Jamaican Transportation
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It’s worthwhile spending a little time considering some of the choices available to you, in order to make your journeys as hassle-free, and economical, as possible.
Taxis in Jamaica
Basically, there are two kinds of taxi service available on the island – Charter taxis and route taxis.
Charter taxis are private hire vehicles which will take you wherever you want to go on the island and will be for your exclusive use.
Most hotels and complexes will have a list of recommended taxis for you to use for this kind of activity and it’s almost certainly better for you to select one of these, because you’ll definitely be getting a driver from the Jamaican Union of Travellers Associations (JUTA). Currently, their rate is between $15 – 20 US per hour, but it’s advisable to establish the fare before your journey, though.
Route taxis will always have a blue number plate and they will pick you up on the streets and take you to your destination. Their charge rate is about $1 US every 5 miles and you’ll see many of these cabs. A word of warning, however; don’t be surprised if your driver stops to pick up other passengers as well – they like to have a full load. And, again, establish your fare before you start!
Buses in Jamaica
This is good Jamaican transportation for the ordinary person at a good price.The fares on public buses on Jamaica are very low indeed – approximately $1 US for about 50 miles on a bus and just a little more on a minibus.
In places outside the capital, you can just flag a bus down and it will pick you up. However, if you’re a stickler for punctuality, tough luck – the timetables are strictly for guidance only, I’m afraid.
In addition, climate control in most of the buses just means leaving the door open and, as drivers will frequently allow their buses to be packed way above the limit, your sensory experience might well be, let’s say, distinctive!
A couple of warnings here – Montego Bay has no public transport buses and Kingston has a thriving reputation for bus-based pickpockets, so take care.
Many of the resorts will also offer tourists special minibus shuttles that are generally more modern vehicles, as well as keeping to their schedules!
Car Hire in Jamaica
There are a number of car hire companies – some of them names with which you are familiar from home – and it might well be that the freedom of having your own transport appeals to you.
Rates can be quite high at peak times (up to $120 US per day) but can go as low as $35 at other times. Some companies only rent out to drivers of 25 or older but just as many stipulate 21, and check all your ‘extras’ before you commit yourself.
Remember, they drive on the left, British style, in Jamaica and many of the minor roads are in poor condition so don’t expect to speed your way round. The standard of drivers, as in all Caribbean countries is, to be polite, ‘variable’ and pedestrians and animals also enjoy strolling along the middle of the roads! There are lots of gas stations but quite a number will only accept cash
In addition to these possibilities, there’s also motorbike, scooter or traditional cycle hire companies, a couple of good ferry rides – Kingston to Port Royal and Port Antonio to Navy Island (still notorious for Errol Flynn’s parties), and plenty of horse powered options.
All-in-all, Jamaican transportation possibilities are varied and offer plenty of opportunities for those holidaymakers looking to get out of their resort to find a little more local flavor and to experience some of the true Caribbean culture you can’t find inside a hotel complex.
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