Air Travel

Flying time to Bermuda from most East Coast cities is about 2 hours; from Toronto, 3 hours; and 7 hours from London Gatwick.

Most flights arrive around noon, making for particularly long waits to get through immigration; however, British Airways flights and a couple of American Airlines flights from New York arrive in the evening.

At many airports outside Bermuda, travelers with only carry-on luggage can bypass the airline's front desk and check in at the gate. But in Bermuda everyone checks in at the airline's front desk. U.S. customs has a desk here, too, so you won't have to clear customs at home when you land. Passengers returning to Britain or Canada will need to clear customs and immigration on arrival.

Airlines and Airports

Airline and Airport Links.com. Airline and Airport Links.com has links to many of the world's airlines and airports. www.airlineandairportlinks.com.

Airline Security Issues

Transportation Security Administration. Transportation Security Administration has answers for almost every question that might come up. www.tsa.gov.

Airports

Bermuda's gateway is L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), formerly Bermuda International Airport, on the East End of the island. It's approximately 9 miles from Hamilton (30-minute cab ride), 13 miles from Southampton (40-minute cab ride), and 17 miles from Somerset (50 minutes by cab). The town of St. George's is about a 15-minute cab ride from the airport.

Airport Information

L. F. Wade International Airport (BDA). 3 Cahow Way, Saint George’s Parish, DD03. 441/293–2470; www.bermudaairport.com.

Ask the local tourist board about hotel and local transportation packages that include tickets to major museum exhibits or other special events.

Ground Transportation

Taxis, available outside the arrivals gate, are the usual and most convenient way to leave the airport. The approximate fare (not including tip) to Hamilton is $35; to St. George's, $15; to south-shore hotels, $45; and to Sandys (Somerset), $50. A surcharge of $1 is added for each piece of luggage stored in the trunk or on the roof. Fares are 25%–50% higher between midnight and 6 am and all day on Sunday and public holidays. Fifteen percent is an acceptable tip.

CEO Transport Ltd. has a range of vehicles available to transport guests to hotels and guesthouses. Prices range from $15 for shared shuttle service up to $200 for a VIP Meet and Greet Service in a luxury sedan.

Contacts

CEO Transport Ltd. 441/234–4366; 855/859–6454; www.limobermuda.com.

BTA Dispatching Ltd. 441/296–2121; www.btadispatching.bm.

First Step Taxi Service. 441/735–7151.

Bermuda Island Taxi. 441/295–4141; www.ridebermuda.com.

Flights

Nonstop service to Bermuda is available year-round on major airlines from Atlanta, Boston, Newark (NJ), New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, and London, and seasonally from Charlotte and Washington, D.C.

Fares from New York City may be found for less than $300 on some of the budget airlines, but the average price is closer to $500 and can be as high as $800 in peak season, whereas fares from Toronto are typically about $400. Fares from Gatwick vary from $900 in low season to $1,300 in high season on British Airways. Flight regularity and price are subject to rapid change, and airlines recommend that travelers check their websites for up-to-the-minute information.

Airline Contacts

Air Canada. 888/247–2262; www.aircanada.com.

American Airlines. 800/433–7300; www.aa.com.

Delta Airlines. 800/221–1212; 800/241–4141; www.delta.com.

JetBlue. 800/538–2583; www.jetblue.com.

United. 800/864–8331; www.united.com.

WestJet. 888/937–8538; www.westjet.com.