CayHopper
All Clear

Getting Around

Inter-island travel, rentals, and local transport

Last updated: Invalid DateConfidence: High

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.

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) approximately 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.

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

Bahamas Ferries

Bahamas Ferries operates scheduled passenger and vehicle ferry service connecting Nassau to several Family Islands, including Andros, Eleuthera, and Long Island. Ferries are significantly cheaper than flying but substantially slower. The Nassau–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 the experience of 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 (Nassau Harbour), used as an alternative to crossing on the bridge.
  • North Eleuthera to Harbour Island: A short water taxi run across Harbour Island's approach, operating throughout the day.
  • Nassau to Atlantis / Paradise Island: Several hotel operators run dedicated water shuttles from Nassau's waterfront.

Private Charters and Day Trips

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. See getting-around for Exuma-specific charter logistics.

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:

See also: getting-there · money-budget · when-to-go