Bermuda has no rental cars for tourists, full stop — a rule that surprises a lot of first-time visitors used to driving themselves everywhere. Instead, the island runs on a genuinely good public bus and ferry network, supplemented by taxis and rental scooters. For a family with young kids, that mostly means buses, ferries, and taxis; scooters are the classic Bermuda mode of transport for couples and solo travelers, but most rental operators require riders to be 16 or older and hold a valid license, which rules them out as a family’s main transport. The upside of not driving is that Bermuda’s roads are narrow, speed limits are low (20 mph island-wide), and you can spend the whole day looking at the scenery instead of the road.
What to Know
- No tourist car rentals exist anywhere on Bermuda — plan around buses, ferries, taxis, and private transfers.
- Scooter/moped rentals typically require riders to be 16+ with a valid license, so they don’t work as family transport with young kids.
- A multi-day transport pass covering buses and ferries is cheaper than paying per ride if you’re out and about daily.
- Ferries are the most comfortable option with kids — open decks, sea breeze, and far fewer stops than buses.
- Taxis run on meters; a cross-island trip typically runs $35–$60, so a week of taxi-only travel adds up fast.
- Buy bus/ferry tokens or passes at post offices, the ferry terminal, or larger supermarkets, not always on board.
The Bus and Ferry System (Your Main Options)
Bermuda’s pink buses cover nearly the whole island on a handful of numbered routes, and the light-blue-and-white ferries connect Hamilton, Dockyard, St. George’s, and a few stops in between across the Great Sound. For a family base, this matters: staying somewhere with easy ferry access (rather than a bus-only route) tends to make daily outings simpler with kids in tow, since the ferry ride itself becomes part of the day rather than a logistics hurdle. See our guide to Bermuda’s family-friendly regions for which parishes sit closest to a ferry stop. Buses are cheap and frequent but can be standing-room-only during commuter hours (roughly 7–9am and 4–6pm), which is worth avoiding with a stroller or tired toddler. If your itinerary includes a trip out to one of Bermuda’s family hikes or the Railway Trail, check the bus schedule before you go — some trailheads are served by only one or two routes per hour.
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Discover My Ideal Resort →Taxis, Scooters, and the Age Restriction Families Should Know
Bermuda taxis are metered, widely available in Hamilton and near major hotels, and the easiest option when you have a sleeping baby, heavy beach gear, or a schedule that doesn’t line up with the bus timetable. Costs add up quickly, though — a cross-island ride can run $35–$60, so taxis work best as an occasional convenience rather than your only transport for a full week. Scooters and mopeds are the iconic Bermuda rental, but nearly every rental company on the island requires riders to be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, and most require a full-size helmet regardless of age. In practice that means scooters aren’t a workable family transport option with kids under driving age — you’d need a second adult on buses or taxis anyway, which defeats the purpose. Families with older teens sometimes rent a second scooter for a capable teen rider, but that’s the exception, not the rule.
Airport Transfers and Booking Ahead
L.F. Wade International Airport sits on the far eastern end of the island, roughly 45 minutes by taxi or bus from Hamilton and closer still to St. George’s. After a long flight with kids, many families skip the public bus connection on arrival day and book a private airport transfer instead — it’s door-to-door, avoids a bus transfer with luggage and a fussy toddler, and can usually be arranged with a car seat if you request one in advance. For day trips beyond what buses and ferries cover easily, a number of guided Bermuda tours include their own transport, which sidesteps the whole question for that day. If you’re staying somewhere like Hamilton Princess, you’re within walking distance of both a ferry stop and multiple bus routes, which cuts down on how much you need to plan transit day to day.
Plan Your Days in Bermuda
Browse family-friendly tours, snorkeling trips, and day activities on Bermuda.
Quick Answers
Can I rent a car in Bermuda?
No. Bermuda does not allow tourists to rent standard cars at all — it’s a long-standing island-wide rule, not a shortage of availability.
Can my teenager rent a scooter?
Most rental operators require riders to be at least 16 with a valid driver’s license and a helmet; policies vary by company, so confirm directly before counting on it.
Is it easy to get around Bermuda with a stroller?
Ferries are the easiest with a stroller since they have open deck space; buses can be tight during commuter hours, and taxis are the most predictable if you’re prioritizing comfort over cost.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
Hamilton Princess
Kids eat free (and older ones half price), central Hamilton location with a private beach club shuttle.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
On-property cave swimming in Bermuda’s natural grottoes, a genuinely unique family feature.
Rosewood Bermuda
A private pink-sand beach and a STEAM-focused kids’ club, on the pricier end of the island’s resorts.
Pompano Beach Club
A private beach and full-kitchen suites, a self-catering-friendly option without a full resort price tag.
The Loren at Pink Beach
A dedicated toddler pool, free kayaks, and calm beach access, a strong pick for families with very young kids.
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