The fastest and safest way is by flying. Although this is an additional cost, the short plane ride will save you time. A handful of Jamaican carriers offer domestic flights along this route, which take about 20 minutes.
The next best option is private transfer, which is ideal for travelers who would like to make stops along the way.
You could also take a shuttle. However, this is the slowest means as you may make many stops along the way to drop off other tourists at their hotels.
Route taxis are generally not recommended for first time visitors to Jamaica.
Renting a car and driving yourself is another option.
Most tourists visiting Negril will arrive in Jamaica via the airport in Montego Bay. Therefore, knowing how to get to Negril from the airport in the fastest and safest way possible is the first step in ensuring you have a great vacation. Read on for the essential guide to traveling from Montego Bay to Negril.
What Airport Do You Fly into to Go to Negril?
To go to Negril, you will need to fly into the Donald Sangster International Airport which is located in Montego Bay (Airport Code: MBJ).
It is not recommended that you fly into Kingston if your destination is Negril. This is because Kingston is located 242km to the east and will take about 4 hours to get to Negril.
Can You Fly from Montego Bay to Negril?
Yes, it is possible to fly from Montego Bay (MBJ) to Negril (NEG). The flight takes about 20 minutes and costs between US $100 and US $150.
Although the flight is expensive, the views of the Jamaican countryside and the Caribbean Sea from 2,000 feet in the air are truly impressive. Therefore, this will ultimately be a cost vs. benefit decision.
How Do I Transfer from Montego Bay to Negril?
There are several ways to transfer from Montego Bay to Negril:
- Fly: Although expensive, flying is the fastest and safest way to transfer from Montego Bay to Negril.
- Private Transfer: Private transfer is convenient for travelers who intend to make stops along the way, for instance at the shops in Montego Bay.
- Shuttle Bus: Some all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica provide guests with transportation to their hotel. However, this may take longer depending on the number of stops to drop off other guests staying at different hotels.
- Route Taxi: Route taxis are generally not recommended for tourists in Jamaica unless you know what you’re doing and exactly where you’re going.
- Car Rental: You may also rent a car at the airport in Montego Bay and drive yourself to Negril.
What is The Most Convenient Way to Travel from Montego Bay to Negril?
Taking a private transfer will be the most convenient and hassle-free way to get from Montego Bay to Negril. Many private transfer services to Negril are available from the airport in Montego Bay.
Private airport transfers are generally reliable, inexpensive and designed to provide travelers with a more personalized service. Because there will be no other passengers on board the vehicle with you, there is no stopping along the way unless you request it.
Moreover, private transfers are typically done in modern vehicles – car, minivan or bus – that take you directly to your hotel in style, privacy and air-conditioned comfort. Some even offer complimentary beverages en route. There are also optional upgrades for a VIP Car Service in a luxury sedan.
What is the Cheapest Way to Travel from Montego Bay to Negril?
The cheapest way to travel from Montego Bay to Negril is by booking a package offered by the all-inclusive resorts in Negril, which typically includes airport transfers. As such, you will not have to pay any additional transportation costs. However, this would typically require a minimum stay at the resort.
The next least costly option is the route taxi – although, there are a number of issues with this method. First, you will need to take at least 3 route taxis from the airport to your hotel in Negril, depending on the location of your hotel in Negril.
Secondly, the route taxi will be slow because of the many stops it has to make along the way. Moreover, route taxis are not really designed for travelers with luggage. This can be a big problem for groups of tourists coming for long stays.
The use of a route taxi to get from the airport to Negril is therefore not recommended. Your best option would be to take one of the shuttles buses that run from the airport to Negril.
How Far is Negril from Montego Bay?
The distance from Montego Bay to Negril is 80.8km.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Negril from the Airport?
It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Negril from Montego Bay via the A1 Highway. Of course, the actual travel time will depend on traffic, the weather, means of travel, as well as the number of stops you make along the way.
Although 75 minutes to Negril from Montego Bay is a rare feat, it is achievable in a private car without much traffic and no stops.
Big resort transfer buses will take longer, and you may spend up to 2 hours traveling, inclusive of a drink stop. The journey may be even longer if you are staying at the last resort on the drop-off list.
Is It Safe to Travel from Montego Bay to Negril?
Yes, it is safe to travel from Montego Bay to Negril.
How much is a Shuttle from Montego Bay to Negril?
A shuttle from Montego Bay to Negril costs between US $2 and US $15. However, many all-inclusive resort in Negril typically include airport transfers in the package. As such, you will not need to pay any additional costs for transportation to your hotel.
How much is a Taxi from Montego Bay to Negril?
