Why go to King's Wharf?
King's Wharf caters to cruisers without being too commercial, offering easy access to Hamilton
Narrow, winding island roads can be difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with them
This clean, friendly, colorful port is a great hub for ships, many of which dock overnight
King's Wharf Cruise Port Facilities?
The sprawling Royal Naval Dockyard six-acre complex gives visitors plenty to do and see -- with every convenience close at hand. You'll find buses, taxis, tours, a bike-rental shop and a stop for the ferry, which is the fastest way to explore the island beyond the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Good to Know?
If you're exploring the island via taxi or bus, don't be alarmed if you hear drivers routinely beeping at one another. Unlike in America, it's not hostile; rather, it's just a friendly indication that they know each other.
It's also fun to note the differing colors of license plates on scooters you see whizzing around town. The plates of tourists who have rented scooters during their stay are marked with a certain color to warn locals.
The people of Bermuda are friendly and helpful, but it's always good to be aware of your surroundings. Leave any unnecessary valuables and cash in your stateroom safe.
Getting Around?
By Scooter: Sure, those mopeds are cute, and you'll be tempted to rent one, but we suggest thinking twice if you're a newbie. The roads are narrow and winding, and you'll find yourself spending a good deal of time getting out of the way of speeding locals who don't care whether they pass on the left or right -- to say nothing of that cumbersome left-side driving detail. If your heart is set on a scooter, you should still consider a taxi for evening outings and rainy days. You'll need a driver's license, helmet and insurance. (The rental company includes the last two in the rental fee.) You also must be over the age of 16. Ask about multi-day prices.
By Bike: Conventional bikes (livery cycles to the locals) are rentable at just a few shops throughout the island -- but use caution, as Bermuda is known for its steep hills. If you don't want to splurge on renting a bike helmet, bring one from home.
By Bus: The pink and blue buses travel along all major roadways, making stops every 15 minutes, except on Sundays and holidays when it's every hour or, on some routes, not at all. The good news is that buses really aren't a bad way to sightsee. The bad news is that they'll eat into the time you have on the island. You'll need exact change in coins (or tokens) for the fare box. Transportation Passes for one or three days are also available for unlimited use in all zones.
By Train: The Bermuda Train Company does 20-minute loops from the Royal Naval Dockyard to the cruise terminal from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing for five hop-offs at various locations.
By Ferry: Time-saving ferries crisscross the Great Sound between the City of Hamilton and King's Wharf. You can even take mopeds and bikes onboard most routes for an additional fee.
By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful but pricy. If you want to use one for sightseeing, we suggest taking ones that have blue flags on the hoods. That means the driver is government-qualified to give tours. Fares increase by 25 percent between midnight and 6 a.m., Sundays and holidays. Taxi stands are located next to the Craft Market near the National Museum of Bermuda, in front of the Clocktower Mall and at the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Note: The Visitor's Centre near the Ferry Dock shut down on April 30, 2018. A new Visitor's Centre is planned for Front Street but the website contains no information on if it opened yet.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Legal tender is the Bermuda dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. BD$1 = US$1. U.S. currency is accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels, but currency from Britain, Canada and other foreign countries is not. Getting money is easy at ATM's and banks. The Bank of Butterfield ATM is located at the Clock Tower Mall, and an HSBC Bank of Bermuda ATM is located near the Victualing Yard. The nearest actual bank branch is located in Somerset Village, about a five-minute ride from the port. For more currency exchange information, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.
