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How To Get To The Bahamas

The Bahamas comprise of over 7000 islands and cays. Within these 7000 islands, there are eight main areas referred to as:

Because the islands of The Bahamas are so spread out, it can be challenging to work out how to get to the Bahamas and also work out ways of getting around The Bahamas.

There are also so many great things to do in the Bahamas. In response to this, we have created an easy to use guide which will help you work out how do you get to the Bahamas and how to get to the various islands in the Bahamas and some of The Bahamas Points of Interest.

The guide will also help you how to work out how you get from island to island in The Bahamas.

There are many direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to the various islands in The Bahamas, so our guide will also be a great help in working out how to get from Florida to the Bahamas.

Map of the bahamas islands

It is also important to note that Nassau is the real hub for The Bahamas and most flights to the outer islands connect through Nassau and not with each other.

Passengers boarding a plane at sunset

Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is also the main hub for welcoming international flights to the Bahamas. The main International Airlines operating into Nassau include:

Getting To New Providence and Paradise Islands (Nassau)

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is the main gateway of the Bahamas for most international flights into the region. The main airport is located 10 miles from downtown Nassau and close to all the main attractions on New Providence and Paradise Island.

International Arrivals and Departures

  • Chicago to Nassau (NAS) with United Airlines
  • London to Nassau (NAS) with British Airways
  • Cayman Islands to Nassau (NAS) with British Airways
  • Toronto to Nassau (NAS) with Westjet
  • Toronto to Nassau (NAS) with Air Canada
  • Toronto to Nassau (NAS) with Sunwing
  • Ottawa to Nassau (NAS) with Air Canada
  • Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (NAS) with Southwest airlines
  • Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (NAS) with Bahamasair
  • Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
  • New York (JFK) to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
  • Boston to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
  • Orlando to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
  • Orlando to Nassau (NAS) with Bahamasair
  • Miami to Nassau (NAS) with Bahamasair
  • Miami to Nassau (NAS) with American Airlines
  • Houston to Nassau (NAS) with United Airlines
  • Newark to Nassau (NAS) with United Airlines
  • Providenciales Turks and Caicos to Nassau (NAS) with Inter Caribbean Air
  • New York to Nassau (NAS) with Delta Airlines
  • Atlanta to Nassau (NAS) with Delta Airlines
  • Kingston Jamaica to Nassau (NAS) with Caribbean Airlines
  • Philadelphia to Nassau (NAS) with American Airlines
  • Charlotte to Nassau (NAS) with American Airlines
  • Tampa to Nassau (NAS) with Silver Airlines
  • Panama City to Nassau (NAS) with Copa Airlines

Getting to Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama airport is one of the largest airports in The Bahamas. It is beside the town of Freeport. The airport is about 6 minutes from Freeport. It welcomes international flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale as well as domestic flights from Nassau. The main international carriers servicing Grand Bahama are:

  • American Airlines
  • Midwest Airlines
  • Silver Airways
  • Bahamasair

International Arrivals And Departures

  • Miami to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with American Airlines
  • Miami to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Midwest Airlines
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Silver Airways
  • Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Bahamasair

Domestic Arrivals and Departures

  • Nassau (NAS) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Western Air
  • Nassau (NAS) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
  • Nassau (NAS) to Freeport (FPO) with Bahamasair
  • South Bimini (BIM) to Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
  • Governors Harbour Airport (GHB) to Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
  • Marsh Harbour (MHH) to Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air

Getting To Grand Bahama By Boat

It is possible to take a ferry boat from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades to Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island with Ferry operator Balearia Bahamas Express. It is an express service and operates during the day. It is also possible to take an overnight ferry from West Palm Beach in Florida to Grand Bahama Island with Paradise Cruise Lines. They operate a more traditional cruise ship experience.

Getting to the bahamas and arriving at a very long white sandy beach next to a shockingly blue stretch of sea

Getting to the Abacos

The Abacos have two main airports Marsh Island Airport and Treasure Cay Airport. Marsh island Airport has both international and domestic arrivals and departures. The airport is known as the Leonard M Thompson International Airport. It is the second largest airport in The Bahamas. The only airport that is larger is Lynde Pindling International Airport. A new airport terminal opened in 2014 and as a result, it is a lovely airport to fly in and out.

Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) is one of the smallest airports in The Bahamas welcoming international flights. There are services from Fort Lauderdale and Miami as well as a domestic service from Nassau. It is also possible to fly from Treasure Cay to Marsh Harbour. The terminal building is tiny with one arrival and one departures hall!

