Getting Around — Bahamas Travel

Overview

Getting around the Bahamas is the logistical challenge most travelers underestimate. Nassau and the major resort islands (Paradise Island, Cable Beach) are compact and well-served. Beyond Nassau, the islands are separated by water and the choices narrow quickly to small aircraft, ferry, or private boat. There is no road connection between any of the main islands.

Between Islands

Domestic Flights

Bahamasair is the national carrier and operates the most extensive inter-island scheduled service, connecting Nassau to most inhabited islands. Flamingo Air, Southern Air, and several smaller charter operators fill routes where Bahamasair doesn't fly. Makers Air, operating out of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, serves 12 scheduled Bahamas destinations including two Cat Island airports (Arthur's Town and New Bight) and offers a private lounge departure experience for travelers who want to avoid the main terminal. Book directly at makersair.com, as of May 2026, Arthur's Town service runs Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Domestic carriers are frequently not listed on Kayak or Expedia. Book directly with the airline.

Flight times within the Bahamas are short, Nassau to Exuma is roughly 25 minutes, Nassau to Eleuthera around 20 minutes, Nassau to Marsh Harbour (Abacos) about 40 minutes. The practical challenge is that domestic flights are frequently delayed or rescheduled, particularly on smaller routes with limited aircraft. Build buffer time into connections, especially for same-day onward travel. Allow at least 90 minutes to clear Immigration and Customs before a domestic connection.

A few direct routes exist without going through Nassau: Flamingo Air connects Freeport to Bimini directly, and Bahamasair serves Inagua to Mayaguana. For everywhere else, Nassau is the hub.

Ragged Island currently has no commercial flights; reach it by private charter only.

Baggage allowances on inter-island flights are often strict, commonly 30 to 40 lbs total, and are enforced. Soft bags are strongly recommended over hard-shell luggage for island-hopping.

Andros Air Access

Andros has three separate airports serving its length. San Andros Airport outside Nicholls Town serves North Andros with domestic commercial and international charter flights. Andros Town International Airport (also called Fresh Creek Airport) serves central Andros with domestic flights via Nassau and international charters. South Andros Airport near Congo Town serves the southernmost part of the island, also via Nassau. If you're island-hopping around Andros, know which part of the island your destination sits in before booking.

Bahamas Ferries

Bahamas Ferries operates scheduled passenger and vehicle ferry service connecting Nassau to several Family Islands: Abacos, Andros, Cat Island, Exumas, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Freeport, and Long Island. A Freeport to Abacos route also runs independently of Nassau. Ferries are significantly cheaper than flying but substantially slower. The Nassau to Eleuthera run takes several hours versus 20 minutes by air.

Ferries are a practical option for budget-conscious travelers, those moving vehicles, or those who enjoy arriving by sea. Weather can affect schedules; confirm sailings before relying on them for time-sensitive connections.

Water Taxis

Water taxis connect short inter-island crossings that are impractical by road or scheduled ferry. The most common examples are:

Nassau to Paradise Island: Regular water taxi service across the harbour, used as an alternative to crossing on the bridge.
North Eleuthera to Harbour Island: A short water taxi run operating throughout the day. Two services cover this crossing: the North Eleuthera daily ferry runs 6:00am to 5:00pm at $5.00 one way; Sea Fever II runs 5:30am to 6:00pm at $5.00 one way, with private charter available for $120.00 as of mid-2026, verify before relying on these prices.
Nassau to Atlantis / Paradise Island: Several hotel operators run dedicated water shuttles from Nassau's waterfront.
South Bimini ferry and bus service runs 7:00am to 11:00pm at $8.00 round trip ($3.00 ferry only, $5.00 bus only) as of mid-2026, verify before relying on these prices. Contact: (242) 225-4568.
Great Abaco ferry connects Crown Haven to McLean's Town, a 45-minute crossing running twice daily. Contact: (242) 458-2621.

Private Boat and Boating Flotillas

Private boat charters are widely available throughout the archipelago for island-hopping, fishing, snorkeling, and day trips to uninhabited cays. In the Exumas, chartered day trips to swimming pigs (Big Major Cay), Thunderball Grotto, and other sites operate from George Town and Nassau. Day charter rentals are available with or without a local captain.

