The first decision every cruise passenger makes after stepping off the ship in Nassau is how to get somewhere. The pier sits at Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau, walkable for the closest attractions but useless if your plan involves Cable Beach, Atlantis, or anywhere beyond Bay Street. Most passengers default to the first taxi driver who waves them down, pay more than they should, and never realize there were three other options.
This guide explains every Nassau cruise port transportation option in 2026, what each costs, and when each is the right call. Prices are government regulated and posted at the port. Memorize them before you book anything.
Before You Move: Two Things to Know
Nassau taxis do not use meters. Rates are government set and fixed by destination, with a surcharge for each passenger beyond two. Screenshot the rate sheet before leaving the ship. Drivers respect the published rate when you reference it.
Cash works everywhere. USD is accepted at par with the Bahamian dollar. Carry small bills. No driver wants to break a $50 note.
Taxis: The Default Option
How to get one: Outside Nassau Cruise Port terminal exit. Best for: Groups of 2 to 4, direct trips to specific addresses. Cost: $15 to $32 USD per major destination.
Fixed government rates from Nassau Cruise Port in 2026:
Atlantis or Paradise Island: $15 USD plus $2 bridge toll each way Cable Beach: $20 to $25 USD Baha Mar: $25 USD Lynden Pindling International Airport: $32 USD Arawak Cay Fish Fry: $6 to $8 USD
Rates are for up to 2 passengers. Each additional passenger adds $3 USD. Confirm the rate before you get in. Tipping 15% is expected.
Jitneys: The Cheapest Way Around
How to get one: Stops along Bay Street, 5 min walk from the port. Best for: Solo travelers, budget passengers, short trips along populated routes. Cost: $1.25 USD per ride.
Jitneys are Bahamian mini-buses on fixed routes across New Providence. They cost a fraction of a taxi and are used daily by Nassau residents. Pay the driver as you board. Cash only. The buses are small and unmarked beyond a route number, intimidating the first time but trivial after.
Routes #10 and #12 are the most useful for cruise passengers, covering Bay Street, Cable Beach, and the western end of New Providence. Atlantis is not on the jitney network.
Water Taxi to Paradise Island: The Most Useful Niche Option
How to get one: Dock at the end of Prince George Wharf. Best for: Passengers heading to Paradise Island without a taxi. Cost: $4 USD each way.
The Paradise Island ferry runs every 30 minutes from the port to the marina, a short walk from Atlantis and the Ocean Club. Faster than the taxi during peak congestion, cheaper, and the harbour crossing is worth doing once on its own. No reservation required. Confirm the last departure before you board.
Rental Cars: Skip Unless You Have 8+ Hours
The Bahamas drives on the left. The rental desk transit, paperwork, and learning curve for left-side driving consume more time than the flexibility is worth on a typical port stop.
What Cruise Passengers Get Wrong
Not confirming the rate first. Reference the published government rate before getting in. Assuming jitneys are unsafe. They are used daily by locals and safe during daylight hours. Paying in large bills. Carry singles and fives. Booking taxis for Paradise Island. The water taxi is faster and a quarter of the price.
Quick Reference: Nassau Cruise Port to Major Destinations
Atlantis or Paradise Island: Water taxi $4 USD, or taxi $15 USD plus bridge toll Cable Beach: Taxi $20 to $25 USD, or Jitney #10 for $1.25 USD Baha Mar: Taxi $25 USD Airport: Taxi $32 USD Arawak Cay Fish Fry: Taxi $6 to $8 USD, or 25 min walk
FAQ: Nassau Cruise Port Transportation
How much is a taxi from Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis? $15 USD for up to two passengers, plus a $2 bridge toll each way.
Do Nassau taxis use meters? No. Rates are government set, fixed by destination, and posted publicly at the port.
What is the cheapest way to get around Nassau from the cruise port? Jitney buses at $1.25 USD per ride. Routes #10 and #12 cover most destinations a cruise passenger would want.
Is the water taxi to Paradise Island worth it? Yes. At $4 USD each way it is faster than driving during congestion and a quarter of the taxi cost.
Nassau cruise port has more transportation options than most passengers realize, and the difference between using them well and defaulting to the first taxi at the terminal is often $30 per trip. Reference the rates, pick the right tool, and the rest of your day is easier.
