Getting Around Jamaica

Jamaica has two international airports serving most travelers. Most international flights arrive at one of these two hubs.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ) — Montego Bay

Jamaica's busiest airport and the main entry point for international travelers. Located on the north coast, it's the closest airport to the resort areas of Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.

• Distance to resorts: 5-15 minutes to Montego Bay hotels; 45 minutes to Negril; 1.5 hours to Ocho Rios
• Taxi from airport: Approximately $15-25 USD to Montego Bay; $40-50 USD to Negril
• Shuttle services: Many resorts offer free airport transfers. Ask when booking.
• Car rental: Major companies (Hertz, Budget, Avis) have desks in the terminal

Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) — Kingston

Jamaica's second-largest airport, located on the Palisadoes strip about 30 minutes from downtown Kingston. Used primarily for flights to/from Kingston and some Caribbean connections.

• Distance to downtown: 30 minutes by car
• Taxi from airport: Approximately $25-35 USD to New Kingston
• JUTA taxis: The most reliable option; look for red license plates marked "PPV"

Airport Tips

• Use official JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travellers Association) taxis — avoid unmarked taxis
• Agree on a price before getting in the taxi
• ATMs are available in both airports for currency exchange
• USD is widely accepted, but Jamaican dollars get better rates

Taxis are the most common way for tourists to get around Jamaica. There are two types: regular taxis and route taxis.

Regular Taxis (Tourist Taxis)

• License plates: Red plates marked "TAXI"
• Cost: Negotiated per trip (no meters)
• Best for: Airport transfers, hotel to restaurant, short distances
• Typical fares: $10-30 USD depending on distance
• Tips: Always agree on price before entering. Drivers expect small tips (10-15%).

Route Taxis (Shared Taxis)

• License plates: Red plates marked "PPV" (Public Passenger Vehicle)
• Cost: $1-3 USD per ride (very cheap!)
• Best for: Getting around cities, traveling between towns
• How to use: Stand on the side of the road and wave. They stop to pick up passengers along set routes.
• Routes: Common routes are posted on the windshield or ask locals
• Tips: Can be crowded and slow, but authentic Jamaican experience. Drivers play loud music.

JUTA Taxis

The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association operates official tourist taxis. These are more expensive but reliable and safe.

• Can be pre-booked through your hotel
• Drivers are trained and professional
• Prices are fixed (no negotiation)
• Approximately 20-30% more expensive than regular taxis

Buses are the cheapest way to travel between towns. They're colorful, often crowded, and a very authentic Jamaican experience.

Regular Buses

• Cost: $2-5 USD depending on distance
• Routes: Connect major towns and cities
• Comfort: Basic but functional; can be crowded
• Schedule: No fixed timetable — buses leave when full
• Main terminals: Half Way Tree (Kingston), Mobay Coach Station (Montego Bay)

Minibuses

• Cost: $2-4 USD
• Routes: Shorter routes within and between parishes
• Frequency: More frequent than buses
• Comfort: Cramped but fast
• Music: Expect very loud dancehall music

Bus Tips

• Buses are very cheap but can be slow and unpredictable
• Best for budget travelers comfortable with local transportation
• Keep valuables secure — pickpocketing can occur on crowded buses
• Ask locals for directions to the bus stop and which bus to take

Renting a car gives you freedom to explore Jamaica at your own pace. However, driving requires caution and familiarity with local conditions.

Rental Companies

• International: Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise (at major airports)
• Local: Island Grill Car Rentals, Sunshine Car Rentals
• Cost: $40-80 USD per day for economy cars; $60-120 USD for SUVs

Requirements

• Valid driver's license (US, Canadian, or International Driving Permit)
• Passport
• Credit card for deposit
• Minimum age: 21-25 years (varies by company)

Driving in Jamaica

• Side of road: Drive on the LEFT (British system)
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways
• Road conditions: Main roads are good; rural roads can be rough
• Traffic: Chaotic in cities; drivers don't always follow rules
• Fuel: Gas stations are common; fuel is relatively expensive
• Insurance: Mandatory; usually included in rental

Driving Tips

• Drive defensively — local drivers are aggressive
• Avoid driving at night if unfamiliar with roads
• Use main highways rather than back roads
• Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight
• Fill up gas tank before long drives
• Potholes are common — drive slowly and watch the road

For traveling between distant parts of Jamaica, domestic flights can save time, though they're more expensive than ground transportation.

Airlines

• Air Jamaica Express: Connects Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril
• Caribbean Airlines: Limited domestic service

Routes & Cost

• Kingston to Montego Bay: 30 minutes flight; $80-150 USD
• Kingston to Negril: 45 minutes flight; $100-180 USD

When to Fly

• Only worth it if you're short on time or have mobility issues
• Ground transportation is much cheaper and gives you more scenery

Kingston

• Best area for tourists: New Kingston (safe, walkable)
• Route taxis: Cheap and common; follow set routes
• Walking: New Kingston is walkable; avoid walking alone at night

Montego Bay

• Hip Strip: Walkable during day; taxis at night
• Beach to downtown: 10-15 minute taxi ride ($3-5 USD)

Negril

• Seven Mile Beach: Walkable along the beach
• West End: Walkable but hilly; taxis available
• Distances: Most attractions within walking distance or short taxi ride

Ocho Rios

• Town center: Compact and walkable
• Dunn's River Falls: 15-minute taxi ride from town ($5-10 USD)