The main international carriers include:

  • Silver Airways
  • Jet Blue Airways
  • United Airlines
  • Gama Aviation
  • Delta Air Lines

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
  • Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airlines
  • Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
  • Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Gama Aviation
  • Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
  • Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airways
  • Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
  • Atlanta to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Delta Air Lines
  • Atlanta to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Gama Aviation
  • West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Bahamasair
  • West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
  • West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airlines
  • West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
  • Miami to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with American Airlines
  • Orlando to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airlines
  • Orlando to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
  • Orlando to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
  • St Maarten to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Executive Jet Management
  • Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with Bahamas Air
  • Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with Silver Airways
  • Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with Jet Blue
  • Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with United Airlines

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Nassau (NAS) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Western Air
  • Nassau (NAS) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Bahamasair
  • Nassau (NAS) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Sky Bahamas
  • Nassau (NAS) to Treasure Cay (TCB) with Bahamas Air
  • Treasure Cay to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Bahamasair
  • Grand Bahama Island (FPO) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) to with Flamingo Air

GETTING TO THE ABACOS BY BOAT

There are several ferry boats operating from Nassau to Marsh Harbour Port. The first is a boat called The Legacy which leaves Potter’s Cay in Nassau once per week on Tuesday evening. The journey takes about 10 hours and arrives the next day. The cost is approximately US$60.00.

A second ferry operated by Sealink Ferries leaves Nassau twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays from Nassau.

GETTING AROUND THE ABACOS

The best way of getting around Great Abaco is by renting a car. There are quite a few interesting settlements to visit. The closest settlement is called Little Harbour. It is also possible to take a boat from Marsh Harbour to Little Harbour and Cherokee Sound which is in the south. Also, you can go by boat to Treasure Cay which is in the North. When you get to both Treasure Cay and Cherokee Sound, the best way to get around is by golf cart.

There is a regular daily ferry service with Albury’s Ferry Service from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town on Elbow Cay.

If you are travelling to Man O War Cay in the Abacos, the best way is by water taxi. When you get to Man O War Cay, there are no cars, so the only way to get around is by foot or by golf cart.

Great Guana Cay is accessible from The Conch Inn Marina in Marsh Harbour by regular ferry boat.

If you are planning to travel to Green Turtle Cay, then the best way is by ferry boat from Treasure Cay. The boat leaves from the airport dock every two hours starting at 8.30 in the morning.

GETTING TO ANDROS, BIMINI AND THE BERRY ISLANDS

There are four airports in the Andros. They are the San Andros International airport (SAG), Andros Town Airport (ASD), Mangrove Cay (MAY) and Congo Town Airport (TZN).

The Main international airlines serving the Bimini, Andros and The Berry Islands are:

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Fort Lauderdale to Bimini (BIM) with Silver Airlines
  • Orlando to Bimini (BIM) with Elite Airways
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Bimini Harbour (NSB) with Tropic Ocean Airways
  • Miami Watson Sea Plane Base to Bimini (NSB)) with Tropic Ocean Airways
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Chub Cay with Watermakers Air
  • Fort Lauderdale Sheltair to Great Harbour Cay (GHC) with Watermakers Air
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Great Harbour Cay (GHC) with Tropic Airways
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Congo Town (TZN) with Watermakers Air
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Andros Town (ASD) Fresh Creek with Watermakers Air
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive Sheltair to Andros Town (ASD) Fresh Creek Tropic Ocean Airways

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Nassau to San Andros (SAQ) (Nicholls Town North Andros) with Western Air
  • Nassau to San Andros (SAQ) (Nicholls Town North Andros) with Sky Bahamas
  • Nassau to South Bimini (BIM) with Western Air
  • Nassau to South Bimini (BIM) with Flamingo Air
  • Nassau to Congo Town (TZN) South Andros with Western Air
  • Nassau to Great Harbour Cay The Berry Islands with Leair
  • Nassau to Great Harbour Cay The Berry Islands with Tropic Ocean Airways
  • Nassau to Mangrove Cay (MAY) Andros Central Islands with Leair
  • Nassau to Mangrove Cay (MAY) Andros Central Islands with Flamingo Air
  • Nassau to Andros Town (ASD) North Andros with Leair
  • Nassau to Chub Cay with Bill Air
  • Nassau to Andros with Fly Charter Bahamas
  • Grand Bahama Island (FPO) to South Bimini (BIM) with Flamingo Air

GETTING TO ANDROS, BIMINI AND THE BERRY ISLANDS BY BOAT

ANDROS

There are three main ports in Andros. They are North and Central Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros. It is possible to travel by boat from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau to each of them.

THE BERRY ISLANDS BY BOAT

There are two ports of entry on The Berry Islands. Both are mainly used for charter boats and private yachts. There is a mail boat which comes several times a month from Nassau Potter’s Cay to The Berry Islands.

