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If you’re looking for beautiful beaches with white or pink sand, clear and turquoise waters, and warm personalities, you should think of Bermuda. Due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean and the wind currents, Bermuda enjoys temperate weather year-round. The coldest month is February, and even then, the temperature averages between 60 and 69 degrees. One of the great benefits of visiting Bermuda, whether on a cruise or an independent trip, is that it is an easy island to explore on your own.
Arrival Points in Bermuda
Airplane
Bermuda’s main arrival point is the L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) in the parish of St. George’s. The new terminal, completed in 2020, receives visitors arriving from the U.S., Canada, the Azores, and Great Britain.
Cruise Ship
Most cruise ships arrive in Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard (“Dockyard”) in Hamilton. It is ideally located and within easy reach of Hamilton, the capital, and St. George’s, another popular destination.
There is also a cruise ship terminal in St. George’s. However, large cruise ships cannot dock here, and companies must tender their passengers onshore. Having a commercial cruise ship dock in St. George’s is pretty rare.
Bermuda’s Dockyard is a destination in itself, so if you don’t want to go further to explore, you don’t need to. But if you’re docked on Wednesday night, you should explore Hamilton’s Harbor Nights. Hamilton’s Front Street is closed to traffic, and the party starts! Restaurants offer al fresco dining. Artisans sell their wares. You may even be lucky enough to see Gombey dancers. This uniquely Bermudan tradition features colorful dancers in masquerade and drummers. You shouldn’t miss it if you’re in Hamilton in Summer on Wednesdays.
Check out all the ways you can get around Bermuda on your own:
How to Get Around Bermuda
Ferry
Cruisers can move around the island via ferry from the cruise ship port. Tickets for public transportation can be used on both the ferry and buses. Ticket costs depend on the zones traveled, varying from $3.50 to $5 each way.
The Blue Route takes travelers between the Dockyard and Hamilton and is the most popular route for cruisers. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Ferries also run Wednesday nights to take cruisers to Harbor Nights in the summer.
The Orange Route takes travelers between the Dockyard and St. George’s, the westernmost part of the island. The ride takes about 45 minutes. Note that this route is seasonal, operating from May to October.
The Pink Route is an excellent way to enjoy a scenic ride and runs from Hamilton to Paget and Warwick. The 40-minute ride follows Harbor Road and features beautiful views of the island’s famous white roofs.
You can learn more about the additional ferry routes from the SeaExpress website. Remember to also check the right schedule as there is both a Summer and Winter ferry schedule.
Public Bus
The island is dotted with public bus stops, including the most scenic and sought-out destinations. Purchase tickets (which can be used for ferries and buses) from the Visitor Service Centers in Dockyard, St. George’s, and the Hamilton Ferry Terminal.
PRO TIP: Purchase your roundtrip ticket. If you plan on using multiple modes of public transportation during your day, purchase a day pass.
A ride from Dockyard to Hamilton takes 60 minutes. Bus routes 7 and 8 take travelers to Horseshoe Bay, arguably the most famous of Bermuda’s pink sand beaches. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get from Hamilton to Horseshoe Bay. Just ask your driver if they’ll let you know when you’ve arrived at your destination, most will be more than happy to help you!
Car Rental
Unlike most countries, visitors cannot rent a regular car when visiting Bermuda. Only Bermudans can drive cars here and are limited to a car each. Instead, those wishing to explore the island independently without a driver will need to rent a mini-electric car.
Mini Electric Car Rental
One of the safer ways to explore Bermuda with your own method of transportation is to rent a mini-electric car. These tiny vehicles fit two, one in front of the other. Just remember that Bermudans drive on the road’s left (British) side!
Various companies found at the Dockyard make renting and getting into a vehicle from the cruise port easy.
Moped Rental
Mopeds are another inexpensive way to explore the island. To rent a scooter or moped, drivers must be at least 18 years old and agree to wear a helmet while riding. You don’t even need to have a driver’s license!
Mopeds pass vehicles in an utterly dangerous manner along Bermudas’ narrow and winding roads. It’s a bit stressful!
Rentals include a helmet and your signature on a liability waiver. However, this is not an ideal way to get around. The island is plagued with moped accidents, and it is not worth the risk in my opinion.
Bicycle Rental
If you’re not planning on going too far in Bermuda, a bicycle rental might be a good option. Just keep in mind that the island is incredibly hilly, meaning that an exploration by bicycle requires someone who is fit!
Electric Scooters
Just like in most destinations these days, travelers to Bermuda can opt to rent an electric scooter. This is a more practical way to get around once you’re in town, such as in Hamilton and St. George’s, but I don’t recommend it for general exploration.
Taxi
The most common way that visitors get around Bermuda is by taxi. This is also the most expensive way to get around the island. As you exit the airport or descend the gangway from your ship, you’ll find rows of taxis waiting for you.
Even with a taxi, you can either request your driver to take you to a specific spot, or some drivers will offer to take you to less touristy places. This is a great way to avoid overcrowded beaches.
PRO TIP: Make sure you negotiate the rate in advance to avoid any surprises! Cruise Critic is a good source for researching rates.
Tour Bus
Okay, so this isn’t a way you can discover the island on your own, but if the options above intimidate you or you’d just like to leave it to someone else, then simply book a tour.
PRO TIP: Don’t book your tour through the cruise ship. Instead, find the same tour through Viator or directly through the tour company and save yourself some cash!
Final Thoughts on Getting Around Bermuda
Bermuda is an excellent destination to explore on your own. Choose the one that suits you best with so many ways to get around the island. If you’ve got the time, I highly suggest you use the public transportation system of buses and ferries. If you can remember to drive on the left side of the road, then the tiny electric cars are worth trying.
Have you explored Bermuda? What mode of transportation did you select?
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.