$1.25 jitney ride beats the $20+ taxi from NAS
Jitney Bus Route 10 is the local minibus linking the airport roundabout on JFK Drive/West Bay Street with Cable Beach in about 10–15 minutes and downtown Nassau in roughly 30–40 minutes, with fares commonly reported around $1.25–$1.50 paid in cash. It suits people landing in daylight with just a backpack or small carry-on, not those wrestling 23 kg suitcases.
The key detail: these privately run jitneys do not enter Terminals A, B, or C at Lynden Pindling International Airport. To use Route 10, you walk out of the airport grounds to the main roundabout at the entrance, then stand on the West Bay Street side heading toward Cable Beach and downtown. Regulars mention the walk takes about 5–10 minutes from arrivals doors depending on how fast you move.
Route 10 is the main West Bay Street line, and riders describe daytime frequency as every 5–10 minutes, with buses thinning out and then stopping by roughly 6–7 pm. There is no printed timetable, so treat anything after 5:30 pm as “maybe” and assume you will need a taxi or pre-booked transfer if your flight lands in the evening.
Fares posted in recent trip reports run about $1.25–$2 per ride, with drivers usually accepting either Bahamian or US dollars at par, but expecting small notes and coins. Have exact change ready before you board; some drivers refuse large bills like $20s for short hops, especially on a full bus.
On board, expect a tight fit, narrow vinyl seats, and sometimes standing-room-only at commuter peaks, with frequent stops along West Bay Street between the airport area, Cable Beach, and downtown Rawson Square. There are no luggage racks, so anything bigger than a carry-on becomes awkward in the aisle on a 30–40 minute ride.
Watch out for the small paper or painted route numbers in the front window; “10” can be hard to spot until the bus is almost at you, and a few versions of Route 10 reportedly short-turn before downtown. Regulars flag the bus, then quickly ask the driver “Cable Beach?” or “Downtown?” before paying and sitting down.
How to use Jitney Route 10 step by step
- 1. Land at NAS Terminal A, B, or C and clear customs, then follow signs out to the main arrivals curb; allow 5–10 minutes to walk to the airport entrance road.
- 2. Walk from the terminal exit along the signed access road toward the large roundabout where JFK Drive meets West Bay Street; stay on the sidewalk and keep right-hand traffic in view.
- 3. At the roundabout, cross carefully to the West Bay Street side heading toward Cable Beach and downtown (away from the airport); this is where locals wait for Route 10.
- 4. Take out $1.25–$2 in small Bahamian or US bills/coins for each person, as fares are cash-only with no cards or mobile payments accepted.
- 5. Watch approaching minibuses for the “10” sign in the front window; when one nears, hold out your hand clearly so the driver knows to stop.
- 6. Step to the door, ask the driver “Cable Beach?” or “Downtown?” to confirm the direction, then board only if it matches your stop.
- 7. Pay the driver immediately with exact or near-exact change, move down the aisle to free seats, and keep bags on your lap or tightly between your legs.
- 8. For Cable Beach, expect around 10–15 minutes; for downtown, around 30–40 minutes with frequent stops along West Bay Street in daytime traffic.
- 9. When your stop is next, call out “Bus stop please” or tap the rail near the door; locals usually signal one block ahead so the driver can pull over safely.
- 10. If you plan to return to the airport, aim to leave downtown by 4:30–5:00 pm on Route 10 to avoid the fuzzy end of service around 6–7 pm, then walk the same roundabout-to-terminal stretch in reverse.
One practical tip: if your inbound flight is scheduled after 4 pm or your bags will slow you down, budget for the $20+ taxi straight from NAS instead and save the jitney for a lighter daytime outing between Cable Beach and downtown.