Bahamas

The Bahamas has approximately 57 airports of which three are major international airports as entry ports. The busiest of them is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. There is three terminal in this airport namely domestic and charter flights, flights to the USA and non-US international flights. It has direct services to the USA, Canada, the UK, the Cayman Islands, Panama and Turks & Caicos. There are many frequent flights from Maimi, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to the Bahamas. Being an archipelago, Bahamas is well connected through waterways from the neighbouring countries. One can opt for either Ferry or Cruise ship and even Yachts to travel to various islands in the Bahamas. Nassau and Free Port are the popular port of calls.

The international airport at Nassau is well connected to the rest of the world. One can book flights directly to Nassau and post-arrival, you can opt for connecting flight or even can go for waterways to reach the destination island. A few airlines fly directly to airports on the larger Out Islands, but the majority of flights arrive in Nassau or Freeport where passengers will connect to another flight before continuing to the Out Islands. There is a departure tax to be paid at the airport at the Bahamas. From outside the airport, you can hire a taxi or can rent a car of your own. There are many car rentals available at the airport. Some hotels provide their guests with shuttle service to and from the airport, but for this, you have to get in touch with the respective hotel.

It is not possible to travel here by land, thus one cannot reach the Bahamas through cab/car. But, you can hire a car or book a taxi after reaching the Bahamas in order to explore the city. Rental cars and Taxi cabs are extremely efficient and provide a comfortable journey to its tourists. The taxi cabs are very active and common taking people to just about any location in the country. The most popular taxi operators are Bahamas Tax Cab Union and Meter Cab Taxi Service.

Bahamian Islands are closely knit together mostly with buses and cabs. Railways are operating in and around Bahamas but that is limited for the transportation of goods.

Being located on Island, Bahamas cannot be reached through roadways, thus one cannot reach the Bahamas through the bus. The public local buses in Nassau and other islands of Bahamas is extremely common among locals and tourists. Charging as less as USD 1.25 for major spots and USD 2 for the longer routes, this transport mode is a favourite for budget travellers. There is a very popular bus operator called Jitneys that runs minibuses in and around the islands.

Bahamian Islands are well connected with the mini water taxis and ferry services. All the major islands including Grand Bahama, Paradise Island, Nassau and several more can easily be reached by the fast ferries. There are endless government and private marinas all through The Bahamas, twenty-nine of which are authentic ports of passage to The Islands of the Bahamas. The capital city, Nassau located on the New province island is one of the world's busiest cruise ship ports and is well connected by ships originating from Florida. If one is travelling by Yacht then it is subject to customs and immigration documentations and a nominal fee of $150-$300 is charged. There is twice-weekly service by mailboat from Nassau to Freeport (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and twice-daily service between Crown Haven, The Abacos, and McLean's Town, East Grand Bahama Island.

Travelling within the city and to other islands is facilitated mostly through air and water. There are many connecting flights that fly from Nassau's international airport to other Out islands. Ferries, cruises and Yachts also sail to other islands through various ports of Nassau. In order to explore the city one can rent a car to travel far off distances or may also rent a bike to travel in the city. Travelling through rail and buses is not available in the Bahamas.

Air: There are around 24 such airports which facilitate flying from one island to another. There are many flights that are scheduled between various islands but the centre of all is Nassau. Travelling via air may be troublesome unless you are staying in Nassau itself. Accordingly, after each excursion, you would be obliged to come back to Nassau which may cause a waste of time. The choice may be to contract a charter aeroplane just by any chance if you need to do a great deal of Island hopping.

Road: There is very little public transport available in the Bahamas to explore the city. There are no buses operational on any of the family Islands. However, in the capital city Nassau you may find some minibuses or "jitneys" running within the city but not near the airports. The best option to travel around is car rentals, though most of the roads are not well constructed and are often congested. You must carry a foreign or international driving licence in order to rent a car for a period of 3 months beyond which you will be required to obtain a license from the Road Traffic Department in Nassau. Driving is to the left. There are several local as well as international car-rental agencies in Nassau, Freeport and the Family Islands. Required age for obtaining a driving license in the Bahamas is 17 years; however, renters have to be 21 or more to obtain a license. There is an abundance of taxis in Nassau and Freeport. You need to call for one if you are on any of the Family Islands.

Foot/ Cycle: It is also possible to rent bicycles, motorcycles or scooters to travel around.

Water: You can hop islands by ferries too. The only main interisland ferry operator in the Bahamas is Bahamas Ferries, which provides high-speed services between Nassau and Andros, the Abacos, Eleuthera, the Exumas, Grand Bahamas and Long Island. Mail boats sail under government contract to most inhabited islands, delivering post, freight and passengers. They regularly depart from PotterÍs Cay for Grand Bahama and all the Out Islands. Traditionally sailing overnight, mail-boat journeys last between five and 24 hours, comforts are minimal, and fares between BS$30 and BS$45. Always call the Dockmaster's Office and check with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for the latest schedules and prices.