Getting Around in Nassau, Bahamas

Walking

Nassau is a small city and is difficult to get lost in. Be sure to watch when crossing the street as the drivers aren't as cautious and careful as most and they drive on the left side of the street!

Taxis

Taxis are common but you need to verify the fare amount in advance. Drivers are typically tipped 15%.

Paradise Island: $4 / person each way

Cable Beach: $15 / person each way

Island tour: Costs more but is negotiable; Taxi driver will act as your tour guide.

Jitney Buses

Jitney buses are the way the locals get around.  They are $1.25 per person ($1 for small children) per trip (no matter the distance) but have several different routes.  They run 6 am to 6 pm daily except for Sundays when there is limited service.  Exact change is required and the buses do not go to Paradise Island.

Key Jitney bus #10 & 10a - Loads on George & Bay streets to Cable Beach

From Bay Street (opposite Parliament Street) to the Eastern end of the Island (including foot of the bridge to Paradise Island) and return -- Bus Numbers: 1, 9, 9A, 9B, 19, 21, 21A, 23

From Frederick Street (Bay Street) to Town Center Mall and return -- Bus Numbers: 4, 4A, 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 11A, 12, 15, 15A

From Bay Street (George Street) to Cable Beach and return -- Bus Numbers: 10, 10A

Water Taxi / Ferries

The Nassau water taxi leaves from Festival Place at the Prince George dock and goes to Paradise Island.  The trip is $4 each way ($8 round trip) and takes about 10 minutes.  The ferry leaves every 30 minutes and operates daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.  The operators will give you a brief tour on the way and may approach (pester) you for a tip at the end of the ride.

Horse-drawn Carriage

Horse-drawn carriages cost $15 / person for a 25 minute ride but the price is typically negotiable.  From May to October the horses rest from the sun / heat from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  They leave from the area behind Festival Place near Rawson Square and also along Bay Street and tour the downtown area.

Car / Scooter Rental

Reasons not to rent a car or scooter:

They drive on the left side of the street.

There is limited time in port to rent a car.

Cars are expensive ($100/day).

Scooters are hazardous because they are small and hard to see in Nassau's crazy traffic.

The scooters are not well maintained and can leave you stranded far from the port with little to no hope of contacting the scooter vendor. Key Message: Don't miss the boat!Jitney Buses