Overview
Anyone who first thinks of the brightly colored breeches when they think of Bermuda is not alone, because the fashion faux pas of the 1980s with the same name brought the distant, exotic group of islands to many people’s attention. However, unlike the Bermuda shorts, the chain of coral islands is stylish and very English – think cricket-playing gentlemen and chic ladies at afternoon tea. Bermuda is made up of approximately 180 islands and islets off the coast of Cape Hatterras, North Carolina, in the Atlantic Ocean. Many small bays, soft pink sandy beaches and bright blue-green water characterize the coasts, while inland, lush subtropical plants and flowers surround quaint pastel cottages. The Spanish navigator Juan de Bermudez discovered Bermuda in 1505. Since falling into English hands in 1609, it has developed rapidly and become prosperous. In 1968, Bermuda was granted special status as a British Overseas Territory. See other countries in North America on politicsezine.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Bermuda does not have a national airline. British Airways (BA) offers several weekly flights via London (from Heathrow) to Bermuda from German airports as well as from Zurich and Vienna. Lufthansa (LH) flies to Bermuda via New York in cooperation with American Airlines (AA) and JetBlue (B6).
Flight times
Frankfurt – Bermuda: 14 hours 25 minutes; Zurich – Bermuda: 14 hrs 30 mins; Vienna – Bermuda: 13 hrs 25 mins (depending on the time spent at the stopovers, flight times can vary significantly).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by ship
Bermuda has three major seaports: Hamilton, St. George’s and the West End/Royal Naval Dockyard. From April to October, various shipping companies offer weekly cruises from New York and Boston with a stopover in Bermuda.
Note on arrival by ship
Ship passengers pay a port fee of 20 BMD $ (approx. 18 €) to the respective shipping company. This does not apply to children under the age of 2. The fee is usually included in ticket prices.
Cruise ships
On its cruise around the world, starting in Kiel, AIDA also calls at Bermuda. Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises offer cruises from Southampton. Ships from the shipping companies AIDA, Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises, among others, dock in Bermuda from New York.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
The road network on the island is well developed. Visitors are not allowed to drive a car, but all towns can be easily reached by taxi, scooter, moped or bicycle. Petrol stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., some until 11 p.m. and later. Carriages: Horse-drawn carriages are available in Hamilton.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Car rental
Since only locals are allowed to drive, there are no rental cars in Bermuda.
Taxi
All taxis are metered; a surcharge applies on Sundays and between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Fares are set by the state. The qualified drivers approved by the Ministry of Tourism have a small blue flag on the taxi. There are taxi ranks in Hamilton on Front Street or at hotels. You can always order a taxi over the phone.
Bicycle
Bicycles, scooters and mopeds can be hired. The minimum age is 16 years; a driver’s license is not required. The tourist office (see addresses) publishes a list of prices and addresses. Rental companies at the airport bring the luggage to the hotel and pick it up again.
Coach
The state buses are modern, punctual and comfortable. Hamilton has bus services to all parts of the island. It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from Hamilton to St. George’s on the north-eastern tip of Bermuda and approximately 45 minutes to Somerset in the south. Exact fare in coins is available. Shared tickets are also available from post offices. For bus and ferry travelers there is a Transportation Pass that is valid for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 7 days and allows unlimited use of the buses and ferries during these periods.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – left-hand traffic; – Protective helmets are compulsory for scooter and moped drivers. Speed limits: – urban: 15 mph (approx. 20 km/h); – extra-urban: 20 mph (approx. 35 km/h).
Traveling by ship
Government operated by the Department of Marine & Ports Services, SeaExpress Ferry Service offers regular ferry services from Hamilton to Paget, Warwick, West End, Royal Naval Dockyard, St George’s and Rockaway. Many hotels keep the ferry timetables available for their guests. Some hotels sell tickets at discounted prices. Single tickets, day tickets, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- or 7-day tickets and monthly tickets are available.
