Getting around · Nassau · Bahamas
Getting around Nassau
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Downtown Nassau is walkable, and jitneys (minibuses) connect it with Cable Beach and other parts of New Providence for a low flat fare. Taxis charge government-set rates by zone, and water taxis cross the harbour to Paradise Island. Traffic drives on the left. No for a beach or resort stay: taxis, jitneys and water taxis cover downtown, Cable Beach and Paradise Island.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Walking
- Airports
- NAS
- Need a car?
- No
Ways to get around
Walking
Bay Street, Parliament Square, the Straw Market, Queen's Staircase and Junkanoo Beach are all within a 15-minute walk of the cruise piers.
Bus
Jitneys leave from around Bay Street downtown and run along West Bay Street to Cable Beach and beyond; there are no jitneys onto Paradise Island.
Carry exact change in small bills, and ask the driver to tell you when to get off.
Taxi
Licensed taxis have fixed government-set fares between zones, plus charges for extra passengers and bags; confirm the fare before setting off.
Ferry
Water taxis run between Prince George Wharf and Paradise Island throughout the day, a scenic alternative to a taxi across the bridge.
Car
Rental cars and scooters are available; driving is on the left and traffic downtown can be heavy.
From the airport
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is about 15 km west of downtown. Taxis take about 20 minutes to Cable Beach, 30 minutes to downtown and 35–45 minutes to Paradise Island, at set zone fares. There is no direct public bus from the terminal for most visitors.
Do you need a car?
No for a beach or resort stay: taxis, jitneys and water taxis cover downtown, Cable Beach and Paradise Island. A car helps for exploring the west and south coasts, Clifton Heritage and quieter beaches.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Exuma Cays | About 1.5–2 hours each way by speedboat | Organised speedboat tour or small-plane excursion |
| Rose Island | About 30 minutes by boat | Organised boat trip from Nassau or Paradise Island |
| Blue Lagoon Island | About 30 minutes by boat | Ferry included with tour packages |
| Harbour Island, Eleuthera | About 2–3 hours by fast ferry | Fast ferry from Potter's Cay or a short flight |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Nassau?
No for a beach or resort stay: taxis, jitneys and water taxis cover downtown, Cable Beach and Paradise Island. A car helps for exploring the west and south coasts, Clifton Heritage and quieter beaches.
+How do you get from the airport to Nassau?
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is about 15 km west of downtown. Taxis take about 20 minutes to Cable Beach, 30 minutes to downtown and 35–45 minutes to Paradise Island, at set zone fares. There is no direct public bus from the terminal for most visitors.
+What is the best way to get around Nassau?
Walking: Bay Street, Parliament Square, the Straw Market, Queen's Staircase and Junkanoo Beach are all within a 15-minute walk of the cruise piers.