Are you wondering how far the Bahamas is from Florida? You’re in the right place! The Bahamas is the nearest Caribbean destination to Florida, with the shortest distance being just 50 miles (80 km) from Bimini. Whether you’re taking a ferry, a private boat, or a flight, the travel time will vary based on your starting point and mode of transportation.
Use our Florida to Bahamas Distance Calculator below to find the precise distance from your chosen departure point in Florida to your selected island in the Bahamas. You’ll get results in miles, kilometers, and nautical miles, plus an interactive map that shows your travel route. Simply select your locations and click “Calculate Distance” to begin!
Florida to Bahamas Distance Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the distance from **Florida to the Bahamas**. Select your **departure point in Florida** and your **Bahamas destination**, then click “Calculate Distance” to see the distance in **miles, kilometers, and nautical miles**.
Bahamas Island Information
General Information
Country Name: The Bahamas
Region: Caribbean
GPS Coordinates (DMS): 25°03′00″ N, 77°21′00″ W
GPS Coordinates (Decimal): 25.0500, -77.3500
Altitude: Sea level
Area: Approximately 13,880 square kilometers (5,358 square miles)
Population: Approximately 400,000 (as of 2025)
Capital City: Nassau (Located on New Providence Island)
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD) and United States Dollar (USD)
Local Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC−5)
Closest Major Airport: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS – Nassau)
Language Spoken: English (official language)
Number of Islands: Over 700 islands and cays (About 30 inhabited)
Main Islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma, Andros, Abaco, Bimini
How to Get to the Bahamas
Travel by Air
The Bahamas is easily accessible by air, with **Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)** in Nassau serving as the main gateway. Other major airports include **Grand Bahama International (FPO), Exuma International (GGT), and North Eleuthera Airport (ELH)**. Airlines flying to the Bahamas include **Bahamasair, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, and WestJet**.
Flight Times to the Bahamas
- Miami, USA → Nassau: ~50 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale, USA → Freeport: ~45 minutes
- Orlando, USA → Nassau: ~1.5 hours
- New York, USA → Nassau: ~3 hours
- Toronto, Canada → Nassau: ~3.5 hours
- London, UK → Nassau: ~9.5 hours
Direct flights are available from **the US, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean**, making The Bahamas a **quick and easy** destination for travelers.
Travel by Ferry
If you prefer a scenic journey, ferries operate between **Florida and the Bahamas**. The **Balearia Caribbean ferry** offers service from **Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Freeport**, with a travel time of **2-3 hours**. Ferries are an **affordable** and comfortable way to reach the islands.
Domestic Ferries
The Bahamas has a well-connected ferry system linking Nassau to various Out Islands. **Bahamas Ferries** operates routes to:
- Eleuthera
- Andros
- The Exumas
- The Abacos
For more details, visit Bahamas Ferries.
Travel by Cruise
The Bahamas is one of the **top cruise destinations** in the world, with ships docking in **Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, and private cruise islands like CocoCay and Half Moon Cay**. Cruises depart from major US ports, including:
- Miami, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Port Canaveral, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- New York, USA
Popular cruise lines include **Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line**.
Travel by Mailboat
The **Mailboat system** is a **traditional and budget-friendly** way to explore The Bahamas. Mailboats run between Nassau and the Out Islands, offering a slower but more immersive local experience.
Check schedules at Mailboat Bahamas.
Private Boat & Yacht Access
The Bahamas is a **boater’s paradise**, with world-class marinas and crystal-clear waters. Popular entry points for private boats include:
- **Nassau Harbor (New Providence Island)**
- **Freeport Marina (Grand Bahama Island)**
- **Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina**
- **Staniel Cay Yacht Club (Exumas)**
Boaters must clear **customs and immigration** at an official port of entry upon arrival.
Why Visit The Bahamas?
The Bahamas is a **tropical paradise** known for its **turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture**. Whether you want to relax in **Nassau**, explore the **Exumas’ swimming pigs**, or dive in the **Andros Blue Holes**, The Bahamas has something for every traveler.
Attractions In New Providence Distance Calculator
FAQ About How Far the Bahamas Is from Florida
How long of a boat ride is it from Florida to the Bahamas?
The boat ride from Florida to the Bahamas depends on your departure point and mode of transportation. If you’re taking a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, the journey takes about 2 hours. Private boats and high-speed ferries may reach the Bahamas faster, while larger cruise ships take longer.
How many hours is Florida from the Bahamas?
If you’re flying, the distance from Florida to the Bahamas is covered in as little as 50 minutes on a direct flight from Miami to Nassau. By boat, travel time varies:
- Ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini → ~2 hours
- Ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport → ~3 hours
- Cruise from Miami to Nassau → ~8-12 hours
Can you take a day trip to the Bahamas from Florida?
Yes! Many travelers take a day trip from Florida to the Bahamas, especially to Bimini or Freeport. The fastest way is by ferry or flight:
- Ferry to Bimini → Leaves in the morning and returns in the evening.
- Flights from Miami or Fort Lauderdale → Quick flights allow for a full day of exploring Nassau or other islands.
A day trip is ideal for visitors looking to experience the Bahamas’ beaches, culture, and food without an overnight stay.
How far is the Bahamas from Florida on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships take longer than ferries or private boats, but they offer a more relaxing experience. The typical cruise times from Florida to the Bahamas are:
- Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Nassau → ~8-12 hours overnight
- Port Canaveral (Orlando) to Nassau → ~12-14 hours
- Day cruises to Bimini → ~2-3 hours
Most Bahamas cruises from Florida are three to four-night trips, stopping in Nassau, Freeport, or private islands like CocoCay or Half Moon Cay.