Fort Lauderdale - Bimini
Crossing approx. 2 hours
From
€169
Florida-Bahamas crossings
Ferry to the Bahamas: Routes, Times and Tickets
Compare the two crossings from Fort Lauderdale, check your travel date and choose the sailing that fits your plans
- Bimini in about 2 hours, Freeport on Grand Bahama in about 3
- Both crossings leave from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale
- Same-day return to Bimini makes a real day trip possible
- Live departures and fares for both routes
Popular routes
Ferries from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas
The two bookable crossings with duration, operator and a booking route.
Prices per person, one way
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Route map
Bahamas ferry routes in the booking feed
Both crossings leave from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Click a line for duration and operator - the short line reaches Bimini, the longer one runs to Freeport on Grand Bahama.
Route guide
Choose your Bahamas crossing
Table of Contents
Fort Lauderdale to Bimini
Bimini is the Bahamas at its closest: 51 miles off the Florida coast, about 2 hours by fast ferry. The crossing runs from Port Everglades Terminal 21 to Fisherman's Village on North Bimini, the marina next to the Resorts World complex - beaches, marinas and Alice Town's Radio Beach are all within walking or golf-cart distance. Departures are timed so a same-day return works, which makes this the classic Bimini day trip.
The route page covers the full crossing guide: terminal, check-in deadlines, what is on board and how arrival on Bimini works.
Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
The second crossing runs to Freeport on Grand Bahama - about 3 hours at sea and usually the cheaper ticket. Freeport Harbour lies west of the city, with taxis covering the ride to the Lucaya beach area. Grand Bahama suits a longer stay better than a day trip: the island is large, and the ferry rhythm gives you less time ashore than on the Bimini run.
Details, deadlines and the arrival side are on the Freeport route page.
Nassau and the out islands
There is no ferry from Florida to Nassau, Paradise Island or the out islands - searches for one are common, the route is not. To reach Nassau, fly or arrive by cruise; from Nassau, the inter-island ferries of Bahamas Ferries Ltd. serve Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera and Exuma, booked with that operator directly. The Nassau page lays out the realistic combinations, and the FAQ answers the follow-up questions.
Before you book
Three things decide whether the trip goes smoothly. First, documents: a valid passport book or passport card for every traveller, children included - birth certificates are not accepted for boarding. Second, timing: terminal doors close a full hour before departure, and the operator recommends reaching the port early because of security traffic - the timetable shows the departures for your date. Third, the fare: prices move with season and demand, so this site shows live from-prices per route and explains on the prices page what moves them.
FAQ Bahamas ferry
Bahamas ferry questions
The questions most Bahamas ferry plans start with.
Is there a ferry from Florida to the Bahamas?+
Yes - two scheduled fast-ferry routes, both operated by Balearia Caribbean from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale: to Bimini in about 2 hours and to Freeport on Grand Bahama in about 3 hours. Both have live departures and a booking route on this site.
Does the ferry leave from Miami itself?+
No. The ferry leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, about 30 miles north of downtown Miami - close enough that even the booking channels label the route "Fort Lauderdale (Miami)". The Miami page explains how to reach the terminal by car, train or with a picked-up day tour.
Can I take a ferry to Nassau?+
No ferry sails from Florida to Nassau - the demand exists, the route does not. Realistic ways to reach Nassau are a short flight or a cruise call; the Nassau page compares them honestly.
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas ferry?+
Every traveller needs a valid U.S. passport book or passport card - including children. The operator does not accept birth certificates or photo ID for boarding. The FAQ covers documents, check-in and customs in detail.
Can I take my car on the ferry?+
No - both crossings are passenger-only fast ferries; there is no vehicle deck. On Bimini you get around on foot or by golf cart, on Grand Bahama taxis and rental cars cover the distances. Luggage rules are in the FAQ.
Ready for the crossing?
Compare the two routes, check the sailing times for your date and book your ticket.