How to Get to and Around Cat Island, Bahamas: Accessibility Guide
Getting to Cat Island, Bahamas requires more planning than visiting Nassau or other major tourism centers, but air connections provide access to both the northern and central parts of the island. Cat Island has two principal airports: Arthur’s Town Airport (ATC) serves northern Cat Island, while New Bight Airport (TBI) serves the central portion of the island near Mount Alvernia. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism identifies New Bight as an international entry point with Customs and Immigration services.
For most visitors, accessibility also means planning what happens after landing. Cat Island is long and lightly developed, and beaches, accommodations, restaurants and settlements are spread along the island rather than concentrated in a single walkable tourism district. Rental cars, taxis and prearranged transfers therefore become important parts of trip planning.
Travelers with limited mobility should plan even more carefully because accessible transportation, accommodation features and attraction access cannot be assumed.
This article focuses specifically on how to get to and around Cat Island. For beaches, accommodations, attractions, dining and broader itinerary planning, use the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide as the main destination resource.
HOW DO YOU GET TO CAT ISLAND?
Flying is the principal practical option for most visitors.
Cat Island's two main airports serve different geographic sections:
Arthur’s Town Airport (ATC) — northern Cat Island
New Bight Airport (TBI) — central Cat Island
The Bahamas' official flight information currently lists domestic service between Nassau (NAS) and both Arthur’s Town and New Bight, giving travelers the option of connecting through the country's main aviation hub.
The airport you choose should ideally match where you plan to stay.
Visitors staying around Arthur’s Town, Orange Creek or other northern communities may benefit from arriving at ATC, while New Bight is more convenient for central Cat Island, Mount Alvernia and accommodations around New Bight and Fernandez Bay.
FLYING TO CAT ISLAND FROM NASSAU
Nassau provides one of the most important gateways to Cat Island.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism currently lists Western Air service between Nassau and both Cat Island airports:
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Nassau → Arthur’s Town
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Arthur’s Town → Nassau
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Nassau → New Bight
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New Bight → Nassau
The official tourism flight directory currently describes these services as daily.
Schedules can change, however, so travelers should verify operating days and departure times directly with the airline before building a fixed itinerary around a particular flight.
Connecting through Nassau can also be useful for international travelers arriving in The Bahamas from destinations that do not have direct Cat Island service.
FLYING DIRECTLY TO CAT ISLAND FROM FLORIDA
Direct international access has improved.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's flight directory lists Makers Air service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and New Bight Airport (TBI).
New Bight is particularly important for international arrivals because the Ministry of Tourism identifies the airport as having Customs and Immigration services.
This can reduce the need for some travelers from Florida to connect through Nassau.
Travelers should still confirm current flight schedules, entry requirements, baggage restrictions and operating procedures before departure.
ARTHUR’S TOWN AIRPORT & NORTHERN CAT ISLAND
Arthur’s Town Airport is the principal aviation gateway for northern Cat Island.
The Ministry of Tourism specifically describes it as a regional airport serving the northern end of Cat Island.
Its geographic position makes ATC particularly useful for travelers staying around:
Accessibility to northern Cat Island improved further in 2026. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism announced that Makers Air would begin scheduled service to Arthur’s Town on May 12, 2026, initially operating Tuesdays and Thursdays from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The ministry specifically noted that the service would reduce ground-transfer times for travelers in northern Cat Island.
That development makes choosing the correct airport increasingly important when planning where to stay.
NEW BIGHT AIRPORT & CENTRAL CAT ISLAND
New Bight Airport is the more practical gateway for many travelers staying in central Cat Island.
The airport is located near Mount Alvernia, Cat Island's highest point and the location of The Hermitage. Official Bahamas tourism information also confirms that New Bight welcomes international travelers through Customs and Immigration facilities.
New Bight Airport is particularly useful for travelers staying around:
For first-time visitors who want to combine beaches with central sightseeing, New Bight can provide a practical starting point.
WHICH CAT ISLAND AIRPORT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Choosing an airport based on accommodation location can reduce unnecessary driving.
A simple rule is:
Choose Arthur’s Town Airport if most of your trip will focus on northern Cat Island.
Choose New Bight Airport if you are staying around New Bight, Fernandez Bay or central Cat Island.
Travelers planning to explore the entire island should compare flight schedules, rental-car availability and accommodation location before deciding.
The cheapest flight is not necessarily the most convenient if it requires a lengthy ground transfer after arrival.
