Bermuda – Rail Travel

Does Bermuda have a working rail network?

Bermuda does not have a rail network of any kind. The island’s only railway — a 21.7-mile line — ran its last train on 1 May 1948, and no replacement rail system has ever been built. Anyone planning to move to or live in Bermuda should be aware from the outset that rail travel is simply not part of life on the island. There are no trains, no timetables, no rail tickets, and no stations in operation.

Buses are the backbone of the island’s public transportation system and are supplemented by a public ferry service. These two modes — both operated by the Government of Bermuda — are the only forms of public transport available. Unlike larger island territories such as Singapore or Hong Kong, which have extensive metro rail networks, Bermuda relies entirely on road and sea transport.

What happened to the Bermuda Railway?

The Bermuda Railway was a 21.7-mile common carrier line that operated from 31 October 1931 to 1 May 1948. In its 17 years of existence, the railway provided frequent passenger and freight service spanning most of the archipelago from St. George’s in the east to Somerset, Sandys Parish, in the west.

Construction and maintenance proved exceedingly costly, as the railway was built along a coastal route to minimise the amount of land acquisition needed. Extensive trestles and bridgework were necessary, and more than 10 percent of the line was elevated on 33 separate structures of timber or steel spanning the ocean. The proximity to the ocean made rot and corrosion a significant problem.

The cost of infrastructure rehabilitation, combined with falling passenger levels and ever-increasing deficits, led the government to conclude that the Bermuda Railway should be abandoned in favour of bus service. The rolling stock was later shipped to British Guiana (now Guyana), where it continued to run for several more years in the 1950s.

In 1984, 18 miles (29 km) of the defunct rail line’s right-of-way were dedicated as the Bermuda Railway Trail for hiking and, on some paved portions, biking. This trail is now one of Bermuda’s most popular leisure routes, winding through parishes from Somerset in the west to St. George’s in the east. It is not a transport route and carries no trains or trams.

Are there different classes of rail travel in Bermuda?

Because there is no rail travel in Bermuda today, there are no ticket classes of any kind to consider. For historical interest, the old Bermuda Railway did once offer two classes of travel: first-class or “Pullman” with individual wicker chairs, and standard coaches called “toast racks” because of their walkover seats — seat backs that could be moved to face either direction of travel. These arrangements ceased over 75 years ago and are purely a matter of history.

For modern travellers, the relevant question is not about rail classes but about the bus and ferry options available. Neither Bermuda’s bus service nor its ferry service operates a class system — all passengers travel under the same conditions, with pricing based on distance (zones) rather than comfort tier.

Where can I find timetables and ticket prices in Bermuda?

Since there is no rail system, there are no rail timetables. All timetable and fare information for Bermuda’s public transport relates to buses and ferries. The primary official source is the Government of Bermuda’s Department of Public Transportation, which publishes all bus schedules, route maps, and fare information. You can access these at:

• gov.bm — Department of Public Transportation — official bus schedules, route maps, and general information
• gov.bm — Bus and Ferry Fares — the official, up-to-date fare schedule for all zones
• gov.bm — Bus Routes and Maps — downloadable route maps and schedules

Bermuda’s pink and blue buses are owned and operated by the Department of Public Transportation, which publishes bus schedules and route maps to keep passengers up to date on buses on the island. Sea Express Ferries are managed by the Department of Marine and Ports Services, though bus tokens, tickets, and passes can be used on the ferries too.

For ferry-specific schedules and information, a useful independent resource is bermudaferry.com, which aggregates official ferry timetables and fare details in an easy-to-navigate format. You can also call the Hamilton Bus Terminal directly on +1 441-292-3851 or the Hamilton Ferry Terminal on +1 441-295-4506 for schedule queries.

How do I buy tickets and make travel reservations in Bermuda?

Bermuda’s buses and ferries do not operate a reservations system — you simply turn up and travel. There is no advance booking required or available. Tickets, tokens, and passes can be purchased through several channels, and since 2024, a digital app has simplified the process considerably.

