Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
From Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), central Nassau and Paradise Island are about 16 km away, reached by taxi or hotel shuttle in 20–30 minutes. Taxis use government-set flat fares (zone-based) rather than meters, so confirm the fare before you get in.
- Distance
- About 16 km to Nassau
- Time
- 20–30 min by taxi
- Fares
- Government-set, no meter
- Confirm the taxi fare before departing
- Hotel shuttles are a convenient alternative
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
In Nassau, "jitneys" (shared minibuses) serve as the public bus network, running along numbered routes. Fares are paid in cash (have small change ready) as you get off. Visitors can use them, but routes can be confusing, so ask the driver about your destination.
- Nassau
- Jitneys (minibuses)
- Payment
- Cash, small change
- Note
- Routes can be confusing
- Pay the driver in cash as you get off
- Ask the driver to confirm your destination
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
There is no unified IC card or contactless ticketing system in the Bahamas. Jitneys are paid in cash on board, so carry small bills and coins. For taxis, agree the flat fare in advance; there is no travel card to top up.
- IC card
- None
- Jitneys
- Cash on board
- Tip
- Carry small change
- No rechargeable transit card exists
- Keep small bills for jitney fares
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Car rental is available on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama, and an international driving permit is accepted. The Bahamas drives on the left (a British legacy), but many cars are left-hand-drive US imports, so take extra care. Book ahead in peak season.
- Where
- Nassau, Grand Bahama
- Driving side
- Left (drive on the left)
- Caution
- Many left-hand-drive cars
- An international driving permit is accepted
- Left-hand-drive cars on left-side roads need care
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
The Bahamas is made up of more than 700 islands, so travel between islands relies on ferries and domestic flights rather than roads. Bahamas Ferries and similar operators link Nassau with many islands, while inter-island flights cover longer hops.
- Islands
- Over 700 islands
- Ferries
- Bahamas Ferries from Nassau
- Flights
- For longer inter-island hops
- Ferries connect Nassau with many islands
- Domestic flights handle the longer routes
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Domestic flights are well developed for island hopping. Bahamasair (the national carrier) and small charter operators connect Nassau with the Out Islands such as Exuma, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera. Remote island resorts are reached by domestic flight, seaplane or boat.
- Airline
- Bahamasair + charters
- Routes
- Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera
- Remote resorts
- Flight, seaplane or boat
- Small charter planes serve many islands
- Seaplanes and boats reach remote resorts
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Plan island travel around ferry and flight schedules, and book ahead in peak season. Always confirm taxi fares before setting off since there are no meters, and keep small cash for jitneys. If you drive, remember it is left-side driving, often in a left-hand-drive car.
- Booking
- Book ferries/flights ahead
- Taxis
- Confirm fare, no meter
- Driving
- Left side, take care
- Carry small cash for jitney fares
- Peak season fills up fast; reserve early