No, Nassau does not – nor does any part of the Bahamas have Uber.
Shocking as that might be to a traveller (at least to us), Nassau – or any part of the Bahamas simply does not operate with rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. The thing is, it might be slightly off-putting to some travellers because they are so used to using Uber and Lyft Rides, no matter which country they are in.
Obviously, the convenience rideshare apps like Uber offer cannot be overlooked. All you require is a phone data connection, knowledge of where exactly you are going and an easy payment method.
Opening the Uber app from Nassau, Bahamas returned “No trips available”. Refer screenshot below:
Why Is Uber Not Available?
The key reason behind Uber not existing in Nassau or any part of the Bahamas is that many local taxi drivers in the Bahamas are unionized. This is done and strongly maintained to protect their services and to avoid the income flowing to a foreign taxi service company.
From the locals’ point of view – it’s understandable, it is, after all, a livelihood! But from a traveller’s point of view, it is a point of great annoyance.
But here is the thing, if you are making plans to holiday in the Bahamas, to make one-day trips to Nassau (New Providence), then sorting out your transport around Nassau is going to be pretty important.
So if there is no rideshare app like Uber available here, what exactly is the best, safest and most convenient way to travel? What type of transport options are available? We will look into all of that, so planning your transport won’t turn into a real headache. Let’s go!
Have a look at our guide on Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas
Travelling Around Nassau – Available Modes Of Transport
Car
According to those who have travelled to Nassau (and other parts of the Bahamas), the best way to get around is by car. (taxi or rental, obviously).
Taxi Car
Look at it this way.
If the tourist spots you have planned to visit are located quite close to your hotel, villa or resort, then taking a taxi to visit these places in Nassau can be cheaper.
There may be a scarcity of cabs sometimes, however, local taxis are swarming around accommodation places, restaurants, cafes, pubs and any area there is a public gathering, ready to get you to your destination.
It’s easy on the wallet too, because most taxis run by rates that are fixed and approved by the government.
This way, your chances of getting scammed lessen greatly – But if you are a first-timer in Nassau, and you have reservations about getting a taxi on your own, you could always ask your resort/hotel to arrange one for you. Easy!
Rental Cars
If you are travelling a little further – a little far away from your hotel/resort, then renting a car would be the most convenient and cost-effective way to get your travels around Nassau sorted.
This way, you can traverse in your own time, stop your car, get down to explore places at leisure and basically make the journey to the end destination just as enjoyable – these are the perks of renting a car.
But keep in mind that unlike using taxis, renting cars can be more expensive. From hiring the car – to pumping gas, you have to be prepared with the right budget.
You can easily find rental cars available in Bahamian airports, including Lynden Pindling International, Grand Bahama International and Exuma International (GGT).
Jitneys
Jitneys (buses), are another way you can travel around Nassau. If you have not guessed by now, it is more of a public transport mode. It honestly can be a super cool experience – especially if you are looking to get front-row seats to the local scene.
Yes, it can be a little chaotic, especially if you already have a set itinerary for exploring the lands of Nassau – so it takes a bit of getting used to.
However, travellers who have used the jitneys don’t really recommend it much, due to the inconvenience they can cause through delays. They also have the risk of being somewhat unreliable, by not being readily available in the outer parts of Nassau – away from the busy cityscapes.
Also, make sure to keep in mind that you need to keep exact change for the ride – (which can be a little trying).
Water Taxi
The Bahamas have a lot of islands – Nassau in New Providence is also an island. So one of the best ways you can explore the islands and even the smaller islets around Nassau is to take a boat/ferry ride – also known as a water taxi.
There are many water taxi options available from Nassau to Paradise Island and other islands.
But the most active inter-island water taxi services that are available, operate from Nassau to Harbour Island, the stunning Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera, the Abacos, Long Island, Andros and the Exumas.
Most times the weather conditions and how rough the tides can get play a chief role in how long it will take for you to complete a journey from Nassau to any of the other islands.
The rates will also vary from one destination to another.
Plane
There is another way to island-hop. And that is by air. If you are not overly fond of getting seasick – even in the slightest, then taking a domestic flight is your next best option. Places like Nassau have bigger hubs for domestic flights.
It’s obviously going to be a little (a lot) more expensive – but you can cut short on the time of travel and savour the whole ride since you still get some of the most breathtaking, birds-eye views of the most beautiful ocean and one of the most sought-after tropical beach destinations in the world.
Learn More about the Bahamas!
Important To Remember
Some taxis in Nassau are not regulated. In a worst-case scenario, they can even be illegal. All taxi services legally offered in Nassau must be licensed along with the taxi vehicles.
Properly licensed cabs will have a special plate to indicate that they run under the correct procedures and that they only charge government-set rates.
Bottom line – you have nothing to worry about when you are using these taxis.
Uber Alternatives In Nassau
There have been several up-and-coming apps, but due to the lack of activity on their social sites, we cannot quite determine how legit they really are at this moment.
Talixo and Let’s Go Bahamas seem to be a few apps that are currently up and running in Nassau – apart from local taxi services.
You might also be interested in these related articles: Strange Laws in the Bahamas | Can you use US dollars in the Bahamas?