Jamaica Transport

Air
Jamaica has two international airports: one at Kingston and the other at Montego Bay. The national airline is Air Jamaica, which provides service to many international cities. From Kingston or Montego Bay, the approximate flying time to London is 10 hours; to Los Angeles, 6 hours; and to New York, 3 hours, 40 minutes.

Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) is 11 miles south-east of Kingston. Facilities at the airport include banks, bureaux de change, restaurants, bars, duty-free shops and car hire. The airport is undergoing a significant, long-term series of refurbishment programmes and the passenger terminal facilities continue to improve.

Transport to and from the airport is available by coach service, bus and taxis. Travel time to Kingston can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the mode of transportation. Short and long-term parking facilities are available.

Montego Bay International Airport (MBJ) is located just two miles north of the city of Montego Bay. This modest-sized airport offers limited services and amenities. There is a café offering basic meals and refreshments and shopping is limited to a row of kiosk-style shops offering some duty-free goods and newspapers. There is also an ATM and a bureau de change.

Taxis are available outside the terminal building and it is recommended to use official taxis only. A regularly-scheduled shuttle bus service, run by Air Jamaica Express, connects the airport with Norman Manley International Airport, with the journey taking several hours. Car parks providing for both short and long-term parking are available.

Sea
Jamaica’s main ports are Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Both are ports of call for several cruise lines, arriving from North, South and Central American points of origin.

Air
Air Jamaica Express operates services to and from Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Frequent daily flights are offered during the winter season. For more information, contact the airline on: +1 800 523 5585.

Train
In 1994, rail service was suspended in Jamaica and there are no plans to resume scheduled service.

Bus
Reliable bus services are available in Kingston and Montego Bay, but not as reliable for longer-distance travel around the island. Coach and minibus tours can be arranged at most hotels. Tourists are advised that Jamaica's buses and minibuses can be crowded and uncomfortable. Outside Kingston, timetables are non-existent and drivers often show little interest in the rules of the road.

Car
Jamaica has an 11,000-mile road network, one-third of which is blacktopped. Driving is on the left and speed limits are 30mph in towns and 50mph on highways. Most major towns and airports have care hire facilities, with local and international companies represented. In order to hire a car, drivers must be 25 years and older and a full UK driving licence, valid for up to 12 months. A general consumption tax of 15 per cent is levied on all car hire transactions. Seat belts are compulsory and children under three years must be secured in a child seat.

Taxi
Route taxis are the least expensive way to get around the island. They follow designated routes, picking up passengers on the way. You can identify these taxis by their red identification plates marked PP (public passenger). The rates are fixed and a 10 per cent tip is customary. These taxis are a better alternative than buses, but they can be uncomfortable as the driver will fill the car with as many passengers as possible.

Taxis authorised by the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association are recommended. Metres are non-existent and prices should always be agreed in advance. Taxis can also be hailed on the street and again fares should be negotiated in advance. You’ll find a number of rogue taxis on the streets, and are advised against using them.

Sea
A number of local operators run yacht tours around the island. Boats and yachts can also be hired on a daily or weekly basis. Information is available from the Jamaica Tourist Board.