GETTING AROUND CAT ISLAND
Cat Island should not be approached as a destination where most travelers can simply walk between their hotel, beaches, restaurants and attractions.
Settlements and visitor sites are geographically dispersed.
For independent visitors, the principal transportation choices are:
A rental vehicle generally offers the greatest freedom for travelers planning to explore multiple sections of the island.
Local rental-car businesses do operate on Cat Island, including Gilbert's Car Rental around Freetown and 3J’s & S Rent-A‐Car in Old Bight. Rental availability should be confirmed before arrival rather than assumed.
RENTING A CAR ON CAT ISLAND
A rental car is especially useful for travelers planning to visit several beaches, settlements or attractions.
It allows visitors to create geographically efficient itineraries, such as exploring northern Cat Island on one day and central or southern areas on another.
A car is particularly useful for reaching places such as:
Visitors should remember that vehicles in The Bahamas drive on the left.
Reserve ahead where possible because rental inventories on an Out Island can be much smaller than at major international destinations.
TAXIS & AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Travelers who do not want to drive can use taxis or arrange transportation through their accommodation.
C & O Taxi is one locally listed taxi service around New Bight/Freetown, confirming that taxi transportation is available in the central part of Cat Island.
However, travelers should not assume that taxis will operate like an urban on-demand transportation network.
For airport arrivals, particularly when staying some distance from the airport, arranging transportation before flying to Cat Island is preferable.
Ask your accommodation about:
Travelers planning to remain mainly at one resort may find transfers and occasional taxis more practical than renting a vehicle for the entire trip.
ROAD TRAVEL & DISTANCES
Cat Island's elongated geography makes road planning important.
The island's communities stretch from Orange Creek and Arthur’s Town in the north through Bennett’s Harbour, New Bight and Old Bight toward Port Howe and southern Cat Island.
Driving between neighboring communities may be straightforward, but repeatedly traveling from one end of Cat Island to the other can consume a significant part of a vacation.
This is why accommodation location matters.
Travelers should first identify the beaches, attractions and activities that matter most and then select an accommodation and airport that minimize unnecessary transfers.
The Best Areas to Stay on Cat Island guide can help with this decision.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR TRAVELERS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY
Travelers using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids should plan Cat Island trips individually and confirm accessibility directly with every service provider.
Published, detailed accessibility information for Cat Island remains limited. It would therefore be inaccurate to assume that airports, taxis, rental vehicles, accommodations, beaches or attractions provide the same standardized accessibility infrastructure available in major urban tourism destinations.
Before booking, ask specific questions rather than simply asking whether a property is "accessible."
Useful questions include whether:
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Step-free entrances are available
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Guest rooms are located on the ground floor
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Doorways accommodate a wheelchair
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Bathrooms have grab bars
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Showers are roll-in or step-free
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Airport transfers can carry mobility equipment
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Vehicles can accommodate a folding or powered wheelchair
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Paths between rooms, restaurants and beaches are paved or firm
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Stairs are required to reach important facilities
Written confirmation is preferable when a particular accessibility feature is essential.
ACCESSIBILITY AT BEACHES
Cat Island's beaches are one of its major attractions, but natural beach environments can present mobility challenges.
Sand, uneven terrain, vegetation, informal access paths and the absence of boardwalks can affect wheelchair and walker access.
Do not assume that a beach located beside an accommodation automatically has accessible entry.
Travelers with mobility requirements should ask accommodations specifically about the route from the guest room to the beach, including the surface, distance, slopes, steps and availability of assistance.
The Best Beaches on Cat Island guide can then help identify which coastal areas fit the rest of the itinerary.
ACCESSIBILITY AT MOUNT ALVERNIA & THE HERMITAGE
Mount Alvernia is one attraction where mobility should be considered carefully.
The Hermitage stands on Mount Alvernia, known locally as Como Hill, which is the highest point in The Bahamas.
Reaching the summit involves an uphill route and uneven outdoor terrain, making it fundamentally different from visiting an attraction with level, paved access.
Travelers with mobility limitations should evaluate the route carefully before attempting the climb and should not assume that the summit itself will be accessible simply because the attraction can be reached by road to the general area.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Many of the same logistical considerations apply to families traveling with infants and young children.
Strollers may be less useful on sand, rough paths and uneven natural terrain.
Families should consider:
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Airport transfer time
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Car-seat arrangements
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Distance to restaurants
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Grocery access
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Beach access
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Medical needs
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Accommodation layout
A centrally located property around New Bight or Fernandez Bay can reduce driving for families planning to explore several parts of Cat Island.
