Getting There

By Air

Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (IATA: NAS) is the primary international gateway to the Bahamas. It handles direct service from a wide range of US and international cities.

Key routes and approximate flight times:

• Miami: about 35 minutes (multiple daily flights)
• New York (JFK/EWR): about 3 hours
• Atlanta (ATL): about 2.5 hours
• Charlotte (CLT): about 2.5 hours
• Toronto (YYZ): about 3.5 hours
• London (LHR): about 9 hours (seasonal/less frequent)
• Mexico City (MEX): about 3 hours

Airlines serving NAS include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Air Canada, British Airways, Bahamasair (the national carrier), Breeze Airways, Avelo Airlines, Aeroméxico, Southwest Airlines, and Tradewind Aviation. American and JetBlue generally offer the most frequency from US East Coast cities.

Breeze Airways operates nonstop service from Tampa (TPA) to Nassau on Thursdays and Sundays as of June 2026. This is the first nonstop jet service on this route in 20 years, and Nassau is Breeze's first international destination from Tampa. Starting in July 2026, service increases to four times weekly on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Tickets are available at flybreeze.com.

Breeze Airways also operates nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Nassau beginning June 30, 2026, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using Airbus A220-300 aircraft with 137 seats. Service operates mostly year-round with a pause during hurricane season.

Aeroméxico launches nonstop service between Mexico City (MEX) and Nassau on March 19, 2027. This is the first scheduled nonstop connection between Mexico City and Nassau. Flights operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flight AM740 departs Mexico City at 9:10 a.m., arriving in Nassau at 3:00 p.m.; return flight AM741 departs Nassau at 4:15 p.m., arriving in Mexico City at 6:30 p.m. The airline operates Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft with 160 to 166-seat capacity.

Tradewind Aviation begins daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Nassau starting December 10, year-round, with flight duration of about 48 minutes. Flights depart from Sheltair FBO at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport. Fares start at $299 one-way, plus taxes and fees. Tradewind also operates daily service from Stuart, Florida to Nassau Thursday through Monday.

Southwest Airlines adds nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Nassau beginning June 5, 2027, operating Saturdays and Sundays through June and July.

Avelo Airlines launched Bahamas service as of June 2026.

Visa and entry: US, UK, EU, and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. A valid passport is required. Passport cards are not accepted for air travel. You will fill out an immigration/customs card on the aircraft; keep your copy for departure.

The airport has two terminals. The US terminal handles all US-bound and US-originating flights with US Customs preclearance facilities, meaning you clear US customs in Nassau before departure, with no separate customs process on arrival in the US. The international terminal handles all other routes.

By Sea

Nassau is one of the world's busiest cruise ports. Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau accommodates multiple large cruise ships simultaneously, and most Caribbean itineraries include Nassau as a port of call. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney all call regularly. The cruise port underwent a significant revitalization completed in May 2023, upgrading the terminal facilities and waterfront experience.

The cruise terminal is directly adjacent to downtown Nassau, Bay Street shopping, and the historic District. Atlantis on Paradise Island is a short taxi or water taxi ride from the pier.

Mail boats depart from Potter's Cay Dock (under the Paradise Island Bridge) to Out Island destinations throughout the Bahamas. This is primarily a cargo and local transportation service. Mail boats carry passengers but travel on cargo schedules. Not a tourist-oriented option for arriving in Nassau, but the primary way Nassau connects to the Family Islands.

There is no passenger ferry service between the US mainland and Nassau. The only sea options are cruise ships (as a passenger) or private/charter vessel.

Practical Notes

• The airport is located west of downtown Nassau, roughly 10–15 minutes by taxi in normal traffic.
• Official taxi rates from NAS to various destinations are government-set and posted. Confirm the fare before departing. To downtown Nassau or Cable Beach expect approximately $32–42 for two passengers.
• Bus #10 runs from the airport to downtown, but with luggage the taxi is far more practical for most visitors.
• No Uber or rideshare operates in Nassau.
• Domestic connections to Family Islands (Exumas, Abacos, Eleuthera, etc.) are available from NAS, primarily via Bahamasair and smaller regional carriers. Allow adequate connection time, as the domestic terminal is separate. Flamingo Air is no longer operating as of July 2026, verify current carrier options before booking inter-island legs.
• There is no departure tax paid separately; it is included in airline ticket prices for most international routes.