Which means of transport to use en Jamaïque?
Organize your stay en Jamaïque
From the airport to the city centre en Jamaïque
In Kingston, the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) (+1 876 924 8452; www.nmia.aero.com) is served by airlines from Europe and the USA, although it is less popular than Montego Bay, which is closer to the beaches where tourism is concentrated. On-site: Digicel store where you can buy a SIM card (to have a GPS if you rent a car on arrival). Fast food and jerk chicken. Car rental companies are located in the annex building at the airport. ATMs, currency exchange and, of course, souvenirs.
To/from the airport: Norman Manley Airport is located on the spit of land that closes off Kingston Bay, accessible by VTC cab or bus, 18 km in half an hour to New Kingston, depending on traffic. Bus 98, from North Parade, runs between Kingston and Port Royal, stopping at the airport entrance (120 JMD). You'll need to walk a bit. Uber costs around US$25, cab between US$40 and US$50 to New Kingston, depending on the number of passengers. For Ocho Rios, count US$150.
In Montego Bay, Sangster International Airport (MBJ ) (+1 876 952 3124; www.mbjairport.com) is the island's most important airport, ahead of Kingston, due to its proximity to the beaches in the northwest of the island, where all the luxury resorts are concentrated. It's just a 4 km drive from the center of Montego Bay. This small airport is extremely busy: most tourists land here. Expect a long queue at the immigration counter to enter the country. Get as far to the front of the plane as possible to get out first... In addition to a host of agencies, the airport concourse is home to ATMs and a number of small restaurants. Once you're in the shopping area, you'll be lured by numerous touts to book cabs, tours, etc., with the local agencies that have offices here.
From/to the airport, everything is negotiable: up to US$20 for a cab to the center, which is too much for the distance, as the airport is only 4 km and 10 minutes away by car, but competition is tough and the price is fixed... If you can, book a shuttle service negotiated with the hotel in advance. In the parking lot, you'll find informal drivers offering rides for US$10 or US$15. Finally, near the traffic circle further on (if you've got a suitcase: forget it), you'll find minibuses that go to the center for US$1.
Arrival by boat en Jamaïque
There are four main cruise ship destinations in Jamaica: Ocho Rios, the busiest, Montego Bay, sought-after for its beaches, Falmouth and Port Royal near Kingston. The companies have their own passenger shuttles.
Public transport en Jamaïque
Bus. For greater comfort (but a more expensive fare), you can contact Knutsford Express (18 Dominica Drive; Kingston 5; +1 876 960 5499; www.knutsfordexpress.com, switchboard open daily from 7am to 9:30pm). This agency offers air-conditioned bus services between Kingston and the country's main cities. Usually two departures a day. Entrance to the bus station via Grenada Crescent. Remember to book in advance, as buses are often fully booked. Tickets available via the website and directly from the Knutsford Express office. Efficient and pleasant, reasonable prices, but buses are not always punctual.
Minibus. The easiest and cheapest way to get to neighboring towns is by minibus, which makes regular stops wherever passengers wish, often requiring vehicle changes. Finally, there are the "route-taxis", shared cabs that also travel back and forth between different conurbations. Each town has a bus terminal where minibuses and shared cabs meet up, criss-crossing the island in all directions and at all hours. Although not very comfortable, the minibus is the most economical way to discover the country. Depending on the city you wish to visit, departures take place from different locations. The biggest departure and arrival points in Kingston are the following centers: Half Way Tree, North and South Parade and Coronation Market, Down Town. Don't hesitate to ask passers-by, who will always be able to tell you where the various buses leave from. Some indicative minibus prices: Kingston-Morant Bay: 500 JMD; Kingston-Mandeville: 750 JMD; Kingston-Ocho Rios: 600 JMD.