1. Shorelink App (digital): A digital fare system was launched in 2024 with the introduction of the Shorelink App, and the system was upgraded to include real-time vehicle tracking in May 2025. The app can be downloaded from the Government of Bermuda’s ShoreLink page and allows passengers to purchase and display digital tokens, tickets, and passes without needing cash or a physical card.
2. Hamilton Bus Terminal (in person): The Hamilton Bus Terminal is located near the intersection of Church Street and Washington Street, next to City Hall. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:15 AM – 7 PM; Saturday 8 AM – 6:30 PM; Sunday and holidays 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
3. Hamilton Ferry Terminal (in person): The main hub of the ferry system, the Hamilton Ferry Terminal is located on the western end of Front Street. Hours are Monday through Friday 6:30 AM – 8 PM; Saturday 7:30 AM – 6 PM; Sunday and holidays 8:30 AM – 6 PM.
4. Visitor Services Centres: Tokens can be purchased at the main Ferry Terminal in Hamilton, the kiosk at the Central Bus Terminal in Hamilton, and the Visitor Services Centres in Dockyard and St. George’s.
5. Sub-post offices and hotels: Passes, tokens, and tickets cannot be purchased on the bus itself — they are available from the Central Terminal, Hamilton Ferry Terminal, Visitor Information Centres, sub-post offices, and many hotels.
6. Cash on board: Cash fares can be paid directly to the driver on buses, and on ferries with exact coins. Drivers do not make change and are forbidden from receiving and depositing banknotes into the farebox. Exact coinage is essential if paying in cash.

What types of transport tickets are available and are discounts offered?

Bermuda’s public transport fare system offers several options to suit different lengths of stay and travel frequencies. All tickets, tokens, and passes are valid on both buses and ferries. Bermuda is divided into 14 fare zones of about 2 miles in length, and fares are based on the number of zones travelled.

• Cash fares: A one-way bus ride is priced based on distance from Hamilton — a 3-zone bus ride costs $3.50 per person and a 14-zone bus ride costs $5.00 per person (as of 2025).
• Tokens: Tokens are specially made metal coins that act as substitutes for exact cash fares. One token is valid for a one-way ride and works on all public buses and ferries. Like coins, tokens have no validity period and can be used at any time. Tokens cost $2.75 for up to three zones and $4.50 for up to 14 zones (as of 2025).
• Ticket booklets: Tickets must be purchased in booklets rather than individually. Each booklet contains 15 tickets for 15 one-way rides. A 3-zone ticket booklet costs $25.00 for 15 tickets, valid for travel within 3 contiguous fare zones. A 14-zone booklet costs $37.50 for 15 tickets, valid across all fare zones (as of 2025).
• Day and multi-day passes: Passes for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7 consecutive days are available for unlimited, all-zones travel on buses and ferries. An unlimited one-day adult pass costs $19; two-day, $31.50; three-day, $44; four-day, $48.50; and one-week, $62 (as of 2025).
• Monthly and quarterly passes: Monthly passes are excellent value and are valid for a complete calendar month (from the first day to the last), not 30 days from purchase. A monthly adult pass costs $69.00 and a three-month pass costs $169.00 (as of 2025).
• Digital tickets via Shorelink: Digital tickets can be bought through the app and passengers display the ticket on their device to bus operators or ferry crew. Operators can identify the fare type on the passenger’s screen, including zone and age-specific fares. App fares remain the same as current fare prices.

Discounts available: Bermuda senior citizens with a special person’s card travel free, as do children under the age of five. Children ages 5–15 pay $2.75 for all zones (as of 2025). Seniors from overseas pay the full adult fare — only Bermudian senior citizens travel for free. There are no peak and off-peak fares in Bermuda, so all passes and tickets offer the same value at any time of day.

How suitable is public transport for disabled passengers in Bermuda?

Accessibility on Bermuda’s public transport system is limited and varies significantly between buses and ferries. There is no rail network to assess for accessibility. Passengers with mobility challenges or disabilities should plan carefully before travelling.

Buses: Most buses in Bermuda are not wheelchair accessible. Bus drivers will not allow a large bag or a normal wheelchair on board — passengers may only carry items that can sit on their lap without interfering with fellow passengers. This is a significant limitation compared to many other destinations where accessibility legislation mandates low-floor or ramp-equipped buses as standard. Passengers who rely on a wheelchair or have significant mobility restrictions may find bus travel impractical.

