Going from Montego Bay Airport to Negril – Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning a trip to the awe-inspiring and stunningly beautiful beach destination of Negril in Montego Bay, Jamaica? If you are travelling by air and will be arriving at Montego Bay Airport, the first thing you’ll need to do is find transportation to get you to your destination. There are several transportation options you can choose from in order to go from Montego Bay Airport to Negril. Read on to learn more about the different availability and find out what is best for your needs.

How Far is Montego Bay Airport From Negril?

Montego Bay Airport is located approximately 54 km (roughly 34 miles) from Negril. The journey from Montego Bay Airport to Negril will typically take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

The airport code for Montego Bay Airport is MBJ and for Negril, it’s NEG.

Bus From Montego Bay Airport to Negril

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is by taking a public intercity bus from the airport’s city terminal located in downtown Montego Bay.

The route covers several towns and cities, eventually stopping in Negril, so you’ll get to explore more of the island during your journey. The fare price is typically around $6 USD per person but may vary depending on the time of year. The ride can take up to 3 hours, so it’s important to plan your arrival and departure times wisely.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Can take additional stops along the way
• No need for advanced booking, just buy a ticket at the bus station

Cons:

• Trip may take 3 hours or more depending on traffic and stops
• Need to lug all your luggage onto the bus
• No guarantee of a specific departure time or seat availability

Another option available for getting from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is by taking a shuttle bus service. This is bookable through a few companies such as Discover Tours Jamaica. This option is more convenient than taking public buses as the shuttle buses have air conditioning, pick up and drop off services at hotels within the Negril area. The fare is around $30-40 USD per person, depending on the time of year. This shuttle service, though not door-to-door, will also run on a fixed schedule every hour so you know exactly what time you’ll need to be ready at the airport shuttle port ready for pickup.

Pros:

• Convenient pickup & drop off service at hotels
• Every hour departure times with a fix schedule
• Air conditioned ride

Cons:

• More expensive than public buses
• Cannot take additional stops

Taxi From Montego Bay Airport to Negril

If you are looking for a more private and direct means of transportation, you can also hire a taxi to take you directly from Montego Bay Airport straight to Negril. Hiring a taxi may not be the most cost-effective way of traveling as it would cost approximately $85-90 USD plus additional fees depending on the size of your luggage and traffic. There are no advance booking facilities available, so your taxi journey will be contingent upon finding an available taxi driver when you arrive at the airport. Note that it is advised to agree upon the fare with the taxi driver beforehand in order to avoid any unexpected fees during the journey.

Pros:

• Very convenient – driver will take you straight from the airport to your accommodation with no extra stops
• No need for advanced booking – simply hire when you land

Cons:

• Possibility of high cab fares due to surge pricing or additional charges for luggage or traffic
• Strictly no additional stops allowed under normal circumstances

Car Rental From Montego Bay Airport to Negril

If you would like more flexibility on where you stop, then renting a private car is your best option. It’s the most convenient way for travelers who would like to make multiple stops during their trip such as grocery shopping or sightseeing. Car rentals can be booked in advance via several car rental companies at Montego Bay Airport such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, or Thrifty among many others.

TripAdvisor has helpful list of car rental companies you can contact.

Pros:

• Flexible timing – no hurry to reach your final destination within a certain time frame (covers more ground)
• Privacy – No other passengers required apart from the ones in your party 

Cons:

• More expensive than public buses & shuttle services due to rental fees + gas expenses 

Conclusion: What Is The Best Option for Getting From Montego Bay Airport to Negril?

Ultimately, choosing what is best for getting from Montego Bay Airport to Negril will depend entirely on your needs and preferences. All the options listed are good ways of getting from one point to another, so it all comes down to how much budget you have, how many stops you want to make during your journey, and how long you’re willing to wait.

If cost is your main priority and you’re willing to put up with a longer journey time and a few stops along the way then taking public buses should be your go-to choice.

If convenience but not cost is higher on your priority list then taking a shuttle is an attractive option as they offer hotel pickups, are air-conditioned, and run on fixed schedules.

Renting a car allows travelers the most flexibility in terms of both time and place, allowing more stops and allowing hostel owners time to check in if required.

Whichever option you choose, always remember to plan your arrival and departure times carefully, pay attention to traffic times, and also be wary of surge pricing.

If you want to explore even more adventure activities in Jamaica – be sure to check out GetYourGuide for even more amazing experiences!