- Bermuda is in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean, so it is cooler in winter
- British Airways flies direct from Heathrow in about seven hours
- Visitors can't hire normal cars; use buses, ferries, scooters or small electric two-seaters
- It is one of the most expensive destinations in the world
- Airports
- L.F. Wade International (BDA)
- Flight time
- about 7h from London Heathrow, direct with British Airways
- Best time to go
- May-October for beach weather; spring and autumn for golf and walking
- Currency
- Bermudian dollar (BMD), fixed at 1 to the US dollar; US dollars accepted everywhere
Bermuda is often lumped in with the Caribbean, but it actually sits alone in the North Atlantic, about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It is a small, hook-shaped chain of islands linked by bridges, known for its pink-sand beaches, pastel cottages with white stepped roofs, turquoise coves and a very British flavour, from cricket and Bermuda shorts with knee socks to afternoon tea.
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and an easy long-haul trip, with direct flights from Heathrow in about seven hours. Cars drive on the left, English is the language, and the island is four hours behind the UK for most of the year. Plugs, though, are the US two-pin type (120V). The Bermudian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, and prices are very high. See our North America guide for more destinations in the region.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist visit to Bermuda and are usually admitted for up to 90 days. You may be asked for a return ticket and proof of accommodation, and your passport should be valid for your whole stay. If you are travelling on via the US, you will also need an ESTA. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Bermuda
The South Shore beaches
Bermuda's most famous stretch of coast runs through Southampton and Warwick parishes. Horseshoe Bay is the signature pink-sand beach, and a coastal path connects it with smaller coves such as Jobson's Cove, Chaplin Bay and Warwick Long Bay. Elbow Beach is another popular spot.
Hamilton
The small capital has colourful Front Street, shops, harbourside restaurants and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. It is also the hub for buses and ferries.
St George's
Founded in 1612, the old town of St George's and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander narrow lanes to St Peter's Church, among the oldest Anglican churches still in use outside the British Isles, and the replica ship Deliverance. Tobacco Bay nearby has good snorkelling.
Royal Naval Dockyard
At Bermuda's western tip, the former Royal Navy base now houses the National Museum of Bermuda, craft markets and restaurants. It is also the main cruise ship terminal and departure point for snorkelling and sailing trips.
Crystal Caves and the Railway Trail
The Crystal and Fantasy Caves near Hamilton Parish have underground lakes and limestone formations. The Railway Trail follows the route of an old railway along much of the island, ideal for walking or cycling.
Best time to visit Bermuda
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Mild, around 19-24 °C, good for golf and walking; sea still cool |
| Summer (June-August) | Warm, around 27-30 °C, best for swimming; busiest and priciest |
| Autumn (September-November) | Warm sea into October; hurricane risk highest August-October |
| Winter (December-February) | Cool, around 17-20 °C, quiet and cheaper; not beach weather |
Bermuda's winter is mild rather than tropical, so if you want guaranteed beach weather between December and March, the Caribbean is a better bet.
Getting to Bermuda from the UK
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Bermuda several times a week, taking about seven hours. Flights back are overnight and slightly shorter. Alternatively, you can connect via US cities such as New York, Boston or Atlanta, which needs an ESTA. Bermuda is also a popular cruise stop from the US east coast.
Getting around
Visitors are not allowed to hire conventional cars. Instead, you can rent small electric two-seater vehicles or scooters, take the excellent public buses (pink and blue) or use the government ferries, which link Hamilton with the Dockyard and other points around the Great Sound. A transport pass covering buses and ferries is good value. Taxis are plentiful but expensive.
Money and costs
Bermuda is very expensive, among the priciest places in the world for visitors. Budget at least £300–400 per person per day for a mid-range trip including accommodation. Groceries and restaurant meals cost far more than in the UK, and a service charge of around 17% is often added in restaurants and hotels. US dollars are accepted everywhere at par, and cards are widely used.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bermuda in the Caribbean?
No. It is in the North Atlantic, more than 900 miles north of the Caribbean, which is why it is cooler in winter.
Can you hire a car in Bermuda?
Not a regular car. Visitors can rent small electric vehicles or scooters, or use buses, ferries and taxis.
How long is the flight from London to Bermuda?
About seven hours direct from Heathrow with British Airways.
Why are Bermuda's beaches pink?
The sand contains crushed fragments of the shells of tiny red organisms called foraminifera, which give it a pink tint.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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