If you have a passion for adventure, you've come to the right place. Jamaica beguiles nature lovers and adventure seekers of all sorts. Highways and byways open the door to endless opportunities. The best of Jamaica is "just around the next bend.
Getting from here to there is easy and can be quite fun. Renting an air-conditioned vehicle, a preferred means of mobility, gives you freedom to map your own route, at your own speed. A paved costal highway encircles Jamaica, linking major tourist centers. A new road currently connects Negril to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios to Kingston eventually from East to West.
| Montego Bay - Kingston............................................. |
3.5 - 4 hours |
| Montego Bay - Mandeville.......................................... |
2 hours |
| Montego Bay - Negril................................................. |
1.5 hours |
| Montego Bay - Port Antonio ....................................... |
3 - 3.5 hours |
| Ocho Rios - Mandeville............................................. |
2 hours |
| Ocho Rios - Montego Bay........................................... |
1.5 - 2 hours |
| Ocho Rios - Negril................................................ |
3 - 3.5 hours |
| Ocho Rios - Port Antonio.......................................... |
2.5 hours |
| Negril - Black River................................................... |
1.5 hours |
| Negril - Port Antonio.................................................. |
4.5 - 5 hours |
| Negril - Treasure Beach............................................. |
2 hours |
| Mandeville - Black River............................................. |
2 hours |
| Mandeville - Christiana............................................... |
30 minutes |
| Treasure Beach - Black River...................................... |
45 minuts |
| Kingston - Mandeville................................................. |
1.5 hours |
| Kingston - Negril....................................................... |
4.5 - 5 hours |
| Kingston - Ocho Rios ................................................ |
1.5 - 2 hours |
| Kingston - Port Antonio.............................................. |
3 - 4 hours |
| |
|
Several roads join north to South, crisscrossing the central mountian chains. Virtually any location is accessible by vehicle, usually by more than one route. The most important thing to remember is to drive on the left.
Another important thing is to stay alert: Jamaican roads are unlike highways you may be used to. Main roads can be narrow, winding, mountainous and at time congested in the main towns. Its now a law to drive with with seatbelts.
Driving Guide
- Excercise caution always expect the unexpected.
- Do not try to keep up with other drivers. Let them pass.
- If you are uncomfortable with a tailgater, pull over.
- Avoid overtaking unless you have to.
- Be extremely cautious when approaching school zones.
- Watch out for goats, dogs, cows and chickens
- Use your horn often, especially around blind bends, passing pedestrians and vehicles.
- Avoid picking up passengers.
- Side roads have many pot-holes, watch out for these.
At nights you will encounter drivers with high beams or even motorist with only one headlight. We recommend limiting your night driving if you are driving in an area that you are not familiar with.
Vehicles stop suddenly to pick up or let out passengers. Signal to go around them. Many disabled vehicles are left on the roadside without warning lights or markers.
Service stations are found islandwide. Many are opened every day. Depending upon the vehicle you choose to rent, you can fill up. Follow instructions if a police officer signals you to pull over. Watch the speed limit! Traffic police will show no mercy. There are always spot checks so if you are asked to have your luggage checked, do so promptly. Jamaican police are quite courteous. It is necessary to file a police report if you were involved in an accident. Contact the Rental company if you breaks down. If this happens at night contact the police. Be wary of offers of help
Many attractions and places of interest are right off the main road. Ask at your front desk for attractions in your area. Have fun and enjoy your vacation.
