Low-cost airline Breeze Airways is adding several new non-stop routes for the spring, including flying out of San Diego for the first time.
23.12.2023 - 13:33 / lonelyplanet.com
There are so many natural and cultural treasures dotted all over the island of Jamaica that it's no wonder visitors continue to come back years after their first trip.
Whether you want to bounce from beach to beach in search of your perfect stretch of sand or learn more about Jamaica's rich history, every corner of this Caribbean jewel has something new to offer.
So how do you make your way around to find them all? Luckily, there are numerous ways to get around the beautiful island of Jamaica.
From buses and cabs to hiring your own wheels, there are several transportation options available – many of them informal. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Jamaica.
Jamaica’s public transport system consists of a network of buses and cabs that link towns large and small across the island. JUTC bus is the national bus system that is found in the major cities of Kingston and Montego Bay. Coaster buses form the wider bus network in Jamaica, often filling gaps where JUTC buses don’t go.
There is, however, no set timetable or schedule for when they arrive – you just have to embrace island time and wait for the next departure (on average, you can expect to catch a bus or taxi within 15 to 20 minutes). Most major towns have designated bus parks or transport centers.
There are two types of cabs or taxis in Jamaica: charter taxis and route taxis. Route taxis run like buses and are the much cheaper of the two, with a fare only slightly higher than the bus.
Operated by taxi companies, chartered cabs are more expensive. You call ahead to book (charter) a cab, with the fare set by the company before your ride arrives.
In some towns, including Negril, motorbikes are a popular form of public transport. They act like route taxis and take passengers to and from specific points around the town.
There is usually a conductor on the buses who collects fares from each passenger. Either wait for the conductor to request all fares in cash at once, or pay just before you exit at your stop. You can pay with cash or purchase a top-up transport card at various spots islandwide.
If you take a taxi, whether a charter cab or a route taxi, you pay your fare at the end of your journey in cash.
Remember to always board public transport at main bus parks or terminals, be careful at night and make sure you have cash in small denominations rather than larger bills. For route taxis, avoid taking empty cars. Solo women travelers may also want to avoid cars when men are the only other passengers.
Uber does operate in Jamaica, but it’s not as widespread as in the USA. Drivers are concentrated in cities like Kingston and Montego Bay. Keep in mind that where there is Uber coverage, it’s certain there will be a (cheaper) bus or taxi option.
Low-cost airline Breeze Airways is adding several new non-stop routes for the spring, including flying out of San Diego for the first time.
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