Expert: Michael - 4/11/2002

Question
My wife and I will be going on a cruise this coming May for a week to Bermuda.  THe ship only ports in St. George.  I would love to see the other parts of the island.  Would you be able to tell me the best (and cheapest) ways to get around the island to see all parts.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Matt,

You wil be porting in a very very nice area in Bermuda.  I hope you are docking at Ordinance Island rather than Penno's Wharf.  Both docks will give you great access to what you will want out of St. George.  But Ordinance Island puts you immediately on the square.  Just nice.  So I wish you luck getting that port.

As to access while in Bermuda I feel you should purchase a three day bus pass.  It entitles you to use the ferry and bus system anywhere.  The bus system is extremly functional.  

Of course a fun way to see the island is by moped but to utilize that option to see the entire island your butt will kill you at the end of the day even if the island is only 21 square miles.  So do checkout the 3-day pass, or tickets available at the Post Office.  Well I pick up my bus tickets there.  So I believe you can get the passes there too.  

But you asked for the cheapest way.  So ...
Tickets are a great deal as well.  Booklets of 15 for 14-Zones, and booklets of 15 for 3-Zones.  Becuase Linda and I return whenever we can the tickets are worth our while and may be to you too.  You and your wife can share a book.  I would recommend a booklet of 14-Zoners for $25.50, and maybe, just maybe, a booklet of 3-Zoners for $16.00.  (The 3-day pass will cost you $23.00 each but give you access to the ferry system if you wanted to try that.  And of course what if you ran out of tickets?  I doubt you would.  I mean I can't picture you going to the southshore more than once, one to Hamilton, I doubt the Dockyard, and once John Smith's if you are a beach enthusiast.  That's twelve.  You may very well want to go to the Swizzle Inn costing you four more and actually putting you over the limit of the booklet making you require one token.  So here you would be into it for $25.50 and the cost of a token at that liquor store.

This is how the tickets and tokens work.  The island is broken up into 14 zones.  When you travel beyond three zones you use the 14-zone ticket.  Three zones or less obviously will do a 3-zone ticket.  Not much you can do with a 3-Zoner out of St. George.  Look at the Bus Schedule and you will see.  Zones are clearly marked.  Remember, if you need to change buses on way to your destination ask the driver upon boarding for a "Transfer."  He'll ask where you are going and give you a transfer so you won't have to use another ticket.

Tip.  If you run out of 14 Zoners, you can use (2)3-zoners to get anywhere.

Call the Bermuda Department of Tourism at (800)BERMUDA and ask for both their Bus Transportaion Schedule and Visitor's Handy Reference Map.  They will be invaluable in planning where you want to go, how to get there and when the bus will be by. You will learn before hand everything there is to know.

There are different routes for instance to take you to Hamilton.  #1, #10 and #11.  Each will give you different views of Bermuda.  I love #1.  Leave on either and return on another.  A different numbered bus rolls out of St. Geo about every fifteen minutes.

The third option is to by tokens.  Much less than the cash cost.  The schedule I recommended will show you the actual costs for all the options.  BTW, when money is utilized it is change only, no paper money and the correct amount only.  No change will be made on the bus.

So here is the deal.  I recommend only one 14-Zone booklet and purchase it at the post office in St. George.

Everything in St. George is walkable.  A bus is not necessary.  A mini van makes a circuit from the square to the beach and golf club.  The walk may be 12 to 15 minutes.

Write if you have further questions.

BTW the Department of Tourism website is www.bermudatourism.com and the schedule can be found there.

Happy planning!
Michael