Nassau and New Providence
The capital and main gateway: colonial streets, Cable Beach, Junkanoo, and the easiest connections to every other island.
Flights, ferries, rental cars and transfers in The Bahamas
Getting around The Bahamas takes more planning than a single-island destination, because the islands are spread over a wide stretch of ocean and almost every journey between them involves a plane or a boat. We help you build an itinerary that actually connects, and arrange cars and transfers on the ground.
Nassau is the hub. Domestic flights from Lynden Pindling International connect it with every major island, usually in under an hour. Several Family Islands, including Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama, also have direct flights from Florida and other US cities, which can save a connection through Nassau.
Fast ferries run from Nassau to several islands, and the government-subsidised mailboats, which carry cargo and passengers on long overnight runs, serve nearly every inhabited island. On the ground, rental cars are essential on Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Great Exuma and Great Abaco, while Harbour Island and the Abaco cays run on golf carts. In Nassau, taxis, jitney buses and ride services cover most needs.
Arriving by private boat is its own category. Visiting vessels clear customs and immigration at an official port of entry such as Bimini, West End, Nassau or Marsh Harbour and obtain a cruising permit, after which they are free to move between the islands. Marinas on the main islands sell fuel and water and offer dockage, and the anchorages of the Exumas and Abacos are among the best in the region.
We do not sell flights or ferry tickets directly. We help you understand the options, point you to the right carriers and arrange cars, transfers and private boats with local providers.
What falls under transport
- Domestic flights
- Scheduled and charter flights between Nassau and the Family Islands.
- Ferries and mailboats
- Fast ferries and traditional mailboats between islands.
- Rental cars and golf carts
- Cars on the larger islands, golf carts on Harbour Island and the cays.
- Taxis and transfers
- Airport transfers, water taxis and private drivers.
Where transport matter most
Eleuthera
A long, thin island of pink-sand beaches, pineapple fields and small settlements, with the Glass Window Bridge where the Atlantic meets the bank.
The Exumas
A 120-mile chain of 365 cays with the clearest water in the country, the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto and a protected land-and-sea park.
Grand Bahama
Freeport and Lucaya, the Lucayan National Park's caves and Gold Rock Beach, West End fishing villages, and the shortest flights from Florida.
The Abacos
The sailing capital of The Bahamas: Marsh Harbour, the barrier cays of Hope Town, Man-O-War and Great Guana, and a sheltered sea in between.
Harbour Island
Three miles of pink-sand beach, pastel cottages in Dunmore Town and golf carts instead of cars, a short water taxi off Eleuthera's north end.
Need transport for your trip?
Send a request with your dates and island. We check availability with verified suppliers and reply with specific options.
Common questions
Can I drive between islands?
No. Each island is separate and travel between them is by air or sea. The exceptions are islands joined by bridge, such as Nassau and Paradise Island, and Great and Little Exuma.
Which side of the road do Bahamians drive on?
The left, although most cars are imported from the United States and have the steering wheel on the left as well. Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for short stays.
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