Getting to Long Island, Bahamas from the US and Europe
By the Klainguti family ·
Long Island is remote – and that's exactly what makes it special. With a bit of planning, though, getting here is easy, whether you're coming from the US East Coast or from Europe. Here are the main routes, realistic travel times and our tips.
Overview: three legs to Long Island
There are no nonstop flights to Long Island from the mainland US or Europe. The trip to Villa Serenity usually comes in three legs: a flight to Nassau (NAS), a short domestic flight to Long Island and a quick drive to the villa. With smart planning you'll arrive the same day; if you prefer a relaxed pace, add a night in Nassau.
From the United States
Getting to Nassau from the US is easy. From Miami and Fort Lauderdale the flight takes only about an hour, and there are several departures a day. From East Coast hubs such as New York, Atlanta or Charlotte, plan on roughly two to three hours in the air. From the Midwest or the West Coast, you'll typically connect once on the way to Nassau.
Because you'll clear Bahamian immigration in Nassau, connections to the domestic flight are straightforward. Leave yourself enough time for immigration and to recheck your bags – at least two hours is a good rule of thumb.
From Europe
There are no nonstop flights from Switzerland to the Bahamas. One of the most direct options is via London: fly to Heathrow and connect to a long-haul flight to Nassau. Depending on your layover, expect about 13 to 16 hours of total travel time from Zurich. This route doesn't operate every day, so check the schedule early.
Many European travelers connect through the US instead, via Miami, Atlanta or New York. That gives you more flight options, but you'll need a valid ESTA even if you're only transiting, you'll officially enter the US and you'll usually have to recheck your bags.
Tips for connecting in the US
- Apply for your ESTA well before your trip.
- Allow at least three hours to connect.
- Miami offers the shortest onward flight to Nassau.
From Nassau to Long Island
From Nassau, a domestic flight takes you on to Long Island. There are two airports to choose from: Stella Maris (SML) in the north is only about 20 minutes by car from Villa Serenity and the most convenient choice. Deadman's Cay (LLI) in central Long Island is an alternative if the schedule works better – from there it's about an hour's drive to the villa.
The flight takes around an hour. The planes are small, and baggage allowances are often lower than on international flights. Check weight limits ahead of time, especially if you're bringing dive or fishing gear. Flights don't run at every hour of the day, so a late arrival in Nassau often means an overnight stay.
Our tip: a night in Nassau
If you land in Nassau in the evening, don't count on the last domestic flight. An overnight stay near the airport takes the stress out of the trip, and you'll arrive on Long Island rested the next morning – just in time for your first sunset on the porch.
Entering the Bahamas
US, Canadian and most European citizens need a passport valid for the length of their stay and typically a return or onward ticket for tourist visits to the Bahamas. Entry requirements can change, so please check the latest information from official sources and your airline before you travel.
Arriving on Long Island: rent a car
There's virtually no public transportation on Long Island, and taxis are few. A rental car is essential. We recommend reserving early and picking it up right at the airport. Keep in mind that Bahamians drive on the left; the Queen's Highway is easy to drive but narrow in places. Our concierge is glad to help with the reservation – find more details on our location and getting there page.
Time zone
Long Island is on Eastern Time, the same as New York and Miami, so travelers from the US East Coast have no jet lag at all. Coming from Europe, you'll gain six hours: stay up until evening on arrival day, get outside early the next morning and let the daylight help you adjust.
Travel checklist
- Check your passport's validity; apply for an ESTA if you're connecting in the US from abroad
- Coordinate your international and domestic flights and build in a buffer
- Check baggage limits for the domestic flight
- Reserve a rental car and bring your driver's license
- Bring enough cash in US dollars
- Let us know your arrival time so everything is ready
To find out when the weather is at its best, read our travel guide article on the best time to visit. Once your dates are set, we look forward to your inquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Are there nonstop flights to Long Island, Bahamas?
Not from the US mainland or Europe. You'll fly to Nassau first – about an hour from Miami – and then take a domestic flight of roughly an hour to Stella Maris or Deadman's Cay.
Which airport is best for Villa Serenity?
Stella Maris (SML) in northern Long Island – it's about a 20-minute drive to the villa. Deadman's Cay (LLI) is an alternative, about an hour away.
Do I need a rental car on Long Island?
Yes. There's virtually no public transportation and taxis are scarce. We recommend reserving a car in advance and picking it up at the airport.
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