A taxi from Montego Bay to Negril costs between US $120 and US $150.
Is it Safe to Take a Taxi from Montego Bay to Negril?
It is safe to take a taxi from Montego Bay to Negril, as long as you only take the official taxis that are operated by the Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA). You will see the acronym indicated on their vehicles. Be sure to negotiate and agree on the fare with your taxi driver before you begin the trip.
Is There Uber in Jamaica?
No. There is no Uber service in Jamaica.
Montego Bay to Negril – Fly or Drive?
To get to Negril from Montego Bay, it would take 20 minutes by air and 1.5 hours by road. Although the drive is longer, it is well worth the ride. In fact, it doesn’t really feel that long because you get to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
While the short flight is faster, it may not really save you that much time. This is because by the time you get to the domestic terminal to transfer to the smaller plane and get going, you will have spent considerable time.
Moreover, the flight is far more expensive, especially if your resort package includes free airport transfers. Plus you’d miss out on the close up views of beautiful Jamaican scenery.
Montego Bay to Negril – Shuttle or Private Transfer?
Definitely private transfer. This is because with a shuttle you would have to make multiple stops to drop off tourists staying at other resorts, as well as for breaks and bathroom stops. Because no other passengers will be in your vehicle during a private transfer, there will be absolutely no stops unless you request it.
How is the Drive from Montego Bay to Negril?
The drive from Montego Bay to Negril is a great opportunity to see the beauty of Jamaica.
You will mostly drive on the highway along the sea coast, past small towns dotting the lush Jamaican countryside. The scenery is beautiful, and the roads are quite good for the most part. Along the way you will see tropical trees, colorful houses, fruit stands, goats grazing and adorable children playing.
Is It Safe to Drive from Montego Bay to Negril?
Yes, it is safe to drive from Montego Bay to Negril. As long as you stick to the main highway leading out of Montego Bay towards Negril, you should be fine.
Outside of this you may experience road conditions that are challenging for someone unfamiliar with the area and style of driving. Some stretches of the road along this route can be hazardous for those who have never experienced driving in Jamaica before.
Is it Safe to Drive from Montego Bay to Negril when it Rains?
Yes, it is safe to drive from Montego Bay to Negril in the rain, as long as you observe the following road safety tips:
- Always allow for at least 1-2 car lengths to the front during wet road conditions.
- Jamaica has many potholes that fill up with water when it rains, and this can be dangerous. Because locals know which roads to use, reconsider your route if it’s raining and you’re the only one out in your car on an empty road.
Is it Safe to Drive from Montego Bay to Negril with Valuables in the Car?
When driving from Montego Bay to Negril with cash or valuables, be sure to observe these safety tips:
- Always keep your car boot/ doors locked and windows up.
- Keep all cash and valuables out of sight at all times.
- Be alert when stopping at junctions or traffic lights as criminals often hang around these places to steal items from the backs of cars.
Is it Easy or Hard to Drive from Montego Bay to Negril?
Driving in Jamaica may not be what you’re used to. Although the road from Montego Bay to Negril is quite good, you will need to be constantly on the lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and livestock, as well as local drivers who are not strict observers of traffic rules. Caution is required while driving in Jamaica as accidents are common, especially at night.
Can You Drive from Montego Bay to Negril and Back in a Day?
Yes, it is possible to drive from Montego Bay to Negril and back in a day. However, you this will not give you enough time for excursions and tours.
It is recommended that you at least stay overnight in Negril to make the most of your Jamaican vacation experience.
Can I Get Lost while Driving from Montego Bay to Negril?
Not if you have a good map (or a GPS) in hand. Because road signage in Jamaica isn’t the best in some places, a GPS or a good map will come in handy for easier navigation. This will help you find your way as you drive from Montego Bay to Negril.
The Jamaica Tourist Office provides a good map called “Discover Jamaica”, which contains blowups of both Montego Bay and Negril. You can get it free of charge from your car rental agency or any Jamaica Tourist Board office.
What do I do if my Car breaks down between Montego Bay and Negril?
In case of a car breakdown between Montego Bay and Negril:
- Immediately call your car rental company for assistance.
- Try to find a safe place where you can pull over and get the car fixed.
- Before you head out, make sure you have enough fuel for your journey to avoid getting caught out at night. Also carry cash as fuel stations in Jamaica do not accept credit cards.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Driver from Montego Bay to Negril?
Hiring a private driver in Jamaica costs an average of US $180 per day.
This is a great option for tourists who don’t drive – or prefer not to do so in Jamaica – but still want to travel independently from Montego Bay to Negril.
