Driving in Nassau, Bahamas?

Question

I've been warned not to drive in Nassau: bad traffic, sever problems if there should be an accident, areas that you just don't want to be found in...etc. Are these legitamate reasons to pay taxi fares for a party of four, when renting a car would be cheaper? We would like to see the island, a few beaches, Ardastra gardens and do some shopping.

Answer 1

There is a tremendous number of vehicles in the Nassau area. They operate on the left side of the road. The drivers are very adept at negotiating around each other. Quite honestly, it appears overwhelming. Take a taxi ride or two and observe the driving patterns and then make your decision. I wouldn't want to have an accident in a country I was a visitor in.

Answer 2

Knowing what the problems could be is half the battle. Just make sure you take out the proper insurance to cover you in the event of an accident.

We have rented a car on different islands and we just followed the laws of the island and we were fine. We live in New York and traffic is horrible. Just remember you are on "island time" and relax.  With 4 people the rental should  be alot less than taxis.

You know they also have the jitney(like a small bus) to get around.  Only a dollar.  On this link is information regarding different modes of transportation.

Here is a link

http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/te...

Have a great trip and enjoy the Bahamas)

Answer 3

I live in nassau, own a car and still take jitneys and taxis most of the time.

Can't stand the traffic, the driving up on sidewalks, people drunk and stupid etc.

If you want to take the chance go for it.. or wait til you're there and see what the conditions are like.

Answer 4

Renting a vehicle in The Bahamas is not cheap. Driving in Nassau takes getting use to since they drive on the left side of the roadway and traffic laws can be ignored.  Traffic can be a nightmare.  The jitney's (bus system) are cheap and  go all over the island.