How to Get to Long Island, Bahamas: Flights, Ferries, Airports & Complete Travel Guide
INTRODUCTION
Although Long Island is one of the more remote Out Islands of The Bahamas, reaching it is straightforward with a little planning. Most visitors arrive by connecting through Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport – NAS) before taking a domestic flight to either Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) or Stella Maris Airport (SML). Travelers from South Florida also have the option of seasonal direct flights to Stella Maris, while ferry services provide an alternative route from Exuma.
Choosing the best route depends on where you're traveling from, where you're staying on Long Island, and whether you prefer the speed of flying or the scenery of traveling by sea. This guide focuses specifically on getting to Long Island and complements the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, which covers accommodations, beaches, attractions, and transportation around the island.
FLYING TO LONG ISLAND
Flying is the quickest and most popular way to reach Long Island.
Most international travelers first arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau before connecting to a domestic flight.
Two airports serve Long Island:
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Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) – serving central and southern Long Island, including Clarence Town.
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Stella Maris Airport (SML) – serving the northern part of the island, including Cape Santa Maria and Stella Maris.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS FROM NASSAU
Several Bahamian airlines operate scheduled services between Nassau and Long Island.
Current scheduled options include:
Southern Air Charter
Bahamasair
Schedules may change seasonally, so travelers should always verify departure times before booking.
DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Visitors from the United States may be able to avoid connecting through Nassau.
Makers Air
Operates scheduled flights between:
These flights operate on selected days of the week, with schedules varying by season.
Private charter flights are also available from Florida and other Bahamian islands.
ARRIVING BY FERRY
Travelers looking for a more scenic journey can also reach Long Island by sea.
Sheep Runner Ferry
The Sheep Runner links:
The crossing takes approximately 1.5 hours, with regular scheduled departures several days a week (reduced during some low-season periods and annual maintenance).
This route is especially useful for travelers combining Exuma and Long Island in one vacation.
WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
STELLA MARIS AIRPORT (SML)
Best for visitors staying near:
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Stella Maris
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Cape Santa Maria
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Northern beaches
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Port St. George
Stella Maris also serves as an international Port of Entry for eligible private aircraft.
DEADMAN'S CAY AIRPORT (LGI)
Best for visitors staying near:
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Clarence Town
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Deadman's Cay
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Hamilton's Cave
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Dean's Blue Hole
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Southern Long Island
The airport is located on Queen's Highway and provides convenient access to the island's central region.
GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT
Most visitors continue their journey by:
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Rental car
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Hotel transfer
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Taxi
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Pre-arranged shuttle
Because public transportation is very limited, reserving transportation before arrival is highly recommended.
PRIVATE BOATS AND YACHTS
Long Island is also popular with private boaters.
Common arrival points include:
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Stella Maris Marina
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Long Island Harbour Club
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Clarence Town Harbour
Private vessels arriving from outside The Bahamas must comply with Bahamian Customs and Immigration entry procedures.
TRAVEL TIPS
To make your journey smoother:
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Book domestic flights well in advance during peak travel periods.
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Allow generous connection times in Nassau.
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Reserve rental cars before arrival.
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Confirm ferry schedules, as they can vary seasonally.
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Check airline updates before departure, especially during airport maintenance or weather events.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Fastest Option
Domestic flight from Nassau.
Most Scenic Option
Sheep Runner Ferry from George Town, Exuma.
Best Airport for Northern Long Island
Stella Maris Airport (SML).
Best Airport for Central & Southern Long Island
Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI).
Transportation After Arrival
Rental vehicle recommended.
FAQ SECTION
How do I get to Long Island from Nassau?
The quickest option is a domestic flight from Nassau to either Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) or Stella Maris Airport (SML).
Which airport should I fly into?
Choose Stella Maris for northern Long Island and Cape Santa Maria, or Deadman's Cay for Clarence Town, Dean's Blue Hole, and central or southern Long Island.
Can I take a ferry to Long Island?
Yes. The Sheep Runner Ferry operates between George Town, Exuma, and Salt Pond on Long Island.
Are there direct flights from the United States?
Yes. Makers Air operates scheduled flights between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Stella Maris on selected days.
Do I need a rental car?
Yes. A rental vehicle is strongly recommended because public transportation on Long Island is limited.
Can private aircraft fly directly to Long Island?
Yes. Stella Maris Airport accommodates eligible international arrivals and private aircraft, subject to Customs and Immigration procedures.
Can I combine Long Island with Exuma?
Yes. Many travelers fly into Exuma or Nassau and connect to Long Island by ferry or domestic flight.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Long Island's transportation network connects visitors with its most celebrated attractions. Arrivals through Stella Maris provide convenient access to Cape Santa Maria and the island's northern beaches, while Deadman's Cay serves Clarence Town, Hamilton's Cave, and Dean's Blue Hole. Ferry connections with Exuma and domestic flights from Nassau strengthen Long Island's links within The Bahamas, making it easy to combine the island with other Out Island destinations.
CONCLUSION
Whether you arrive by domestic flight, direct international service, ferry, or private boat, reaching Long Island is easier than many travelers expect. Choosing the right airport, booking transportation in advance, and understanding the available travel options will help ensure a smooth start to your island adventure. Once you arrive, Long Island's beaches, caves, blue holes, historic settlements, and welcoming communities are all within easy reach.
For additional information on accommodations, attractions, beaches, and transportation around the island, continue exploring the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide.
Long Island, The Bahamas, Nassau, Lynden Pindling International Airport, Deadman's Cay Airport, Stella Maris Airport, Southern Air Charter, Bahamasair, Makers Air, Sheep Runner Ferry, George Town Exuma, Long Island Harbour Club, Clarence Town, Cape Santa Maria, Hamilton's Cave, Dean's Blue Hole, Queen's Highway, rental cars, airport transfers, ferry travel, private boats, marinas
Updated as of July 2026.