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Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Bahamas

Public transit, airports, and getting around

The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands with a population of 393,248, features a transportation landscape dominated by air and sea due to its geography. Key strengths include 77 airports (28 major) and extensive ferry services connecting the Out Islands, while challenges involve limited public transport, car dependency on New Providence, and hurricane-vulnerable infrastructure. Residents and visitors rely on jitneys, taxis, private vehicles (driving on the left), ferries, and flights for mobility.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Below Average
Public Transport
3.5/10

Basic public transport relies on privately operated jitneys (minibuses) costing $1-3 per ride, serving New Providence with over 40 routes. A unified digital UPTC Jitney Pass app launched in 2023 improves routing and payments. No metro, trains, or integrated systems; ferries connect islands but coverage gaps in Out Islands.

Road Infrastructure
4.2/10

2,718 km of roads (1,560 km paved), driving on the left. Urban congestion in Nassau addressed by $120M East-West Highway expansion (15+ km widening, flyovers). Maintenance varies; golf carts common in resorts. Logistics Performance Index rates infrastructure 2.5/5. Hurricane damage affects Grand Bahama/Abaco.

Internet Speed
5.1/10

Average fixed broadband speed around 60-80 Mbps in 2024-2025, with mobile at 40-60 Mbps. Urban Nassau has good fiber from BTC/Aliv, but significant rural/Out Island gaps due to limited infrastructure. Investments ongoing but challenged by high costs and hurricanes.

Avg: 70+ Mbps • Available in Nassau/Freeport urban areas; limited in Out Islands, relying on satellite/DSL

Airport Connectivity
7.8/10

77 airports including 28 major hubs provide strong domestic/Out Island connectivity; Lynden Pindling (NAS) is key international gateway with US/Europe/Caribbean routes. Exuma International Airport upgrading ($65M, new terminal/runways by late 2025). Excellent for tourism but limited global hub status.

Hubs: Lynden Pindling (NAS), Grand Bahama (FPO), Exuma (GGT), Marsh Harbour (MHH), North Eleuthera (ELH)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
N/A (no metro; UPTC Jitney Pass app for jitneys)
Bus Trip
$1.25-3 per jitney ride
Taxi
$5 start + $2.50/km (Nassau); higher in Out Islands
High-speed Train
N/A (no trains)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Launched in Nassau/Freeport 2023-2024 by Aliv/BTC; major urban/tourist areas only, expanding to key islands by 2026
4G Coverage: Strong 95%+ coverage in populated islands (New Providence, Grand Bahama); good in major Out Islands, patchy remote cays

Reliable urban mobile networks from BTC, Aliv, and roaming partners; high speeds in cities (50+ Mbps), but Out Islands depend on satellite backups post-hurricanes. Overall good for calls/data in populated areas.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid for 3 months with IDP required (English translation). Driving on left. Long-term residents (over 90 days) must obtain Bahamian license via exchange/test after permit. Rentals common for visitors.