Getting Around Jumaica

Residents of the US, Canada, UK and Ireland do not require any visa to visit Jamaica and can stay here for up to 6 months. However, they are required to carry with a valid passport. The best way to get to Jamica is by air with two international airports located on the island at Kingston and Montego Bay. The Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay caters to a majority of international flights, while the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston caters to international as well as regional flights. American Airlines, British Airways and Air Canada all fly to Jamaica along with many regional carriers like Air Jamaica, BWIA and Cayman Airways. If you like you can also visit Jamaica via cruise ship, as the island is a popular stopover for cruises.

Once you are in Jamaica, the best way to get around is to fly into anyone of the four domestic airports located on the island. The Tinson Pen in Kingston, the Negril Aerodrome in Negril, the Boscobel near Ocho Rios and the Ken Jones Aerodrome at Port Antonio all cater domestic flights from various parts of the island. There is also a domestic terminal at the Donald Sangster Airport in Montego Bay.

A cheaper alternative of getting around Jamaica is by bus, which can be either an amazing ride or a horrible experience. While buses visit almost every town and village on the island, bus conditions in Jamaica are cramped and crowded, with people sometimes just barely hanging on to the bus. However, traveling by bus also gives you the chance to mingle up close and personal with the locals. In Kingston and Montego Bay, you will find a more modern public bus system in place that even tourists can travel on. You can hail a bus usually anywhere except in the big cities, where there are designated bus stops.

If you are on the island for a while, you should consider renting a car to get around Jamaica as it is a safe and convenient way to travel. To drive in Jamaica all you require is a valid driver’s license from your home country. However, be warned that while driving here is on the left of the road, you need to watch out for speeding cars. Jamaica has the 3rd highest auto fatality rate in the world.

Taxis are also available to get around Jamaica, with the fares set by the government. However, meters are not generally used and so it is best to negotiate a fare before you get in. Also remember to only use taxis with red license plates with a PPV designation.