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NASSAU & PARADISE ISLAND

Nassau and Paradise Island lie at the heart of The Bahamas’ capital region and serve as the primary arrival hub for most international visitors. Nassau (on New Providence Island) is bustling with markets, museums, historic architecture, and vibrant Bahamian culture, while Paradise Island—just across the bridge—is a resort enclave known for its iconic hotels, casinos, marinas, and beaches. The two islands are intimately connected by road, bridge, and short water crossings, and together offer both gateway access and destination appeal.

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Nassau &
Paradise Island

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Nassau
NAS
Paradise Island
Downtown Nassau
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Nassau

The country’s capital city, located in New Providence island, Nassau boasts the country’s largest and busiest Ports of Entry: the Lynden Pindling International Airport and its Cruise Port. 

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Lynden Pindling International Airport

The primary gateway to The Bahamas for international travellers, the Lynden Pindling International Airport is the largest and busiest in the country, located in New Providence island. The airport offers US Border Preclearance facilities.

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Paradise Island

Connected to Nassau by bridge, Paradise Island is the site of numerous hotels and some of the island’s most famous beaches.

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Downtown Nassau

Explore a modern downtown full of personality, where mural-painted streets highlight modern Bahamian creativity alongside historic landmarks and world-class dining opportunities.

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GETTING HERE BY AIR

  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS / MYNN) — This is the principal international airport serving Nassau & Paradise Island. 
  • There are no separate “Paradise Island” airports; access is via NAS with ground transfer or water taxi to Paradise Island. 

International Direct Flights

FROM THE US

Nassau has the most non-stop options from the U.S.; these are the primary origin cities and carriers available:

  • Miami (MIA) — American Airlines, Bahamasair. Typical flight time ~1h–1h30. 
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — JetBlue, Bahamasair, and regional/private operators (seasonal charters). ~35–50 mins. 
  • New York (JFK / LGA) — JetBlue, Delta, American (multiple daily / seasonal frequencies). ~3h. 
  • Boston (BOS) — JetBlue (seasonal peaks). ~3–3.5h. 
  • Atlanta (ATL) — Delta (regular service). ~2h30. 
  • Charlotte (CLT) — American Airlines (regular/seasonal). ~2h30. 
  • Orlando (MCO) — JetBlue, Southwest ~1hr. 
  • Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD) — American (seasonal or year-round in some markets). Flight times vary ~3–4h. 

FROM CANADA
  • Toronto (YYZ) — Air Canada (regular non-stop service). ~3.5–4h
  • Montréal (YUL) — Air Canada (seasonal/limited service announced in recent schedules). 
  • Halifax (YHZ), Ottawa (YOW), Hamilton (YHM) — Air Canada and Porter have added seasonal/winter non-stop services (Porter’s Hamilton→NAS new winter flights were announced in June 2025. 
FROM EUROPE
  • London (LHR) — British Airways operates non-stop (usually seasonal) service to NAS; fares and schedules can vary by season. The flight time of approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes to 9 hours and 50 minutes. 
  • Other European markets: there are limited or mainly seasonal direct services from Europe; many European visitors connect via major U.S. gateways (e.g., NYC, Miami) or Canadian hubs. 
LATIN AMERICA & CENTRAL AMERICA (LATAM)
  • Panama City (PTY) — Copa Airlines operates non-stop service between PTY ↔ NAS (useful connector for South/Central American markets). ~3h. 
  • Other LATAM markets (Brazil, Colombia, etc.): few or no regular direct non-stops to NAS; many travelers connect via PTY (Copa) or U.S./Canada gateways. 

