The Bahamas is a stunning Caribbean archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, renowned for pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. From the bustling capital of Nassau to the secluded Out Islands, this tropical paradise offers world-class diving, luxurious resorts, and authentic Bahamian culture.
- Public
- Jitneys (privately operated minibuses) serve Nassau on fixed routes for $1.50/ride. Service is comprehensive but schedules are informal and service ends around 7 PM. Not available on Out Islands.
- Taxi
- Taxis are the primary transport for tourists, operating on fixed government-regulated fares between key destinations. Plentiful at hotels, airports, and cruise port. No ride-hailing apps available.
- Rental
- Car rental is excellent value for exploring New Providence beyond Nassau and essential on Grand Bahama. Drive on the LEFT side of the road. Golf carts are the standard transport on smaller islands like Harbour Island.
- Walking
- Downtown Nassau and Paradise Island are walkable for short distances, but heat and humidity make long walks uncomfortable. Cable Beach areas require transport between points.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to downtown Nassau - $32 (up to 2 passengers, $4 each additional)
- Shuttle
- Taxi to Cable Beach - $22 (up to 2 passengers)
- Bus
- Taxi to Paradise Island - $38 plus $2 bridge toll
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Jitneys are privately owned buses operating on set routes in Nassau and Grand Bahama. Fare: $1.50 per ride (exact change required). Routes include downtown Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and eastern/western districts. Service from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM on most routes. Flag down on street or designated stops.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, water_taxi, golf_cart, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxis available but most operate on fixed fares. Base fare $4, then $0.40 per 1/4 mile. Additional passengers over 2: $4 each. Luggage: $2 per bag. Large items: $3. 15% tip customary. Taxis readily available at airports, hotels, and cruise port.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Limited intercity bus service. Jitneys connect some areas within New Providence and Grand Bahama. Most inter-island travel requires flights or boats.
Flights
Bahamasair and several charter airlines connect Nassau to Family Islands. Routes include Exuma ($150-250 round trip), Eleuthera ($120-200), Abaco ($180-280), Andros ($100-180), and others. Western Air and Southern Air also serve domestic routes. Book early for best prices.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Lynden Pindling International Airport
From centre: 16 km to downtown Nassau
Options: Taxi to downtown Nassau - $32 (up to 2 passengers, $4 each additional); Taxi to Cable Beach - $22 (up to 2 passengers); Taxi to Paradise Island - $38 plus $2 bridge toll; Jitney bus #10 - $1.50 (15 min walk to bus stop on JFK Drive); Hotel shuttles - varies by property; Rental cars available from multiple agencies
Grand Bahama International Airport
From centre: 5 km to Freeport
Options: Taxi to Freeport - $15-20; Taxi to Lucaya - $20-25; Hotel shuttles available; Rental cars from airport agencies
Leonard M. Thompson International Airport
From centre: 2 km to Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Options: Taxi to Marsh Harbour - $10-15; Water taxis to nearby cays - $5-20; Rental cars and golf carts available
Exuma International Airport
From centre: 16 km to George Town
Options: Taxi to George Town - $30-40; Hotel shuttles by arrangement; Rental cars available
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bahamian Taxi App
Local Nassau taxi booking app for pre-arranged rides - available on iOS and Android
Bahamas Ferries
Official Bahamas Ferries website/app for booking inter-island ferry services between Nassau and Family Islands
Bahamasair
The national carrier's booking platform for domestic flights to all major Family Islands
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Uber and Lyft do NOT operate in the Bahamas - use licensed taxis or arrange hotel transport
Always confirm the taxi fare before getting in - Nassau taxis use government-regulated fixed fares, not meters
Jitneys (local buses) run $1.50 per ride and require exact change - useful for budget travel between Nassau neighborhoods
Drive on the LEFT side of the road in the Bahamas - a British legacy that catches many American visitors off guard
Water taxis between Nassau and Paradise Island cost $6-10 and run regularly from 8 AM to 6 PM daily
Golf carts are the standard and most practical transport on Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, and Green Turtle Cay
Book domestic flights to Family Islands well in advance - small planes fill quickly and last-minute fares are much higher
The Bahamas Fast Ferry from Potter's Cay Dock connects Nassau to Eleuthera and Andros at $75-85 one-way