So you’ve made the decision to visit the beautiful island of Bermuda, nicknamed “the rock” by locals, and you’ve done your research (i.e., read all of my articles on Wandering Educators). Now, after you’ve picked your hotel, you’ve realized that unlike most places in the world, you cannot rent a car to get around.

Now what? Well if you’re the adventurous type, you can rent a scooter. Check out my article on the top ten tips for renting a scooter.

The easiest and most convenient option is to take a ride on a pink bus! Here is a student's rendition of a pink bus as a planter! It is made from a milk carton and some creativity.

If you’ve rather get around Bermuda on a steadier set of wheels, here are some options:

Taking the bus: The easiest and most convenient option is to take a ride on a pink bus! There are bus stops at almost every frequently visited spot on the island and some bus schedules even run until 11:00pm. There are 11 bus routes and 14 bus zones. All bus routes originate from the center of Hamilton at the Central Terminal next to City Hall.

Some important points to remember:

o   Bus drivers only accept exact coins, tokens, or tickets. You may purchase tokens or tickets from the main bus terminal, from the ferry terminal in Hamilton, from the ‘Visitor Information Centre’ in Dockyard, or at your hotel front desk.

o   Locals frequent the buses during rush hour commuting times and the public buses are also the primary means of transportation for school children. Planning your day around the peak travel times will be very beneficial to your trip.

o   Bus stops are recognizable by the pink and blue poles posted along the roads. A bus that stops at a pink pole will take you toward Hamilton and a bus that stops at a blue pole will take you away from the city of Hamilton.

o   Buses in Bermuda are clean and friendly. It is customary to greet the bus driver with the appropriate greeting of “Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening” and to not eat, drink, or use your cell phone while on the bus.

o   The bus schedule can easily be found online.

Bus stops are recognizable by the pink and blue poles posted along the roads. A bus that stops at a blue pole will take you away from the city of Hamilton.

A bus that stops at a pink pole will take you toward Hamilton.

Buses in Bermuda are clean and friendly. It is customary to greet the bus driver with the appropriate greeting of “Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening” and to not eat, drink, or use your cell phone while on the bus.

Hiring a taxi: Think of taxi drivers as your colorful and knowledgeable tour guides to Bermuda. They are always willing to share stories of little known facts and often will point you in the right direction for the best places for a fun meal.

Some important facts to know:

o   Taxis are metered at government set rates. This currently runs at US$6.40 for the first mile for 1-4 passengers and US$2.25 for each additional mile, or US$8.00 for the first mile for 5-6 passengers and US$2.80 for each additional mile.

o   It’s important to remember that fares increase 25-50% between midnight and 6:00AM, all day on Sunday and on holidays.

o   The main taxi dispatch number is 441-295-4141. This service will dispatch a taxi to wherever you are located. Your concierge at your hotel can also order a taxi for you.

Think of taxi drivers as your colorful and knowledgeable tour guides to Bermuda. They are always willing to share stories of little known facts and often will point you in the right direction for the best places for a fun meal.

Cruising around in a ferry: One of my favorite ways to get around is to take a public ferry. There are four ferry routes that are conveniently located. Again, just as with the buses, ferries are used by locals as their means of travel and by school children as well. Keep this in mind when planning out your day and avoid peak travel times.

Here is the important information for you to know:

o   Ferries do NOT accept cash. You must purchase a transportation pass, ticket, or token beforehand. The ferries accept the same tokens and tickets that are used as fare for buses. These are available at the main bus terminal, from the ferry terminal in Hamilton, from the ‘Visitor Information Centre’ in Dockyard, or at your hotel front desk.  Remember, tokens and tickets cannot be purchased on the ferry itself, so be sure to get them ahead of time.

o   Inclement weather, like storms or high winds, can alter or even stop the ferry service. This information will be posted at ferry stops in the form a sign.

o   Rates, schedules, and additional information can be found on their website here.

One of my favorite ways to get around is to take a public ferry. There are four ferry routes that are conveniently located around the island.

Horsing around in a carriage:  Want to see Bermuda at a real island living pace? Then head over to Dockyard, City of Hamilton, or St. George’s for a horse-drawn carriage ride. Starting in April, carriages are available to rent for 30 minutes up to 1 hour. The carriages can carry up to four passengers and run until October.

For more information check out the following contact information:

Bronco Stables
35 Barry Road
St. George's, GE 04

St George's Parish (East End)

Tel: 441-704-7840

Tel2: 441-297-8395

E-mail: cmp-70[at]hotmail.com

Marquis Ranch
P.O. Box MA 86
Sandys, MA BX
Sandys Parish (West End)

Tel: 441-505-5575
Tel2: 441-505-5576
E-mail: marquisranch[at]yahoo.com

 

If all else fails, sometimes the best transportation is located below your knees. With miles of walking trails (Read up on walking the railroad trails) Bermuda is a comfortable and relaxing walk-able getaway.