Nassau Lynden Pindling Layover Guide (NAS)

What are you looking for in NAS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Nassau Airport (NAS) is an international airport located in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. It’s situated about 16 km (10 miles) west of downtown Nassau. The airport officially opened in 1957. Nassau is the largest city in the Bahamas and a major hub for tourism in the Caribbean. It’s known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and wide array of leisure activities including water sports, resorts, and historic landmarks.

Can you leave Nassau Airport (NAS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may exit Nassau Airport during a layover if you have valid travel documents. Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Citizens normally requiring a visa can transit visa-free for up to three days with an onward ticket. All others must secure a visa in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Straw Market A bustling open-air market where local vendors sell Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, authentic conch shell artwork, handwoven straw hats, baskets and vibrant local paintings under colorful tents affording lively cultural atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi ride or public bus #10 from Lynden Pindling International Airport.)
• Queen’s Staircase Historic 66-step limestone stairway carved by enslaved Bahamians in 1793, flanked by towering mahogany trees, offering a serene shaded ascent connecting downtown Nassau to Fort Fincastle overlook with informative plaques. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi ride or bus #10 to Bay Street stop.)
• Pirates of Nassau Museum Immersive museum exploring Golden Age piracy through interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, life-size ship sets and treasure-filled displays, offering engaging guided tours that bring pirate history vividly to life family-friendly adventure. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi ride or bus #10 to King Street.)
• Fort Fincastle 18th-century circular brick fortress built to defend Nassau, featuring historic cannons, echoing battlements and panoramic harbor views from its elevated position atop Bennet’s Hill ideal photography spot rich heritage experience. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi ride to Fort Fincastle entrance.)
• John Watling’s Distillery Historic streamlined estate housing John Watling’s Distillery, offering handcrafted rum tastings, behind-the-scenes production tours, scenic tropical gardens and a quaint gift shop showcasing local spirits education and culture-focused experience available. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi ride or bus #10 to Old Fort Bay Road.)
• Junkanoo Beach Popular public beach near downtown cruise port, boasting soft white sands, calm turquoise waters, shaded palapas, rentable chairs and vibrant local vendors selling snacks and souvenirs ideal quick sunbathing spot. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi ride or bus #10 to Bay Street/Prince George Wharf stop.)
• Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Charming tropical garden sanctuary home to Caribbean flamingos, endangered Bahamian wildlife, exotic plants and daily conservation demonstrations led by knowledgeable guides in serene natural surroundings interactive educational fun-filled family adventure. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi ride or bus #10 to John F. Kennedy Drive.)
• Graycliff Chocolatier Artisan chocolate factory nestled within historic Graycliff Hotel, offering behind-the-scenes tours, handcrafted truffle tastings, cocoa bean workshops and luxurious sweet souvenirs in elegant surroundings gourmet connoisseur experience awaits guests uniquely. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi ride to Pitts Town Road.)

Things to Do in Nassau Airport (NAS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Lignum Club and Graycliff Divan Lounge at NAS offer post-security retreats with an open bar, hot and cold refreshments, business centre, private rooms and a smoking lounge. Three outdoor patios and kids’ play areas let passengers soak up Bahamian sunshine before flights in comfort. Operating daily 10:00 to 21:30. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels within a 2-mile radius of NAS cater to all budgets. Options include Bell At The Airport Suites with free shuttle, boutique stays like A Stone’s Throw Away and Island House, beachfront resorts on Cable Beach and downtown inns offering breakfast, pools and easy access to airport, city attractions. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Nassau Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods or reclining lounges. Travelers can rest on seating areas in departure halls or in the quiet corridors near gates. Three outdoor patios offer fresh air and benches post-security. Overnight stays are discouraged; the airport closes overnight except for essential services, so plan accordingly, carefully.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals at NAS. Passengers can connect without password using the “LPIA Free Wi-Fi” network. Coverage extends to lounges, outdoor patios and baggage claim areas. Streaming, browsing and video calls are supported. No time limits or per-device fees apply. Fast, secure connections everywhere.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon clearing customs at NAS, head to Bahama Pearl stores in the arrivals hall to purchase prepaid SIM cards from BTC or ALIV. You’ll need your passport and local address. Shops operate daily from 07:00 to 22:00. Alternatively, travelers can activate an eSIM online before landing for instant worldwide connectivity. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Nassau Airport (NAS) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis wait outside the arrivals terminal at NAS. Fares to downtown range from $20 to $30 USD for up to four passengers. No ride-hailing apps operate; conveniently negotiate or confirm fixed rates before boarding. Travel time is about 15 minutes. Taxis accept cash in Bahamian or US dollars only.

Train: As of 2025, there is no rail or train service connecting NAS. All ground transfers rely on taxis, buses, shuttles or car rentals. There are no plans for a railway extension, so travelers should choose alternative transport methods. Passengers should visit official portal for regularly updates. more info.

Bus: Local jitney buses operate near NAS, stopping on JFK Drive about a 15-minute walk from the terminal. Route 12 runs to West Bay Street for $2.50 one-way. Service is informal with no published schedule; buses run frequently during peak hours. Cash payment in USD is required. more info.

Shuttle: Shared and private scheduled shuttle services operate at NAS. Hotel shuttles and companies like Welcome Pickups and Island Routes offer door-to-door transfers to most resorts. Rates start around $25 USD per person; private vans for groups range from $80 to $115. Pick-ups occur regularly at the Ground Transportation area.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Dollar and Hertz maintain counters landside at NAS arrivals. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Drivers must present a valid driver’s license, credit card and age ≥25. Reservations are recommended online. Most companies offer free airport pickup and drop-off services directly. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking at NAS costs $2.05 for 30 minutes, $3.05 for one hour or $20.45 daily near the terminal. Long-term lots require a minimum two-day stay at $22.50, then $11.25 per subsequent day. All rates include VAT. Parking areas are secured and monitored 24/7 and offer valet options, securely, affordably, effortlessly.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The Travel & Luggage Centre in the Domestic/International check-in area provides secure luggage storage, passport photos, phone rentals, fax and on-site print services. Accessible daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Affordable fees vary by bag size and duration; promptly inquire at the kiosk or call 242-377-1809 for current rates today. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Nassau Airport (NAS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks