Now that I’ve experienced every possible way to get around in Jamaica I guess it’s time to compare! The only thing I’ve not done is the Knutsford Express which I intend to do just for kicks one day, and because it’s more comfy than the minibus 😀
**2017 Edit** I have since done the Knutsford Express and it ROCKS compared to other methods of public transport.
Tour Bus – The standard pick up at the airport just like everyone else. I think this is okay for your first couple trips because it’s easy – but NOT cheap. I’ve seen rates like $130 USD one way! On a bus full of other tourists! I think I should run a tour bus, I can make a grand in a day and kick it the rest of the week LOL! Tour buses aren’t really my cup of tea because I feel they’re structured and direct. I’m flexible and random.
Charter Taxi – This is the next step down from a tour bus. A much more personal ride and a cooler driver (if you’re lucky). They still cost an arm and a leg but at least they’re only carrying you and they have to talk to you so they earn their keep more than shuttles. I have a couple friends who charter themselves and they both have really nice and clean vehicles and they have the customer in mind and drive safely.
Route Taxi – Forget everything I just said about safety and customer in mind LOL! And forget about riding alone too. I think Jamaican route taxis are a riot! You pile in a car with a bunch of locals – usually more than the car can handle. Once I rode in the front seat straddling the manual shift stick because that was the only place there was room for me. I don’t know who had more fun….me or the driver who had to put his hand between my legs every time he had to shift! But guess what? It cost me about $2.
Minibus – This was by far the most harrowing Jamaica transportation story I’ve got! I was in Mandeville and needed to get to Ocho Rios and the only reason I was on the minibus is because I’d been robbed and literally needed THE cheapest way from A to B….which was also the longest and most indirect route ever! If you thought a route taxi could hold people you haven’t seen anything compared to the minibus! They’re also really cheap but not very direct. I did Mandeville to Kingston, took a city bus from Kingston to Spanish Town, then minibus from Spanish Town to Ocho Rios. The entire ordeal took more than 4 hours with stops, and I got my fair share of looks from Jamaicans probably thinking I was horribly lost because I had my luggage with me. But anyways I think the word “sardine” was invented on the Jamaican minibus. That bus does NOT leave until the driver maximizes every inch of the interior, he will actually stand outside soliciting passengers until you’re on each others laps. It was fun! I really wished I’d taken some video of the ordeal but I was always at the front of the bus and it would have been rude to turn around with a video camera and capture everyone’s faces.
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