A long layover in Clarence Bain is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Clarence A. Bain Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of MAY:
- Can you legally enter Bahamas? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxis, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BSD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BSD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Clarence Bain from MAY
From MAY, the Taxis gets you to Clarence Bain in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxis offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Exploring Clarence Bain on a Layover
If you head into Clarence Bain, here are two things worth checking out:
Mangrove Cay Beach Stroll is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Clarence Bain Settlement Exploration is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside MAY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Clarence A. Bain Airport Waiting Area
- Mangrove Cay Souvenir Kiosk
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Shirley’s Restaurant and Bar and Da Pink & Blue Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Clarence Bain.
- At the airport: MAY Airport Snack Kiosk and Airport Beverage Counter will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Clarence Bain might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$13 USD
- A meal: ~$25 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$48 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at MAY
Specific locker facilities at MAY aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Clarence Bain itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at MAY should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Bahamas and you’re good to go.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MAY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Clarence Bain genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.