Bike, scooters & co en Jamaïque
Many Jamaicans cycle, both in the cities and on the main roads. One wonders how they manage not to get run over, as the lanes are narrow and the vehicles move fast without much visibility, making pedaling along the roads quite risky - which is a pity, as the island lends itself to it... Renting a scooter can be very practical in towns like Negril or Treasure Beach, but in Kingston, it's better to get around by bus, cab or on foot.
With a driver en Jamaïque
Official passenger transport vehicles can be identified by their red license plates. The only company recommended by the offices of the Jamaica Tourist Board is JUTA (Jamaica Union of Traveller's Association), a company with drivers and vehicles in good standing, and therefore the highest fares. But other companies, and even some independent cabs, are not to be dismissed. The ideal is to find a friendly, honest cab driver whom you can call for every journey. This will make it easier to negotiate rates. Charters (pronounced "cha'ta") are the equivalent of local cabs as we know them back home. The only difference is that they don't have a meter, so the fare is negotiated, preferably before departure to avoid any nasty surprises. You should expect to pay at least JMD 4,000 for a journey of over 100 km. Beware of illegal cabs, of which there are many in Montego Bay. They have no red plates, no "route cab" designation on the front of the vehicle, and no black-and-white chessboard-style stripes along the doors. They may be cheaper, but use them at your own risk.
The arrival of Uber in Kingston and the surrounding area (as far as the beaches and airport) since late 2021 has turned cab habits (and, more importantly, prices) on their head. In Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and the rest of the country, you'll have to take private cabs. Both incoming agencies and hotels organize private transfers to/from the airport and for all possible excursions. It's best to ask for an attractive package for your entire stay. There are also local VTC companies that you can contact directly.
By car en Jamaïque
It's the most recommended means of transport for getting off the beaten track, and enjoying the pleasure of getting lost on back roads to a fishing village or climbing the mountains in search of a waterfall or river.
The only drawback, and not the least, is that the driving is... sporty, to say the least! An adventure in itself! On the left, in an automatic car, and with a medium to large sedan, or even a very large one if you opt for 4x4. In any case, there are no small city cars here, but rather the American model. Roads are in good condition on all major routes along the coast (with the exception of the south of the island), but inland roads are often in poor condition, winding, steep and littered with potholes that you have to avoid if you don't want to die. The interior is marked by tight mountain switchbacks, with few freeways and rugged coastal roads. Road lighting is quite rare, so we advise you to avoid long journeys at night. Traffic laws and signs are similar to those in the USA. Not to mention Jamaicans at the wheel: sometimes very (too) slow with old pugs, or very (too) in a hurry and overtaking on white lines. A good number of Jamaican motorists enjoy speed and strong acceleration, making tires squeal and engines roar. Don't be impressed by boss drivers! Like everyone else, be quick to use your horn - it'll come in handy! Routine police checks are frequent on the roads and in town. The speed limit is 50 km/h in town and 80 km/h on the roads.
In towns: take care to use major roads and avoid entering ghettos by following the GPS (especially in Kingston or Spanish Town), and drive during daylight hours. It's very easy to get around town by car, as the cities are laid out in American-style blocks. At night, take a cab and leave your car in a secure parking lot, as there is a risk of carjacking (especially in Kingston).
Car rental. It's best to rent a car directly from your arrival airport. Island Car Rental (www.islandcarrentals.com) is a good national company with competitive prices, which we highly recommend. The cars are very well maintained (important given the road conditions), and the staff are very smiling and friendly. Other local rental companies (not always recommended, beware of scams such as hidden charges on arrival and scratches charged on departure) and international agencies (highly recommendable) can be found in the arrival halls of Kingston and Montego Bay international airports: Avis (www.avis.com), Budget (www.budget.com) are the main ones.
Tourist traps en Jamaïque
Always ask for the price (and negotiate if necessary) before getting into a road-taxi, minibus or cab. This goes without saying to avoid any nasty surprises on arrival, as there are no meters and no official prices... And remember to have change in Jamaican dollars for the local minibuses.
