Getting Around Long Island, Bahamas: Driving Tips, Fuel Stops & Travel Times
INTRODUCTION
Long Island is one of the easiest Out Islands in The Bahamas to navigate, but its length and limited services mean that planning ahead is essential. Stretching approximately 80 miles (130 km) from north to south, the island is connected primarily by the Queen's Highway, which links settlements, beaches, airports, marinas, and many of Long Island's best attractions. Although distances may appear short on a map, travelers should allow extra time for scenic drives, occasional rough side roads, and stops at viewpoints along the way.
Whether you're staying in Stella Maris, Clarence Town, Deadman's Cay, or Cape Santa Maria, understanding where to refuel, how long journeys actually take, and which transportation option best suits your itinerary will help you make the most of your visit. This guide focuses specifically on transportation logistics and complements the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, which covers accommodations, attractions, beaches, dining, and activities across the island.
WHY RENTING A CAR IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE LONG ISLAND
For most visitors, renting a car is the most practical and flexible way to explore Long Island.
Benefits include:
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Freedom to visit multiple beaches in one day
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Easy access to natural attractions
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Flexibility for photography stops
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Access to remote viewpoints
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Convenient travel between accommodations and restaurants
While taxis are available, they are generally better suited for airport transfers or short local journeys. Public transportation is very limited and operates on an irregular basis.
THE QUEEN'S HIGHWAY
The Queen's Highway is the island's primary road and runs almost the entire length of Long Island from north to south.
It connects many of the island's key destinations, including:
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Stella Maris
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Cape Santa Maria turnoff
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Deadman's Cay
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Clarence Town
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Salt Pond
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Gordon's area
The road is paved for most of its length, although some sections may become uneven after heavy rain. Roads leading to beaches or remote attractions are often narrower, unpaved, or composed of limestone hardpan or sand, so slower speeds are recommended.
REALISTIC DRIVE TIMES
Although Long Island is about 80 miles (130 km) long, actual driving times are longer than many visitors expect because of speed limits, winding sections, settlements, and occasional livestock crossing the road.
A practical planning speed on the Queen's Highway is around 35 mph (55 km/h) rather than the maximum posted limit.
FUEL AVAILABILITY
Fuel is available on Long Island, but stations are limited compared with larger islands.
Travelers should plan to refuel whenever passing one of the main service areas, especially before driving to the southern end of the island or exploring remote beaches.
Good practices include:
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Never begin a long sightseeing day with less than half a tank.
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Fill up before heading south of Deadman's Cay.
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Check fuel availability on Sundays and public holidays.
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Ask your accommodation about the nearest operating station.
Fuel availability on the Out Islands can occasionally be affected by deliveries, so planning is recommended.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Most visitors find driving on Long Island straightforward.
However, expect:
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Narrow two-lane roads
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Limited shoulders
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Occasional potholes
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Livestock, especially goats, crossing the highway
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Beach access roads made of limestone, gravel, or sand
Drive cautiously on roads leading to beaches, as some become steep or uneven after heavy rain. Night driving also requires extra care because lighting outside settlements is limited.
AIRPORTS AND TRANSPORTATION CONNECTIONS
Long Island has two airports serving different parts of the island:
STELLA MARIS AIRPORT
Best for visitors staying in:
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Stella Maris
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Cape Santa Maria
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Northern Long Island
DEADMAN'S CAY AIRPORT
Best for visitors staying near:
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Deadman's Cay
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Clarence Town
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Southern Long Island
When reserving a rental vehicle, confirm which airport the company serves, as many agencies operate from only one location.
TAXIS
Taxis are available on Long Island but are generally arranged in advance.
They are most commonly used for:
For extensive sightseeing across the island, a rental vehicle is usually more economical.
DRIVING TIPS
To enjoy a safe and comfortable road trip:
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Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
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Wear seat belts at all times.
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Reduce speed in settlements and school zones.
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Watch for goats and other livestock.
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Slow down on blind corners.
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Carry water, especially on longer drives.
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Download maps before leaving Nassau, as mobile coverage may be inconsistent in some remote areas.
SUGGESTED DAY TRIP ITINERARIES
NORTHERN LONG ISLAND
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Stella Maris
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Cape Santa Maria Beach
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Nearby scenic viewpoints
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Local dining
CENTRAL LONG ISLAND
SOUTHERN LONG ISLAND
Breaking the island into regions allows visitors to spend more time enjoying attractions and less time driving.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Best Transportation
Rental vehicle.
Driving Difficulty
Easy to moderate.
Fuel Planning
Refuel whenever convenient, particularly before exploring remote areas.
Road Quality
Generally paved on the Queen's Highway, with rougher beach access roads.
Navigation
GPS works in most areas, but downloading offline maps is recommended.
FAQ SECTION
Is it easy to drive around Long Island?
Yes. The Queen's Highway is the main road and makes navigation relatively simple, although beach access roads can be rough.
What is the best way to get around Long Island?
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore beaches, attractions, and settlements across the island.
Where can I buy fuel?
Fuel is available in the island's main settlements, but stations are limited, so refuel whenever you have the opportunity.
How long does it take to drive from Stella Maris to Gordon's Beach?
Allow approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
Can I rely on taxis for sightseeing?
Taxis are available, but a rental car is usually the better option for exploring multiple attractions across Long Island.
Are the roads paved?
The Queen's Highway is mostly paved, while many roads leading to beaches and remote attractions are unpaved or rough.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
Not necessarily. Most attractions are accessible by standard vehicles, although higher-clearance vehicles can be helpful for some beach access roads.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Getting around Long Island is part of the travel experience itself. The Queen's Highway links Stella Maris, Cape Santa Maria, Deadman's Cay, Clarence Town, Salt Pond, and the island's southern coastline, allowing visitors to combine cultural landmarks like the churches of Father Jerome Hawes with natural attractions such as Dean's Blue Hole, Hamilton's Cave, Gordon's Beach, and nearby boating excursions. This scenic road network reinforces Long Island's role as one of The Bahamas' premier self-drive destinations.
CONCLUSION
Exploring Long Island by road allows visitors to discover the island at their own pace. With realistic expectations for drive times, a little fuel planning, and an understanding of local road conditions, traveling between beaches, settlements, cultural sites, and natural attractions is straightforward and rewarding. Whether you're planning a short stay or a full island road trip, thoughtful transportation planning will help you experience more of what Long Island has to offer.
For additional information on accommodations, beaches, dining, and attractions, continue with the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide.
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Updated as of July 2026.