Bahamas Transportation: Your Guide to Getting Around The Bahamas [2024]

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President & CEO at Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas

Carey is recognized as one of The Bahamas’ most respected real estate professionals. He holds the record of selling the largest beachfront property of $21 million (vacant land) in the Bahamas and has also been the Top Producer of real estate transactions in Ocean Club Estates. With over 30 years of sales experience, Carey founded MCR in 2008 and now employs an elite team of 25 highly skilled associates.

Is Transportation in The Bahamas Good?

Travelers in The Bahamas have several transportation options depending on their itinerary and location. While some activities may require a rental car or a taxi, many areas are easily accessible by public transportation including buses and boats. Better yet, stick to your ideal schedule by opting for private air travel and luxury car services tailored to your precise needs and priorities.

Whether you’re island hopping or exploring Nassau and its beautiful beachfront properties for sale, you have many options for getting around with ease.

Bahamas Transportation: Best Ways to Get Around

The best ways to get around in The Bahamas include air travel, boats, taxis, and even walking. Your specific plans and destination will dictate the optimal transportation for your unique trip, but with this combination of options, you’ll have no problem exploring Exuma Cays, Paradise Island, and every area in between.

Air Travel

In many cases, air travel is the fastest and most reliable travel method. Air travel options in The Bahamas include domestic flights and seaplane charters. Each option offers its advantages and drawbacks.

Opting for a domestic flight is generally a more cost-effective approach, but this route places limitations on your schedule and potential destinations. On the other hand, chartering a private seaplane costs more, but provides scheduling flexibility within daylight hours and can allow you to see more of the beautiful islands. Private planes, jets, and seaplanes are preferred transportation methods for many locals thanks to their reliability and the shorter travel time.

Domestic flights carry you between each airport in The Bahamas. Major airports include:

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau
Rock Sound International Airport (RSD) in South Eleuthera
Exuma Airport (GGT)
Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) in Freeport
Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, also known as The Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour
North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) in Eleuthera
San Salvador Airport (ZSA) on San Salvador Island
Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB) in Governor’s Harbour
Arthur’s Town Airport (ATC) on Cat Island

Ferries and Boats

To avoid the airport bustle and breathe the fresh air between destinations, many people opt for water travel. Ferries, boat rentals, and private charters can take you between islands. Your precise route will determine whether a boat or a flight is most suitable for your schedule.

Since there are so many islands and possible connections, there are many ferry services spanning each area.

Ferry providers like Bahamas Ferries make your trip enjoyable with refreshments and friendly service, and their routes take travelers from Nassau to Eleuthera.
G and L Ferry offers affordable trips between various destinations including Hope Town, Man-o-War, and Guana Cay/Scotland’s Cay.
To hop between Green Turtle Cay, New Plymouth, and Treasure Cay, the best ferry service is Green Turtle.
Frederick Major’s Ferry Service runs from Drigg’s Hill to Lisbon Creek.
Many islands, like Acklins and Crooked Island, are connected by free ferry services.

If planning your day around the ferry schedule isn’t appealing, you can also use a water taxi or private boat charter to explore the islands. Nassau Water Taxi operates between Nassau and Paradise Island on a frequent schedule.

Travelers can also book boat tours through private providers which include meals and excursions like swimming with pigs. For a particularly luxurious experience, charter a private boat or yacht and take your time exploring many corners of The Bahamas.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

On land, taxis provide easy access to activities and landmarks. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in The Bahamas.

You can hail a taxi in crowded areas, find a taxi stand, or ask hotel staff to call you a taxi. Taxis use fixed rates, so ask your driver about the cost before committing to the ride. Trusted taxi service providers include:

Biking and Walking

Many areas of The Bahamas are walkable or accessible by bike. For example, downtown Nassau is the perfect place to take a walk or bike ride and stop in to learn more about the many historic landmarks. Biking is an affordable and eco-friendly way to see the stunning landscapes and nature on Bimini Island or Grand Bahama Island.

