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Welcome to the Bermuda Railway Pages

Bermuda used to have a railway, and now it has a railway trail. This website will talk about both of them and, whether you are a railway buff or a Bermuda enthusiast, I think you will find something of interest.

The Bermuda Railway pages tell the story of the 22-mile-long railway that served Bermuda from 1931 to 1948. This section explains how Bermuda entered the modern era with a railway, rather than road transportation, and why the railway only survived for the remarkably short period of 17 years. It describes the Bermuda Railway’s passenger and freight operations, and its rolling stock. A tour of the line presents pictures of the line in its heyday. An FAQ tries to answer your questions.

The Bermuda Railway Trail is the linear park that is all that remains of the old railway. It provides Bermudians and visitors alike with a wonderful, alternative way to see Bermuda. Outside the City of Hamilton (where signs of the railway have disappeared under more than 70 years of growth), almost all of the old right of way is available for walking, cycling, riding and, in some sections, even roller-blading. A photo tour gives you an idea of what to expect, and an FAQ will answer specific questions.

Welcome to the site. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful. If you have never seen Bermuda, I hope it encourages you to visit. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send them along.

Please note: As far as I know, all the historical pictures on this website are out of copyright. If you see any pictures on this site that you think should not be published here, please let me know. All the Railway Trail pictures are copyright, © Simon Horn, unless otherwise indicated.

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My history of the Bermuda Railway has been published by the National Museum of Bermuda. Find out more.

News

Railway Trail tunnel in Paget has lights again
Monday, December 23rd, 2024

The Royal Gazette tells us that the broken lights in the Trail tunnel at Rural Hill have been repaired.

Good. Now what about the Bailey’s Bay repairs, not to mention the unfinished Flatts Bridge?

Bailey’s Bay bridge repairs in sight?
Friday, October 25th, 2024

For some time people have been complaining that the handrails on the Bailey’s Bay Trail footbridge have been shedding fibreglass particles, which can cause skin irritation.

Now the Parks Dept. have closed the bridge for maintenance. The story in the Royal Gazette quotes the department: “the department is sourcing overseas coating materials to repair the railings”.

Let us hope that the repairs do not take forever (unlike the completion of the new Flatts footbridge, which appears to be permanently stalled).

Bermuda Railway Videos
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023

Ken Butz has collected a large number of vintage videos on his YouTube channel, including several that show the Bermuda Railway. With his kind permission I have linked to them from this website, and I have just added a new one. Visit the page.

(I have been meaning to add this one for months!)