OUR JAMAICA ROAD TRIP
After exploring Peru and Brazil, we rented a car for one week in Jamaica and began our exciting Jamaica road trip. Our accommodations were a mix of budget-friendly stays and two nights at an all-inclusive hotel. While our Jamaica Road Trip we visited Negril, Kingston, and Ocho Rios, driving about 500 kilometers (310 miles) through stunning landscapes. In this blog post, we share our trip, useful tips, and answers to common questions. Now, let’s dive into our seven-day Jamaica itinerary.
How to travel around Jamaica and why we chose to rent a car
Getting around Jamaica offers several options, each with pros and cons. Public buses are cheap but slow and do not go directly to hotels. Uber is safe and affordable for short trips in cities but not for long distances. Private drivers are convenient but expensive. We met travelers who paid 250.00 USD for six hours. Tours are comfortable but costly and inflexible.
After weighing all options, we decided to rent a car and to go on a Jamaica road trip. Driving gave us freedom to explore beaches, enjoy authentic Jamaican food, and experience the culture at our own pace. Thats something other options did not provide.
All important information about driving in Jamaica is explained in detail in our Jamaica travel guide.
Day 1: Start of our Jamaica Road Trip and Drive to Negril
At the airport exit, a Keebz staff member was already waiting for us. The local rental company was excellent and we paid just 55.00 USD per day, which was less than half the price of international companies. After picking up the car, we started our drive to Negril. The two hour journey was beautiful, with ocean views and a stunning sunset. There were no tolls, just a few potholes and some risky overtaking. Tired from the trip, we finally arrived in Negril. Hotel options are plenty here. We stayed about 15 minutes from Seven Mile Beach at the peaceful Westender Inn, which has a tropical garden, several pools and its own restaurant.
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Its location on the cliffs is truly unique. Rick’s Cafe is also close by. After enjoying our first of many jerk chickens and the first Jamaican beer Red Stripe, we just fell straight into bed in our bungalow. We paid 147.00 USD for two nights without breakfast and without air conditioning, but the provided fans worked really well.
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Day 2: The Best of Negril: Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe
1. What Makes Seven Mile Beach So Special
The name Seven Mile Beach says it all. Stretching for around 11 kilometers, it’s the longest beach in Jamaica. We thought, “Let’s jump in the car and head straight to the beach.” But just twenty minutes later, we ran into our first challenge: where to park at Seven Mile Beach?
Despite lots of searching online, we couldn’t find clear answers. Parking in Jamaica can be tricky, especially because most tourists travel with guided minivan tours. Luckily, we ended up finding a free parking spot at Woodstock Cafe, which turned out to be a great starting point for the morning.
At Seven Mile Beach we quickly got a sense of how much things can cost in Jamaica. 10.00 USD for a smoothie really surprised us. Of course you are also paying for the beautiful ocean view. After a short walk along the beach we decided to head back to the hotel and return later using the free shuttle service from the Westender Inn. Because we had already spotted a few beach bars that looked really inviting, it turned out to be a great decision.
Of course, one small downside of doing a Jamaica road trip is that you have to stay sober behind the wheel, even though it is pretty clear that not everyone on the road does.
The shuttle ride was a fun experience. Some hotel staff joined us, turned up the music, and sang along. It showed how much Jamaicans enjoy life even though many live in small tin roofed huts.
When we got back to the beach, we went straight to a beach bar. On the way, we were offered weed several times and shown mushrooms. This happened more than once and at times it felt overwhelming. The most important thing is to stay respectful.
One Love is more than just a popular saying in Jamaica, it is a mindset that we truly came to appreciate.
The Sunset Side Beach Bar caught our attention right away. The bar is decorated with license plates from around the world and covered in fun stickers. It is a great and affordable place to relax at Seven Mile Beach. You can get strong daiquiris for 8.00 USD, and they were so big they did not fit into one cup. The only downside is they accept cash only. Charging our phones and watching our belongings was possible, too.
For our 6 pm shuttle pick-up, we asked the driver if he could drop us off at Rick’s Cafe instead of the hotel. He directly agreed and even offered to pick us up there later. In Negril is UBER available.
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Parking at Woodstock Cafe
Norman Manley Blvd, Negril, Jamaica
Sunset Side Beach Bar
Negril 7 Mile Beach Jamaica, Jamaica
2. Is Rick’s Cafe Worth Visiting?
First of all, Ricks Cafe is a true institution in Jamaica and we believe that anyone doing even a little research will come across it. But is Ricks Cafe really as special as people say? In our opinion there are two things to consider when visiting. If you want to see the famous cliff jumpers, or maybe even try it yourself, and experience the lively crowded vibe, then go in the afternoon and stay until sunset. We arrived just in time for sunset, so we missed the cliff jumpers, but the upside was that it was no longer crowded since all the cruise ship tourists had already left.
Would we fully recommend a visit? It depends on whether you are okay with the high prices. For example, we paid 34.00 USD for a jerk chicken kebab, a very tasty Jamaican dish, and two Cola Zeros that had more ice than drink. Still, even though it is very touristy, the sunset is absolutely magical. And the best part is, you can simply go for the view and the music without ordering anything. For the location, the sunset, and the DJ, it is worth a visit. The name “Cafe” is also a bit misleading, because it is much more of a bar than a cafe. Entrance is free.
