You can absolutely spend a week in Bermuda with your family and never sit behind the wheel of a car — because the island doesn’t let visitors rent one. What it does have is a reliable public bus network, a fleet of ferries, taxis, and two-seat electric minicars that together let you reach every pink-sand cove and historic corner without the stress of narrow stone-walled roads. The trick is knowing which option works for your group and building your days around the South Shore’s run of beaches, where the island’s best swimming and snorkelling sit within a short bus ride of each other.
Yes. The public bus system runs along the South Shore every 15–30 minutes in season, ferries connect Hamilton to the Royal Naval Dockyard and Paget, and electric minicars (Twiikes) give you the independence of a vehicle without needing a standard licence. Base yourselves near Warwick or Southampton and you can walk to several beaches. The main trade-off is speed — the island-wide 35 km/h limit means journeys take longer than you expect — and the fact that electric minicars seat only two, so larger families will rely on buses and taxis.
Bermuda’s law is clear: only residents can own or rent a conventional car. Every visitor source — from the Bermuda Tourism Authority to local transport guides — states the same thing. You cannot pick up a sedan at the airport. What you can rent is a scooter, a moped, or a two-seat electric minicar known as a Twiike. Scooters and mopeds make up 60–70% of tourist rentals according to local rental data, but they require a valid home-country driver’s licence, a helmet (mandatory), and a brief orientation. For families, the electric minicar is the more stable option, though it seats only two and has a limited range that some first-time renters underestimate.
The pink public buses are your best friend on the South Shore. Route 7 runs from Hamilton to Dockyard along the coast, stopping at Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, and several coves. Buses run every 15–30 minutes during the day, and the fare is reasonable — you can buy tokens or an unlimited day pass at the Hamilton terminal. Ferries connect Hamilton to the Royal Naval Dockyard (a 20-minute ride) and to Paget, which gives you access to Elbow Beach. Taxis are plentiful but expensive for longer trips, so save them for airport transfers or late returns.
Electric minicars are rented from local companies near the airport or in Hamilton. They require a 7-day minimum rental in high season, and you’ll need to book at least 36 hours in advance. The speed cap is 35 km/h (22 mph) island-wide, which feels slow but matches the narrow, winding roads. One real limitation: the battery range is modest, and rental companies charge around $250 if you run out and need a pickup. For a family of four, you’d need two minicars or stick to the bus. Scooters are cheaper per day but demand confidence on left-side driving with steep hills and sharp curves — not ideal if you have young children on the back.
Base yourselves in a hotel or rental cottage between Southampton and Warwick. That puts you within walking distance or a short bus ride of every major South Shore beach. Here’s a loose structure that leaves room for weather and energy levels.
Days 1–3: South Shore beach immersion. Start at Horseshoe Bay for the classic view and facilities, then walk the coastal trail to Warwick Long Bay — a long, usually uncrowded stretch with a lone boiler rock offshore. For calm mornings with young children, head to Jobson’s Cove, a rock-ringed lagoon where the water stays flat even when the surf picks up elsewhere. Church Bay, a short bus ride west, offers the island’s best shore snorkelling with living reef close to the sand; go early before the afternoon wind kicks up. Pack a picnic and use the bus to move between beaches — the route covers the whole strip.
Days 4–5: Hamilton and the ferry. Take the bus into Hamilton for a morning. The capital has a pedestrian-friendly front street, the Bermuda National Gallery, and the historic Fort Hamilton. In the afternoon, catch the ferry from Hamilton to the Royal Naval Dockyard — the 20-minute crossing gives you views of the harbour and the cruise ship pier. The Dockyard has the National Museum of Bermuda, a dolphin encounter, and several restaurants. You can also ferry to Paget and walk to Elbow Beach, which has an offshore shipwreck for snorkelling.
Days 6–7: The east end and St. George. From Hamilton, take the bus (route 1, 3, or 10) to the old town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets, the unfinished church, and the Bermuda National Trust Museum. A short walk from town is Tobacco Bay, a sheltered cove among rock formations that’s excellent for beginner snorkelling. If you have energy, the nearby Gates Bay and Fort St. Catherine are worth a look. On your last day, use the bus to revisit a favourite beach or explore a cove you missed.
For a shorter trip, our 3-day Bermuda itinerary covers the essential beaches, and the 4-day beach and adventure plan adds Hamilton and the Dockyard.
Bermuda’s roads are narrow, winding, and often lack shoulders, with stone walls on both sides. The speed limit is 35 km/h, but steep hills and sharp curves make scooter riding risky for anyone without two-wheel experience. Families with children under 12 should avoid scooters entirely and rely on the bus or a taxi.
The water is warmest from May through October, which is also when the bus service runs most frequently. Shoulder months (April and November) can still be pleasant, but the ocean cools noticeably and afternoon winds pick up. Cruise ships dock year-round, so Horseshoe Bay will be busiest on days when a ship is in port — check the Bermuda port schedule before planning your beach day.
Pack swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard for snorkelling, and a light jacket for evening ferry rides. If you plan to use the bus, bring small bills or buy a multi-day transport pass at the visitor centre in Hamilton. For electric minicar renters, confirm the battery range with the rental company and plan your route to avoid the $250 recovery fee. And remember: every beach is public up to the high-water mark, so you can walk the entire South Shore without trespassing.
Common questions about a car-free week
Is the bus system reliable for families?
Yes. The pink buses run on schedule, are clean, and have space for beach gear. The main routes (7, 1, 3, 10) cover the South Shore, Hamilton, and St. George. Service is less frequent after 7pm and on Sundays, so plan evening activities near your base or use a taxi.
Can we rent an electric minicar for a family of four?
Only if you rent two. Twiikes seat two people and have limited luggage space. For a family of four, the most practical combination is one electric minicar for adults and the bus for everyone else, or skip the minicar and rely entirely on public transport and taxis.
How much does a week of bus travel cost?
Fares are set by the Bermuda Government and are reasonable. A single ride costs a few dollars; a 7-day unlimited pass offers better value. Current prices are listed at the Hamilton bus terminal and on the official transport website. The bus is significantly cheaper than renting a scooter or minicar for a week.
References
Bermuda Beaches Guide. Deep Arrival, 2025.
Bermuda Car Rental Guide. QEEQ, 2025.
