Govt. Ferry

Govt. Ferry

The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) under A&N Administration is providing shipping services through its fleet of Ships which include Passenger Vessels, Cargo Vessels, Vehicle Ferry Vessels, Harbour Passenger Ferry Vessels, Utility launches, Water barges, Touring Vessels, Mooring Vessels and Tug.

🚢 Government Ferry - Traditional Island Travel with Acquaint Andaman

At Acquaint Andaman, we also assist travelers with Government Ferry services — the oldest and most widely used mode of transportation across the Andaman Islands. If you are looking for an affordable, authentic, and essential island-hopping experience, Government Ferries are a great choice.

🛳️ About Government Ferry

  • Operator: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
  • Type: Passenger and cargo ferries
  • Passenger Capacity: Varies (around 100–400 passengers depending on the vessel)
  • Speed: Slower compared to private ferries (~12–18 knots)
  • Specialty: Economical, frequent service connecting both popular and remote islands.

Government ferries play a critical role for locals and tourists alike, offering basic and reliable transportation between islands.

🛠️ Facilities and Features

  • Basic non-air-conditioned seating
  • Limited number of air-conditioned seats available on some vessels (subject to availability)
  • Open seating areas (great for fresh air and ocean views)
  • Snack stalls at major ferry terminals (limited food service onboard)
  • Standard washrooms
  • Full safety compliance with trained marine crew, life jackets, and emergency equipment

Acquaint Andaman helps you with proper guidance and advance planning when using Government Ferries.

🎟️ Classes of Service

Government Ferries typically offer:

  • Bunk Class: Open seating (similar to general seating in trains)
  • Chair Class: Basic cushioned chairs
  • AC Class: Limited air-conditioned seating (on select ferries)

At Acquaint Andaman, we help you secure the best possible seats based on availability and your preferences.

🌴 Popular Routes

  • Port Blair ➔ Havelock Island ➔ Neil Island ➔ Port Blair
  • Port Blair ➔ Rangat ➔ Long Island ➔ Mayabunder ➔ Diglipur
  • Services to remote islands like Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay.

🕐 Ferry Timings

  • Multiple departures daily, but timings can vary depending on the day and demand.
  • Travel time is longer compared to private ferries:
    • Port Blair to Havelock: ~2.5 to 3 hours
    • Port Blair to Neil: ~2 hours

Acquaint Andaman provides full schedule updates and ticket booking support for Government Ferries.

📋 Booking Government Ferry with Acquaint Andaman

  • Advance booking support (highly recommended for tourists)
  • Assistance with boarding passes and terminal guidance
  • Full travel planning including ferry + hotel combinations

✅ Valid government ID proof is required at the time of booking and boarding.

⚠️ Important Travel Tips

  • Book well in advance — seats fill up fast, especially in peak season (October to May).
  • Government ferries prioritize locals; tourist seats are limited.
  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
  • Schedules may change at short notice due to weather — Acquaint Andaman monitors updates and assists in rearranging plans if needed.

✨ Why Choose Acquaint Andaman for Government Ferry Bookings?

  • Expert guidance on ferry availability and timing
  • Hassle-free advance ticket booking
  • Complete travel support from ferry to hotel
  • Local experts with real-time updates
  • Emergency rescheduling support if required

Travel Inquiry Form

Scroll to Top