Getting Around Jamaica

Road Network and Traffic

While the main road network between major cities is fairly good and improving, secondary roads are much narrower and often require driving slowly. In total, the island has around fifty kilometres of expressways and 75% paved roads; the rest are unpaved tracks. Since driving is on the left and road rules are somewhat unpredictable—along with Jamaican driving habits—getting around demands caution and constant attention. Outside urban areas, it’s best to avoid driving at night.

Car Rental

You’ll find both international and local rental companies (usually more affordable but with fewer guarantees) at airports, in cities, and in coastal resort towns. Renting a car can be a great way to explore the country freely, especially if you’re in a group. Just remember that driving is on the left and Jamaican driving can be quite unique...

Budget around $40 USD per day for the cheapest rentals and $50–60 USD for a small 4x4, though the latter may not be necessary if you stick to main routes. During peak season, it’s wise to book ahead, and in any case, make sure you understand any additional fees, deductibles, and insurance coverage before committing.

Buses and Shared Vehicles

Jamaica has a dense and affordable network of buses, minibuses, and shared taxis for visitors. You can easily travel across the island from around 6 or 7 AM until roughly 6 PM, though there are very few services on Sundays. Most towns have bus stations, usually near the market. Costs are minimal—expect to pay $1–2 USD for every 50 km, excluding the much pricier "express" routes operated by Knutsford.

Note that "private taxis" can also cover long distances between cities, but at significantly higher prices—around $50 USD for a 50 km trip.

Buses

There’s only one air-conditioned, comfortable bus company: Knutsford Express. It offers a solid network connecting major cities. While the quality is good, prices are far from the cheap rates of other public transport—expect to pay around $7–8 USD for every 50 km.

Shared Minibuses

Locally called "coasters", these minibuses only leave when full, stop on demand, and are the go-to, budget-friendly transport for much of the population. They go everywhere.

Shared Taxis

These complement the minibuses, operating on the same principle with slightly higher fares—but still very affordable for visitors.

Two-Wheel Transport

Motorcycles

Small motorcycles and scooters are available for rent in beach resorts for $30–40 USD per day. While a two-wheeler can be a fun way to get around, keep in mind that Jamaican driving can be dangerous and often disrespectful of road rules. Riding here requires constant caution and attention, especially since the country drives on the left.

Bicycles

Cycling isn’t ideal for exploring all of Jamaica—poor road conditions, the hilly terrain in the east, and occasional heavy rain can be discouraging. Local drivers also aren’t particularly bike-friendly. That said, you can rent mountain bikes in beach resorts for short rides. Budget around $10–12 USD per day for the cheapest options.

Hitchhiking

While many Jamaicans hitchhike, it’s not recommended for tourists. Beyond the low cost of public transport, hitchhiking isn’t the safest option on the island.

Trains

Jamaica was the first place outside Europe and North America to have a railway line, dating back to 1845. Passenger services ran until 1992, and though there was a brief revival in 2011–2012, nothing is currently operating. However, a tourist rail project persists, so trains may one day return—particularly on the scenic route between Kingston and Montego Bay.

Boats

A tourist ferry service linking Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril was seriously considered for 2015 to connect these three major northern coastal resorts.

Domestic Flights

The island isn’t very large, and most flights are on-demand—often expensive—with companies like TimAir or Air Link. However, there are a few regular domestic routes, such as Montego Bay–Negril with Air Link and Kingston–Montego Bay with Skylan Airways, Caribbean Airlines, or InterCaribbean (expect at least $60 USD per flight for roughly 30 minutes in the air).

In Town

Taxis

Taxis are identifiable by their red license plates and belong to several companies. The most well-known and reputable is JUTA (though its prices are higher than competitors). As is common on islands, taxis are expensive—sometimes very expensive—and you should always agree on the fare beforehand. While official rates exist based on distance (and drivers are supposed to display them or use meters), reality is different. There’s also a "local price" and a "tourist price"...

For reference, a ride from Montego Bay Airport to the city center costs around $12 USD (5 km), while the same trip in Kingston is about $40 USD (15 km). For longer distances, expect around $50 USD per 50 km.

Other Options

What’s the Best Way to Get Around?

For simplicity and affordability, buses and minibuses are the best options. If you want the freedom to explore off the main routes, renting a car can be a good choice.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between major cities in the country: