Although the island of Bermuda is only 21 miles long (just under 34 km for those outside the US), transportation options is one of the most commonly asked questions.
Tourists are not legally allowed to rent cars, meaning the easiest, most convenient method of transporting oneself is not available. The good news is that Bermuda has several fantastic options for getting around, ranging from using the public transportation (both buses and ferries) to the spine tingling but super convenient moped/scooter rental.
Most of the worry that we hear about comes from North Americans concerned on driving on the “other” side of the road. My favourite tip – whenever getting into your vehicle wait for a local to drive past to double check which side you should be driving on. Especially pulling out of the driveway for the first few days! Or bring a colourful elastic band/hair scrunchie and put it on the left handlebar of your moped.
Public transit – Bus and Ferries
The most relaxing but logistically taxing option is Bermuda’s public transit. Adult passes run about $44 for a 3 day pass that can be used on both buses and ferries. This is a great way to see the island – from an air conditioned, and quickly moving vehicle which you don’t need to drive! Keep in mind that Bermuda does have typical rush hours, so I generally try to let folks get to and from work without having to deal with my enormous beach bags and strollers. Do note – bus drivers won’t let you on with large luggage or non-foldable strollers so plan accordingly.
You’ll need to check the schedule and route maps to ensure you aren’t waiting for a bus that doesn’t come – buses tend to end very early in the evenings. Relying on them to get to dinners out or home from the bar likely won’t work.
Taxis
Taxis tend to be expensive but one of the most convenient options. Taxis are plentiful at the airport and at larger tourist locations such as downtown Hamilton or St. Georges. I generally book ahead with my favourite cab driver for key drop offs and pick ups – airport drop offs, important dinners out or beach days rather than calling into the taxi company and asking for a pick up. I’ve have trouble in the past with drivers getting lost, being late or just not showing up.
If you have a good experience with a taxi driver, get their business card and arrange for pickups ahead of time.
Have a look here for a listing of Bermuda cab companies.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are a new addition to Bermuda for transportation options – no pollution, easily parked and with the feeling of safety that comes with a roof, EVs are becoming very popular. While they tend to be expensive (generally about $100US per day), if you aren’t comfortable with mopeds and want the convenience of a vehicle this is the option for you.
When I visited Bermuda in Feb. 2018 for my babymoon, I didn’t feel comfortable riding a moped so my husband and I used the Twizy from Current Vehicles. If you are large (anything above 6″) or have mobility issues, the Twizy may not work for you. The passenger sits directly behind the driver and requires some folding of limbs to get in and out. Have a look at pictures online to determine if you’d be comfortable.
The consideration for this method – you’ll need to charge the vehicle for 1-2 hours depending on the level of charge left in the battery after a day of driving around the island. The good news is that there are several locations island-wide where you can plug in, and go for a walk or lunch while charging. Check out the map here to see where the public locations are.
Many vacation rental properties have chargers installed as well, meaning you simply plug in over night and you are good to go the next day!
Renault Twizy from Current Vehicles.
Moped, or Scooter, rentals
The easiest and least expensive option to get around Bermuda is the moped or scooter. However, many visitors are nervous about using them. If you have any experience on a Vespa, motorcycle or bicycle, you can drive the moped. It also provides you with the most flexibility to explore Bermuda – if you find a pretty laneway, path or beach you want to stop at, you can! And because the mopeds are small, its easy to find parking (and its often free, even in Hamilton).
There are several moped rental businesses but our favourite is Smatt’s Cycle Livery.
Mopeds are gas powered and fairly peppy – you have the option of a single rider or double rider option. If you’ve never ridden a moped before, the rental company will issue you a single rider version.
You’ll need a drivers license and will get a lesson on starting, parking and locking your moped when you pick it up. Please note that if you have children, although there are no specific laws, only consider putting them on the back of your moped if they are old enough (with arms and legs long enough) to securely hold on to the driver for long periods of time. Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with a child on the back of my moped until they were 10 or so and understood the safety requirements. If your children are younger than that, consider a bus pass or taxi.
Push bikes (powered by your legs!)
For the exercise minded, push bikes are available for rent and are a great way to get your workout in while seeing the island. A note however – there are no designated bike lanes in Bermuda so you will be sharing the narrow lanes with all other traffic. I generally recommend for visitors to rent a push bike for a day or two to explore the Railway Trail or Coopers Island park rather than relying on it as a main method of transportation.
Walking
Walking is the cheapest option – Bermuda has so many tiny paths and hidden trails to be explored that walking is a great method. While the island is small, relying on walking will certainly add considerable time to your plans. Most major roads in Bermuda have sidewalks, however they have the sometimes irritating habit of switching sides of the road. Wherever possible, I’d encourage you to leverage the Railway Path as it usually is away from the main roads and provides lovely views. Walking combined with bus/ferry passes is a fantastic way of seeing the island.
Ready to go to Bermuda? Head over to our main website or give us a call at 416-232-2243.