Can you drive to the Bahamas? (+ 4 Best Ways to Get There)

Picture this… soft white sand, perfect turquoise water, a soft breeze, and a tropical drink. What do you see? Where is this place?

The Bahamas! An idyllic tropical getaway that’s easily accessible from the US.

A lot of people want to visit the Bahamas but aren’t sure how to get there. Can you drive to the Bahamas? Can you take your car to the Bahamas? Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas?

Read on to find out the answers to the most asked questions about traveling to the Bahamas.

Where are the Bahamas?

The Bahamas are comprised of nearly 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Of these 700 islands, only about 30 are inhabited.

The Bahamas are located just east of the United States. Bimini is the closest Bahamian Island to the US. It is located 53 miles from Miami.

A lot of people assume that because the Bahamas are so close, they can drive to them. This is absolutely not the case. You can not drive to the Bahamas from Florida. You can not drive to the Bahamas from anywhere.

The Bahamas are islands. The Florida Keys are islands too, but they are connected to the mainland by a series of bridges.

This is not the case for the Bahamas, they are not connected to any other landmass. Unless your car drives underwater, you’ll have to find another way to get to the Bahamas.

Luckily, there are a few options, most of which can get you from Florida to the Bahamas in just a few hours.

How to get to the Bahamas from Florida

To get to the Bahamas, you have a few options. You can take a plane, a boat, or a cruise.

The easiest way to get to the Bahamas is by taking a direct flight from Florida. Several major airlines offer flights to the Bahamas from cities across Florida.

You can also take a boat or ferry to the Bahamas from Florida. The trip will take longer than flying, but it can be a fun experience.

Finally, you can take a cruise to the Bahamas from Florida. This is a popular option because it combines travel and vacation into one.

1. Take a plane to the Bahamas from Florida

How to get to the Bahamas from Florida? Airplane

There are several airlines and flights each day from various cities in Florida to the Bahamas.

Depending on which city you fly out of, your flight can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Flying from Miami or Fort Lauderdale will be significantly shorter than flights from Tampa or Jacksonville.

There are over 40 airports in the Bahamas, but most of them are domestic airports for interisland flights. There are 5 international airports in the Bahamas. You will need to fly into one of these airports if you are coming to the Bahamas from the US.

Rock Sound International Airport (RSD) located in South Eleuthera
Exuma International Airport (GGT) located in Great Exuma
Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) located in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Marsh Harbour (MHH) is located in Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands
Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS) is the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is located in Nassau, Grand Bahama Island

Keep in mind, depending on your final destination, you may need an additional flight, or water taxi to get where you are going.

Use the box below to check on flights to the Bahamas. With WayAway you can get the best deals on flights AND earn cash back on every flight.

Can you get to the Bahamas without flying?

If you aren’t a fan of flying or are looking for a different option, you can still get to the Bahamas. You can take a ferry, a boat, or a cruise ship to get to the Bahamas.

2. Taking a Ferry from Florida to the Bahamas

Taking a ferry is a great option for traveling between Florida and the Bahamas. You will want to plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance.

The routes available are from:

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini
Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
Bimini to Fort Lauderdale
Freeport to Fort Lauderdale

➡️ Click Here to find ferry tickets to the Bahamas
➡️ Fort Lauderdale to Bimini
➡️ Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
➡️ Fort Lauderdale to Bimini with an overnight option

How long is the ferry ride from Florida to the Bahamas?

It will take about 3 hours to get from Florida to Bimini, and closer to 4 hours to Grand Bahama Island.

Is there a car ferry to the Bahamas?

No, there is not a ferry that you can drive your car onto in Florida and then drive off in the Bahamas.

There are options, however, to get your car to the Bahamas and we will talk about those further down in the post.

3. Taking a boat from Florida to the Bahamas

Can you drive to the Bahamas? No, but. you can take a boat

If you have your own boat, it is possible to drive it to the Bahamas. Only attempt this journey if you are a confident and competent boat driver.

Make sure your boat is in excellent working condition. Check the weather and be sure you will have smooth seas and clear skies.

You need to be sure you are very clear on the rules of entering the Bahamas. All of the information you need can be found on the Bahamas Tourism Website. Click here for boating policies.

You will need to enter at an approved port of entry. There are many ports of entry into the Bahamas via water, and you can find them here. You will also need to pay a fee for a cruising permit, that information is also available on from the links above.

You will also need to follow proper entry procedures. All visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry.

Upon entering each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your impending arrival. Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel.

The captain is allowed to disembark before your boat has been cleared, but other passengers must remain on board.

Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship. You will need to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until your departure.

To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, private vessels need the following:

a) One copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form PDF

b) One Bahamas Immigration Card per person

c) Proof of Citizenship—Passport

d) Vessel registration documents

4. Taking a Cruise to the Bahamas

Taking a cruise is one of the most popular, and stress-free ways to visit the Bahamas. There are several cruise lines that have itineraries from Florida to the Bahamas.

You can also find Bahamas cruise itineraries from New York, South Carolina, Baltimore, Alabama, Texas, and New Orleans.

Taking a cruise is a cost-effective and simple way to travel. All of your lodging and food and transportation costs will be figured into the cruise fare, and the only additional expense you will incur is alcohol and port excursions.

The most popular cruise stops in the Bahamas are Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, and Cruiseline Private Islands such as Half Moon Cay, or Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

You will find itineraries ranging from 3 days to 10 days when heading to the Bahamas.

Going to the Bahamas FAQs

Do I need a passport to go to the Bahamas?

If you are arriving by private boat, or flight then you will need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas. Your passport must be valid for 6 months past the date that you arrive in the Bahamas.

US Citizens do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas. Canadian travelers need to have a visa only if they are planning on staying for longer than 8 months.

If you are traveling to the Bahamas from somewhere other than the US or Canada be sure and check the requirements for your country.

Can I take my car to the Bahamas?

You can have your car shipped to the Bahamas. Many requirements and fees are involved with taking your car to the Bahamas.

If you are planning to live there, this can be an option, however, if you are planning to go on vacation, renting a car will definitely be the cheaper and most convenient option.

✅ Click Here to Book A Rental Car

Can US citizens drive in the Bahamas?

As long as you are not planning to stay in the Bahamas for more than 90 days, you can drive using your valid US driver’s license.

Now you know all of the best ways to get to the Bahamas from Florida, all that is left for you to do is book your trip!