Getting into the Bahamas is pretty easy. Many cruise lines from all over the country make trips that stop in either Nassau in New Providence Island or Freeport in Grand Bahama. Flying to the Bahamas from the United States is also simple and relatively inexpensive. You have to have a valid passport to board a plane to the Bahamas as well as a return ticket. Both Nassau and Freeport Bahamas have major airports running daily flights from North America. And getting to and from Bahamas tours is as easy as ever since most will provide transfers for visitors.
Bus and Public Transportation
Nassau Bahamas and Freeport are basically the only cities in the Bahamas that have bus transportation. While the buses are actually private minibuses, they run on pre-established routes much like a regular public bus. This is basically the island's "public" transportation. The buses run regularly and are a good way to get around during the day. For nighttime transportation, you are better off hailing one of the main taxis on the islands. The outlying islands do not have any bus transportation. The principal form of getting around on the outer islands is mostly through taxis of courtesy hotel shuttles.
Car and Motorcycle
Driving in the major islands of the Bahamas is pretty safe with Bahamian drivers being quite cautious and courteous. The main roads in both Nassau and Freeport are in good condition, but be careful with side roads. It is also much easier to drive during the day than at night, so if your plans involve getting somewhere or back to your hotel at night, consider the option of getting a taxi cab. Nassau and Freeport also have a few major car rental companies with rates typically starting around US$70 for a full 24 hours. It is nice to have a car or a motorcycle for part of your Bahamas vacation, but it is not required. Getting around on foot or by taxi is extremely feasible and sometimes even easier than dealing with a rental car.
Taxis
You will see plenty of taxis all over Nassau and Freeport. Hailing a taxi is easy and a taxi cab ride is a quick and inexpensive way to get around from one location to the next. The taxi rates are fixed by the government and are based on distance. Most rates for a taxi ride are based on two people with an addition flat rate of $3 for each additional rider. Rates for taxi rides from the airport or a cruise terminal to a specified hotel or other major destination are usually a fixed rate.
Bahamas by Water
Several ferries run daily trips from Nassau to other islands. The most common ferry trip is from Nassau to neighboring Paradise Island, though Paradise Island (where the luxury five-star resort Atlantis is located) is also accessible on automobile or bus. Other islands that have ferries from Nassau Bahamas include Abacos, Eleuthera, Exumas, and Andros. Each of these islands gives visitors a Bahamas experience that is even more laid-back and filled with more remote and uncrowded beaches.
