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Airport Basics.....
The Nassau International Airport is now called the Lynden Pindling International Airport. The airport is far and away the largest airport in the Bahamas, and a primary hub for the airline Bahamasair. The airport services over 3 million passengers (at least as of 2008), and when completely renovated will have the capacity for 5 million passengers per year. The airport sits on the Western side of the Island, as the city of Nassau sits on the Eastern side.
One benefit of traveling into the Bahamas is that, if traveling from America, you're essentially treated as a domestic traveler. You essentially get to bypass the typical United States customs clearance that you generally incur when traveling back into the U.S. from an international trip.
Nassau Airport Car Rental.....
Car Rental companies from the Lynden Pindling (Bahamas) facility now includes Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Hertz and National/Alamo. All are fine companies with track records of great service to car hire customers throughout the years. You should get a great car at a reasonable price here.
Driving out of the Nassau Airport with your rental car is not too difficult. It's the actual driving on the island that can get a little tricky. The roads on the island are not in great condition. Couple that with some pretty challenging traffic conditions (at least during peak seasons), and things could get dicey - especially on the East side of the island, towards Nassau. Many folks, however, like the control that the rental car provides - especially those travelers who like to take in the beauty on the West and South areas of the Island. With no public transportation system in place, your choices are really limited to either rental car or taxi service.
Leaving the airport, you will drive Northeast on Windsor Road, which will soon turn into John F. Kennedy Drive. Stay on John F. Kennedy until you near the city of Nassau. When returning your vehicle, follow these directions right back to the airport.
Airport Amenities.....
Recently, the Nassau International Airport unveiled a new upgrade to their facility. Almost 600,000 feet have been added to the facility, with the ability to transport almost 50% more passengers than it has in the past. Not surprising, capacity has increased to near 5 million per year. This seems like a good idea in hindsight, as a record number of passengers turned the stiles in 2010. Obviously, more is expected in the near future, especially when creating a better flying experience for would-be visitors onto the island.
Besides adding space, the airport now currently offers passengers a food court with a Cafe Kalik restaurant. You might want to try this place out, as they are said to offer a pretty neat dining experience. The food itself is Bahamian. That means curry fish dishes and lamb shank. Drinks include a Da Junkanoo Rush, a rum/pineapple drink that will steady you for the flight back home.
Other amenities include a Heineken Beer Lounge, a grouping of retail outlets and a couple of bookstores. The airport offers many other services including a bank. Currently the Royal Bank of Canada operates an office within the airport located at the T1 International terminal. ATM's are also available in the United States Departures Lounge, and also in the Arrivals - International Departures Lounge. In addition to banking services, there is a post office located in the T1 International area as well.
Car Rental Driving Distances.....
As mentioned above, getting out of the airport isn't that bad. It's getting to the city of Nassau that is the problem. But many folks aren't necessarily interested in going to Nassau. Some would rather travel West, and South, on the Island. We have compiled a list of local areas and attractions (and their car rental driving distances) to get to those places. Remember, these distances are only estimates. Also, all distances are from the Lynden Pindling Airport.
Adelaide Village, The Bahamas 10 km.
Jaw's Beach, The Bahamas 13 km.
Old Fort Bay, The Bahamas 11 km.
Corry Sound, The Bahamas 8 km.
Cable Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas 9 km.
Western Esplande Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas 16 km.
Paradise Island, The Bahamas 20 km.
New Providence, Nassau, The Bahamas 15 km.
Car Rental Vehicles Available.....
Most cars that are available in larger international airports are available here. However, if choosing to use a Nassau Airport car rental, we recommend a smaller car. They're a little more nimble, and a little easier to navigate around an otherwise difficult place in which to drive. Remember, Nassau drivers operate on the left side of the road.