Hi, we are a group of six going to Jamaica-Ocho Rios end of November. We were looking to rent a car , but I'm finding mixed information about this. Does anyone here have a first hand experience? Is it really extremely unsafe to drive there?
We are also looking to hire a car with driver, but the prices so far quoted are a bit too much- from $350USD per day. If someone have a reliable driver they used I would appreciate if you can share the contacts.

We just used taxis and they had van taxis for groups. It's been a few years however I don't remember them being expensive and the two times, we negotiated a return. The driver would just wait till we were done whatever we were doing and then bring us back to the hotel.

Driving seems a bit crazy there, roads in bad shape and people drive really fast. We hired a driver to get around and it was very reasonable.

We used Kingsley transportation

Chris Hi, thanks a lot for the tip. I've checked their website and it appears that they operate out of Montego Bay, and the prices are somewhat reasonable. I'll check if they can do it from Ocho rios as well.

I’ve been to Jamaica several times and I can say with 100% it’s not safe to drive. Depending on where you are staying they have drivers for hire and you can negotiate a rate with them. Also when you land in the airport there are independent taxi drivers we hired one to take us to the resort and we made arrangements with him to be our on call driver for the week he took us everywhere including some hidden gems only the locals know about.

Luba Sh-Sh thanks for your response. Do you remember what were the rates? We would love to have someone on call, I'm just not sure what a reasonable price is over there. So far quotes we got were USD$200-300/ day depending on distance.

Katarina they will always quote you higher initially because some people actually pay it. We would do trips like to Dunn’s Falls and we would get it for 100$ for 5 of us there and back. The trick is to pay at the end of the day so you’re guaranteed to be picked up. Then we we say pick up tomorrow for a trip to whatever place and depending how far it was negotiate each day. We would also buy lunch for our driver or beer it helps if you treat them well they are less likely to gauge you.

Luba Sh-Sh thanks a lot. I think that's what we'll do. I love your input on treating them well, as I've seen many ppl mistreating locals in Caribbean thinking if they pay they are entitled to treat them inhumanely.

I absolutely would not drive there. They have lots of busses, or you can use the Route taxis. The Route taxis were pretty awesome and they were great about letting you know how to connect with the next taxi to get you to your destination. Some drivers will even call ahead to another driver to ensure that they will pick you up and the drop off point. Route taxis are limited in how far of an area they can go, which is why you get transferred to another taxi.
We witnessed an accident while there. It actually got very out of hand because they didn’t want to claim it on insurance and wanted cash on the spot. It was explained to us that their insurance system is fairly different there and most people don’t want to make a claim like we do here.

I echo the do not drive there warning.

I would check Canada Travel Advisory for Jamaica.

Good lord people. I rented a car and drove all over the island for a couple of weeks, with no problems at all.

Lee when was that? What year?

Lol! I did the same, rented a car and drove around the whole island. This was back in 2016.

My general experience was that the closer you were to the resort areas the more aggressive the sales people, etc were. Driving the back roads we met great people, found interesting places to stay. The goats were the biggest danger...

The only odd experience was the fact the car was not fueled up when we rented it at the airport.

One more vote for not driving and another recommendation for Kingsley taxi. We hired him for airport transfers and for a 6 hour driving tour of the east side. Professional and prompt, and very good at navigating the very bad roads.
Enjoy your holiday!

Enjoy!! Also keep in mind that in Jamaica they drive right hand side vehicles on the left side of the road.

Yup, ruled by the Brits at one point, they still have right hand drive as well as round abouts

Last year my wife and I rented a house in Nigril and car at the airport and stayed a month. 3 years earlier 2 weeks in Ocho Rios with a car. Just be smart about it and think about not driving after dark in rural areas. On a separate note, expect to pay more than you booked the car for with hidden local fees. If you go ahead have an up-to-date map for a real GPS not your phone GPS as data is expensive.

My father-in-law is Jamaican and he was really adamant that we would never rent a car and drive alone. That was enough for me. My husband is more in denial but even his mum advise us to hire a driver. Unless you know someone who can drive you around, I would hire someone through the resort.

Ocho Rios is my home town. Make sure rental car company and/or any driver you use is JTB licensed. Some car rental agencies (Villa Car Rentals) will send driver with car to drive you from airport to wherever you’re staying for a small fee. You’re going to need a mini bus for 6 ppl. If you’re doing any attractions or tours ask about group pick-up they are willing to come get you and drop you back after and will include it in the price. If you do rent use common sense. No stopping and walking around deserted areas. Don’t give rides to ppl no matter how friendly. Have fun!! Any more questions?

Pat thanks a lot. Do you think, for example, $300USD is reasonable for a daytrip to Kingston, or we could get a better deal negotiating once we are there?

Katarina for 6 of you? Yes that’s reasonable. Btw where are you staying?

Pat thanks for the prompt response. We will be staying at Jewel Dunn's River beach resort.

Another thing about driving in Ja. Be prepared for the local taxi system. These drive the local ppl to work, school, shopping, etc. They’re numbered so you can spot them and they own the road. Speeding from one stop to another - pulling in and out of traffic at will without any signals. They will stop sometimes 2-3 deep blocking the road to let someone out or pick someone up. Best to just let them go ahead of you. If you’ve ever seen the scooters in Bali or Thailand it’s much like that only with cars stuffed with ppl.

Katarina O.K. reputable place. Feel free to negotiate your price bartering a little is allowed. They should have JTB licensed buses on site.

Katarina if staying at jewel you won’t need to rent a car. If you’re doing a tour or attraction they’ll pick you up from Jewel and drop you back. It’s an all inclusive do you won’t need to out to restaurants. Day trip to Kgn can be easily arranged.

Pat thanks a lot. I really appreciate your input, and comparison with Thailand is good enough for me not to drive there

Katarina Jewel should also have a pick-up service from the airport which you should take.

More than happy to give you input
. You can DM me any questions. I’m fine with giving you my phone number too.

Pat thanks soooo much! I'll DM you if I remember anything else. We are so excited about this trip.

Been to Ocho twice now and can 100% say it is NOT SAFE to drive. We stayed at Sandals and they wouldn't even let their guests walk to the flea market across the street without a guide. Our driver would take us out if we wanted to go shopping and would wait right by the stores for us. Told us not to leave the complex. Tours we did in mini Van's with a guide. I know people who have had nasty experiences even in their resorts. Don't rent a car. Besides the drivers are nuts! Beautiful place though.

Well my experience wasn’t so positive we almost got robbed from my room and in town when I was shopping with my boyfriend… we did not feel safe so we got in a taxi and left… Just be careful I think this was back in 2007… People they are very aggressive..

I think Ocho Rios is really sketchy especially if you look non local. The
Tour guides that were locals said it’s unsafe there and the reason to hire/guide is because they know the drill... and scammers/crooks are not as likely to mess with you if you are with a local... I heard that Montego Bay is nicer ???

better check how they've been affected by this horrible Hurricane Dorian before doing any more planning

Annette no damage whatsoever the hurricane passed well to the north of the island.