For boaters crossing from Florida, the Bahamas sits about 50 nautical miles from the coast, Grand Bahama is about 60 nautical miles from the Florida east coast, Bimini about 50. An organized option for less experienced offshore boaters is the Boating Flings program, which runs flotillas of up to 30 boats from Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, the Exumas, and Grand Bahama. A lead boat charts the course and a sweep boat ensures no one gets left behind. Minimum boat length is 22 feet. Participating host marinas and hotels offer discounted rates for Boating Fling participants. Contact: [email protected] or (954) 236-9292 ext. 3011. Departures are from Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

For private vessels entering Bahamian waters, a cruising permit is required. Fees as of mid-2026 run from $150 (30-day permit, vessel not exceeding 30 feet) to $600 (30-day permit, vessel over 100 feet). Six-month and 12-month permits are available, as are two-year unlimited-visit Frequent Digital Cruising Cards. Vessels over 50 feet must carry active AIS equipment in Bahamian waters; non-compliance carries a $1,000 fine. Online application and payment is available before departure, but you still must complete clearance at a Port of Entry on arrival. Fly the yellow quarantine flag on entry and notify Customs. Only the captain may leave the vessel until clearance is complete, verify current permit fees and entry procedures before departure, as these are subject to change. See Entry Requirements for full entry documentation requirements.

A $300 boating fuel credit is available at participating resorts and marinas for Out Islands cruises as of mid-2026, verify current availability before planning around it.

Selected Marina Notes

Marinas throughout the archipelago accommodate vessels of all sizes. A few worth knowing: Valentine's Resort and Marina in Harbour Island has 51 transient slips, including 33 slips over 80 feet with 7-foot draft, and accommodates vessels up to 200 feet. Norman's Cay Marina in the northern Exuma chain accommodates 37 vessels and is expanding to 63 slips, handling 60-meter-plus yachts. Flying Fish Marina on Long Island's Atlantic coastline sits in a protective harbour with dockage rates starting at $3.25 per foot per day as of mid-2026, verify before relying on this price. A $300 Dock and Stay Credit applies at participating marina hotels for pre-booked stays of four or more consecutive nights as of mid-2026.

Within Nassau

Jitneys (Public Buses)

Nassau's public bus network, locally called jitneys, is an extensive and inexpensive way to travel around New Providence island. Jitneys operate set routes but do not always run on fixed schedules; they depart when full. Fares are low by any standard. Routes cover most of Nassau, Cable Beach, and the western part of the island.

Jitneys are not air-conditioned and can be crowded, but they offer an authentic local experience and are widely used by residents. Route numbers are displayed on the front; locals are generally helpful in directing visitors to the right jitney for their destination.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available at Nassau's airport, major hotels, and the cruise port. Fares are set by zone rather than by meter in many cases; confirm the fare before getting in. Rates are higher than jitneys but competitive with taxis in US cities. Tipping is customary (typically 10–15%).

Rideshare apps are not widely operational in the Bahamas. Taxis or hotel-arranged transport are the standard options.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are available in Nassau and on several Family Islands. Driving in the Bahamas is on the left (British-influenced road rule). Roads in Nassau are generally well-maintained; roads on Family Islands vary from good to unpaved. An international driving permit is not required for visitors from the US, Canada, or UK presenting a valid local licence, but verify this before arrival.

Walking and Cycling

Nassau's downtown and the Cable Beach strip are walkable for short distances, though the heat and distance between areas often make walking impractical for anything beyond a neighbourhood. Cable Beach has limited cycling infrastructure.

Within Family Islands

Transport on Family Islands is typically limited to taxis, rental cars, golf carts (particularly popular on Harbour Island and Green Turtle Cay), and bicycles. See the getting-around article for each island for specific detail:

Nassau Getting Around, Nassau jitneys, taxis, and car hire
Eleuthera Getting Around, Eleuthera rental cars and taxis across a long, thin island
Exumas Getting Around, Exumas boat charters, taxis, and car hire
Harbour Island Getting Around, Golf carts on Harbour Island
Abacos Getting Around, Ferry network between Abacos cays
Out Islands Getting Around, Minimalist transport across the less-visited islands

See also: Getting There · Money & Budget · When to Go