Most cruise ships visiting Bermuda dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard on the western end of the island. From there, many visitors may choose to travel to the City of Hamilton, the island’s capital and hub for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. If you have decided to visit Hamilton while on island, the next decision you will have to make is how to get to Hamilton from the cruise port. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available, making it easy to travel between the port and the city.
Visitors will be able to get to Hamilton by ferry, taxi or public bus, with each option offering a different balance of travel time, cost and convenience. The best choice will depend on how much time you have in port and how you prefer to explore the island.
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Quick Answer: Best Way to Get to Hamilton from the Cruise Port
The easiest and most popular way to get to Hamilton from the Royal Naval Dockyard is by ferry. The ferry departs from near the cruise port and takes 25 minutes to reach the city, offering a fast and scenic route across the island.
Visitors may also choose to travel by taxi or public bus. A taxi ride will usually take 35-40 minutes, while the bus can take 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and stops along the route.
Ferry to Hamilton from Dockyard
As stated above, the ferry is the best way to get to Hamilton from the Royal Naval Dockyard. The ferry terminal is just a short walk away from the cruise ship docks and there is also a complimentary shuttle that can take you there, making it a convenient transportation option for cruise passengers.
The ferry ride between Dockyard and Hamilton takes just over 20 minutes travelling across the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour. This is one of the most scenic trips you can take in Bermuda with views of the coastline, numerous private islands and boats along the way. Returning to Dockyard in the evening also provides great views of the sunset.
Ferries typically run multiple times per day, especially during the cruise season, although schedules may vary depending on time of year or day of the week. It is recommended that you check the current ferry schedule before planning your trip to ensure you have enough time to return to the ship.
Ferry Travel Time
25 minutes each way
Ferry Cost
Standard one-way fare is $5, this can be lower when using multi-day transportation passes
Where to Board the Ferry
The Dockyard ferry terminal is located near the cruise ship docks and is clearly marked within the Royal Naval Dockyard area. In Hamilton, the ferry arrives at the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, located along Front Street within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and many attractions.
Why the Ferry is the Best Option
For most cruise visitors, the ferry is the best transportation option to get to Hamilton from Dockyard because it is fast, affordable, scenic, and easy to use. It also avoids road traffic, which can sometimes slow down travel by taxi or bus.
Tips for Taking the Ferry
- Try to take an early ferry to allow more time in Hamilton
- Sit on the outside deck for the best views if weather permits
- Check return ferry times before leaving Dockyard
- Allow extra time to return to the cruise ship before departure
Taxi to Hamilton from Dockyard
Taking a taxi is another convenient way to travel from the Royal Naval Dockyard to the City of Hamilton. Taxis are readily available directly outside the cruise ship terminal, and visitors can usually find taxis waiting when cruise ships are in port.
A taxi ride from Dockyard to Hamilton typically takes around 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and the route taken. Taxis travel along Bermuda’s roads through Somerset and along the harbor before reaching the city.
Taxis are a good option to get to Hamilton for visitors who prefer a direct trip without waiting for ferry or bus schedules, and they can be especially convenient for small groups traveling together.
Taxi Travel Time
35-40 minutes each way
Taxi Cost
Taxi fares from Dockyard to Hamilton are typically around $55 to $60 each way per taxi, depending on the number of passengers, luggage, and time of day. Since Bermuda taxis charge per ride rather than per person, this option can be more economical for groups of two or more people traveling together.
Where to Find Taxis
Taxi stands are located directly outside the cruise ship terminal at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In Hamilton, taxis can usually be found along Front Street and near major hotels and transportation areas.
Why Choose a Taxi
A taxi is often the best option for visitors who want a direct and flexible trip between Dockyard and Hamilton without having to follow ferry or bus schedules. It is also a good option for groups, families, or visitors with limited time in port.
Tips for Taking a Taxi
- Confirm the approximate fare before starting the trip
- Taxis can accommodate up to 7 passengers, which can reduce cost per person
- Allow extra travel time during busy traffic periods
- Make sure to allow enough time to return to the ship before departure
- Request extra stops to popular destinations or lookout points. This will add a few dollars to the total
Bus to Hamilton from Dockyard
Traveling by public bus is another way to get from the Royal Naval Dockyard to the City of Hamilton. Bermuda’s public bus system connects Dockyard with Hamilton and many other parts of the island, making it an affordable transportation option for visitors.
