Last checked: November 2026
Getting around the Bahamas means choosing between planes, boats and local road transport, depending on which islands you visit. Between islands, domestic flights are the fastest option, and a ferry covers a few routes from Nassau. On New Providence and Grand Bahama you can use licensed taxis, jitney minibuses or a rental car, and traffic drives on the left.
Short answer: Fly for most inter-island trips, take the ferry only on the routes the operator publishes, and use licensed taxis in Nassau. Jitney minibuses are cheap but run mostly in daylight and early evening. Rent a car only on larger islands, and remember to drive on the left.
This guide covers travel inside the country. For international arrivals and airport transfers, see our guide to flights to the Bahamas.
What are the main ways to travel between islands?
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flight | Most islands, shortest travel time | Small planes, baggage limits, schedule changes |
| Scheduled ferry | Nassau to Spanish Wells and Harbour Island | Runs on set days only, weather permitting |
| Mailboat | Slow, low-cost travel with a flexible plan | Long trips, schedules set by each operator |
| Water taxi or private boat | Short hops and the Exuma Cays | Use licensed operators only |
How do domestic flights work?
Bahamasair is the national airline and the main domestic carrier. It links Nassau with Freeport, Marsh Harbour, George Town in Exuma, North Eleuthera and many other islands. Smaller carriers such as Western Air and Pineapple Air, plus charter operators, fill gaps on some routes. Check the Bahamasair website for the current timetable.
Nassau is the hub, so a trip between two Family Islands often connects there. Small planes have strict baggage limits, so confirm weight and size rules before you pack. Reconfirm your flight the day before, because schedules shift.
Which ferries run in the Bahamas?
Bahamas Ferries sails from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau. Its published passenger service uses the M/V Bo Hengy III to Spanish Wells and Harbour Island in Eleuthera, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Check-in runs from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m., and the operator says holidays and special events override the schedule.
- Nassau 8:00 a.m., Spanish Wells 10:10 a.m., Harbour Island 11:10 a.m.
- Harbour Island 3:40 p.m., Spanish Wells 4:10 p.m., Nassau 6:30 p.m.
The operator lists the adult one-way fare from Nassau as US$139 including VAT, and says rates can change without notice. Its office list includes Freeport, George Town and Marsh Harbour, but the passenger schedule we found covers only the Eleuthera route. Check the Bahamas Ferries travel page before you plan around any other route.
Mailboats carry freight and some passengers from Nassau to the Family Islands. They are slow and informal, so ask at the dock for current times. Water taxis link Nassau’s harbour area with Paradise Island, and a short boat crossing connects North Eleuthera with Harbour Island.
How long do trips between main places take?
| Route | Usual option | Typical travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau to Freeport | Flight | About 30 to 50 minutes in the air |
| Nassau to Marsh Harbour | Flight | About 30 to 50 minutes in the air |
| Nassau to George Town | Flight | About 30 to 50 minutes in the air |
| Nassau to North Eleuthera | Flight, then boat to Harbour Island | Short flight plus a brief crossing |
| Nassau to Spanish Wells | Ferry | 2 hours 10 minutes on the published schedule |
| Nassau to Harbour Island | Ferry | 3 hours 10 minutes on the published schedule |
Add time for check-in, security and transfers on both ends. Flight times are typical figures, so confirm them with the airline.
How do you get around Nassau and Paradise Island?
Taxis are the most flexible option and the only one that serves Paradise Island reliably at night. Licensed taxis use government-set fares on common routes. Ask for the fare before you get in, and check what extra passengers and bags cost. Cash is the safest way to pay.
Jitneys are licensed minibuses on numbered routes, with a low flat fare paid in cash. You can flag one down along its route. They don’t go to Paradise Island and thin out after dark.
Ride-hailing apps are less dependable than in other cities. Check whether a local app works for your dates, and keep a licensed taxi number as a backup.
How do you get around Grand Bahama and the Family Islands?
Grand Bahama has taxis, jitneys and rental cars. Most Family Islands have no bus service, so hotels arrange taxis, and rental cars or scooters suit longer distances. Eleuthera is long and narrow, so you’ll want a car or a pre-booked taxi there. On Harbour Island, golf carts are the normal way to travel.
What are the driving rules?
- Drive on the left. Many rental cars are left-hand drive imports from North America, which feels odd at first.
- Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt.
- Carry your passport, home licence and rental agreement.
- Ask the rental company about age limits and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
- Never drink and drive.
Which transport should you choose?
- Fastest: a domestic flight from Nassau.
- Cheapest: a jitney in town, or a mailboat between islands if you have time.
- Most scenic: the Eleuthera ferry or a licensed boat tour in the Exumas.
- Most flexible: a rental car on Grand Bahama or Eleuthera.
Common mistakes
- Taking unmarked cars instead of licensed taxis.
- Assuming the ferry runs every day.
- Booking a same-day connection between an island flight and your flight home.
- Carrying no cash for jitneys and small taxis.
- Renting a car without checking licence rules.
Getting-around checklist
- Reconfirm flights and ferries a day ahead.
- Keep small US dollar notes for jitneys and taxis.
- Save a licensed taxi number and your hotel address.
- Check baggage limits for small planes.
- Leave a buffer before any international flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train in the Bahamas?
No. The Bahamas has no passenger rail or metro network. Visitors use flights, boats, minibuses, taxis and rental cars, depending on the island. Nassau’s public transport is mainly jitney minibuses.
Can I use ride-hailing apps?
Don’t count on global apps such as Uber. Local services have operated, but availability changes, so check before you rely on one. Your hotel can usually book a licensed taxi for you.
Can I rent a car on every island?
No. Rental cars are mainly available on New Providence, Grand Bahama and some larger Family Islands. Smaller islands rely on taxis, golf carts or bikes, so ask your hotel before you book.
How far ahead should I book the ferry?
Book once your dates are firm, because the published service runs only on certain days. Confirm the schedule with the operator, as weather and holidays can change it.