Bermuda

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 650 miles (1,046 km) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Despite its remote mid-ocean location, the island is well-connected to the eastern United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom with regular commercial flights.

The territory consists of 181 islands, though most are connected by bridges forming one main landmass roughly 21 miles (34 km) long. Bermuda is known for its pink sand beaches, pastel-colored architecture, world-class golf courses, and as a major international reinsurance and financial services center. Tourism and finance are the twin pillars of the economy.

L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) is the sole commercial airport, located on the former US Naval Air Station at the eastern end of the island. The airport handles around 750,000 passengers annually, with most traffic coming from the US East Coast and seasonal service from Canada and the UK.

L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)

Airport	Location	Role	Major Airlines
BDA	St. George's Parish	Sole international gateway	American, Delta, JetBlue, United, British Airways

L.F. Wade International Airport is Bermuda's only commercial airport, named after civil rights leader and politician L.F. Wade. The airport occupies the site of the former US Naval Air Station Bermuda, which closed in 1995.

Facilities:

• Single terminal with US preclearance facility (clear US immigration/customs before departure)
• Standard amenities: duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges
• Compact layout—allow 2 hours before international flights

Ground Transportation:

• Taxis available outside arrivals (fixed rates to most destinations)
• No rental cars—tourists cannot rent cars in Bermuda
• Hotel shuttles for major resorts
• Public bus service available

Key Routes:

• New York (JFK/EWR): Multiple daily flights, 2 hours
• Boston (BOS): Daily service, 1.75 hours
• Toronto (YYZ): Seasonal service, 2.5 hours
• London (LHR): Seasonal British Airways service, 7 hours

Airlines Serving Bermuda

Bermuda has no flag carrier. The island is primarily served by US, Canadian, and UK airlines:

US Carriers:

• American Airlines — Daily service from New York-JFK, Miami
• Delta Air Lines — Daily service from Atlanta, seasonal from New York-JFK
• JetBlue — Daily service from New York-JFK, Boston
• United Airlines — Daily service from Newark

International Carriers:

• British Airways — Seasonal service from London Gatwick (typically Apr-Oct)
• Air Canada — Seasonal service from Toronto
• WestJet — Seasonal service from Toronto

Historical Note

Bermuda was previously home to regional carriers, but no airline is currently based on the island. The market is dominated by US airlines given the territory's proximity to the East Coast and the significant business travel demand from the financial services sector.

Visa-Free Travel

Citizens of most Western countries can visit Bermuda visa-free for tourism or business:

• USA, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen: Up to 90 days without visa
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan: Up to 90 days without visa
• Other Commonwealth countries: Generally visa-free

What You Need

• Valid passport: Must be valid for duration of stay
• Return or onward ticket: Required for entry
• Proof of accommodation: May be requested
• Sufficient funds: Evidence of financial means

US Preclearance

Bermuda has a US Preclearance facility at BDA airport. Passengers flying to the United States clear US Customs and Border Protection in Bermuda before departure, arriving in the US as domestic passengers. This means:

• ESTA or valid US visa required for flights to the USA
• Faster arrival at US airports (no immigration queue)
• Allow extra time for security/preclearance screening

Work Permits

Working in Bermuda requires a work permit obtained by the employer. Business meetings and conferences do not require work permits for short visits.

Official information: Government of Bermuda Immigration

No Rental Cars

Bermuda does not permit tourists to rent cars. This unique policy keeps traffic manageable on the narrow island roads. Alternative transportation options:

Scooters and Electric Vehicles

• Scooter rentals: Popular option, available island-wide (license required, minimum age 18)
• Twizys: Two-seater electric vehicles available for rent at some locations
• E-bikes: Electric bicycle rentals increasingly available

Public Transport

Buses: Extensive bus network covers the island. Day/week passes available. Cash not accepted—purchase tokens or passes in advance.

Ferries: Fast ferry service connects Hamilton with Dockyard (Royal Naval Dockyard) and other destinations. Scenic and efficient for cross-harbor travel.

Taxis

• Metered taxis available throughout the island
• Fixed rates to/from airport
• Can arrange island tours with taxi drivers
• More expensive than public transport

Walking and Cycling

The Bermuda Railway Trail runs 18 miles along the former railway route, ideal for walking and cycling. Many areas are walkable given Bermuda's compact size.

