Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's cheaper for a party of four or more to call a minivan and split the cost than to take
two taxis (because usually only two people with luggage can fit into each taxi). Arrange,
if it's practical, for a 10-passenger minivan, or if you're conducting a large group, for a
bus holding between 20 and 25 passengers, before you arrive in Bermuda by contacting
Bermuda Hosts,
3 Cahhow Way, St. George CR 04 (
&
441/293-1334;
www.
bermudahosts.bm). If you're traveling in a party of only two, consider asking a waiting
chartered bus at the airport if it has room to take in two extra passengers. Using that
mode of transportation, trips from the airport to such nearby hotels as Grotto Bay will
cost as little as $15 per person, trips to the City of Hamilton will cost around $35 per
person, and trips to the island's distant West End will cost around $68 per person.
Bear in mind, however, that these fares are imposed on a per-person basis, and
taxis charge their rates for a collective carload of up to four passengers, depending on
their ability to fit in all their luggage.
Arriving By Cruise Ship
This is the easiest way to arrive in Bermuda. The staff will present you with a list of
tour options long before you arrive in port, and almost everything is done for you
unless you choose to make your own arrangements (although an independent taxi
tour is far more expensive than an organized tour). Most passengers book shore excur-
sions when they reserve their cruise.
Depending on your ship, you will probably arrive in either the City of Hamilton
(best for shopaholics) or St. George (best for architecture and history buffs). A few
ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard on Bermuda's West End. Whichever port you
dock at, you can avail yourself of the waiting taxis near your ship, or rent a moped or
bicycle and do some touring and shopping on your own. For more information about
cruising to Bermuda, see above.
By Car
Bermuda is the only Atlantic island that restricts car ownership to local residents. Part
of the reason for this is the notoriously narrow roads, which have small or nonexistent
shoulders and hundreds of blind curves. Add the British custom of driving on the left,
and there would be traffic chaos if newcomers were allowed to take to the roads in
rented cars. You'll rely on taxis, bikes, or motorized bicycles called “putt-putts.”
By Taxi
Dozens of taxis roam the island, and virtually every hotel, restaurant, and shop is
happy to call one for you. The hourly charge is $50 for one to four passengers. A
luxury tour van accommodating up to six passengers costs $55 to $85 an hour. If you
want to use one for a sightseeing tour, the minimum is 3 hours.
10
Taxi Touring Tip
When a taxi has a blue flag on its hood
(locals call the hood the “bonnet”), the
driver is qualified to serve as a
tour
guide.
The government checks out and
tests these drivers, so you should use
them if you plan to tour Bermuda by
taxi. “Blue-bonnet” drivers charge no
more than regular taxi drivers.