CARIBBEAN/REGIONAL
  • Kingston (KIN) — Caribbean Airlines offers direct scheduled services. ~1h20. 
  • Montego Bay (MBJ) — Bahamasair / seasonal carriers sometimes operate non-stops. 
  • Other islands (Jamaica, Cayman, Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, etc.) — multiple regional carriers operate non-stop services into NAS seasonally or year-round (Caribbean Airlines, Bahamasair, inter-Caribbean operators). 
ASIA, AFRICA, OCEANIA
  • No regular direct (non-stop) commercial services from Asia, Africa or Oceania into NAS as of current published schedules. Connect via one of your nearest major hubs in Europe (LHR/AMS/CDG) or North America (NYC, MIA, ATL, YYZ) or via Copa/PTT (PTY) in LATAM. 

GETTING HERE BY SEA

  • International Cruise Ships
  • Domestic Ferry Service
  • Private Yacht or Boat Charter
  • Sailing (Private or Group)
  • Smaller Local Boats & Water Taxis
  • Private Seaplane or Helicopter Transfers (Water Landings Available)

International Cruise Ships

Route: Nassau is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, with ships arriving from Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa) and other regional ports.
Frequency: Multiple arrivals daily, particularly during peak season.
Operators: Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea and MSC.
Port: Nassau Cruise Port, located in downtown Nassau, recently redeveloped with a modern terminal and waterfront experiences.
Duration: Cruises from Florida typically take 1–2 days, depending on the port of embarkation.

Domestic Ferry Service

Route: Nassau (Potter’s Cay Dock or Prince George Wharf) to several Family Islands, including Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Andros, Exuma, and Long Island.
Frequency: Regular schedules throughout the week; frequency varies by island.
Operators: Bahamas Ferries is the primary operator, offering comfortable high-speed ferry service. Smaller operators also connect nearby cays.
Duration: Ranges from 1–3 hours for closer islands (e.g., Andros, Eleuthera) to 6–8 hours for farther destinations (e.g., Long Island).

Private Yacht or Boat Charter

Route: Nassau is a central hub for yacht charters exploring the Exumas, Eleuthera, Berry Islands, and beyond. Departures can also be arranged from Florida or other Caribbean ports directly into Nassau. 
Flexibility: Allows for custom itineraries, island-hopping, and overnight stays on board.
Duration: From Florida, crossing times are 8–12 hours by yacht. From within The Bahamas, travel times vary: ~2–3 hours to the Exumas, 3–4 hours to Eleuthera. Visit our yachting page to learn more. https://www.bahamas.com/yachting

Sailing (Private or Group)

Route: Nassau is a favored starting or stopping point for sailing itineraries through the Exumas, Berry Islands, or Eleuthera.
Options: Visitors can rent bareboat charters, join skippered sailing tours, or sail in on their own vessel.

Duration: Sailing times vary—Nassau to the Exumas can take 5–6 hours depending on weather and vessel type. Visit our boating page to learn more. https://www.bahamas.com/getting-here/boating

Smaller Local Boats & Water Taxis

Route: Local boats and water taxis often connect Nassau with nearby islands and cays, including Rose Island, Paradise Island, and Blue Lagoon.
Frequency: Several departures daily, especially for day-trip excursions.
Operators: Local excursion companies and independent boaters. 
Duration: Trips from Nassau to Paradise Island on the water taxi, for example, can take 10 minutes, giving you a waterfront view of Nassau. Trips to Rose Island and Blue Lagoon from Nassau can take anywhere between 20-45 minutes. 

Private Seaplane or Helicopter Transfers (Water Landings Available)

Route: While primarily air transfers, some seaplane services land on water directly near Nassau or nearby cays.
Operators: Tropic Ocean Airways, Odyssey Aviation partners, and luxury charter services.

Duration: 30–45 minutes from nearby islands; 1–2 hours from Florida.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Getting around Nassau & Paradise Island is simple and flexible, with plenty of transportation options to match your style of travel. From rental cars and taxis to private transfers, limousines, and shuttles, you’ll find convenient ways to move between the islands’ many resorts, beaches, attractions, and dining spots.

Buses, known locally as jitneys, also run throughout downtown Nassau and along the Cable Beach strip several times a day, providing a convenient and authentic way to explore like a local. We’ve gathered a full list of reliable ground transportation providers to make your planning easy and stress-free.

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