For such a small island, transportation in Bermuda has gone through some big changes — from the clatter of horse hooves on limestone roads to the quiet hum of electric cars winding along our coasts. We’ve always done things a bit differently in Bermuda, and our approach to getting from one end of the island to the other is no exception. Come take a ride through time as we look back on how transportation has evolved in Bermuda — not just in how we move, but in how we’ve managed to preserve our way of life along the way.
1800s: When the Horse Was King
Back in the day, the only traffic jams we had were when someone’s horse got stubborn on a narrow road. Most folks got around by walking, riding horseback or catching a carriage. Horses and carts were the main form of transport, especially in towns like Hamilton and St. George’s. Boats were just as important too — especially for moving goods around the island and connecting the east to the west.
1931–1948: The Bermuda Railway Days
Ask any of the older folks about the “Old Rattle and Shake,” and you’ll probably hear a few fond (and maybe bumpy) stories. The Bermuda Railway opened in 1931, running from Somerset all the way to St. George’s. It was a scenic ride — hugging cliffs and crossing bridges that gave passengers stunning views of the island. But the railway was expensive to maintain, and by 1948, it was shut down. Still, it left its mark. These days, the old tracks are now part of the Bermuda Railway Trail, which we use for walking, biking and enjoying the outdoors.
1946 Onward: Cars, But Not Too Many
When cars were finally allowed in Bermuda in 1946, it was with strict rules — and rightly so. We’ve only got 21 square miles, so the government limited households to just one car. That rule’s still in place today, and honestly, it’s helped keep our roads from getting too crowded.
Scooters and motorbikes quickly became the go-to for locals. They’re quicker, easier to park and perfect for weaving through our narrow lanes. Almost every Bermudian has a story about their first time riding a bike — or falling off one!
1960s–1980s: Building a Public Transport System
As more tourists started coming to the island and locals needed to get around for work and school, the government invested in buses and ferries. Buses became a familiar sight, and our ferry system offered a scenic and practical way to commute — especially from places like Dockyard or St. George’s. For many Bermudians, riding the bus wasn’t just about getting to school or work — it was part of daily life. Drivers knew the regulars, and there was always a little wave or a friendly nod.
1990s–2000s: Modern Moves
With safety and the environment becoming more important, we started seeing new rules and changes. Helmet laws were enforced more strictly, and there was a push for safer roads and better infrastructure. Public transport got a bit of a facelift too — newer buses and ferries were introduced, and services expanded to cover more areas. Even though we’re small, getting from point A to B got a bit easier.
2010s to Today: Going Green and Getting Smart
These days, you’ll see a lot more electric vehicles on the road — especially the little two-seaters that visitors rent. Tourists used to rely on scooters, but now these EVs give them a safer and greener option. As for us locals, hybrid cars and electric bikes are starting to gain popularity.
Ferry upgrades are in the works, too, with plans for hybrid and fully electric boats. And with smartphone apps helping us check bus times, book taxis, or even rent an e-bike, we’re mixing modern convenience with that classic Bermuda vibe. Of course — here’s a more poetic and reflective take on the conclusion, bringing out the beauty and soul of Bermuda’s journey: In Bermuda, transportation isn’t just movement — it’s memory. It’s the rhythm of bike tires on coral stone, the hush of ferry wakes against the shore, the soft hum of an electric car beneath a canopy of poinciana trees. We’ve traded hooves for wheels, rails for trails, but we’ve never rushed the journey. As the world spins faster, we hold to our own pace — thoughtful, graceful, rooted in island time. And as new roads unfold, we’ll travel them as we always have: with care, with pride, and with the sea at our side.
