Planning a Trip

Arriving

Most visitors to Paradise Island arrive in Nassau and commute to Paradise Island by ground transport.

When you arrive at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (also known as the Nassau International Airport;, you won't find bus service to take you to Paradise Island. Many package deals will provide hotel transfers from the airport. Otherwise, if you're not renting a car, you'll need to take a taxi. Taxis in Nassau are metered and take cash only, no credit cards. It will usually cost you $30 (£16) to go by cab from the airport to your hotel. The driver will also ask you to pay the northbound one-way $1 (55p) bridge toll (this charge will be added onto your metered fare at the end).

Visitor Information

Paradise Island does not have a tourist office, so refer to the tourist facilities in downtown Nassau. The concierge or the guest services staff at your hotel can also give you information about the local attractions.

Island Layout

Paradise Island's finest beaches lie on the Atlantic (northern) coastline; the docks, wharves, and marinas are located on the southern side. Most of the island's largest and glossiest hotels and restaurants, as well as the casino and a lagoon with landscaped borders, lie west and north of the roundabout. The area east of the roundabout is less congested, with only a handful of smaller hotels, a golf course, the Versailles Gardens, the cloister, the airport, and many of the island's privately owned villas.

Getting Around

You don't need to rent a car. Most visitors walk around Paradise Island's most densely developed sections and hire a taxi for the occasional longer haul.

The most popular way to reach nearby Nassau is to walk across the toll bridge. There is no charge for pedestrians.

If you want to tour Paradise Island or New Providence by taxi, you can make arrangements with either the taxi driver or the hotel reception desk. Taxis wait at the entrances to all the major hotels. The hourly rate is about $60 (£32) in cars or small vans.

If you are without a car and don't want to take a taxi or walk, you can take a ferry to Nassau. The ferry to Nassau leaves from the dock on Casino Drive every half-hour, and the 10-minute ride costs $3 (£1.60) one-way. Quicker and easier than a taxi, the ferry deposits you right at Prince George Wharf, in downtown Nassau Bay Street. Daily service is from 9am to 6pm.

Water taxis also operate between Paradise Island and Prince George Wharf in Nassau. They depart daily from 8:30am to 6pm at 20-minute intervals. Round-trip fare is $6 (£3.20) per person.

If you are a guest at one of the properties associated with Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino, you can hop aboard one of the complimentary shuttle buses for drop-offs at any of the hotel accommodations within the Atlantis Resort. They depart from the Lynden Pindling International Airport at 30-minute intervals every day between 7am and 11pm, costing $6 (£3.20) per person round-trip. Atlantis guests can also take a complimentary tour of the island, leaving daily at noon.

Unlike New Providence, no public buses are allowed on Paradise Island.