Exploring Bermuda: Excursions Near The Airport

what to do around bermuda airport

L.F. Wade International Airport, formerly Bermuda International Airport, is Bermuda's only airport, located on St. David's Island on the East End. The airport offers year-round routes to major destinations in the US, Canada, and Europe, including New York City, Boston, London, and Toronto. With its convenient location, the airport provides easy access to various attractions and activities nearby. Getting around Bermuda is simple and enjoyable, offering various options such as renting an electric vehicle, taxis, buses, or ferries. Here's an introduction to what you can do around the Bermuda airport.

Characteristics Values
Name L.F. Wade International Airport
Former Name Bermuda International Airport
Location St. David's Island, St. George's Parish, Bermuda
Distance from Hamilton 6.9 miles
Number of Terminals 1
Number of Aircraft Stands 8
Runway(s) 1
Airlines Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, United, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, WestJet
Facilities Souvenir shops, duty-free shops, sundry shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants
Transportation Taxis, buses, ferries, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, electric vehicles
Attractions Nearby Swizzle Inn, Bailey's, Castle Harbour, St. George's

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Eat lunch and ice cream at Bailey's

If you're looking for a place to eat lunch and grab a sweet treat near Bermuda Airport, Bailey's Bay Ice Cream Parlour is a great option. Located in Hamilton Parish, it is easily accessible by bus, with bus routes #1, 3, 10, and 11 stopping nearby. The parlour is open daily from 12 noon to 8 pm during the summer and is usually closed in the winter.

Bailey's offers a wide range of unique ice cream flavours, including local favourites like Dark and Stormy, Run Swizzle, Nutty Cumin, and Tomato Jam. You can also find exotic flavours such as Bermuda banana, coconut, white-chocolate cherries and chips, and Irish cream. For those with a more indulgent palate, the chocolate ice cream and brownie sundae is a popular choice, beautifully presented with toppings like chocolate sauce, cream, nuts, and glace cherries.

In addition to their ice cream, Bailey's also serves fresh fruit ices, frozen yogurt, sorbets, and bottled juices. If you're lactose intolerant, they offer a selection of non-dairy ice creams as well. Over the years, Bailey's has expanded its menu to include hot snacks like chicken legs, fish cakes, peas and rice, meat pies, meatball subs, sandwiches, and hot dogs. You can enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables on their small terrace.

To get to Bailey's Bay Ice Cream Parlour, you can rent an electric vehicle, take a taxi, or use public transportation. Bermuda's taxi drivers are known to be excellent guides, so they can help you navigate to your destination. Alternatively, you can download the Government of Bermuda's Shorelink app to purchase bus and ferry tokens, tickets, and passes.

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Head to the beach

Bermuda's beaches are world-famous, with long stretches of pink sand and secluded coves. If you're looking for a beach day after arriving at Bermuda Airport, you have plenty of options.

Elbow Beach

Elbow Beach is a great option for families, with its nearby crystal caves and the Rum Swizzle Inn for lunch. You can also rent scooters or bikes from Elbow Beach Cycles, headquartered next to the beach, to explore the island.

Horseshoe Bay Cove

If you're looking for a more secluded spot, Horseshoe Bay Cove, just south of the main beach, offers calm waters ideal for small children. The limestone cliffs provide a natural playground for older kids, and it's a popular spot for proposals.

Jobson's Cove

Surrounded by volcanic rock formations, Jobson's Cove has deep, clear, calm waters perfect for snorkelling and swimming. You can rent snorkelling gear from one of the beachside concession stands and explore the reef to see parrotfish.

West Whale Bay

For a more secluded and romantic spot, head to West Whale Bay, fringed by coastal pines. From March to April, you can spot humpback whales migrating from the Caribbean to their summer feeding grounds.

Daniel's Head Beach

This beach offers water sports centres with snorkelling gear, glass-bottom kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. It's also a popular spot for kitesurfing when the wind conditions are right.

Getting Around

To get to these beaches from the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation like buses and ferries. Bermuda's taxi drivers are known for their knowledge of the island and can be great guides. You can also rent scooters, e-bikes, or bicycles to explore the island on your own.

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Explore St. George's

L.F. Wade International Airport is located in the parish of St. George's, Bermuda, and is the island's only airport. St. George's is a great place to explore, with plenty to see and do. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in the area:

Getting Around St. George's

St. George's is located about 6 miles from Bermuda's capital, Hamilton. The best way to get to and explore St. George's is by taxi or public bus, which is safe and convenient. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, and one-way trips to Hamilton cost around $35. Alternatively, you can take a public bus, which serves the airport every 15 minutes during peak hours. You can also rent an electric vehicle or use a ride-sharing service like Hitch to navigate the island.

