Getting Around

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.

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.

Aztec Airways operates daily year-round service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood to Marsh Harbour (Leonard M. Thompson Airport), departing Fort Lauderdale at 9 a.m. and Marsh Harbour at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays include an additional stop at Treasure Cay, approximately 40 minutes from Marsh Harbour, with departures from Fort Lauderdale at 9 a.m. returning by noon. Aztec operates from a private terminal at its Fort Lauderdale base offering free parking and no TSA lines, and serves five major Out-Island destinations with 10 total stops across the Bahamas.

Tradewind Aviation launches daily Fort Lauderdale-Nassau flights starting December 10, 2026, with 48-minute flight times on an eight-passenger Pilatus PC-12. Flights depart from Sheltair private terminal at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and arrive at the private aviation terminal at Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau. Arrive one hour before departure. Complimentary snacks, refreshments, wine, and beer are included onboard. Tradewind also operates Fort Lauderdale flights to Marsh Harbour (up to 3 daily) and North Eleuthera (up to 2 daily), and runs Stuart-Nassau service Thursday-Monday year-round. Tickets are interchangeable among family and friends, and cancellations outside 48 hours carry no penalty. As of mid-August 2026, Tradewind is increasing overall Bahamas flights by 30 percent beginning mid-December.

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.

Fresh Creek Bridge, the main transport link across Fresh Creek connecting the two halves of central Andros, was condemned after structural failure. A pile cap tilted between 20 and 30 degrees, causing three bridge slabs to sink and shift weight dangerously. The bridge closure prevents access to the airport, government offices, and businesses on the opposite side. Residents currently cross Fresh Creek by small boat. A temporary bridge from New York was estimated to arrive within two months as of August 2026. The government is discussing a temporary structure using an Acrow Bridge, previously supplied to Abaco and Eleuthera, with an expected height of 16-20 feet above the current bridge level. A permanent replacement bridge is planned with two lanes. Because the bridge carries water and electricity infrastructure, services will need reconfiguration during replacement.

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