The bus ride from Dockyard to Hamilton typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the route. While the bus is slower than the ferry, it can be a good option for visitors who want to see more of the island along the way or who are looking for a lower-cost transportation option.
Several bus routes connect the Dockyard and Hamilton, with buses departing from the bus stop located near the cruise ship terminal in the Royal Naval Dockyard. In Hamilton, buses arrive at the main bus terminal, which is within walking distance of Front Street, shops, and restaurants.
Bus Travel Time
45-60 minutes each way, depending on traffic and stops
Bus Cost
Bus fare is $5 per person each way, this can be lower when using multi-day transportation passes
Where to Catch the Bus
The bus stop in Dockyard is located near near the Clocktower Mall within the Royal Naval Dockyard area, which can be reached by walking or catching the complimentary shuttle. In Hamilton, buses arrive at the central bus terminal located a short walk from Front Street and the ferry terminal.
Why Choose the Bus
The bus is the most economical way to get to Hamilton from Dockyard. It is a good option for visitors who are not in a hurry and who want a lower-cost way to explore the island.
Tips for Taking the Bus
- Have exact fare, tickets, or a transportation pass ready before boarding
- Buses may fill up during busy cruise days
- Allow extra travel time when returning to the ship
- Consider taking the ferry one way and the bus the other for a different experience
Comparison of Ways to get to Hamilton
| Transportation | Travel Time | Cost | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | ~25 minutes | $5 each way | Regular Schedule | Fast and scenic option |
| Taxi | ~35-45 minutes | $55-$60 per taxi | On Demand | Groups, personalised and direct service |
| Bus | ~45-60 minutes | $5 each way | Regular Schedule | Budget travelers |
Can you Walk from Dockyard to Hamilton?
It is not practical to walk from the Royal Naval Dockyard to the City of Hamilton. While it is technically possible, the distance between Dockyard and Hamilton is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) and would take several hours to complete on foot.
In addition to the long distance, much of the route follows narrow roads without continuous sidewalks, making the walk difficult and not recommended for visitors. Bermuda’s roads are also busy in certain areas, which can make long-distance walking uncomfortable.
Visitors who want to travel between Dockyard and Hamilton should instead use the ferry, taxi, or public bus, all of which are much faster and more convenient transportation options.
For most visitors, the ferry is the easiest and most popular way to travel between the Bermuda cruise port and the City of Hamilton.
Tips for Visiting Hamilton from the Cruise Port
If you are planning a trip from the Royal Naval Dockyard to the City of Hamilton during your cruise stop, a little planning can help you make the most of your time.
Take an early ferry if possible
Taking one of the earlier ferries from Dockyard to Hamilton will give you more time to explore the city, visit shops, and enjoy restaurants along Front Street.
Check return times before leaving Dockyard
Whether you plan to return by ferry, taxi, or bus, it is a good idea to check schedules or allow extra time so you can return to the ship comfortably before departure.
Front Street is the main area to visit
Most restaurants, shops, and waterfront views are located along Front Street in Hamilton, which is within walking distance of both the ferry terminal and the bus terminal.
Allow extra time to return to the ship
Traffic, ferry schedules, and bus schedules can vary, especially on busy cruise days. It is always a good idea to plan to return to Dockyard earlier than necessary rather than risk being late.
Consider taking the ferry one way and a taxi back
Some visitors like to take the ferry to Hamilton for the scenic trip and then return by taxi for a more flexible return time.
How to Get to Hamilton from Dockyard Summarised
Traveling from the Royal Naval Dockyard to the City of Hamilton is relatively easy, with several transportation options available including ferry, taxi, and public bus. The ferry is usually the fastest and most popular option, while taxis provide the most flexibility and buses offer the lowest-cost transportation.
When deciding how to get from Dockyard to Hamilton, it is helpful to consider how much time you have in port, your budget, and how you prefer to travel. Most cruise visitors choose the ferry because it is fast, scenic, and convenient, but all three transportation options can work depending on your plans for the day.
Whether you are visiting Hamilton for shopping, restaurants, sightseeing, or just to explore the city, planning your transportation ahead of time will help you make the most of your time in Bermuda.
Helpful Resources
Find restaurants in Hamilton on Menus.bm
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