There are quite a few methods to get across the lovely island of Jamaica. From buses to cabs or route taxis, you’ll discover numerous transportation choices – a lot of them casual.
Right here’s all it’s worthwhile to find out about getting round Jamaica.
Is it secure for vacationers to drive in Jamaica?
Jamaica’s 4200 sq miles are effectively related and simply navigated by automobile. All main cities have paved roads, albeit with various levels of potholes. Any overseas customer ought to keep in mind two important tenets of driving right here: everybody drives on the left, and motorists (particularly taxi and bus drivers) are extra aggressive on the highway and use a “defensive” model of driving.
Jamaica shouldn’t be a very walkable nation, with main cities or factors of curiosity fairly unfold out. For instance, the 35-minute stroll from Liguanea to Half Means Tree in Kingston is difficult within the blazing Caribbean warmth, with safety elements to think about in case you stroll at night time.
Are rental vehicles costly in Jamaica?
In the event you plan to do a number of sightseeing in Jamaica, renting a automobile is good. Sadly, car-rental costs in Jamaica have currently skyrocketed, and are among the many highest within the Caribbean. It’s best to lease your experience on the airport (most corporations provide limitless mileage), the place you’ll discover each established native corporations like Island Car Rentals alongside worldwide gamers like Hertz and Avis.
In the event you don’t wish to take the wheel, you possibly can constitution your personal driver on your journey (greatest organized by way of your lodge). An alternative choice is the Knutsford Express, an especially widespread and inexpensive non-public bus service that connects main cities and vacationer spots throughout the island.
Is there public transport in Jamaica?
Sure. Jamaica’s public transport system consists of a community of buses and cabs that hyperlink cities massive and small throughout the island. There’s, nonetheless, no set timetable or schedule for after they arrive – you simply must embrace island time and watch for the subsequent departure (on common, you possibly can anticipate to catch a bus or taxi inside 15 to twenty minutes). Most main cities have designated bus parks or transport facilities.
Tip: in some cities, together with Negril, motorbikes are a well-liked type of public transport. They act like route taxis and take passengers to and from particular factors across the city.
How do I pay for public transport and cabs in Jamaica?
Paying for public transportations in Jamaica will depend on whether or not you take the nationwide JUTC bus, a non-public cab or a route “coaster” bus.
JUTC bus is the nationwide bus system that may be discovered within the main cities of Kingston and Montego Bay. You’ll be able to pay with money or buy a top-up transport card at numerous spots islandwide. In the event you take a taxi, whether or not a constitution cab or a route taxi, you pay your fare on the finish of your journey in money.
Coaster buses type the broader bus community in Jamaica, usually filling gaps the place JUTC buses don’t go. There’s often a conductor on these buses who collects fares from every passenger. Both watch for the conductor to request all fares in money without delay, or pay simply earlier than you exit at your cease.
Is public transport secure in Jamaica?
Public transport in Jamaica is comparatively secure and inexpensive. Simply keep in mind to all the time board public transport at predominant bus parks or terminals, watch out at night time and ensure you have money in small denominations fairly than bigger payments. For route taxis, keep away from taking empty vehicles and attempt to journey with a mixture of women and men as passengers.
Are cabs costly in Jamaica?
It relies upon. There are two kinds of cabs or taxis in Jamaica: constitution taxis and route taxis. Operated by taxi corporations, chartered cabs are dearer. You name forward to ebook (constitution) a cab, with the fare set by the corporate earlier than your experience arrives. In contrast, route taxis run like buses and are the less expensive possibility, with a fare solely barely increased than the bus.
Is there Uber in Jamaica?
Uber does exist in Jamaica, but it surely’s not as widespread as within the USA. Drivers are concentrated in cities like Kingston and Montego Bay. Take into account that the place there’s Uber protection, it’s sure there can be a (cheaper) bus or taxi possibility.
What’s one of the best ways to get round Jamaica?
In the event you’re planning to journey across the island, one of the best ways to get round is by automobile or SUV. Think about renting a car from one of many many respected rental corporations throughout the island. Whilst you don’t want a automobile to journey round Jamaica due to public transport choices, your personal experience can be much more handy and cozy.
Accessible journey in Jamaica
Whereas many accommodations, parks, cruise ports and buildings throughout the nation can accommodate folks with mobility points, there are sadly few accessibility choices associated to transportation. The best choice is often pre-booking a constitution taxi or a non-public tour to get across the island.
On public transportation, accessibility is extraordinarily restricted, with buses unable to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. Even in case you’re capable of get on the bus, there are nearly no designated areas on your wheelchair. The fast velocity at which route taxis load and unload with passengers makes it very difficult for individuals with accessibility wants.
Some charter-taxi corporations, nonetheless, can present accessible choices; you should definitely point out your particular necessities once you prepare the experience to make sure they ship an acceptable car. Moreover, some non-public excursions present accessible transport choices, with vacationer points of interest across the island welcoming guests with accessibility must various levels.
