Montego Bay, commonly referred to as MoBay, is the second largest city in the island nation Jamaica, a member of the British Commonwealth. Montego Bay is the capital of St. James Parish, one of the 14 parishes in Jamaica.
Montego Bay Sangster International Airport is on the northwest part of the island. The airport is very close to the cruise ports at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Here there are some companies that offer private transportation:
* Travel Around Jamaica Tours [url=http://www.travelaroundjamaica.com/categories/Airport-Transfers/]]/ 1st Class Private Montego Bay Airport Transfers and Tour Services to all hotels and villas in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, Jamaica.
* Mr. Stubbs [http://mr-stubbs.com/[/url]
* Best Jamaica [http://bestjamaica.com/montego-bay-airport-taxi.html]
* Amstar DMC [url=http://www.amstardmc.com/jamaica/destinations/montego_bay/montego_bay_transport.php]]/ Montego Bay Airport Transfers
* Island Transfers [http://itransfertourist.com/categories/AIRPORT-TRANSFERS/[/url]
* Jamaica Tour [http://www.jamaica-tour.com/ground-transportation.htm]
* Jamaica Vacations [https://jcvtt.com/]
* Paradise Palms Jamaica [http://www.paradisepalmsjamaica.com]
* PG Tours Jamaica [http://www.pgtoursja.com/]
* Jamaica Airport Transfers [url=http://www.jamaicaairporttransfer.com]]/ Transfers from Montego Bay Airport
* Jamaican Taxi Tours [http://jamaicantaxitours.com/jamaica_airport_transfers/[/url]
Montego Freeport, built in the 1960s on what was called the Bogue Islands, is the port of Montego Bay[http://cruisemontegobay.com/index.html]. The Montego Freeport terminal consists of five primary berths two of which are dedicated exclusively for cruise shipping. There is a telecommunications centre for cruise passengers (and crew), snack and refreshment stand.
Transportation is available from the terminal building, supervised by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which also maintains a visitor information booth. Montego Freeport is about 3km south of town. Taxis to downtown MoBay cost about US$10. Shuttle bus service from the cruise ship pier to downtown City Centre Shopping Mall for US $ 2.-per person each way.
There are two major parts of Montego Bay. Downtown and the hip strip on Gloucester Avenue.
Downtown is very crowded and is recommended to see only during the day. Many parts at night it can be unsafe. Downtown during the day is very busy a taxi will move very slowly. Downtown is a cool opportunity to see life in a city in Jamaica. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe. This is where you can find local grocery stores and such. This is where the bus station and Knutsford Express is located. Be aware the city will have many people asking for money or wanting to show you around. People offering advice or wanting to show you around will want money. It's best to say no thank you from the start.
The hip strip on Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. This are isn't very far from the airport.
The first thing to note is the various types of taxis. There are three kinds, Red-Plate, Tours, and non-Red-Plates.
Red-Plates are official taxis. These cars have a red license plate on the car. Do not let the "official taxi" fool you into paying high prices. These Taxi's will offer exorbitant prices too. You could probably cut their fair by 1/3 to 1/2. Do not be surprised if you don't pay the full exorbitant price, they will pick up an additional person, especially if it's a van. NEVER get into a taxi before establishing a price. Be ready to have exact change or do not expect anything back. They do not take credit cards.
Non-Red plate taxi's can be anyone owning a car wanting to drive people around. These will be very prevalent by the bus stations, away from the airports and in tourist areas, and the beaches. These can be unsafe because they are not regulated by the country or locally. These taxi's will offer the same fees higher then the Red-Plates. NEVER get into a taxi before establishing a price. Be ready to have exact change or do not expect anything back. They do not take credit cards.
Tours Taxi's such as Junta Tours are officially sanction by the tourism board. These buses or cars will offer fair prices, but not as low as if you bargained with the red-plates. These taxi's will offer fair costs from the start with 1-2$ more.
You'll be endlessly accosted by taxis in the arrival hall to take you where-ever you need to go. See the various types of taxis above. Their prices are exorbitant by Jamaican standards (US$10 and up).
If you're traveling with large amounts of luggage. These Taxis might be your best option, recently the airport staff has assisted with helping travels get a taxi if desired. From the aiport to downtown/Knoxford Express bus depot. You shouldnt pay more than $500-$800 Jamaican.
If you're traveling light, the airport is very close to Gloucester Ave (Hip Strip), and it should take no more than 10 minutes to walk to the north end of it from the airport. Just follow the signs on your way out of the airport, walking on the highway is normal and acceptable in Jamaica, and there is a small sidewalk the whole way to Gloucester Ave. It takes more like 30-40 minutes to get to the city center 3km away. The hip strip is a quick 15-25 min walk.
For quicker and cheaper travel, take a route taxi (designated by red license plates), but only if you have Jamaican Dollars. After leaving the international terminal, follow the sidewalk toward the domestic terminal (to your right) around 750 feet. Straight ahead you'll see a bunch of white sedans with red plates, that are the route taxis into town. Be sure to clarify you're not hiring the entire taxi and doing a share. The (Jamaican) fare is $80 but be ready to tourist price of pay $100.
