© Pietro Valocchi / CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick Answer: Getting Around Freeport
- No car on the ferry. The Fort Lauderdale fast ferry (Baleària Caribbean's Jaume II) is passenger-only — rent or hire wheels once you arrive.
- Taxis run government-set zone rates: ~$25 ferry terminal → Port Lucaya, ~$45 to Lucayan National Park.
- Rental cars ($65-95/day) are best for exploring; the Bahamas drives on the left.
- Staying in Port Lucaya? Most shops, restaurants and Taino Beach are walkable.
- Cheapest: local jitney buses ($1-3), but a negotiated half-day taxi tour ($100-150) is easier for sightseeing.
| Ferry terminal → Port Lucaya | ~4 miles · ~$25 taxi (1-2 people) |
|---|---|
| Rental car | $65-95/day · book ahead in peak season |
| Jitney bus | $1-3/ride · irregular, resident-focused routes |
| Golf cart / bicycle | Golf cart $75-100/day · bike $20-35/day |
| Drives on | Left side (British style) |
| Cars on the ferry? | No — passenger-only fast catamaran |
Getting Around Freeport
Grand Bahama is the fourth-largest island in the Bahamas, and unlike tiny Bimini, you'll actually need transportation to explore it properly. The good news? You have plenty of options, from affordable taxis to rental cars that let you discover hidden beaches at your own pace.
Key insight: If you're staying in the Port Lucaya area for a short trip, you can walk to most restaurants, shops, and beaches. But if you want to explore the island's best attractions - like Garden of the Groves or Gold Rock Beach - you'll need wheels.
Transportation Options
Pros
- Available at ferry terminal
- No navigation needed
- Good for short trips
- Drivers know the island well
Cons
- Expensive for exploring
- Limited availability off-peak
- Cash preferred
Pros
- Freedom to explore
- Best for multi-day trips
- Reach remote beaches
- Pick up right at the ferry terminal
Cons
- Left-side driving
- Limited signage
- Book ahead in peak season
Pros
- Super cheap
- Local experience
- Main routes covered
Cons
- Irregular schedules
- Limited routes
- Not for tourists typically
Pros
- Great for Port Lucaya area
- Eco-friendly
- Exercise included!
Cons
- Hot during midday
- Limited range
- Few rental spots
Pros
- Fun and easy to drive
- Good for local exploring
- Easy parking
Cons
- Not for long distances
- Limited availability
- No highway driving
Taxi Fare Guide
Taxis in Freeport use fixed rates for most common destinations. Here's what to expect:
| Route | Distance | Fare (1-2 people) | Each Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Terminal → Port Lucaya | 4 miles | $25 | +$5 |
| Ferry Terminal → Downtown Freeport | 3 miles | $20 | +$5 |
| Port Lucaya → Lucayan National Park | 15 miles | $45 | +$5 |
| Port Lucaya → Garden of the Groves | 8 miles | $35 | +$5 |
| Port Lucaya → Taino Beach | 2 miles | $15 | +$3 |
| Island Tour (3-4 hours) | Various | $100-150 | +$20 |
💡 Pro Tip: Negotiate Island Tours
For a full island tour, negotiate the price upfront and agree on exactly which stops are included. Many taxi drivers will do a 3-4 hour tour for $100-150 including Gold Rock Beach, Garden of the Groves, and local lunch spots. It's often better value than renting a car for one day.
Rental Car Guide
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore Grand Bahama's hidden gems. Here's what you need to know:
Rental Companies in Freeport
- Avis - International brand with a desk near the airport; reliable, book ahead in peak season.
- Dollar / Hertz - International options with counters serving the Freeport area.
- Local independents - Several family-run agencies (such as KSR and Brad's) offer competitive rates; confirm insurance and pickup point when you book.
⚠️ Important: Left-Side Driving
The Bahamas drives on the LEFT side of the road (British style). Most rental cars have left-hand drive (American style), which takes some getting used to. Take it slow your first hour, and be extra careful at roundabouts!
Can You Bring a Car on the Ferry?
No — the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry does not carry vehicles. Baleària Caribbean runs the route with the Jaume II, a passenger-only high-speed catamaran, and bicycles aren't permitted on board either (source: Direct Ferries). Plan to rent a car, hire a taxi, or book a golf cart once you arrive on Grand Bahama. If you specifically need to ship a vehicle to the Bahamas, that's handled by separate cargo/mail-boat services out of the Port of Palm Beach — not the passenger ferry.
Getting to Key Destinations
From Ferry Terminal: 10-minute taxi ($25) or 15-minute drive
The main tourist hub with restaurants, shops, and Count Basie Square. Most hotels are walking distance from here.
From Port Lucaya: 25-minute drive, taxi ~$45
Home to Gold Rock Beach (stunning!) and one of the world's longest surveyed underwater cave systems (Lucayan Caverns). A rental car is ideal for this trip.
From Port Lucaya: 5-minute taxi ($15) or walkable
Popular beach with calm water, beach bars, and water sports. You can walk here from Port Lucaya in about 20 minutes.
From Port Lucaya: 15-minute drive, taxi ~$35
Beautiful botanical gardens and chapel. Great for a morning visit. Combine with lunch in downtown Freeport.
Where to Stay in Freeport
Staying in the Port Lucaya area keeps you walking distance from restaurants, the marketplace and Taino Beach — which cuts your transport costs dramatically. Use the map below to compare live hotel prices across booking sites. Bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Pelican Bay Hotel
From ~$180/night
Waterfront boutique hotel right at Port Lucaya Marketplace — walkable to shops, dining and Count Basie Square, so you may not need a car at all.
Check AvailabilityLighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan
From ~$230/night
Beachfront resort on Lucaya Beach with pools and on-site dining — an easy taxi or walk from Port Lucaya, good for a longer Grand Bahama stay.
Check AvailabilityViva Wyndham Fortuna Beach
From ~$210/night (all-inclusive)
Quieter all-inclusive on Churchill Beach, east of Port Lucaya. You'll want a rental car or taxis here, but everything's covered once you're on site.
Check AvailabilityPrices are approximate 2026 starting rates and vary by season — always check live availability. Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Freeport Transport FAQ
Can you bring a car on the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry?
No. The route is Baleària Caribbean's Jaume II, a passenger-only high-speed catamaran — it doesn't carry cars, and bicycles aren't permitted either. Rent a car, book a taxi or hire a golf cart once you arrive on Grand Bahama.
How much is a taxi from the Freeport ferry terminal to Port Lucaya?
Roughly $25 for one or two passengers (about 4 miles), plus ~$5 per additional person. Bahamian fares are government-set zone rates — agree the price before you go and carry cash.
Does Grand Bahama drive on the left?
Yes, the Bahamas drives on the left (British style), even though most rental cars are left-hand drive. Take your first hour slowly and be careful at roundabouts.
What's the cheapest way to get around Freeport?
Local jitney buses cost about $1-3 but run irregular, resident-focused routes. For sightseeing, a negotiated half-day taxi tour ($100-150) or a rental car ($65-95/day) is more practical.
Do I need a rental car in Freeport?
Not if you're staying in Port Lucaya for a short trip — it's walkable and close to Taino Beach. You'll want a car or taxi tour to reach Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach and Garden of the Groves.
Planning Your Freeport Trip?
Check ferry schedules and book your crossing to Grand Bahama Island.
View Freeport Ferry DetailsLast updated: July 7, 2026 · Sources: Direct Ferries, Baleària Caribbean