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Address
W End Rd, Negril, Jamaica
Website
https://www.rickscafejamaica.com/
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
10 – 12 pm
Day 3: To Kingston via Treasure Beach from Negril
1. Day 3: From Negril to Treasure Beach and on to Kingston — A Scenic Jamaican Road Trip
There are many things to do in Jamaica by car, but one thing that really stood out for us was visiting beaches off the beaten path. So before driving from Negril to Kingston, we looked for interesting stops along the way and found Treasure Beach, which we decided to visit. Day three was actually our longest drive. In total, we covered about 240 kilometers (150 miles). That might not sound like much, but only the last 80 kilometers (50 miles) are on a modern toll motorway. Before that, we drove through mountains, along the ocean, and passed through small towns.
You have to watch out for potholes on the road, and sometimes it’s necessary to carefully pass slow trucks. Parking at Treasure Beach was once again a bit tricky, as we weren’t exactly sure where it was allowed. In the end, we parked for free at the Frenchman’s Bay Restaurant and accessed the beach from there. The beach itself wasn’t super spectacular, so if you are short on time, it’s okay to skip this stop. Visiting Treasure Beach adds about one hour of detour to your drive.
After leaving Treasure Beach, we faced a 1 hour and 15 minute drive through winding mountain roads before reaching the much-anticipated toll road. We wondered: is it possible to pay tolls in Jamaica by credit card? Luckily, at this toll station, credit cards were accepted. However, we later learned that many tolls across the island only take cash. This can be tricky if you don’t carry enough Jamaican dollars or USD, so it’s important to be prepared. We weren’t prepared every time. More on that later.
After the intense drive, we decided to enjoy some Jamaican food and get some rest. A roadtrip in Jamaica is exhausting. Is Kingston safe? With nearly one million residents, Kingston is Jamaica’s largest city. The country has a crime index of 68.1, ranking it among the top ten most dangerous countries globally. It is important to choose your accommodation carefully in Kingston. After research, we picked New Kingston, a safer area close to the Bob Marley Museum. The Hotel name was Eventuality Bed, Breakfast one night was 111.00 USD incl. breakfast.
We even walked to the nearby restaurant. If you feel unsure about walking, ordering an Uber is a good option. Uber is available and affordable in Kingston, making it easy for you to get around safely.
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Eventuality Bed, Breakfast
Address
4 Pawsey Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
Website
https://www.eventualitytour.com/
Janga’s
22 Belmont Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday
11 am – 12 am
Friday
11 am – 1 am
Saturday
4 pm – 1 am
Sunday
3 pm – 11 pm
Day 4: Bob Marley Museum + Drive to Ocho Rios
1. Visiting the Bob Marley Museum During Our One Week in Jamaica
“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right.”
These iconic lyrics and many others by Bob Marley have traveled the world, just like his message of peace, unity and love. You will hear his songs like Three Little Birds and Redemption Song everywhere in Jamaica. So during our one week in Jamaica, visiting the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston was a must. The museum, located in his former home and recording studio, lets you walk in his footsteps and feel the energy of a man who changed the world with music. From stage outfits to handwritten lyrics, this place was more than a museum. It was a truly powerful and emotional experience.
The Bob Marley Museum is open every day except Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Entrance fees are 25 USD for adults and 12 USD for children and include a guided tour. Filming and photography are not allowed inside the house. Our guide Ricky, a reggae singer himself (link to his spotify), proudly shared that he once guided Prince Harry and Meghan. The tour offers deep insights into Bob Marley’s lasting influence on Jamaican culture and the world. We won’t go into too much detail here because this is something you have to experience yourself.
If you want to learn more about Bob Marley’s life or still have questions, be sure to watch the movie Bob Marley Only Love, which tells his story in depth and captures his spirit perfectly.
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Address
6, 56 Hope Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
Website
https://www.bobmarleymuseum.com/
Opening hours
Monday to Friday
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
2. Kingston to Ocho Rios on Our Jamaica Road Trip
We already mentioned that we had trouble at a toll station and that the Sunset Side Beach Bar only accepted cash. When you put those two things together you can guess what happened. We spent all our US dollars at the bar and since we had paid the first toll station by card we assumed we could do the same again. That assumption was wrong. We ended up at a toll booth with no Jamaican or US dollars and had to back up. The only money we still had was euros which we exchanged with a local though at a very poor rate after explaining our situation.
The drive from Kingston to Ocho Rios was by far the best drive we experienced in Jamaica. It takes only about one and a half hours along a well-maintained highway. The toll fee was approximately 12.00 USD. This smooth and scenic route made traveling between these two popular destinations easy and comfortable for us.
After experiencing this road, we honestly wished every drive during our Jamaica road trip had been this relaxing.
Day 5: Ocho Rios Highlights
1. Staying in Ocho Rios – What You Should Know
Ocho Rios has around 10000 residents so you might think it is a quiet town but that is far from true. Every year around 750000 cruise tourists visit Ocho Rios most of them just for the day and without staying overnight. That means the selection of accommodations is limited.