Another option is to walk to the roadway and flag one down. The fare should be less than $100J(around US$1) anywhere in the city, but don't be surprised if you give a $100bill, and don't get change. In fact, your best bet is probably to give a $100JMD bill. Be ready to bargin, you will be lucky to get this price. NEVER get into a cab without establishing a price prior to getting in or going anywhere.
Getting back to the airport, again, you can flag down a route taxi anywhere on the hip-strip. I found it best to take one from the transportation center downtown, they will be waiting in a line to fill up. Just sit down in the taxi in front of the line, and wait for it to fill up. Having taken the route several times, and observing closely what locals pay, the fare from downtown to the airport is $80JMD (as of April 2013).NEVER get into a cab without establishing a price prior to getting in or going anywhere.
Be aware some locally owned resorts will have "official cab drivers" who will offer exorbitant prices too. Never be afraid to say no and take your business elsewhere. NEVER get into a cab without establishing a price prior to getting in or going anywhere.
Many hotels and resorts offer their own free buses, check with you hotel before arrival it will save you the hassle with dealing with local taxi's and bargaining.
Minibuses and route taxis arrive and depart from the transportation station off Barnett St at the south end of St James St. There’s an inspector’s office (7AM-6PM) inside the gate where you can ask for the departure point of the bus you’re seeking.
Montego Bay Metro (952-5500; 19A Union St) introduced in 2000 a municipal bus service. Montego Bay Metro now operates three routes: Greenwood to City Centre; Sandy Bay to City Centre; and Cambridge to City Centre.
Taxis are readily available, but as with all cities be aware that some drivers will be less honest or reliable than others. follow your instincts; never get into an unmarked car with someone who offers you a ride, and stick with taxi services you recognize. Your hotel can suggest trustworthy drivers but if a hotel recommends a driver that is expensive, do not be afraid to say "no thank you". If an offer feels expensive, it probably is.
Another very common way of getting anywhere outside the vicinity of your hotel is by tour van. If you book a tour to the falls or the canopy, the driver will usually pick you up at your hotel. For more on tours, check the Do section below.
Airport transport and tours. Mr. Stubbs is a local guide who does airport transfers and also personalized tours. Air conditioned bus. Seats up to 20 people. Note, he usually books up quite fast in high season.
* Travel Around Jamaica Tours provides private Montego Bay airport transfers to any hotels or villas in Jamaica; as well as private sightseeing and cruise ship tours and excursions in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
* Offers airport transfers and tours across Jamaica with uncompromising service.
* Offers eco-friendly, personalized tours in Western Jamaica.
* Jamaican tour company offers various private tours all over the island.
* The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are a great way to explore the Caribbean Ocean. On the Catamaran cruise, there is an opportunity for sight seeing, snorkeling, drinking, sun bathing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and patient, making sure new comers to snorkeling feel comfortable with their equipment and what to look for while exploring the sea. After snorkeling, alcohol is served on the catamaran, along with massages by the crewmemebers. The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are fun, safe, and a great experience.
All day, representatives from tour companies will stroll the beaches, offering parasailing, horseback riding, and a million other fun activities; if you're interested, keep your ears and eyes open for these guys, but remember to always play it safe and go with companies you recognize and trust. A lot can go wrong during these activities if the people in charge don't know what they're doing!
Linkage Guesthouse 33 Church St., Downtown
I guess "authentic" is the best way to describe this place. It's an intimidating hotel in the intimidating downtown district. This place is for the seriously budget conscious traveller only. It is easily the cheapest place in town, and possibly the cheapest on the whole island... but, you get what you pay for, which is a private bed, a shared shower, and a locking door (and not much else). The walls look like my fat uncle's t-shirt after he ate a greasy burrito and then ran a mile in the Sahara desert, the bathroom doors are so warped with years of moisture that opening and closing them sounds like moving a heavy dresser across the floor, and it's not clear if the people you pay your money to are owners or squatters. Still, a good place if you just want a place to crash before getting out of MoBay and you don't plan on going to the beach or going out at night $1500JMD/night (about $17USD)
*Bethel Court Guesthouse Mount Salem
(http://www.bethelcourt.com) - Here you will have your own private furnished apartment. $20/night dorms, $50 Private 1 bedroom apartment 1-876-476-7239.
*The Bird's Nest Patterson Avenue, Ironshore, (http://www.kiteboardingjamaica.com) - It is Jamaicas first and only sports orientated hostel, the best choice on the island for sports related travel. The Birds Nest is run by passionate kitesurfers who operate Jamaicas only IKO Kitesurf center app. 20 minutes from the hostel. $ 20/night dorms,$30 Private Rooms +1 (876) - 5832255; 5050126.
*Caribic House 69 Gloucester Avenue. Hostel - very much budget accommodation. Great views of the beach from the third floor. Across the street from Doctor's Cave Beach. $35/night (double occupancy) Note, it was $60/night in Dec.2012, seasonal variation?.
*Hotel Gloriana, 1-2 Sunset Blvd., +1 876 979-0669, [url=http://hotelgloriana.com/].]A cheap place to sleep, with lovely staff, but the rooms are very basic. $30/night.
