Car Hire in the Bahamas: What to Know Before You Drive

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left throughout The Bahamas. Visitors from the UK and Ireland will find the road side familiar, although the car itself may not be.

• Keep left: stay on the left after turning and when joining a new road.
• Overtaking: normally overtake on the right.
• If you normally drive on the right: take particular care when leaving a car park, petrol station or quiet side road.
• Lane position: a left-hand-drive rental car can make it easy to sit too close to the centre line when you are also driving on the left.
• Passengers can help: on narrow roads, a front-seat passenger may have the better view of the left-hand edge of the road.

Bahamas speed limits are in miles per hour

The Bahamas uses miles per hour rather than kilometres per hour. The Highway Code distinguishes between Nassau, New Providence and the Family Islands.

• Nassau city limits: generally 25 mph.
• Family Island settlements: generally 25 mph.
• Outside Nassau city limits on New Providence: where no other limit is posted, generally 30 mph.
• Outside Family Island settlements: normally 45 mph unless another limit is posted.

These are maximum limits. Road conditions, pedestrians, junctions and visibility may require a much lower speed.

Driving in Nassau

Nassau and the surrounding New Providence road network provide the busiest driving environment in The Bahamas.

• Keep the speed low: much of central Nassau falls within the 25 mph city limit.
• Roundabouts: expect them on important routes and approach in the correct lane.
• Pedestrians: remain alert in shopping, hotel and tourist areas.
• Buses and taxis: allow room for vehicles stopping or changing position.
• Airport journeys: leave additional time when driving to Lynden Pindling International Airport rather than relying only on the map distance.

Paradise Island has a bridge toll

Paradise Island is connected to New Providence by bridges across Nassau Harbour. A toll applies to the tolled crossing.

• Private vehicles: the current official Bahamas toll schedule lists a $2 toll.
• Rental vehicle: ask the rental provider whether you should pay the toll directly or whether any arrangement already applies to the vehicle.
• Payment: keep a small amount of local or US currency available unless your rental provider advises another payment method.
• Before travelling: tolls and payment arrangements can change, so check current information if your journey is significantly later than this page's review date.

Driving on the Family Islands

Roads outside the main population centres can be quieter than Nassau, but that does not mean you should drive faster.

• Settlements: the Highway Code normally applies a 25 mph maximum in Family Island settlements.
• Outside settlements: 45 mph is the normal maximum unless another limit is posted.
• Narrow roads: reduce speed where the road has limited width or sight distance.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: give vulnerable road users plenty of room.
• Fuel: on a quieter island, do not leave refuelling until the last possible moment.

Take extra care after dark

Evening and rural driving can be more demanding than daytime driving around the main tourist areas.

• Reduce speed where street lighting is limited.
• Watch for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles that may be harder to see.
• Be prepared for road edges and junctions to be less obvious at night.
• Avoid driving if you are tired or have been drinking alcohol.
• Where practical, complete an unfamiliar Family Island journey during daylight.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Requirements depend on where your driving licence was issued, so check both the local rules and the rental provider's conditions.

• Carry your original valid driving licence while driving.
• Check the rental provider's minimum licence-holding period and age requirements.
• UK photocard licence holders: current UK government guidance says the licence can be used in The Bahamas for up to three months.
• UK paper licence: you may need to update to a photocard licence or obtain a 1968 International Driving Permit.
• If your licence was issued elsewhere, check the requirements that apply to that country rather than assuming the UK rule applies.

Parking and vehicle security

Treat a rental car as you would in any tourist destination and avoid making it an obvious target.

• Use recognised or well-lit parking areas where available.
• Lock the vehicle whenever you leave it.
• Do not leave phones, cameras, wallets or bags visible inside.
• Move luggage into secure accommodation rather than leaving it in a parked car for long periods.
• Check parking signs rather than assuming a roadside space is permitted.

If you are involved in an accident

• Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
• Contact the police where required and follow their instructions.
• Contact the rental provider promptly.
• Photograph the vehicles and scene where it is safe to do so.
• Do not arrange repairs or admit liability without following the procedure in the rental agreement.

If the hire car breaks down

• Move away from moving traffic where this can be done safely.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Keep passengers somewhere safe away from traffic.
• Contact the roadside-assistance service supplied with the rental.
• Do not arrange your own repair unless authorised by the rental provider.
• For police, ambulance or fire emergencies call 911 or 919.