The Bahamas is an island country with no road, bridge or tunnel connecting it to the United States. You cannot drive directly from the U.S. to The Bahamas, but you can drive to a Florida port and continue by ferry, cruise ship, private boat or airplane. Your vehicle must cross the water by vessel.
The Bahamas is made up of islands, so there is no land route from Florida.
Can You Take Your Car on a Ferry to The Bahamas?
Yes, but vehicle transport is different from booking a regular passenger ferry. Vehicle service to Freeport on Grand Bahama may be available through Baleària Caribbean.
Baleària Caribbean operates ferry services from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to the following destinations:
| Destination | Typical Ferry Crossing | Vehicle Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bimini | About 2 hours | Confirm directly with the carrier |
| Freeport, Grand Bahama | About 3 hours | Vehicle shipping is available through the carrier's vehicle service |
| Nassau | No listed direct ferry route | Fly, take a cruise or use a private boat |
Baleària Caribbean publishes separate terms for vehicles transported to Freeport. The required documents may include the vehicle title, bill of sale, power of attorney where applicable and a valid license. The vehicle must also meet U.S. and Bahamian export and import requirements.
A passenger reservation does not automatically include a car. Before booking, ask Baleària Caribbean about:
- Whether the sailing accepts your vehicle
- Vehicle size and condition requirements
- Loading and unloading
- Customs documents
- Export and import charges
- Storage and insurance
What Is the Easiest Way to Visit The Bahamas With a Car?
For most holidays, drive to Fort Lauderdale, leave your car at the port or hotel, take the ferry and rent a vehicle after you arrive.
This avoids the carrier arrangements and Bahamian Customs procedures involved in bringing your own vehicle. Rental cars are available on many islands. Smaller islands often rely on golf carts, taxis, bicycles or local transport.
Renting locally is usually the better option if you are:
- Taking a short holiday
- Visiting Nassau, Bimini or Grand Bahama
- Travelling on a passenger ferry
- Unsure whether your insurance covers driving overseas
- Trying to avoid customs and vehicle-shipping paperwork
Can You Drive Once You Arrive in The Bahamas?
Yes. Visitors can drive in The Bahamas, but traffic travels on the left side of the road. The U.S. Department of State says visitors need a valid U.S. driver's license. An International Driving Permit is needed for stays longer than three months. Seat belts are required.
Take extra care at roundabouts, on narrow roads and when driving after dark. Nassau and Freeport can also flood after heavy rain.
What Paperwork Is Required to Bring Your Own Vehicle?
A nonresident who temporarily imports a motor vehicle may need to apply for temporary importation through Bahamian Customs. The process can include:
- Form C41 for the temporary importation application
- A deposit equal to the applicable duty or a customs bond
- A temporary import permit, Form C42
- Re-exporting the vehicle within the permitted period
- Proof that the vehicle is not being imported for commercial use or hire
The process depends on whether the vehicle arrives as freight, on a ferry or through another shipping arrangement. Confirm the requirements with Bahamian Customs and the carrier before moving the vehicle.
Can You Drive From Florida to Nassau?
No. You cannot drive directly to Nassau. The scheduled South Florida ferry routes listed by The Bahamas tourism authority serve Bimini and Freeport rather than Nassau.
Your options for reaching Nassau include:
- Flying from Florida
- Taking a cruise that calls at Nassau
- Travelling by private boat
- Arriving on another island and connecting by domestic flight or local ferry where available
The official Bahamas tourism site lists air travel, international ferries, cruises and private boats as the main ways to enter the country.
Bottom Line
You cannot drive all the way from the United States to The Bahamas. You can drive to Fort Lauderdale and take a passenger ferry, arrange vehicle transport to Freeport, rent a car after arrival or drive locally once you reach the islands.
For a typical holiday, taking the ferry and renting a car locally is the simplest choice. Shipping your own vehicle is more suited to a longer stay, a relocation or a specific vehicle-related need.