Several ways to explore the island...

Once you arrived and checked in into the hotel you will of course start a voyage of discovery. Although the public transport is not too good organized there are many possibilities to reconnoiter the island.

By plane:
The fastest way to travel between the bigger cities is by plane. Inland flights are offered by Air Jamaica Express, a little sister of big brother Air Jamaica.
It is real ideal if you want for instance in a quick manner from Montego Bay to Kingston. Via the road you need at least some 4 hours, by Air Jamaica Express only three quarters of an hour. The most important airports for inland flights are Kingston (Tinson Pen), Montego Bay, Mandeville, Negril, Ocho Rios (Boscobel) and Port Antonio. However, also other smaller towns are being served by Air Jamaica Express.

By car:
A nice way to discover the island is of course by car.
The main roads are reasonably passable but as soon as you drive into the inland you have to take into account that the roads here are badly passable.


Be apprehensive of holes and gaps which suddenly looming up. Also take into account crossing goats, cows, domestic animals and pedestrians, especially when you approaching a settlement.
And, perhaps the most important of all, in Jamaica traffic is to the left and the regulations are based on the English ones.

Driving during night hours is reserved only for the very good drivers among us. Holes and gaps hardly attract attention by daylight, let alone in the dark. And of course this applies to crossing animals and pedestrians too.
Outside the bigger cities street lighting is scarce and regarding this the Jamaicans themselves are not worrying too much.
Although there are of course traffic regulations but these are broken through with great regularity. So think and think once more before driving in the dark. Perhaps it is better to be transported.

All big car rental services (like Avis, Budget, Hertz etc.) are represented on the international airports and more bigger (tourist)centers.
There are, in the bigger towns, local rent services too, which are certainly not bad and offer the same guarantees and service as the international rent service.

To rent a car you must be 21 years of age at least and of course be in the possession of a valid driving license. In behalf of the insurance often a security is asked. For the rent (and security) most of the rent services only accept a credit card.
Always check the car on defects and damages before signing the rent-agreement. Attend whether a good insurance is included (remember the own risk) and make inquiries about the possibilities to affect insurance. Once underway you always have to carry the driving license and the hire agreement with you. During checking by the police they always ask for these documents.
Some gas stations accept credit cards but a lot don't. Certainly when you driving in the inland you have to pay you gas cash.


By (motor)bike or scooter:
Undoubtedly in the seaside resorts you can rent scooters and motorbikes. Often you can arrange this via the hotel or the hostess.
The rules for renting a motorbike or scooter are the same as for cars. Ask for the insurance and traffic regulations.
Short distances can be done by bike, but doing the whole island like this is a big challenge. If you are an experienced biker it can be done, but remember that the mountains are high and the air is thick.

By taxi:
On nearly every street corner taxis are available.
Before getting into a taxi check whether the driver is in the possession of an official license. Licensees are recognizable to red registration plates with the letters PP. A lot of people try to earn some extra money by giving themselves out as taxi driver but have no license. (and they have a "normal" white registration plate.) Although the intention is good it is safer to politely thank these drivers.

Let the driver know what your destination is and of course you may negotiate about the price. Taxis have no meters and no fixed ride prices. Pay attention whether the driver gives you this price in Jamaican or American dollars.

If you need a taxi you can order one by telephone or just stop one in the street.

By bus:
Public transportation in Jamaica is badly organized.
There are bus services between the most important towns but there is not a bit of timetables. The average waiting time amounts to one hour. Often the busses are overcrowded and the possibility that you have to stand during the entire run is certainly present.

Nevertheless it is an experience to make at least one run with a bus. The prices are very low and it is a marvelous experience to be transported in the middle of "normal: Jamaicans.
Another, much occurring, way of bus transit are the minibuses. These have no fixed routes but are crossing the country. So before getting in you have to ask the driver what his destination is.

By train?
In Jamaica you will not find a running train. Nevertheless I mention it. In the past there was indeed a running train between Montego Bay and Kingston. The stations still exist and driving by bus or car in the inland you still can encounter a level crossing. The route by train through the green inland should have been very beautiful indeed.
In 1992 the national railway company became a bankrupt and so the game was over. Notwithstanding that momentarily possible investors, who expect good from a restart of the national railways, are searched.