Transportation: 6 Ways to Get Around Jamaica
In the beginning, the most stressful aspects of living in Jamaica for me was mastering the transportation system. It all seemed so confusing. What is the local transportation scene like? How do the locals move about? Let’s talk about the 6 basic ways to get around in Jamaica and see if we can sort it out for you.
First, let me say that transportation runs a bit differently in the bigger cities here. I also believe that you have to be a bit more cautious in those areas, sticking to the most trusted travel sources. Out in the country, where I live, the choices are a bit slim, and sometimes you have to make tough calls, praying it works out.
No matter where you travel in the world today, personal safety should always be a priority. When mention safety, I’m not just talking about criminals. I’m referring to unsafe vehicles. Jamaicans are known for being wheeler-dealers. They rarely play by the rules so it behooves the traveler to know what’s what before they arrive.
The Infamous Buses
The most common way to get around, and the most economical, is what they call “the buses.” In the USA we would call these vehicles “vans.” Sometimes, they are intact and other times the seats are pulled out and wooden benches are installed. You can squeeze a lot more passengers in them than regular seated vans.
For Jamaicans, it’s all about how many people you can smash in for each trip. More customers means more money per run. I always think about that old gig about how many clowns you can fit in a Volkswagon. Seeing 10-12 people jammed into an 7 or 8 seat vehicle is not uncommon.
Typically, a bus fare from town to town costs around $200 Jamaican dollars, roughly $1.60 US. Although you save money, it’s often at the sacrifice of any sort of comfort. Because a bus carries many people, it also have to stop a lot to load and unload. This translates into slower travel times overall. It also takes longer to “fill” a bus with riders so you may have to wait a while to get going.
The Trusty Taxis
Comparatively, the same distance via taxi might cost $300 J, or about $2.40 US. Taxis come in two types. The “legal” taxis have red license plates and are required to list their route on the side of the vehicle. These are drivers whose cars have been inspected, have proven they have insurance, and display a license with their name and photo in the car.
The Rusty Robots
The other taxi variety, and a bit more sketchy, but often a necessary evil on busy routes, are what they refer to as “robots.” These cars have the same white license plate that you would get for your private car because that’s what they are. They have not been required to prove high safety standards. In fact, frequently, they seem to be held together with spit and baling twine.
The other problem with this is that you can never really be certain that it’s not just some random guy offering you a ride. As a woman walking around alone, I have five or six offers a day from men driving by. I have to admit that my skin crawls to see young traveling females hop into these cars, without a care in the world.
That said, I will admit that there are times that I just can’t wait around for a red plate. In these instances, I’ve relied on my local friends to point out which drivers are real robots and which are just creeps. In time, I’ve also come to know the various route drivers and have a few that I will use as needed. As a casual visitor, I’d highly recommend sticking to red plates.
Keep in mind that there are often random police check points on the roads. If a robot is stopped with you as a customer, the police can impound the car. This might leave you stranded on the side of a lonely road. Additionally, tires often go flat, cars break down and door handles might not function because they aren’t put through rigorous inspection and upkeep is expensive.
Knutsford Express Buses Rock
Next in the lineup are the Knutsford Express buses. In my opinion, Knutsford runs one of the most customer oriented businesses on the entire island. The buses are modern, comfortable transportation. Employees are pleasant and seem to enjoy their jobs.
They offer air conditioning, wifi and usually have a movie or TV show playing on a screen at the front. Prices for longer hauls are around $20 US and you can buy tickets on their well run website. It’s best to reserve or purchase seats early as some routes fill quickly.
The drawback is that they only run limited routes at certain times of day. Depending on where you are going and when you need to leave, they may or may not be available. They do offer a shuttle service from the airports to the closest bus depot, making it convenient to jump aboard. I have used them many times and am very impressed with their product.
Rental Tips and Tricks
If you are feeling brave and can make the mental gear shift to driving on the left side of the road, renting a car is always an option. All of the big name rental companies operate out of the airports and take great care of their cars. Between the cost of the rental, the extra insurance and very high fuel costs, it’s easy to have second thoughts about this pricy option.
In the event that you DO decide to rent, here are a few pointers:
First, order GPS. I suggest this because roads are poorly marked and Jamaican’s give the worst directions EVER. I swear that they never go more than one town away and have no idea where anything outside of their hometown is. I’ve had the horrifying experience of getting lost in the darkness. Trust me, it’s not a good feeling.
