Bahamas: Local Travel Info

Internal Flights and Major International Airports in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is served by six international airports, the major ones being in Nassau and on Grand Bahama. Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), formerly known as Nassau International, the major airport of the Bahamas, is located near the capital of Nassau on the island of New Providence, and is a government run facility. Lynden Airport connects the Bahamas with many destinations in North America, the Bahamas and other cities in the Caribbean, as well as Manchester, London and Paris. Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) is a private airport in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama, with services by major airlines to several destinations in the eastern United States, Milan and Paris, as well as locations in the Caribbean. International airports in the Bahamas feature a United States Border “preclearance”, which allows U.S. flights to operate as domestic flights upon arrival. Note that airports in the Bahamas issue a $15/11€ departure tax.

Getting to and from the Airport in the Bahamas

Taxi fares from Lynden Airport to downtown Nassau are about 16€ for two passengers, while a trip to Paradise Island will run around 20€. Dollar, Hertz and Alamo are among the rental car companies at Lynden. Majestic Tours is a company which provides private vehicle, coach, limousine and minibus services between Lynden Airport and many resorts and hotels in and around Nassau. They have a desk at the airport.

Grand Bahama Airport has a 24 hour taxi service and several on site car rental agencies, such as Avis, Hertz and Thifty. Taxis to popular destinations such as Royal Oasis, Lucaya and Fortuna Beach range between 8 and 14€.

Renting Cars in the Bahamas

Car rental companies in the Bahamas are quite numerous. International and local car hire chains include Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Hertz, National/Alamo, Avis, Discovery, Bahama Buggies, Dollar, KSR and Econo. Car rental prices average 35-70€ per day and can be hired from both Lynden International Airport and Grand Bahama International Airport, as well as at many of the smaller domestic airports, though these may have a smaller and poorer selection as well as higher prices. Renting scooters is a popular alternative to car rental and can be done at many tourist centers.

For the best car rental rates in Bahamas online, view our Car Hire section above.

Drivers License Requirements in the Bahamas

Driving requirements in the Bahamas are quite simple: you can drive with a valid driving license from your home country for up to 3 months before having to obtain a Bahamian license.

Rules for Driving in the Bahamas

Traffic in the Bahamas is on the left hand side. Roads are generally adequate in Nassau and Freeport, but less so elsewhere. Road construction is not always well marked. Bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians can be hazards, especially on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport.

The Bahamas by Bus

Buses in the Bahamas are commonly called “jitneys”, and are frequent and inexpensive on New Providence and Grand Bahama. Jitneys are vans that travel on established routes throughout these islands from early morning to dusk and can be flagged down as they are passing. Most of the outer islands have no bus service. Jitney or bus fares begin at $1 (0.71€) for rides in town and increase depending on the length of the journey. Passengers are usually required to pay their fares with exact change.

The Bahamas by Taxi

Taxis service in the Bahamas is common and widespread on the populous islands, while in the remote parts taxis often have to be pre arranged. There are taxi stands at the airports, resorts and major hotels. The Bahamian government has regulated fares at $3 (2.15€) for the first quarter mile (0.4 km) and at about 0.29€ for each additional mile (1.6 km) with a charge of 2.15€ for each additional passenger. Nonetheless, these rates can sometimes vary from island to island and may also operate on a zone system. It is therefore advised that passengers check rates with the driver before accepting rides.

Water Transport in the Bahamas

Water transport in the Bahamas is generally both convenient and enjoyable. Water taxis and ferries run between the islands of the Bahamas and provide a pleasant way to travel. Bahamas Ferries operates a regularly scheduled daily service from Nassau to several points of interest, as well as chartered trips, day trips and tours including high-speed service from Nassau to Harbour Island and North Eleuthera. The outer islands have local ferry or water taxi services to shuttle passengers to neighboring islands and harbors, offering tourists unique views of the lesser visited islands of the Bahamas.