There are several options for getting around in The Bahamas depending on the island and your needs. 

Public Transportation 

Nassau has a major public bus system where privately owned buses called “jitneys” follow a scheduled route within the city. Buses run from around 6AM to 7PM daily and rates start from $1.25 with only exact change being accepted. The jitney experience can be intense, so it is advised that visitors stick to the #10 bus only, which rides from west Nassau to the downtown area. There are few marked bus stop, so the bus will make frequent stops to let passengers off and on along the side of the road. 

Private Transfer Companies

Visitors to Nassau and Freeport have the option to pre-book a private or shared transfer that include passage in a air-conditioned van, limousine, private car or bus with a professional driver waiting for you at the airport. You can also reserve a special service that expedites your arrival and departure from the airport to your destination in Nassau. A flat rate of around $100 will give you a personal concierge to meet you at the gate and expedite your Immigration and Customs requirements, collects your bags and connect you to a car service. When it is time to depart, your concierge will meet you at the airport, expedite your check-in and security clearance, and give you access to a private departure lounge. You can also book VIP concierge packages that take care of the elite traveler.

Taxis and Uber

You will notice a taxi stand outside the airport and shopping districts in Nassau and Freeport where you can request a private taxi. Taxi service is limited on most other islands but you can locate one at the airport or at your hotel. Be sure to discuss the rate before departing as not all taxis use metres.

While Uber does not have a location in The Bahamas, there are several similar companies in Nassau that let you use an app to get a ride. The primary app is Bahamas Ride which is a collaboration between the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union and the Ministry of Tourism.

Ferries and Water Taxis

The Bahamas is an archipelago which means that we are a nation of islands. Many smaller islands use a ferry service to connect them to mainland islands for shopping, school and general purposes. You will find these services mainly in the Abaco Islands, the Exuma Cays, Bimini and Eleuthera. The islands of Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay have a daily service and water taxis run back and forth between Paradise Island and downtown Nassau all day. Rates vary dramatically depending on the distance so be sure to find out the fee before departing.

Rentals

If you prefer to drive yourself around, there are several options available. Remember that in The Bahamas we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and vehicles may be either right-hand or left-hand drive. You will also notice that is a multitude of small, box-shaped Japanese cars that are efficient and affordable but may not be the most comfortable if you are taller or have a lot of people in your party. 

Cars & Vans

Car rental companies are accessible on most islands and are especially useful on the Family Islands and when you are staying in a vacation rental home located outside of the hotel area. Local companies will offer better rental rates and make accept a cash deposit, but note that your vehicle may be right-hand drive which means the driver sits on the right side of the car. American rental companies including Alamo and Hertz are located in the airport in Nassau.

Golf Carts

The roads can be very narrow on small islands such as Harbour Island and Spanish Wells off Eleuthera, several Abaco cays, some Exuma cays as well as Bimini and the Berry Islands. Many people will use golf carts exclusively and rentals are available near the dock when you enter the island.

Scooters

Scooters and ATVs (all terrain vehicles) are available in Nassau, Freeport and some Family Islands. You can also find bicycle rentals mainly in Freeport and the Family Islands, as Nassau is a high traffic city lacking bike lanes.