The Caribbean - Bus from Negril to Kingston

I have a friend that needs to be at KIN to be on a 2:20pm flight, but we will both be in Negril. Is there any affordable way from him to get there in time?

We saw a company that does car transfers, but we really can't afford the $100-$200. Does anyone have any other good ideas?

Thanks....

Route (shared) taxis are certainly an option, and quite affordable, but I wouldn't plan on waking up in Negril and flying out of KIN the same afternoon. You'll have to change in MoBay for sure, and probably at some other point or points between MoBay and KIN, and then you will have to take a regular taxi the final leg to KIN. And the route taxis may sit and wait for some time until they are full, and may make illogical stops or diversions. So the economical plan would be to depart Negril the day before, get to Kingston whichever way things work out, spend the night in an affordable guest house, and have no worries making it to KIN in plenty of time the next day.

I realize your friend will lose a day at the beach, but if he can't afford the $100-$200 for a JUTA taxi, or to fly from MoBay, this plan will work for well under $50 including route taxis, short leg regular taxi, lodging, and food. Drinks would be extra. The memories may be priceless. ;)

Good luck!

Route taxis may be an option, but not a great one. These are used primarily by locals and the license requirements are much more lax than the ones for tourist transportation. They are often uninsured and you travel at your own risk. Plus they are VERY crowded. I often see 4-5 people in the back seat of a small car. Luggage space will be small to non-existent.

Check with the tour desk at the hotel you will be at. They may be able to set you up on an airport shuttle. I know I can get from Mobay to either Negril or Ocho Rios for $20. I have never been to Kingston but I imagine the shuttles would be fairly similar in price. These are usually small buses or vans that will be appropriate to the expected pax load with bags. They will be properly licensed and insured.

Have fun!
onelove

I agree with you about the limitations of route taxis. However, I believe they may be the only option (other than hitching) that meets the OPs budget limitations. Many route taxis are station wagons with room in the back for luggage, shopping items, etc.

Have you ever seen an airport shuttle from Negril to KIN? I certainly never have. Kingston is a long way away, and an illogical port of entry for someone who's spending their holiday in Negril. Of course some tourists enter at KIN and visit Negril along with the rest of the country. These tourists have rented a car, have the funds for taxis or shuttles, or are using route taxis.

You're right that one can organize an airport shuttle from Negril to MBJ for a minimum of $20. But that leaves you in MBJ, many hours from KIN. For a poster for whom $100 is too much to spend, we're back to looking at route taxis.

When your budget is extremely limited, you travel at your own risk. That's part of what traveling is about. :)

Thanks everyone; he went with the flight option and got a flight for around $60 i think. Should be a lot more comfortable than the other options.

I appreciate the advice ^ and my friend says thanks.