Bahamasair (UP) (www.bahamasair.com) operates a few domestic routes. Several charter services also run inter-island flights; details are available from the Bahamas Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).

The Out Islands are served by leisurely mail boats which leave Nassau several times a week carrying mail and provisions to the islands. Passengers share facilities with the crew. Arrangements should be made through boat captains at Potters Cay. Bahamas Fast Ferries (tel: 323 2166; www.bahamasferries.com) operates daily air-conditioned ferries from Nassau to North Eleuthera and Harbour Island and a twice-weekly service to Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera, as well as services from Nassau to Exuma, Andros and Abaco. There are also local ferries available.

British rules apply, with vehicles driving on the left. Road safety is a concern in the Bahamas. Safety campaigns are overseen by the Road Traffic Authority. UK licences are valid for up to 90 days.

Bus: For inexpensive local travel, hop aboard a jitney (minibus) in and around the commercial hubs of Freeport and Nassau, but have the exact change to hand. Paradise Island is served by a tourist bus service with horse-drawn rides available in Nassau. Use public transport after dark with caution. On the smaller islands, no public transport exists.

Taxis: Used as supplementary public transport, taxis are readily available. Some are metered with government-controlled tariffs, as in New Providence. Others are privately run. Taxis with a Bahamahost decal pride themselves on real Bahamian hospitality. All taxis apply surcharges for groups and extra luggage.

Bicycles: Rent by the half day, full day or the week in tourist centres.

Car hire: International car hire firms are represented at the airports and in Nassau and Freeport. Only drivers aged 25-plus can hire a car. Motor scooter hire is also available. Helmets must be worn.

Regulations: Seatbelts for drivers and passengers have been compulsory since 2004.

Documentation: National licences are valid for up to three months.

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Nassau to other major centres.

	Air	Sea
Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera	0.30	2.00*
Freeport, Grand Bahama	0.40	12.00
Marsh Harbour, Abaco	0.35	11.00
George Town, Exuma	0.40	13.00

* By Bahamas Fast Ferries; all other journey times are by mail boat.