Public transportation
Rent a car
Charter Taxi
Rent a scooter
Rent a bike
go back to FAQ

Public Transportation
Public transportation is the least expensive way to get around.
However, it can be very crowded and a hassle, but at the same time
interesting. And it is always an adventure.
Unless you are comfortable with up to 7 adults in a car (or 21 in
a mini-bus), and some of the fastest driving you've ever seen, we
recommend you hire a driver or rent a car for your stay.
However
if you are adventurous or need to do it on a budget, public transportation
serves all of the main towns on the island. Even small villages
are served by taxis or minibuses.
For
example, hiring a driver from the Montego Bay Airport is about
US$140 (per car) and takes 2-3 hours. By public transport, it’s
about $50 (per person) and takes 4-5 hours.
If
you decide to use public transport from Montego Bay airport, ask
for the bus park (route taxis), where someone might ask you where
you are going. Tell them Treasure Beach and, after trying to get
you to charter them for a straight drive, they should put you on
a Savannah-la-Mar ('Sav' to the locals) bus and pack you in with
the other passengers. From Sav, take a Whitehouse taxi, then a Black
River taxi, and from there a Treasure Beach taxi.Tell the driver
you want to go to Fort Charles.
Please
note: Public transportation typically runs between 6am to 6pm Monday
to Saturday. Service on Sunday is light between larger towns and
sporadic at best for smaller villages.
A route taxi runs a set route and picks up and drops off anywhere
along the way. A charter is a hired car which does not stop for
people along the way. On buses, you generally pay when you reach
half way. The conductor will ask for 'all fares' at the appropriate
time. In taxis, you pay when you reach your destination. Never pay
ahead of time.
go back to FAQ
Rent a car
Renting a car in Jamaica definitely gives you maximum flexibility
to explore the island to your own liking. However, it is not for
the faint-hearted as the driving is done on the left, road signs
are sporadic, and stray cows and goats like to walk in the road
and Jamaicans drive fast. And then there are the numerous potholes.
Not every driver can do it without damaging the car. But if you
drive with care and patience it can be done.
Both
airports have several agencies throughout the island. To rent a
car, you will need a valid driver's license and can use either a
credit card or cash for payment. Costs for gas, a 16.5% tax or insurance
coverage are not included in the rental price of a car.
We
recommend, not to drive in the dark. If you arrive late and want
to pick up a car in Montego Bay, we recommend a friend's guesthouse,
some 7 km outside of the town center, where you can stay over night
and where you can hire a car the next morning.
Currently
there is no local car rental in Treasure Beach. Speak to us about
your transportation.
go back to FAQ
Charter
Taxis
Your best bet is to check with where you are staying and ask them
who they recommend. Most guest houses and villas have drivers they
recommend for airport transfers and tours. Some are Jamaica Tourist
Board licensed, some are not. Another option is negotiating with
public transportation drivers to charter (hire exclusively) them
for your trip.
FYI:
vehicles with red license plates are licensed to carry public
passengers. White license plates denote a private vehicle. Taxi
drivers usually drive a certain route, and are very busy until
about 10 o’clock a.m. So please understand if a taxi driver
is delayed. Jamaican roads give unforseen problems. If you select
the driver as proposed we can say that they are very reliable
and reputable. How long you have to wait for a taxi driver depends
where he is on his route when you call.We recommend to give him
24 hrs advanced notice.
We
recommend calling a taxi driver from the area who will not overcharge.
go back to FAQ
Rent a scooter
At
this time there is one motorcycles rental in Treasure Beach. Bikes
can be delivered directly to the house. If you are renting for more
than a few days, you will get a really good rate. Please ask
go back to FAQ
Rent a bike
There are a few bike rentals around, but things are very "sometimish"
in Jamaica. Please ask.
go back to FAQ
|