economy Class: the older Rs 1,050 Green Ocean reference is not a current cheapest-fare guarantee. Compare the available class and final total with other operators for your date rather than assuming a fixed saving.

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 returned no Neil-to-Port Blair sailing in the verified 15 October snapshot. Check live inventory for other dates and read our ITT Majestic ferry review for vessel and class details.

ITT’s booking feed on 10 October 2026 listed an 11:45 AM Neil to Port Blair departure, arriving 1:05 PM, for 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. It lists no ITT sailing in October 2026, which is why the 15 October inventory snapshot above returned none. Check live availability. BYF currently adds a Rs 325 fuel surcharge for ITT, the same as for Makruzz and Nautika; compare final totals, not base fares.

Silver Class: Rs 1,750 for sailings from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. This is a dated reading of ITT’s feed, not confirmation of a return sailing on your date. Check the selected vessel, available class and final total.

Majesty Class: Rs 1,950 on the same dates. Compare available seating, legroom, service inclusions and the actual difference from Silver on the same sailing.

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 is operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), with booking information on the STARS portal. Rs 675 is an older reference amount, not a current final tourist fare. Confirm eligibility, ticket price and any fees through DSS/STARS. See our government ferry Andaman guide for booking guidance.

Government tourist availability depends on the route, passenger category and current allocation. Check DSS/STARS for the release date and time; this guide does not verify a fixed release hour or sell-out interval.

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 is the private inventory returned for travel on 15 October 2026. Government ferry timings vary; check STARS for current service.

Operator-feed snapshot checked 2 September 2026 for travel on 15 October 2026. 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): Even for a late flight, preserve a generous buffer and choose from the live sailings. Do not assume the last departure or an old fare will be available.

If your Port Blair flight is between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM (late afternoon): For an evening flight, first check actual ferry arrivals and allow a suitable airport buffer. Compare available midday sailings and current totals; do not rely on older ITT prices or assume that ITT has inventory for your date.

If your Port Blair flight is between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (early afternoon): Do not choose a same-day connection from an old departure time or fare. Check the live ferry arrival and airline check-in deadline, allow for delays and transfers, and consider returning to Port Blair the previous day.

If your Port Blair flight is before 2:00 PM: Don’t try to do a same-day return from Neil for an early flight. Build an overnight buffer in Port Blair the night before.

If you want maximum Neil time before flying: The latest practical departure changes by date. The 15 October snapshot ended with Nautika at 4:15 PM; confirm the live arrival time and preserve a conservative flight buffer.

How to Book Your Neil Island Return Ferry

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

See the complete guide to booking Andaman ferries online if you want every step and pitfall in one place.

1. BookYourFerry (recommended for return-direction comparison) — Search BookYourFerry.com by route and date. Compare participating private operators side-by-side and see live availability. See our complete Andaman ferry booking guide for the step-by-step process.

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 DSS/STARS — check the official DSS site for current booking instructions, release windows and tourist eligibility. Government tickets are separate from BookYourFerry’s private checkout.

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.

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). Review the ferry cancellation policy for the applicable deadlines.

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?

The older government reference is Rs 675; confirm the current tourist fare, eligibility and final fees with DSS/STARS. Private prices vary by date and class. Review the selected fare, Port Service Fee, applicable fuel surcharge and discounts at checkout. Historical starting prices on this page are not current offers or final totals.

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?

The 15 October 2026 private-feed snapshot returned direct sailings from Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean. ITT returned no inventory for that date. Government ferry service is published separately through STARS. This differs from the outbound direction, where the same snapshot returned no direct private inventory.

Is there a government ferry from Neil to Port Blair?

Check the Directorate of Shipping Services’ current Neil-to-Port-Blair schedule and tourist availability through STARS. The historical Rs 675 reference is not a verified current total. Confirm the applicable fare, fees and booking opening time directly with DSS/STARS rather than relying on an older guide’s fixed release hour.

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

The latest departure changes with vessel deployment. The 15 October snapshot ended with Nautika at 4:15 PM, while the lowest displayed fare was on an earlier Green Ocean sailing. Check live inventory and STARS for current private and government options.

Should I book the morning or afternoon return ferry?

It depends on your flight time and the live schedule. Use an early sailing for an afternoon flight and avoid a same-day ferry connection for an early flight. An overnight in Port Blair is the safest buffer.

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 route returned eight direct private sailings across three operators in the verified snapshot. The exact coverage changes by date, so match a live departure to your flight with a conservative buffer.

Still have island time? The Neil Island guide covers Neil’s beaches and sights before you head back.

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.