Cabs At Bermuda Airport: Availability And Options

Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport is about 9 miles from the City of Hamilton and 17 miles from Somerset. Cabs are available at the airport, and you can also book a taxi in advance. However, taxis can be expensive, and there are other options for getting to your hotel, such as a minivan or renting an electric two-seater vehicle.

Taxi fares and payment methods

All taxis in Bermuda have meters with rates set by the government. The standard taxi fare for 1-4 passengers is $3.25 per mile, with a starting rate of $5.95 (or $9.20 for the first mile). For 5-7 passengers, the rate is $4.25 per mile, with a starting rate of $7.30 (or $11.55 for the first mile). A $1 surcharge is added for each piece of luggage in the boot or on the roof.

Taxi rates are 25% higher between 10 pm and 6 am, and all day on Sundays and public holidays. For 5-7 passengers, the rate increases by 50% during these times. It is also recommended to tip the driver 15% of the fare.

Taxis can also be hired by the hour for sightseeing at a rate of $60 per hour for 1-4 passengers, and $85 per hour for 5-7 passengers.

Bermuda taxis generally accept cash as the primary payment method. Some drivers may accept credit cards, but this is not standard practice, and they may hesitate due to associated fees. It is advised to have cash available when using taxis, as not all drivers will accept credit cards.

There is an online taxi app called 'HITCH Bermuda', which provides a taxi dispatching service that accepts all major credit cards. These taxis are regular metered taxis, but the metered fare is slightly higher than the government-regulated rate. HITCH also adds a surcharge to the fare on a flat rate per ride.

Another option is to use the 'Hitch' app, which works like Uber but with licensed taxi drivers. Note that only taxi drivers who use the Hitch app accept credit cards.

Taxi availability and waiting times

There are around 600 taxis in Bermuda, all of which are regulated by the government and required to be insured and clearly marked. Drivers are self-employed but must adhere to strict regulations, including a dress code.

Taxis are widely available at Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport to take passengers to their hotels. No reservations are required, and waiting times are usually short. However, short waits are possible when flights are delayed or multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

Cabbies typically meet all arriving flights, and taxis are also available 24/7 across the island. Hotels also offer transportation, but their prices are typically $10 to $15 higher than metered taxi rates.

During peak travel seasons and public holidays, it is recommended to book a taxi in advance to secure your ride and avoid longer wait times.

Hailing a taxi is also an option, as they are commonly found near popular tourist spots, hotels, and the airport. Look for taxis with a yellow roof light, indicating their availability.

Taxi tours and sightseeing

Bermuda has around 600 taxis, and cabs are typically available at the airport to meet incoming flights. If there isn't a taxi waiting, you can call one of the taxi companies or download the Hitch app, which works like Uber but with licensed taxi drivers.

Bermuda is a small island, covering just 21 square miles, and it's easy to explore the whole island by taxi. You can hire a taxi for around $60 per hour for 1-4 passengers or $85 per hour for 5-7 passengers. Taxi tours typically last a minimum of three hours and cost $50 an hour for 1-4 passengers and $70 an hour for 5-7 passengers.

If you want a certified taxi tour guide, look for a driver with a blue flag on the hood of their taxi. These "blue-bonnet" drivers have been checked and tested by the government and are qualified to act as tour guides. They can customise tours to suit your interests, whether that's art and architecture, nature, or history.

One recommended company is Lewis Foggo's Reliable Taxi Tours Co. You can contact them by phone or email:

> Tel:: (441) 704-2109

>

> e-mail: [email protected]

Another recommended option is Donovan's Taxi Service, which costs $50 per hour. You can also try Sam's Bermuda Taxi Tours, or Piece Of The Rock Taxi and Tours.

Alternative transport options

While taxis are readily available at Bermuda Airport, there are several other ways to get around the island. Here are some alternative transport options for travellers:

Public buses

Bermuda's bus network is extensive, with 11 colour-coded routes covering the island. Buses are reliable and affordable, stopping at many tourist attractions. The cost is determined by zones, with the main island divided into 14 zones. It costs $3.50 to travel up to three zones and a maximum of $5 for longer distances. You can also purchase daily, multi-day, or monthly passes for unlimited bus travel. However, buses do not operate on Sundays or holidays, and they may not always run on time or on certain days of the week.

Ferries

The government-operated ferry service offers a scenic and efficient way to get around Bermuda. There are two types of ferries: two-tiered, air-conditioned fast ferries and older navy blue-and-white commuter boats. The ferries serve different routes, including the City of Hamilton, Dockyard, Paget, Warwick, Somerset, and St. George's. Fares vary by route, ranging from $2.75 to $5 for a one-way adult ticket. Like buses, ferries require exact change or tokens, and you can also purchase transportation passes.

Electric vehicles

Electric two-seater cars called Twizys are available for rent and provide a sustainable and adventurous way to explore the island. These vehicles are easy to manoeuvre and environmentally friendly, with a range of up to 55 miles on a full charge. Charging stations are available at hotels and popular attractions. Rental companies like Current Vehicles offer Twizys, and similar electric vehicles like the Anaig Quick and Tazzari are also available from companies like Oleander Cycles.

Bicycles

For those seeking a more active and natural means of transportation, bicycle rentals are an option. Mountain bikes and race bikes can be rented from various liveries and cycle shops across the island. The Bermuda Railway Trail is a popular route for cyclists as it doesn't allow motorists. However, cycling in Bermuda can be challenging due to steep hills and narrow roads.

Motorcycles and scooters

Motorcycles and scooters, also known as "putt-putts," are a common mode of transportation in Bermuda. Rental companies offer scooters of various sizes, accommodating one or two riders. It's important to note that driving on the left side of the road can be confusing, and the narrow roads and blind curves can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet and follow the local traffic rules.

Cruise ship arrivals and taxi access

Bermuda is a popular destination for cruise ships, with ports in Hamilton, St. George's Town, and King's Wharf (also known as the Royal Naval Dockyard or West End). King's Wharf is located on the westernmost tip of Bermuda and is the main port for the largest cruise vessels during the cruising season, which runs from early April to mid-November. Smaller passenger ships berth at King's Wharf year-round. Hamilton and St. George's Town are other common ports of call.

Taxi Access

Upon arriving at any of Bermuda's cruise ports, you will find taxis readily available. The rates for taxis in Bermuda are standardized and regulated by the government. The starting fare is $4.15, and you can expect to pay $7.90 for the first mile and $2.75 for each additional mile for up to four passengers. There are surcharges for additional passengers and luggage, and rates are higher during late-night hours and on Sundays and holidays.

Taxis can be hailed on the street, identified by their yellow roof light indicating availability. You can also pre-book a taxi or use a taxi-hailing app such as Hitch or the BTOA Taxi Dispatch App. The BTOA app provides real-time tracking, secure booking, and payment options.

The taxi rank at King's Wharf cruise terminal is conveniently located near the National Museum. From King's Wharf, you can easily explore the area by taxi, with rates ranging from $30 to $40 per hour. The nearby cruise port of Heritage Wharf also offers taxi services.

If you are arriving at the port of Hamilton, you can find taxi stands on Front Street and Church Street. Similarly, in St. George's Town, taxis are available on King's Square, near the White Horse Pub.

It is important to note that Bermuda does not offer car rentals to tourists, so taxis, scooters, and electric mini cars are the primary means of transportation for visitors.

Frequently asked questions