Uber and Lyft are not available in Nassau or Paradise Island. Visitors typically use licensed taxis, private transfers, hotel shuttles, local taxi apps, jitney buses, water taxis or rental cars. The water taxi between Nassau and Paradise Island takes about 10 minutes, making it a practical option for that harbour crossing.
Nassau Transportation at a Glance
| Transportation option | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed taxi | Airport trips, resorts, attractions and evening travel | Taxis wait at Lynden Pindling International Airport, hotels and major tourist areas. |
| Aqua Rides Bahamas | App-based taxi bookings | The app connects passengers with licensed Bahamian taxi drivers and provides upfront fares. |
| Private transfer | Families, groups and planned airport pickups | Book through your hotel, resort or a licensed transfer company. |
| Jitney bus | Low-cost daytime travel | Jitneys serve areas such as downtown Nassau and Cable Beach. Exact change is generally required. |
| Water taxi | Nassau to Paradise Island | The harbour crossing takes about 10 minutes. |
| Rental car | Exploring beyond the main tourist areas | Cars drive on the left side of the road in The Bahamas. |
What Should You Use Instead of Uber in Nassau?
Use a Taxi From Nassau Airport
Licensed taxis wait outside the terminals at Lynden Pindling International Airport. The airport also lists private transfers and rental cars as transportation options. Public buses cannot operate inside the airport, so you cannot pick up a jitney there.
Nassau Paradise Island lists these approximate airport taxi fares:
- Downtown Nassau: about $36
- Cable Beach: about $30
- Paradise Island: about $45, plus the bridge toll
Fares can change based on extra passengers, luggage and other charges. Confirm the price before leaving the airport.
Use a Local Taxi App
Aqua Rides Bahamas is a local alternative to Uber. The app connects passengers with licensed Bahamian taxi drivers and supports airport and hotel transfers. It provides upfront fares and offers different vehicle types, including larger vehicles for groups.
The app can help when you need a pickup away from a hotel or major tourist attraction. If the app is not available for your trip, a hotel or nearby taxi stand is the usual backup.
Ask Your Hotel or Resort to Arrange Transportation
Hotels and resorts in Nassau and Paradise Island can usually call a taxi or arrange a private transfer. This works well for:
- Airport pickups
- Late-night restaurant trips
- Large families or groups
- Returning to a cruise terminal
- Trips to beaches or attractions outside the main resort area
Some resorts provide airport shuttles, so check with the property before booking a separate transfer.
Are Taxis Easy to Find in Nassau?
Yes. Taxis are commonly available at the airport, hotels, resorts and popular attractions. The Bahamas tourism guidance recommends using licensed transportation providers and states that taxi rates are regulated. Extra charges may apply for additional passengers and luggage.
Before starting a trip:
- Confirm the fare.
- Ask whether the taxi accepts a credit card.
- Carry some cash in Bahamian or U.S. dollars.
- Save the driver's number if you need a return pickup.
- Ask your hotel or use a recognised taxi app when arranging a ride away from busy areas.
Can You Use Public Transportation in Nassau?
Yes. Nassau's public buses are called jitneys. They operate mainly around downtown Nassau, Cable Beach and other parts of New Providence. Jitneys are inexpensive, but they are less convenient than taxis when you have luggage, need a specific arrival time or are travelling late.
Jitneys are most useful for low-cost daytime travel. Check the route and payment requirements before boarding.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Nassau?
Most visitors do not need a rental car if they are staying near downtown Nassau, Cable Beach or Paradise Island. Taxis, jitneys, walking and water taxis cover many common tourist journeys.
A rental car can make sense if you plan to travel beyond the main tourist areas. Keep in mind that The Bahamas drives on the left, and traffic in Nassau can be busy.
Bottom Line
Plan on a licensed taxi or a hotel-arranged ride for airport transfers and evening travel. Use a jitney when keeping costs down matters more than convenience, and rent a car only if you plan to explore beyond the main Nassau and Paradise Island areas.