Peak Season (April-October)

Best weather: Warm temperatures (75-85°F / 24-29°C), ideal for beaches and water activities. Peak season prices and busier flights.

• April-May: Shoulder period, pleasant weather, moderate crowds
• June-August: Hottest months, hurricane risk increases, highest prices
• September-October: Hurricane season peak, but often good deals if weather cooperates

Off-Season (November-March)

Cooler temperatures (60-70°F / 15-21°C). Too cool for most beach activities but ideal for golf, sightseeing, and exploring. Significantly lower hotel and flight prices.

• November-December: Mild weather, holiday events
• January-March: Coolest months, whale watching season

Hurricane Season

Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, with peak risk August-October. Most storms pass well north or south of Bermuda, but occasional direct hits occur. Travel insurance recommended for summer visits.

Flight Prices

• Cheapest: January-March, excluding holiday periods
• Most expensive: July-August, Easter week, Cup Match weekend (late July/early August)

Hamilton

Area	Description
Hamilton	Capital city with shops, restaurants, and business district
Front Street	Main shopping street along the harbor
City Hall	Cultural center with art gallery

The capital and commercial center. Cruise ships dock here, and it's the hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife. Walkable downtown area.

St. George's (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Area	Description
St. George's Town	Historic town, UNESCO World Heritage Site
King's Square	Historic center with colonial architecture
Fort St. Catherine	Well-preserved 17th-century fortification

The original capital and one of the oldest English settlements in the New World. Cobblestone streets, historic churches, and colonial architecture. Near the airport.

Royal Naval Dockyard

Area	Description
Dockyard	Former British naval base, now tourist district
National Museum	Bermuda's history and maritime heritage
Clocktower Mall	Shopping in historic buildings

Located at the western tip of Bermuda, this restored naval base features museums, restaurants, craft markets, and dolphin encounters. Accessible by ferry from Hamilton.

Beaches

Beach	Location	Known For
Horseshoe Bay	Southampton	Iconic pink sand, facilities
Elbow Beach	Paget	Resort beach, good snorkeling
Tobacco Bay	St. George's	Snorkeling, near airport
Warwick Long Bay	Warwick	Longest beach, less crowded

Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches get their color from crushed coral and shells mixed with white sand.

Money

• Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD), pegged 1:1 to US Dollar
• USD: Accepted everywhere at par—no need to exchange
• Cards: Visa, Mastercard widely accepted; Amex at larger establishments
• ATMs: Available in Hamilton, Dockyard, and at the airport
• Tipping: 15-17% gratuity often automatically added to restaurant bills; check before adding more

Costs

Bermuda is expensive. Expect prices 50-100% higher than US mainland for:

• Restaurants and dining
• Groceries and alcohol
• Taxis and transportation
• Hotels and accommodations

Budget accordingly. Self-catering accommodation and picnic lunches can help manage costs.

Electrical

• Voltage: 120V, 60Hz (same as USA/Canada)
• Plugs: Type A and B (two/three flat pins)
• Adapters: US/Canadian visitors need no adapter; UK/European visitors need plug adapter only (voltage compatible with most modern electronics)

Connectivity

• Mobile: US cell phones often work with roaming (check with carrier)
• eSIM: Supported by local carriers
• WiFi: Available at hotels, restaurants, and cafes
• Local SIM: Available from Digicel and One Communications

Safety

Bermuda is very safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply:

• Scooter accidents are the main safety concern—drive carefully
• Wear helmet on scooters (required by law)
• Stay on marked trails when hiking
• Strong currents at some beaches—heed warning flags

Local Customs

• Dress code: Smart casual expected in Hamilton; no beach attire in town
• Driving: Left-hand traffic (British system)
• Speed limit: 35 km/h (22 mph) maximum island-wide
• Alcohol: Legal drinking age 18
• Business attire: Bermuda shorts with jacket and tie are acceptable formal wear

• Tourism: Go To Bermuda
• Government: Government of Bermuda
• Immigration: Bermuda Immigration
• Airport: L.F. Wade International Airport
• Public Transport: Bermuda Bus and Ferry
• Weather: Bermuda Weather Service