Ferries: The ferry network offers a more accessible option. While the ferries themselves are all wheelchair accessible, only the Dockyard, St. George’s, Hamilton, and Rockaway stops have roll-on, roll-off wheelchair access. Bermuda’s ferry service is committed to providing accessible transportation for all passengers, with ferries built with accessibility in mind to ensure comfort and ease of use for passengers with mobility challenges.

Taxis: Most taxis can carry up to seven people, and some are wheelchair accessible. For passengers with disabilities, accessible taxis may represent the most practical transport option on the island, particularly for journeys not well served by the ferry network. Taxis can be booked through the Ride.bm or Hitch apps, or in advance through BTOA Connect, the online portal from the Bermuda Taxi Owners & Operators Association.

Is there an underground train or metro in Bermuda?

There is no underground train, metro, light rail, tram, or any form of rail transit in Bermuda — not in Hamilton or anywhere else on the island. Bermuda is a small archipelago of approximately 21 square miles, and the island has never had a metro system. In North American terms, the old Bermuda Railway would have been classified as an “interurban” line — more than a streetcar system, but not quite a full-fledged railway. With less than 22 miles of single track, it could not boast the streamlined express passenger trains of larger rail networks. That modest network closed in 1948 and nothing has replaced it.

Today, the Government of Bermuda has successfully deployed 70 electric transit buses in its fleet as of 2024, leading to nearly 100 percent electric daily operations, making the bus fleet one of the most environmentally progressive in the region. This has provided substantial economic and environmental benefits to the island while enabling the Bermuda Department of Public Transportation to replace a significant portion of its aging diesel bus fleet and provide high-quality public transit service.

The Sea Express ferry service complements the bus network effectively. The fast ferries are clean, spacious, air-conditioned, and efficient, and passengers can also enjoy fresh air on the outside decks — the scenic ride makes getting there enjoyable. Ferries run year-round, with the summer schedule starting in April and the winter schedule starting in November. For expats and residents, the combination of bus and ferry is the entirety of Bermuda’s public transport network, and both modes are generally considered reliable and good value in the context of the island’s otherwise high cost of living.

Frequently asked questions

Does Bermuda have trains?

No. Bermuda has had no trains since 1948, when its only railway — a 21.7-mile line — was permanently closed. The island has no active rail infrastructure of any kind, including no metro, tram, or light rail.

What is the Bermuda Railway Trail?

In 1984, 18 miles of the defunct rail line’s right-of-way were dedicated as the Bermuda Railway Trail for hiking and, on some paved portions, biking. It follows the route of the old railway and passes through scenic coastal areas, but it carries no trains and is purely a leisure walking and cycling path.

How do I get around Bermuda without a car?

The main options are the government-operated bus network (the pink and blue buses) and the Sea Express ferry system. Taxis are also widely available. Single- or multiple-day transportation passes, accepted on both buses and ferries, can be purchased and are the most convenient option for visitors and newer residents exploring the island.

Where do I buy bus and ferry tickets in Bermuda?

Passes, tokens, and tickets cannot be purchased on the bus itself — they are available from the Central Terminal, Hamilton Ferry Terminal, Visitor Information Centres, sub-post offices, and many hotels. Since July 2024, they can also be purchased digitally through the Shorelink App.

Is there a discount for children on Bermuda’s public transport?

Bermuda senior citizens with a special person’s card travel free, as do children under the age of five. Children aged less than five enjoy free travel on both buses and ferries, and kids aged five to 16 enjoy substantial discounts.

Can passengers in wheelchairs use Bermuda’s public transport?

Most buses in Bermuda are not wheelchair accessible. However, the ferries themselves are all wheelchair accessible, though only the Dockyard, St. George’s, Hamilton, and Rockaway stops have roll-on, roll-off wheelchair access. Wheelchair users may find taxis — some of which are accessible — the most practical option for many journeys.

What is the Shorelink App?

Digital fares are now available across Bermuda’s public transport system via the Shorelink application — the first digital fare media system for the bus and ferry service. It was introduced to allow passengers to access public transport using digital platforms instead of traditional paper tickets. The system was upgraded to include real-time vehicle tracking in May 2025. The app is available from the Government of Bermuda’s ShoreLink page.

Are there peak-hour surcharges on Bermuda’s public transport?

There are no peak and off-peak fares in Bermuda, so transport passes, tokens, and tickets always represent the same value regardless of the time of day you travel. This makes day passes particularly straightforward to use for commuters and visitors alike.