Getting Around Bahamas
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use jitneys and taxis on New Providence. Inter-Island: Rent a car for Grand Bahama exploration. Outer Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Nassau to your destination.
Ferry Travel
Bahamas Ferries Network
Reliable ferry services connecting Nassau to major islands like Grand Bahama and Abaco with daily departures.
Cost: Nassau to Grand Bahama $50-80, journeys 2-3 hours between main routes.
Tickets: Buy via Bahamas Ferries website, app, or ticket offices. Online booking recommended.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for lower prices and more availability.
Ferry Passes
Multi-island passes offer unlimited travel for 7 days at $150-250, ideal for island-hopping.
Best For: Exploring multiple cays over a week, savings for 3+ island visits.
Where to Buy: Ferry terminals, official website, or agents with immediate use.
Mailboat & Speedboat Options
Mailboats serve outer islands weekly, speedboats for faster trips to Exumas and Eleuthera.
Booking: Reserve in advance for mailboats, speedboats up to 50% off early bookings.
Main Ports: Potter's Cay in Nassau, with connections to Freeport and Marsh Harbour.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring New Providence and Grand Bahama roads. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Nassau Airport and Freeport.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to narrow roads, verify rental inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 25 mph urban, 45 mph rural, 50 mph highways where applicable.
Tolls: No major tolls, but bridge fees on some islands like $2-5 for Paradise Island.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic on narrow roads, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid lots $5-10/day in Nassau tourist zones.
Fuel & Navigation
Gas stations available on main islands at $4.50-5.50/gallon for regular unleaded.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline for spotty coverage.
Traffic: Heavy in Nassau during peak hours, watch for potholes on outer islands.
Urban Transport
Taxis & Jitneys
Jitneys (shared minibuses) cover Nassau routes, $1.25/ride, taxis metered at $25 base + $0.35/mile.
Validation: Pay cash to driver, no tickets needed, agree on fare for longer trips.
Apps: No major ride-share, but taxi apps like GoGoGrandBahama for Grand Bahama.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike rentals in Nassau and Freeport at $10-20/day, electric scooters available in tourist areas.
Routes: Flat terrain ideal for cycling, dedicated paths along Cable Beach and Paradise Island.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours to mangroves and beaches, combining adventure with sights.
Buses & Local Services
Public buses on New Providence and Grand Bahama, $1-2/ride, operating 6 AM-8 PM.
Tickets: Exact change required, buy from driver or use contactless where available.
Water Taxis: Short hops around Nassau Harbor, $5-10 for Paradise Island crossings.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near beaches or marinas on islands for easy access, Cable Beach in Nassau for nightlife.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for winter (Dec-Apr) and events like Regatta Time.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for hurricane season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, pool inclusion, and proximity to ferries before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G on New Providence and Grand Bahama, 3G/4G on outer islands with some gaps.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Aliv and BTC offer prepaid SIMs from $15-30 with island-wide coverage where available.
Where to Buy: Airports, stores, or kiosks with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $20, 10GB for $40, unlimited for $50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in resorts, restaurants, and cafes on main islands, limited on remote cays.
Public Hotspots: Airports and tourist areas offer free WiFi, marinas for boaters.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban spots, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Nassau Airport (NAS) 10 miles from city, taxi $25-35 (20 min), or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports ($5-10/day) and ferry terminals in major ports.
- Accessibility: Taxis and ferries partially accessible, many beaches and resorts offer ramps.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions ($20-50 fee), check resort policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on ferries for $10-20, rentals easier than transporting.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bahamas
Nassau Airport (NAS) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Lynden Pindling (NAS): Primary international gateway, 10 miles west of Nassau with taxi connections.
Grand Bahama (FPO): Regional hub 3 miles from Freeport, shuttle $10 (15 min).
Marsh Harbour (MHH): Key for Abaco Islands, small airport with domestic flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Miami and taking ferry for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
JetBlue, Spirit, and Bahamasair serve Nassau with connections from US and Caribbean.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and domestic links when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available on main islands, $3-5 fee, use bank ATMs to avoid extras.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at resorts, cash preferred in small shops.
- Contactless Payment: Growing acceptance, Apple Pay and Google Pay at larger venues.
- Cash: Essential for jitneys, markets, and tips, keep $50-100 in small bills.
- Tipping: 15-20% in restaurants, $2-5 for taxis, not always expected on islands.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, USD accepted everywhere (1:1 with BSD).