Bahamas (BS)

An English-speaking Caribbean archipelago close to Florida, known for high-end tourism, no personal income tax, strong financial services, second-home communities, turquoise water and very high island living costs.

Capital: Nassau

Region: Americas

Language: English

Currency: BSD ($)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 75)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Bahamas.

Public Transport Overview

Public transport is mainly private jitney buses in Nassau and Freeport, taxis, ferries, water taxis and domestic flights. Family Island mobility often depends on car rental, golf cart, boat or local taxi.

Main operators:

Jitney buses in NassauLicensed taxisBahamas FerriesWater taxis to Paradise IslandMail boatsBahamasairWestern AirPineapple AirMakers AirPrivate marinas and charter operators

🎫 Transit Passes

Jitney cash fare Usually a few BSD per ride

Nassau urban routes

💡 Cash, daytime-focused, limited evening/Sunday reliability.

Taxi fare Zone or meter/negotiated route dependent

Airports, hotels, ports and towns

💡 Confirm fare before starting; airport/resort fares can be high.

Bahamas Ferries ticket Route and class dependent

Inter-island routes from Nassau

💡 Weather and schedules require buffer time.

Domestic flight ticket Route/season dependent

Major Family Islands

💡 Often fastest way between islands; luggage rules can be strict.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are common around airports, hotels, cruise ports and marinas. Confirm fare, payment method and waiting charges in advance.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Global rideshare coverage is limited or unavailable. Use licensed taxis, hotel drivers, car rental or local taxi apps where active.

Cycling

Cycling infrastructure is limited. Heat, narrow roads, left-side traffic, aggressive passing and poor lighting make defensive cycling essential.

Intercity Trains

There is no passenger rail. Inter-island travel is by ferry, mail boat, domestic flight, private boat or charter.

Driving

The Bahamas drives on the left. Speed limits: 25 mph (40 km/h) in built-up areas, 45 mph (72 km/h) on highways. Visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence or IDP for up to three months; longer stays and residents should transfer/get a Bahamian licence.

Airports

Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau is the main international hub. Grand Bahama, Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera and other islands have important international or domestic airports.