Grand Bahama is a large island by Bahamian standards, roughly 96 miles long, and the gap between its main population centre (Freeport/Lucaya) and its best natural attraction (Lucayan National Park and Gold Rock Beach) requires motorised transport. A rental car is the most flexible and practical option for visitors who want to see more than the immediate Port Lucaya area.
On the Island
Rental Cars
Rental cars are the recommended transport for any visitor planning to explore beyond the hotel district. Freeport International Airport has several car rental desks, and rates are generally more competitive than on smaller Out Islands. Expect to pay approximately $70–90/day for a basic vehicle.† Drive on the left.
The roads in Freeport and Lucaya are reasonably maintained, and the main east-west road running toward Lucayan National Park is straightforward to navigate. Gold Rock Beach is approximately 25 miles east of the Port Lucaya area, a 30–40 minute drive. Without a car, reaching the best beach on the island requires a taxi each way.
Taxis
Taxis operate from the airport and from the major hotels in the Port Lucaya area. The Bahamian government sets regulated taxi rates, which are posted at the airport and in vehicles. Taxis are metered or use fixed zone rates rather than negotiated fares.† Taxis are reliable for airport transfers and point-to-point trips but expensive for repeated daily use across the island's distances.
Jitneys
Jitneys, shared minibuses, run some routes in Freeport connecting residential areas and commercial centres. Coverage is more limited than in Nassau, schedules are informal, and routes are not clearly published. For practical tourist use, jitneys fill a gap for local-area errands but are not a reliable basis for sightseeing transport.
The Port Lucaya Marketplace and the immediate beachfront hotel strip are walkable from each other — the marina, the outdoor marketplace, and Taino Beach are within reasonable distance on foot or a short taxi ride.
Between Islands and Cays
Grand Bahama has no significant regular inter-island ferry connections within the Bahamian archipelago. Connections to Nassau and other islands go via Grand Bahama International Airport.
Peterson Cay National Park is accessible by boat charter from Port Lucaya, a short trip to a small offshore cay for snorkeling. Arrange through local operators or your hotel.†
Practical Notes
- If your primary purpose is diving with UNEXSO or visiting Lucayan National Park, a rental car is strongly worth the cost — taxi costs to these locations for multiple visits add up quickly.
- Driving in Freeport is generally straightforward; the city grid is legible and traffic is light compared to Nassau.
- After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, some road infrastructure in eastern Grand Bahama was damaged. Road conditions east of Gold Rock Beach and in the most hurricane-affected areas may be variable.†
- Fuel is available in Freeport and Lucaya at prices significantly higher than the US. Fill up in the city before heading east.
- There is no Uber or comparable rideshare service on Grand Bahama. Taxis and rental cars are the complete set of options.
Seeded from general knowledge as of 2026-06-08. Not yet compiled from verified sources.