We were lucky to find a beautiful place to stay in Ocho Rios where every room comes with a sea view and private balcony. The hotel also offers free parking which is essential when doing a road trip through Jamaica.
The beautiful Sand and Tan Beach Hotel in Ocho Rios cost us 222.00 USD for two nights including breakfast. The hotel has a lovely private beach, an on-site restaurant, and even offers free paddle boards for guests. The location is perfect, right by the sea and at the mouth of the White River. There are also a few simple local restaurants and a supermarket within walking distance.
The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking and something we will never forget. We can already tell you that we never once regretted including Ocho Rios in our Jamaica road trip.
We really enjoyed the restaurant. They accept card payments and the prices are fair for the portion sizes. After spending two nights at the hotel, we can highly recommend it. The German manager has built a motivated team, and the location is fantastic. Plus, Dunns River Falls is just a 15-minute drive away!
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2. Have You Ever Climbed a Waterfall? Experience Dunn's River Falls
The Dunn’s River Falls are a 55 meter high and 180 meter long (180 foot high, 600 foot long) landmark and a must visit in Jamaica. It is also on of the easy things to do by car in Jamaica because free parking is available. Before entering, be sure to stop at Travis’s small souvenir store, which offers very good prices. Send him greetings from the Peruvian German couple. Entrance costs are 25.00 USD for adults and 17.00 USD for children. Lockers to store your belongings are available for 8.00 USD.
The falls are famous for their climbable rocks. It is important to bring water shoes or buy a pair onsite for about 10.00 USD because the stones can be very slippery. If you want to avoid the cruise tourists, arrive right at opening time, but be aware you will mostly be on your own. As more people arrive, a human chain forms to climb the falls with the help of guides. You can start or end the climb at different points along the waterfall.
The Dunns River Falls are definitely worth a visit and were a unique experience we will never forget. It was exciting and a bit challenging, and where else in the world can you do something like this?
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Address Souvenir Store
CV87+574 Steer Town, Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls
Address
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Website
https://dunnsriverfallsja.com/
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
8:30 am – 4pm
3. Bamboo Rafting in Jamaica with the Best Price We Found
After this exciting experience, it was time to relax. We headed to a nearby supermarket, grabbed a few Red Stripes, and met up with a local we had met the evening before. He calls himself Dr. Feel Good, and he was our bamboo rafting captain.
Most online tours for bamboo rafting in Jamaica cost up to 80.00 USD per person. Mr Feel Good offered us the same experience for just 30.00 USD each. We invited him for a beer, and then floated peacefully up and down the White River while listening to reggae music. You can also make stops along the way for a mud massage, drinks, or food.
So if you are looking for a cheap bamboo rafting experience in Ocho Rios, head to Dr. Feel Good. The tours start just five minutes’ walk from the hotel we stayed at. To find him, walk down the street from the hotel until you reach the main road and ask for Dr. Feel Good. His approximate location is marked in the “More Information” section. After all the fun on the White River, it was time to grab some food.
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Dr. Feel Good
Address
CW6H+W9X Ocho Rios, Jamaica
4. Where to Find Local Jerk Chicken in Ocho Rios
The day before, we met Bentley, a local selling jerk chicken just a few minutes from our hotel and on the way to the rafting tour. At first, we were surprised by the price, 25.00 USD without any sides, which is very expensive. But what really made this stop memorable was the interaction with the locals. We had some great conversations about life in Jamaica, their daily routines, and how they see tourists. In the end, the jerk chicken was delicious, but what we will remember most is the warm and honest exchange with the people. Oh, and one more tip, make sure to ask for their hot sauce!
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Address
CW7H+68W Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Day 6 and 7: Drive to Montego Bay + All-Inclusive Resort
We do not want to spend too many words on this part. The drive from Ocho Rios to Montego Bay takes around one and a half hours and is very relaxed. It is not a toll road. We returned our rental car to Keebz without any problems, and they even offered us a free ride to our all inclusive hotel called SeaGarden Beach Resort, just five minutes away. The price per night was 238.00 USD for two people. This was the end of our Jamaica road trip but not the end of the trip.
The hotel is located right next to the airport, so you will hear planes, but for us it was the best option. The food and drinks were okay, and we finally had the chance to relax before flying out. The bay in front of the hotel is absolutely beautiful and made for a peaceful last evening in Jamaica. If you are looking for a place to spend your last days and do not want to rent a car anymore, this hotel is a good choice. Just don’t expect a luxury experience.
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Key Takeaways from Our Jamaica Road Trip
After one week in Jamaica, we learned a lot to help you plan your Jamaica road trip. Renting a car gives freedom, but driving can be tricky with narrow roads and local traffic. Bring cash for tolls and places that don’t take cards. Parking is limited, so plan ahead. We loved the beaches, food, and cultural spots like the Bob Marley Museum. For safety, stick to known areas and use Uber or taxis.
We drove about 500 kilometers and spent 47.00 USD on gas. Jamaica offers a great mix of nature, culture, and fun.
Always remember “One Love” for an amazing Jamaica road trip.
Thanks For Reading
