Trip Transport

Getting around the Caribbean's third largest island can seem like a task, but knowing which method of transportation is best for you will make touring Jamaica a treat rather than a chore.

Adventurous travelers who prefer to take their time, travel on their own schedule, and enjoy independence as they explore have three options: bike, scooter, or car rental. Bicycle rentals are a great option for travelers whose accommodations are within the city and want a quick and efficient way to get around town; perhaps to grab a bite to eat, or do small amount of shopping.  Bikes are also great for the athletic traveler who would like to challenge their body as they take in the beautiful scenery of the Blue Mountains.

The perfect candidate for scooter rental is a single traveler, or someone traveling in a small group who would prefer to zip around town on their own.  The cost of renting a scooter is significantly lower than renting a car, and may be easier for someone under the age of 25 (the typical age one must be in order to rent a car).  Keep in mind that country roads will be difficult to transverse on a scooter, due to pot holes and lack of pavement, so scooter travel is best done in larger cities. 

Driving a rental car in Jamaica can be a challenge for someone who isn't used to the often unkempt conditions of the roads - but for someone traveling with a group, or who would like to visit a lot of attractions, this can still be the best choice.  Driving is done on the left side of the road, as in the United Kingdom, and stop lights are few and far between.  Unlike many Caribbean countries, drivers from the United States do not need to obtain a temporary license, making renting a vehicle that much easier.  Remember to yield to livestock, which can often be found slowly making their way across country roads.

If you'd rather leave the driving up to someone who knows their way around, hiring a taxi or hopping on a bus may be more your style.  When choosing a taxi or bus, look for vehicles approved by the Jamaican Union of Travelers Association (JUTA); this will ensure the driver is held to specific safety regulations.  You can be sure your driver is JUTA approved if the abbreviation "PP" or "PPV" is displayed on their license plate.  Taxis in Jamaica are metered, but drivers will typically negotiate a price, especially if you are interested in using the driver's services as a tour guide.  Meanwhile, travelers will find that traveling via bus is the most economical means of transportation on the island - if not the most reliable.  Buses rarely run on a set schedule, especially in some of the more remote areas of the island, but mini buses that travel through larger cities can typically be flagged as easily as a taxi cab.

Finally, two of the rarest forms of transportation around Jamaica are ferries and privately chartered planes.  Because Jamaica is one large land mass, rather than a series of small islands like some other Caribbean nations, travel by ferry is not as necessary here - but it can make for a great experience and a fun outing.  Popular ferry tours include trips to and from Port Royal and Navy Island.  For the more adventurous traveler who has a little extra wiggle room in their budget, chartering a plane can be a great way to see the sites from above, as well as travel quickly from one large city to the next.  There are a total of six airports throughout Jamaica, making traveling by plane more feasible than one might imagine.

There are many methods of transportation available in Jamaica.  Whether you choose a leisurely bike ride between sites, or the unforgettable experience of flying over Jamaica's landscape on a prop plane, the most important thing is to pick the option that is best for you.