BIMINI BY BOAT

There is a fast speed catamaran called San Gwann which leaves the Port of Miami to North Bimini. It is just 49 miles from Miami to Bimini, so the journey takes just 2 hours.

GETTING TO ELEUTHERA AND HARBOUR ISLAND

Eleuthera has three airports. They are North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor’s Harbour (GHB) and Rock Sound International ((RSD). Eleuthera and Harbour Island are very popular and this is where you will find some of thebest beaches in the Bahamas.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Watermakers Air.
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) Rock Sound (RSD) with Watermakers Air.

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Nassau to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Southern Air
  • Nassau to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Pineapple Air
  • Nassau to Gov Harbour (GHB) (Eleuthera island) with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to Gov Harbour (GHB) (Eleuthera island) with Pineapple Air
  • Nassau to Gov Harbour (GHB) (Eleuthera island) with Southern Air
  • Nassau to Rock Sound (RSD) International Airport with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to Rock Sound (RSD) International Airport with Pineapple Air
  • Nassau to Rock Sound (RSD) International Airport with Southern Air Charter

GETTING TO ELEUTHERA AND HARBOUR ISLANDS BY BOAT

ELEUTHERA BY BOAT

It is possible to take a mail boat from Nassau’s Potter’s Cay to Eleuthera. The journey takes 5 hours and costs approximately US$30.00. It is also possible to take a boat from Nassau with ferry boat Current Pride to Current Island, Hatchet Bay and The Bluff.

HARBOUR ISLAND BY BOAT

The MV Bahamas Day Break sails depart Nassau on Mondays and Wednesdays for Harbour Island, Rock Sand and Davis Harbour. It is also possible to take a short 10-minute ferry from North Eleuthera dock to Harbour Island.

GETTING TO THE EXUMAS

The Exumas in the Bahamas accepts international flights. Exuma Airport (GGT) has its location 15 miles North West of George Town. George Town is the largest settlement in Exuma, and it takes approximately 30 minutes by car. The actual airport has been upgraded several times and is now quite modern and pleasant to fly in and out.

The main international carriers to The Exumas include:

  • Air Canada
  • American Airlines
  • Bahamasair
  • Delta
  • Silver Airways

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Toronto to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with Air Canada
  • Ottawa to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with Air Canada
  • Charlotte to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with American Airlines
  • Miami to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with American Airlines
  • Atlanta to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with Delta
  • Fort Lauderdale to Exuma International Airport (GGT) with Silver Airways
  • Fort Lauderdale to Exuma International Airport (GGT) with Delta
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) TO Staniel Cay (TYM) with Watermakers Air

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Nassau to Georgetown Great Exuma Island with Western Air
  • Nassau to Georgetown Great Exuma Island with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to Georgetown Great Exuma Island with Sky Bahamas
  • Nassau to Black point with Flamingo Air
  • Nassau to Staniel Cay (TYM) with Flamingo Air
  • Nassau to Staniel Cay (TYM) with Fly Charter Bahamas

GETTING TO THE EXUMAS BY BOAT

Bahamas Ferries operate a ferry from Nassau to George Town every Monday and Wednesday. The trip takes 14 hours and costs around US$45.00 each way. It is also possible to take the Mail Boat called MV Grand Master from Nassau to Staniel Cay, Big Farmers Cay and Ragged Island.

GETTING TO THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS

Each of the Southern Out Islands has at least one airport. Cat Island has two airports called Arthur’s Town (ATC) in the North, and New Bight (TBI) located mid-island. The airport in San Salvador is called Cockburn Town (ZSA).

The main international carries to the South Islands are:

  • Air Canada Rouge
  • Watermakers Air

It is also possible to charter aircraft with Eastern Air Express, Monarch Air Group and Triton Air from Miami and other parts of Florida directly to the Southern Islands.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) TO The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Watermakers Air
  • Montreal to San Salvador Airport (ZSA) with Air Canada Rouge

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

  • Nassau to The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Western Air
  • Nassau to The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Sky Bahamas
  • Nassau to The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Southern Air
  • Nassau to Arthurs Town (ATC) Cat Island with Southern Air
  • Nassau to Mayaguana Island with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to Deadman’s Cay island (LGI) with Southern Air
  • Nassau to Deadman’s Cay island (LGI) with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to Stella Maris (SML) Long Island with Southern Air
  • Nassau to Cockburn Town (ZSA) San Salvador Island with Bahamasair
  • Nassau to Cockburn Town (ZSA) San Salvador Island with Southern Air

GETTING TO THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS BY BOAT

Each of the Southern Islands is linked to Nassau by Mailboat.

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