How do you get around Jamaica? Same as anyone!

There are so many ways to get around, across, through, and over Jamaica that when anyone asks: "what’s best?", we say: “donkey, cart, four-by-four, or canoe!”

It’s true! These are all viable modes of transport. It just depends on where you are going.

Transport options in Jamaica

You can add to the list:

• bamboo rafts

• homemade pushcarts 

• sailboats

• sailfish parasails

• foot (walking)

• trucks

• moped

• motorbikes

• bicycles

• horses

• mules

• helicopter

• jet-ski

• plane

• minibus

• taxi

What to expect on Jamaican roads

Usain Bolt may be the fastest sprinter in the world, but it doesn’t mean we all move like lightning!

You’ll rarely see a Jamaican run, unless we hear something is free! In which case, we’ll 'box you down' like former heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis!

What has eight legs, four heads, and two wheels?

A Jamaican on a moped, taking his kids to school! That’s no joke.

You’ll see some things on the Jamaican road you’d expect to see in a circus.

Mode of transport in Jamaican waters

Wanna go to a beach on a deserted island?

Take a canoe! Visit Port Royal, ask a pirate… I mean a fisherman.

He’ll take you to Lime Cay, where you can float in crystal clear blue waters, look back at Kingston and gloat at all the people working there.

Travel by taxi for the memorable experience

Wanna drive up, down, and all around the island?

Take a taxi, driven by a local who can guide you safely.

Local taxi drivers know the local roads, where all the potholes hide.

They know when to use the horn like a light saber, where to go or not as the case may be, and they can show you where to eat, drink, smoke, or pray if you feel the need after you’ve been driven crazy…

I mean after you've been driven around Jamaica.

Taxi fare (fee) in Jamaica

(A fare is a term used to describe the fee or price you pay taxi operators when you've arrived at your destination).

Negotiate your fare and off you go.

People often ask: “what’s a good price?”

I always maintain: “a figure both parties are happy with.”

Cool inland adventures in Jamaica

Wanna thrill? Take a bobsled! Mystic Mountain has them on rails.

Wanna relax and let your troubles float away?

Go slow over rapids on a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande in Portland or Martha Brae in Trelawny.

Travel by minibus for a truly local experience

Wanna feel what it’s like to be a sardine?

Get real, get down, get sweaty like Betty and squeeze into a minibus!

That’s a really local way to get around.

They’re cheap, hot, smelly, and uncomfortable but if you wanna know how to live like some locals, that’s the way to go.

Alternatively, take the Knutsford Express and travel islandwide in air-conditioned comfort.

Unforgettable inland travel experiences

Wanna climb Blue Mountain Peak?

Go by donkey or shanks’ pony (by foot).

Take a four-by-four up the mountains to a step-off point like Whitfield Hall, a great house in the hills. Stay the night, wake in the wee hours, then hike up to the peak for sunrise.

If you’ve got money and don’t wanna break a sweat, take a helicopter.

But don’t discount a donkey!

You can borrow a burro to scale the heights, although I do suggest walking back down. Downhill donkeys are harder on your rear.

Wanna drive? Rent a car!

There are loads of places to get deals on the island.

A word of warning, GPS and satellite navigation tools are pointless in Jamaica. Use a map or ask.

Asking for directions in Jamaica

Mind you, some Jamaicans still don’t use imperial measurements, never mind metric.

You’ll get directions like: “Go a couple of chains down the road, go so (hand signal), then go so (the other hand) at the rum bar (may be worth stopping there), then go straight (impossible in Jamaica) and when you see the sign, you reach.”

Good luck!

Driving in Jamaica

Wanna know which side of the road we drive on in Jamaica?

Good question! Legally, the left, but lots of people drive in the middle to have options.

In America, you can turn right on red. In Jamaica, some drivers turn left on red and a few go straight through on red.

This is not legal! After dark, proceed with caution!

A look at the past

Back in the day, we used to cross Jamaica by locomotive. Preachers prayed in all the carriages.

Every denomination of Christianity took donations in every denomination of currency, foreign or local. Peanut men peddled protein.

Ice cream men sold frozen goodies from a smoking box filled with dry ice: “nutty buddy, ice cream cake!” Your journey was jammed full of joy.

Wanna go off-the-beaten-track? Take highways, byways, cars, or a country bus.

You can fly by a twin-engine or the seat of your pants. Walk, sail or swim around Jamaica.

No matter what transport you use, do as we locals say: “walk good!”

Written by:
Tony Hendriks

Jamaican Paleface talking.

Blessed loveliness.