Getting Around Nassau

Conveniently located 10 miles from downtown Nassau, Lynden Pindling International, the Bahamas largest airport, offers visitors easy access to the island chain's capital city. The airport offers service from 27 airlines to destinations across North America and Europe. Nestled within the airport's two terminals are a host of restaurants and shops that provide the first - or last - chance to absorb the local culture. Stores such as Uniquely Bahamian, Bahamas Sol and Tortuga Rum Cakes allow visitors to take a piece of the Bahamas home with them. The Marshall's Famous Daiquiri Bar is also a lively spot to pass the time.

BusesOn the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, visitors can travel on buses, referred to as jitneys, easily and inexpensively. The jitneys are actually vans that travel on established routes throughout these islands from early morning to dusk. While jitney routes have set stops, riders are usually able to flag one down on the streets. Once aboard, the friendly driver can help passengers with locating their stop. There is no bus service on most of the Out Islands.Fares begin at US$1 for rides within town and increase depending on the distance of travel. Exact change is required.Ferries and Water TaxisFor travel between the islands, nothing tops the experience of skimming across the pristine blue ocean waters aboard a ferry or water taxi. Bahamas Ferries offers a number of options for travel between the islands and cays including regularly scheduled daily service from Nassau to points of interest, chartered trips, day trips and tours. Among the vessels in Bahamas Ferries' fleet is the M/V BoHengy, a 115-foot-long catamaran that offers high-speed service from Nassau to Harbour Island and North Eleuthera.Most of the Out Islands have local ferry or water taxi service to shuttle passengers to neighboring islands and harbors. These vessels and captains offer visitors an interesting and unique view of the lesser visited islands of the Bahamas.Majestic ToursShuttle service from the airports to hotels and resorts can be arranged through Majestic Tours. Operating a number of vehicles, including 30-passenger air conditioned coaches, 11-passenger minivans, town cars and private stretch limousines, Majestic has a service desk in Lynden Pindling International Airport and operates stations at most hotels around Nassau.Rental Cars and ScootersTravelers wishing to tour the main islands of the Bahamas can rent a car to visit some unique and out-of-the-way sites near Nassau and Freeport. Visitors arriving at Lynden Pindling International Airport will find counters for Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Hertz and National/Alamo Car Rental. Grand Bahama International Airport hosts representatives from Avis, Discovery, Hertz, Bahama Buggies, Dollar, KSR, Econo and Thrifty Car Rental. Some of the smaller airports offer rental car service; however, rates are likely to be higher and the cars may be less well maintained.For an alternative to cars, many of the tourist centers offer scooter rental. Perfect for whisking away to a secluded beach, scooters are a fun and economical way to travel around the islands. Scooter rental companies include Bowcar, Knowles and J&S.TaxisTaxi service is plentiful in the populous islands of the Bahamas. In the lesser traveled areas, visitors must arrange for taxi service. Taxi stands are located at Lynden Pindling International and Grand Bahama International and at many of the large hotels and resorts. The government has set fares at US$3 for the first quarter-mile and US$0.40 each additional mile; a charge of US$3 for each additional passenger applies. However, visitors should be aware that these rates can vary, especially by island. Taxis in New Providence and Grand Bahama may operate on a zone system. Passengers should check with the driver before beginning the trip.The fare for travel between Lynden Pindling International Airport and downtown Nassau is US$22 for two passengers, while the fare from the airport to Paradise Island is US$28. Fees apply for additional passengers and for pieces of luggage. For unmetered taxis on other islands, visitors should negotiate a fare before entering the taxi.