About flights from Stella Maris (SML)
Stella Maris Airport sits on Long Island, Bahamas, and it's one of those places that reminds you flying doesn't have to mean chaos. Three gates, one airline, and a check-in process that takes about four minutes if you're not chatting with the staff — and you'll want to chat with the staff. This is small-island aviation at its most honest. No loyalty lounge, no overpriced terminal coffee, just a short runway, clear turquoise water visible from the tarmac, and flights that actually connect you to the parts of the Bahamas most tourists never reach.
Quick stats for SML
- Direct destinations: 3
- Countries served: 1
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 138 km
- Longest non-stop: Nassau (NAS) — 276 km (~21 min)
- Shortest non-stop: Rum Cay (RCY) — 46 km (~3 min)
- Reach score: 29/99
Why fly to Stella Maris?
Long Island is genuinely undervisited, and SML is your hub into it. Bahamasair's regional operator UP runs the routes here, linking Stella Maris to Nassau (NAS) at 276 km — that's roughly a 45-minute hop that saves you a brutal ferry ride. The shorter jump to Rum Cay (RCY) at just 46 km is practically a scenic flight, and it opens up one of the quietest dive destinations in the entire Caribbean. Three routes total, all within the Bahamas, which sounds limiting until you realize the domestic island-hopping game here is the whole point. You're not connecting through Miami. You're going deeper into the archipelago, and that's a completely different kind of travel reward.
Longest non-stop flights from SML
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Stella Maris:
- Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) — 276 km, approximately 21 min
- San Salvador, Bahamas (ZSA) — 92 km, approximately 7 min
- Rum Cay, Bahamas (RCY) — 46 km, approximately 3 min
Tips for travelers at SML
The airport is about 3 km from Stella Maris Resort, and most accommodations on Long Island will arrange pickup if you ask ahead — don't assume there's a taxi rank, because there isn't always one waiting. Book your UP flights early during peak winter season (December through April), as seat counts on these small props are low and prices jump fast when inventory tightens. Carry cash. ATM access on Long Island is limited, and you'll want local dollars before you land rather than scrambling after. Arrive 45 minutes before departure minimum — small airports move fast, but delays happen when weather rolls through the central Bahamas.
Airlines operating from SML
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Stella Maris:
UP
Frequently asked questions about flying to Stella Maris
How do I get from Stella Maris Airport to the city center?
Most visitors arrange ground transportation through their hotel or resort ahead of time, as taxis aren't always readily available at the airport. You can also rent a car if you plan to explore the island independently, though distances are quite short.
What's the best time to fly to Stella Maris?
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather and is ideal for beach activities, though it's also peak tourist season. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider traveling in May or September through October, just be aware of hurricane season considerations.
How many destinations can I reach non-stop from Stella Maris Airport?
Stella Maris Airport has 3 direct destinations, making it a convenient hub for reaching other islands and mainland connections without changing planes. Most visitors use these flights to connect to Nassau or other major Caribbean islands.
Do I need a visa to travel to Stella Maris, Bahamas?
Most visitors from the US, Canada, UK, and EU countries don't need a visa and can stay up to 30 days with just a valid passport. It's always smart to check current entry requirements with your nearest Bahamian embassy before booking, as rules can change.
What should I know about Stella Maris Airport itself?
The airport is quite small and intimate, so arrive early as there aren't many amenities like restaurants or shops. It's a charming, laid-back facility that reflects the island's relaxed pace, but don't expect the services you'd find at larger Caribbean hubs.
Is flying to Stella Maris expensive compared to other Bahamas airports?
Flights to Stella Maris tend to be pricier than Nassau since it's a smaller airport with fewer flight options, but you save on ground transportation costs since you're already on the island. Booking in advance and flying during shoulder season can help you snag better deals.
Plan your trip from Stella Maris
Browse the complete list of 3 destinations below to find your next flight from Stella Maris. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.