Top Private Transportation Services in The Bahamas

Stick to your ideal schedule and navigate the island in style by arranging for private transportation with these leading providers.

1. Black Diamond Transportation

Located in Nassau, Black Diamond Transportation uses a fleet of high-end luxury SUVs to get you where you need to go. From event transportation to airport transfers and corporate groups, this fleet is equipped with various vehicle sizes and styles to fit your needs. Book online or add flexibility with standby service.

2. Baggy Rocks Nassau Bahamas Transportation

Book with Baggy Rocks for efficient and on-time transportation services, perfect for events and airport pickup. This Nassau-based service offers tours, transportation packages, and customized experiences to delight every traveler or resident. Book snorkeling excursions, beach tours, and transportation to Atlantis or Baha Mar with this highly-rated transport and tour service.

3. Royalty Transportation and Tours

Royalty Transportation and Tours is ideal for large groups with 15-passenger vans as well as SUVs. Serving Nassau and Paradise Island, this organization offers group tours with included refreshments as well as airport transfers and event transportation. Take the guesswork out of group transportation by booking with Royalty Transportation and Tours!

4. Simon’s Transports

Whether you need shared or private transportation around The Bahamas, Simon’s Transports provides high-end comfort and ease. The team uses flight tracking and SMS updates for a smooth experience, and their transfers include free WiFi and complimentary grocery and liquor stops.

5. Bahamas Luxury Concierge

From airport transport to chauffeur services and even yacht rentals, Bahamas Luxury Concierge provides everything you need for comfortable and convenient transportation throughout The Bahamas.

Looking for a home in The Bahamas with just as much luxury and comfort? The MCR Bahamas Team brings local expertise and knowledge to help you choose the perfect area. Work with 40-year industry experts to guide you through the buying journey and get access to the most prestigious communities in The Bahamas.

Browse MCR Bahamas listings to find the property of your dreams, from oceanfront houses to island retreats.

More About Bahamas Transportation

Get a full view of your Bahamas transportation options with answers to frequently asked questions.

What is the best way to get around The Bahamas?

The best way to get around The Bahamas depends on your budget, priorities, and precise location. To travel within major islands like Nassau or Grand Bahama, you can use taxi services or even rent a car. If you opt for downtown lodging, you can even access many landmarks on foot or by bike. For a smoother and more luxurious experience, private transportation services offering luxury sedans and SUVs provide next-level comfort.

How do you hop islands in The Bahamas?

To hop islands in The Bahamas, you can travel by air or by boat. Boat tours, ferries, and private charters can take you between islands by sea. Choose between each option based on which islands you hope to visit and your desired experience on board. For further distances and quick switches, air travel provides convenient island hopping transportation. Charter a seaplane or hop on a domestic flight to transfer between islands.

What should I know about using taxis in The Bahamas?

In The Bahamas, taxis are easy to find in well-populated areas but may be harder to come across in remote spots. You can work with hotel staff to set up taxi services for you or track down a taxi stand. In crowded spaces, you might share your car with another traveler.

Instead of metered journeys, taxi services in The Bahamas use set fees that vary from island to island. Talk with your driver about the fee before you embark on your trip. Be prepared to pay in cash and factor in a 10-15% tip for your driver.

Master Bahamas Transportation for Your Luxury Getaway

Give yourself the gift of a stress-free journey when planning your transportation in The Bahamas. Whether you opt for private charters, ferries, or bike rides, you can easily access every corner of the stunning Bahamas.

If you’re exploring The Bahamas for rental or investment properties, let MCR Bahamas provide insider knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re considering an investment in luxury real estate or searching for high-end places to stay, MCR Bahamas is here to assist you with 40 years of local industry expertise and over $2 billion in property sales represented.

Check MCR Bahamas’ listings to explore the best properties in The Bahamas.