✈ How to Get There
Getting to and around the Bahamas
✈ Flying to the Bahamas
Main Airport
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) — Nassau’s main international gateway, 16km west of downtown. Handles over 4 million passengers annually. US Customs pre-clearance available at NAS, which means you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger—a significant advantage for connections.
Other Airports in the Bahamas:
- Exuma International Airport (GGT) — George Town, Exuma. Daily flights from Nassau (40 min), Miami, and Atlanta
- North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) — Gateway to Harbour Island. Short hop from Nassau or Miami
- Grand Bahama International (FPO) — Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Second-largest city
- Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) — The Abacos. Popular sailing destination, good connections from US east coast
💡 Flight Tip
Miami to Nassau is 50 minutes—one of the shortest international flights in the Americas. From New York it’s 3 hours, London 9 hours direct. American Airlines, Delta, United, and British Airways all serve Nassau. Bahamasair operates most inter-island routes.
🚘 From Nassau Airport to Downtown
Taxi (Standard Option)
Fixed-rate government-approved taxis from NAS to downtown Nassau or Cable Beach: US$32 for 1–2 passengers, US$3 per additional person. Journey: 20–30 minutes. No public buses connect the airport.
Shuttle / Shared Transfer
Shared shuttle services run to major hotels and Paradise Island for US$10–15 per person. Book through your hotel or at the arrivals hall. Takes longer due to multiple drop-offs.
Rental Car
All major companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Dollar) have desks at NAS arrivals. Driving in Nassau is on the left side of the road (British system). Traffic can be slow near the waterfront during cruise ship hours.
✈ Inter-Island Travel
Bahamasair (Domestic Flights)
The national carrier operates frequent flights from Nassau to all major Out Islands. Nassau–Exuma: 40 min. Nassau–Eleuthera: 30 min. Nassau–Abaco: 35 min. Prices typically US$80–200 return. Baggage limits are strict on small aircraft—check before packing.
Bahamas Ferries
Regular ferry service from Nassau to Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, and selected Out Islands. The M/V Bo Hengy III runs Fridays through Sundays. Nassau to Harbour Island takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. Adult one-way around US$71. Book in advance—sailings fill quickly on weekends.
Water Taxis
Within Nassau, water taxis cross the harbour to Paradise Island (US$4 each way). In the Out Islands, local operators run short crossings between islands—most under 10 minutes. In Exuma, Elvis Water Taxi operates within Elizabeth Harbour between George Town and Stocking Island (US$15–20 per person).
Private Boat Charter
For access to uninhabited cays and private islands in the Exumas, private charter is the only option. Day charters from George Town run US$500–1,500 depending on boat size and destination. Most include a captain and guide.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa-free for most visitors. US, Canadian, UK, EU, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You will need a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds.
The Bahamas is not part of the Schengen Area—entry rules are independent. Visitors arriving through the US may clear US Customs at Nassau airport before departure, simplifying US connections. A Bahamas entry fee (included in most airline tickets) applies to all visitors.
Check visa requirements for Bahamas →🚖 Getting Around the Bahamas
Nassau — Jitneys (Local Buses)
Nassau’s public minibus network (jitneys) covers the island for US$1.25 per ride. Routes are numbered but not always marked. Locals know them instinctively. For visitors, taxis are often easier despite the cost difference.
Golf Carts (Out Islands)
On Harbour Island, Exuma Cays, and other small islands, golf carts are the primary transport. Rentals run US$40–80 per day. No driving license required on most islands. Golf carts are also the only sensible way to see Harbour Island in a day.
Taxis in Nassau
Government-regulated taxis with fixed fares operate throughout New Providence. Negotiate the price before getting in—meters are rare. Uber is not available in the Bahamas.
🚗 Drive on the Left
The Bahamas uses left-hand traffic—a legacy of British colonial rule. US visitors often find this the only adjustment required. Nassau traffic is heaviest near the cruise ship piers (9am–5pm on port days). Most Out Islands have no traffic to speak of.
🚙 Renting a Car
Useful on New Providence (Nassau) if you want to explore Cable Beach, the western tip, or Clifton Heritage Park independently. Less necessary on small Out Islands where golf carts suffice.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left side of the road
- US, Canadian, UK, and EU driving licenses are accepted
- Minimum rental age typically 25 (some companies 21 with surcharge)
- Speed limits: 25 mph (towns), 45 mph (highways)
- Gas stations concentrated in Nassau—fill up before heading to remote areas
- All major rental companies at NAS airport: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Dollar, Budget
🚙 Compare Rental Cars in the Bahamas
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💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly into Nassau, hop from there: International flights to Nassau are far cheaper than direct flights to Out Islands. Nassau to Exuma by Bahamasair is inexpensive and quick
- Use the ferry for Harbour Island: Bahamas Ferries is significantly cheaper than flying. The 3-hour crossing is also scenic
- Avoid cruise ship rush hours: Nassau gets 4,000–5,000 visitors per ship. Beaches and attractions are far quieter before 9am and after 4pm on port days
- US dollars everywhere: The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to USD. No currency conversion needed for US visitors. Avoid hotel exchange desks for other currencies
- Book inter-island flights in advance: Bahamasair flights fill quickly in winter. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead typically saves 20–30%