Exploring St. George's

Start your exploration of St. George's by visiting the "olde towne", which offers a glimpse into the town's rich history. You can stroll through the winding streets, admire the architecture, and learn about the town's past. St. George's is also known for its beautiful coastal roads and pink-sand beaches, so be sure to spend some time by the water. Head to Tobacco Bay to enjoy the beach and perhaps try some water sports.

Dining and Refreshments

When it comes to dining and refreshments, St. George's has plenty to offer. You can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the area, serving both local and international cuisine. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are also food stalls and street food options available. Be sure to try some of the local specialities, such as fish chowder and rum swizzle. For a sweet treat, Bailey's is a popular spot for ice cream.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to exploring St. George's itself, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting. The Royal Naval Dockyard, Hamilton Harbour, and the Town of St. David's are all within easy reach and offer their own unique charms. You can also take a ferry ride to enjoy a scenic view of the island from the water.

With its mix of historical charm, natural beauty, and cultural offerings, St. George's is a great place to start your Bermuda exploration. Whether you're interested in history, cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant parish.

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Take a taxi to Hamilton

L.F. Wade International Airport is located in the parish of St. George's, around 11 kilometres or a 20-40 minute drive from Bermuda's capital, Hamilton.

Taking a taxi to Hamilton from Bermuda Airport is a straightforward process. Taxis are readily available at the airport, with a fleet usually waiting to take passengers to their hotels. There's no need to book in advance; you can simply raise your hand and one will drive up, or you can arrange a pick-up time with your hotel's front desk. There are around 600 taxis in Bermuda, so you won't have to wait long. All taxis are metered and the rates are fixed by the government, so you don't need to worry about overpaying. The standard rate for 1-4 passengers is $2.75 per mile, with the meter starting at $5.15, while for 5-7 passengers, the rate is $3.50 per mile, with the meter starting at $6.45. A $1 surcharge is added for each piece of luggage. It's worth noting that taxi rates are 25% higher between midnight and 6 am, and 50% higher on Sundays and public holidays.

If you're looking to save money, public transportation is a more affordable option, with a single adult journey from Hamilton to Dockyard costing $5 by bus or ferry, compared to $55 by taxi. Bermuda's buses are easy to spot, painted Bermuda pink with blue stripes, and most depart from the Central Terminal on Washington Street in Hamilton. However, it's not recommended to travel by bus with large luggage. Ferries offer a scenic alternative, departing from the Ferry Terminal on Front Street in Hamilton, but they do not accept cash, so you'll need a transportation pass, ticket, or token.

If you're staying in Hamilton, you'll be able to easily find taxis throughout the city during your visit. Bermuda's taxi drivers are renowned for their knowledge of the best destinations and can provide a great guided experience.

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Rent an electric vehicle

If you're looking to explore Bermuda at your own pace, renting an electric vehicle is a great option. While Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport doesn't offer any rental services, there are several options available nearby.

Bermuda Rental Car, located across the island, offers a range of electric vehicles, including the Tazzari and Anaig Quick. These compact, two-seater cars provide excellent manoeuvrability on Bermuda's narrow roads. With a range of 43-50 miles per charge, you can easily get from one end of the island to the other. Bermuda Rental Car also provides convenient pick-up and drop-off services island-wide.

Another option is to rent a Renault Twizy or Citroen Ami from Current, with vehicles available through their app or at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club hub. These tandem-style microcars offer a unique driving experience and are perfect for navigating Bermuda's roads.

If you're looking for something more luxurious, consider the Bermi 200 from Bermi Car Rental. These comfortable, air-conditioned cars feature Bluetooth connectivity and have ample range to get you anywhere on the island. Bermi Car Rental is located on Happy Valley Road in Pembroke, just a short distance from the airport.

When renting an electric vehicle in Bermuda, keep in mind that the minimum age requirement is typically 25 years old, and a valid driver's license is required. With your own set of wheels, you'll be able to explore Bermuda's winding roads and discover all that the island has to offer at your leisure.

Frequently asked questions

There are many ways to get around Bermuda, including renting an electric vehicle, taking a taxi, or using public transportation such as buses and ferries. You can also rent a bicycle, e-bike, or motorised scooter to explore the island.

You can get lunch and ice cream at Bailey's, or stroll around the area outside the terminal to take in the views of Castle Harbour.

You can take your toddler to the beach and pool, and make sure to bring sunscreen and other beach essentials. You can also explore the 'olde towne' of Saint George's with your toddler.

You can take a taxi from the Bermuda airport to Hamilton, which will cost around $35 one-way. Alternatively, you can take a public bus, which runs every 15 minutes during peak hours.

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