Additionally, you really don’t want to have to stop and ask directions. Jamaicans pull this little trick where you ask someone where something is and, before you can blink, they hop in the car. They tell you they are headed that direction and will show you where it is. Along the way, they give you their big sob story and ultimately ask for money for “helping” you.
Next, check with your car insurance company to see if they cover your rental in Jamaica. Although most will cover it in many countries, for some reason, Jamaica is not one of them. Why am I not really surprised?
Interestingly, a number of credit card companies will cover damages to cars rented with their card. MasterCard seems to be best about this but it’s worth it to call around before you rent. If they say they do cover it, ask for a written statement to that effect to show the rental agent when you arrive.
Accidents are common, thanks largely to insane taxi drivers, always in a rush. The risk is high for damage to a car from the giant potholes, cows in the road or a dog running loose as well. I have actually been hit broadside while driving a rental. Let me tell you, having insurance is VERY important here.
Pricey Private Drivers
I have to admit that the most expensive option is also the most relaxing. Hiring a private driver is a lovely experience, especially upon arrival. Having traveled for several hours, navigated my way through immigration and dealt with controlling customs agents, the last thing I want to do is read through rental agreements. Similarly, I hate being mobbed by unknown taxi drivers, hungry for a fare, just outside of the airport doors.
That said, hotels, guesthouses and online rental options can often suggest trusted drivers whom you can communicate with ahead of time and negotiate a rate. Maybe you just need a ride to your destination or perhaps you want to see the sights all week. Ask what the various options cost. Don’t be afraid to come back with a counter offer.
Decide ahead of time what it’s worth to you and stick to your guns, even if it means you have to talk to a number of drivers. My best drivers have been suggested by other guests in places I have stayed. Don’t hesitate to ask around if you get to your destination and decide you want to explore.
To give you an idea, for me to get from the airport in Montego Bay, 2.5 hours to my home in Treasure Beach, the current going rate ranges from $100 US to $140. The hour-long drive from the airport to Negril runs about $100.
A valuable lesson I learned on my very first trip to Jamaica was that the big resorts are in cahoots with certain drivers.
The receptionist will be more than willing to call a taxi to drive you a few miles to town but he will charge you many times over the cost of the typical licensed taxi. Often, walking a few feet outside of the gate can save you big time.
In the end, it’s all about your budget, time constraints, comfort needs and personal taste. I mix it up a lot. For quick trips to the bigger grocery or hardware stores a few towns away, I’ll use the local taxi drivers. If a taxi is hard to find when I want to go home, I will hop a bus.
I typically hire a driver to pick me up at the airport when I arrive exhausted, especially if I’m bringing family members along, but have no issues taking Knutsford Express bus when leaving. It just depends on my flight times and their bus schedules.
If you want a real taste of Jamaica, the red plated route taxis make for an interesting experience. Not only will you travel back roads that you might not otherwise see, you will also come in contact with Jamaicans who are sharing the ride. Some of the conversations I’ve heard between drivers and Jamaican passengers have been priceless.
The most important thing to remember is that you have options. If you hire a driver and you don’t feel safe with him, fire him. Know the price before you go anywhere with anyone. Don’t fall for the “just give me what you think it’s worth” line, either. That will almost always backfire.
Jamaica is an amazing country, well worth getting out there and seeing. Be adventurous but be smart and stay safe.
For ideas about places worth seeing, check out my posts about The Pelican Bar and YS Falls.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section.
Disclosure: We may be paid a small commission for purchases made from any affiliate links in this post. It will not raise your price or cause any changes for you. We only offer links to products and services that we’ve personally tried and loved.
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3 Comments
Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle
“I swear that they never go more than one town away and have no idea where anything outside of their hometown is.” I can’t even be mad at this statement because it’s so true! ? I was born in one of those households too where it’s literally home, school, the nearest town, homes of a few close relatives & friends, some shops, one beach in the event you want to unwind, church, repeat. For my whole childhood + teen years. Somehow I activated the wanderlust gene a little after starting university so I’ve been trying to change that, and so are a few other Jamaicans I know.
Jamerican
Ha ha! Yeah, most of my closest Jamaican friends are very well traveled and many are actually from Kingston. They are totally different than the average folks out in the country or in my small town. I can’t really blame people though. I have to ask how much of my own country I would’ve seen if we didn’t have cars.
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