Families planning primarily a resort-and-beach vacation may instead prioritize accommodation facilities over geographic centrality.
HOW TO PLAN AN ACCESSIBLE CAT ISLAND ITINERARY
The most efficient Cat Island itinerary starts with geography.
First choose the area where you will spend most of your time. Then choose the airport, accommodation and ground transportation that best serve that area.
For example:
Northern trip: Arthur’s Town Airport → Arthur’s Town → Orange Creek → Bennett’s Harbour → Pigeon Cay
Central trip: New Bight Airport → New Bight → Fernandez Bay → Mount Alvernia → Old Bight
Travelers with mobility limitations should add another layer: verify each transfer, accommodation and planned activity individually before finalizing the itinerary.
This approach reduces long drives and makes Cat Island considerably easier to navigate.
TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS
Because Cat Island has less transportation infrastructure than Nassau or Paradise Island, advance planning is valuable.
Book flights and accommodation first, then coordinate ground transportation around your actual arrival airport.
Confirm rental vehicles before arrival if independent exploration is important. Travelers relying on taxis should obtain contact information and discuss return transportation rather than assuming a vehicle will always be waiting.
Flight schedules should also be reconfirmed close to departure. The 2026 introduction of additional Arthur’s Town service demonstrates that Cat Island's air connectivity continues to evolve.
FAQS ABOUT CAT ISLAND ACCESSIBILITY
IS CAT ISLAND EASY TO GET TO?
Cat Island is accessible by scheduled flights, particularly through Nassau, with airports at New Bight and Arthur’s Town. Direct Florida service is also available on selected routes.
WHAT AIRPORT DO YOU FLY INTO FOR CAT ISLAND?
Cat Island has two main airports: Arthur’s Town Airport (ATC) in the north and New Bight Airport (TBI) in central Cat Island.
HOW DO YOU GET AROUND CAT ISLAND?
Rental cars, taxis and prearranged transfers are the main options for visitors. A rental vehicle provides the most flexibility for travelers exploring multiple areas.
CAN YOU FLY TO CAT ISLAND FROM NASSAU?
Yes. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism currently lists flights connecting Nassau with both Arthur’s Town and New Bight.
ARE CAT ISLAND BEACHES WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Accessibility varies and should be verified individually. Natural sand, uneven approaches and limited infrastructure can create barriers, so travelers should confirm the exact access route before visiting.
IS CAT ISLAND SUITABLE FOR TRAVELERS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY?
It may be possible with careful planning, but accessible facilities should not be assumed. Confirm accommodation, transportation and attraction accessibility directly before booking.
WHERE SHOULD YOU Stay IF YOU DO NOT WANT LONG DRIVES?
Choose accommodation near the activities you most want to experience. New Bight and Fernandez Bay are practical for central Cat Island, while Arthur’s Town and Orange Creek provide better access to the north.
HOW SHOULD ACCESSIBLE TRAVELERS PREPARE FOR CAT ISLAND?
Confirm step-free accommodation, bathroom configuration, mobility-equipment transport, airport transfers, vehicle accessibility and routes to beaches or attractions before making non-refundable reservations.
EXPLORE MORE CAT ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Cat Island's transportation geography connects two aviation gateways with a long chain of settlements stretching from Orange Creek and Arthur’s Town through Bennett’s Harbour, New Bight and Old Bight toward Port Howe and southern Cat Island. Arthur’s Town Airport strengthens access to the north, while New Bight Airport serves central Cat Island and provides Customs and Immigration services for international arrivals. Together, these connections allow visitors to reach a comparatively lightly developed Out Island while making advance ground-transport planning more important than it is in the major tourism centers of The Bahamas.
CONCLUSION
Cat Island is accessible by air but requires more advance transportation planning than destinations where airports, hotels and attractions are concentrated within a single tourism district.
Arthur’s Town Airport is the strategic gateway for northern Cat Island, while New Bight Airport provides access to the central part of the island and accommodates international arrivals through Customs and Immigration. Current connections through Nassau and expanding direct Florida service continue to improve the island's air accessibility.
Once on Cat Island, rental cars provide the greatest flexibility, while taxis and prearranged transfers can work for travelers planning a more localized stay.
Travelers with disabilities or limited mobility should take an additional planning step by confirming accommodation, vehicle, beach and attraction accessibility individually rather than relying on general accessibility labels.
For the broader destination picture, continue to the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide to connect transportation planning with the island's accommodations, beaches, settlements and activities.
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