Getting Around Bahamas: Transport Guide

Getting Around

By Air

There are several scheduled or charter flights between the various Islands, but as the base for nearly all flights is Nassau, travelling by air might be difficult unless you are staying in Nassau itself. Thus after every trip you would be obliged to return to Nassau which might result in wastage of time. The option might be to hire a small aircraft in case you want to do a lot of Island hopping.

Car rental

This is considered the best option for travelling around, though most roads are not in good condition and are often congested. A valid foreign license or international license is acceptable for a period of three months but beyond that, you need to procure a local driving license from the Road Traffic Department in Nassau. Driving is to the left. There are several local as well as international car-rental agencies in Nassau, Freeport and the Family Islands. Required age for obtaining a driving license in Bahamas is 17 years, however, renters have to be 21 or more to obtain a license.

It is also possible to rent bicycles, motorcycles or scooters to travel around.   

By Taxis

There is an abundance of taxis in Nassau and Freeport. You need to call for one, if you are on any of the Family Islands. 

By Public Transport

There is little or no public transport system. There are no buses operational on any of the Family Islands. In Nassau there is some evidence of public transport in the shape of minibuses or ‘jitneys’, which operate within the town but not near the airport. 

By Ferry

There are regular inter-island private as well as government run ferries, which offer a fairly reliable service, but it’s always a better idea to book in advance. Mail boats are another way of travelling between the Islands. Government run, they usually go to all the inhabited islands, however, they are slow and not very dependable.