*Ridgeway Guest House, 34 Queens Dr [http://www.ridgewayguesthouse.com[/url]. An inexpensive, well-liked guest house run by a very hospitable and helpful staff. $50/night.
*The Jamaica Grandiosa Resort, 3 Ramparts Close, +1 876 979 3205. Another budget option, with nice views and a friendly staff. $60/night.
*Grand Palladium Resorts & Spa located in Lucea,
Jamaica +1 888 774-0040
call for reservations
All Inclusive
3 Meals daily plus snacks and
all drinks and house wines with meals inluded. Free activities (snorkeling, sailing, paddle boating) all of these activities are located on the beach adjacent to the Grand Palladium Resort.Lifeguard on duty. $60/night.
Kids Stay Free
10 room bed and breakfast with pool, made to order breakfast, ocean views, Wi-Fi, secure parking and a great location in the heart of Montego Bay.
* Allspice Villa Bed & Breakfast, [url=http://www.allspicevilla.com/].]Newly refurbished bed and breakfast villa overlooking Montego Bay, owned and managed by a young American couple. $125-200 per night.
* Paradise Palms Jamaica Villa, [url=http://www.paradisepalmsjamaica.com/[/url].4]bedroom sleeps 9 persons Ranked number 3 on Tripadvisor Vacation rental +440208 5996516
* Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, [url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147311-d209673-Reviews-Holiday_Inn_SunSpree_Resort_Montego_Bay-Montego_Bay_Jamaica.html[/url].]All inclusive, good for families starting at around $150/night. Water is shallow but you can see fish snorkeling. Good 'all-rounder'.
* Doctors Cave Beach Hotel [url=http://www.doctorscave.com/[/url],]a moderately priced hotel that is centrally located along Gloucester Avenue (called the Hip Strip). A well established alternative for those seeking a good value. $115-170/night.
* El Greco Resort, P.O. Box 1624 [url=http://www.elgrecojamaica.com/[/url].] Popular resort village. Furnished one and two bedroom air-conditioned suites, just an elevator ride down to famous Doctors Cave beach. $112-177/night for 2-4 people.
* Royal DeCameron Resort, +1 876 952-4342, [url=http://www.decameron.com/Destinations/Montego/Montego.htm[/url].] Oceanview rooms and patio, includes all food and drinks (including international drinks and wine). 3 Beaches, and 2 pools. 1 Al a carte restaurant and 1 buffet. 100$/person/night, including all beach activities.
* Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort, Rose Hall Road, Montego Bay. Tel: 1-876-953-2650, [url=http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/montegobay[/url].] This island resort in Montego Bay was a legendary sugar plantation during the 18th century. $250/night.
* Royal Reef Hotel in Montego Bay, Greenwood P.O. Box 10 Falmouth, Trelawny Jamaica W.I. [http://www.royalreefja.com/[/url]. The Royal Reef Hotel in Montego Bay is a premier Jamaican hotel that provides guests with luxurious comfort that caters to the needs of every traveler. . Rates start at $150
*
Half Moon Rose Hall, Half Moon P.O., Rose Hall, +1 876 953 2211, [url=http://www.halfmoon.com/].]A large hotel with golf courses, spa facilities, a variety of vacation villas, and conference and meeting facilities. Rooms and suites start at $350/night.
*Riu Montego Bay, Ironshore P.O, Rose Hall [http://www.riu.com/en/hotel-riu-montego-bay-montego-bay-jamaica.html[/url]. Less than three miles from downtown Montego Bay, and 1.7 miles from the airport, it has a wide variety of activities and comfortable accommodations in a beautiful setting, including an on-site spa, entertainment by the pool and on the beach during the day and on stage at night. $400/night The Riu Montego Bay has a total of 5 bars and 5 restaurants. The restaurants include a Steak House, Italian Restaurant, Asian Restaurant, Main Restaurant and a pool-side buffet. There are 2 pool-side bars, and 2 inside the resort and 1 sports bar. The sports bar is open 24 hours with a mini-casino located right next door. There is always entertainment during the day at the pool area and at night, either in the entertainment area, or on the beach. The Riu Montego Bay is a great vacation spot for everybody.
* Luxury villa with nice views and good service. The 5 guest suites and the owner's villa can accommodate one group of up to 20. Tennis court, 2 pools, heliport, 14 staff.
* A splurge, but worth it. Popular for its many amenities and available activities, as well excellent service.
You can get domestic flights to Kingston's second airport Tinson Pen.
A weekly international service to [wiki=113e202b52db7631b4c47027d1edccf5]Santiago de Cuba[/wiki] is also available, costing approximately US$400 (June 2012) with Air jamaica Shuttle[http://www.jamaicaairshuttle.com/]
You can book helicopter airport transfer transportation with [http://paradisepalmsjamaicatours.com/shop/helicopter-flights-c-12]
Knutsford Express Buses are becoming more and more popular for means of travel throughout Jamaica. Knutsford Express offers charter buses form all the major cities to any of the major tourist locations such as Ocho-Rios, Kingston, Negril and Montego Bay. Fairs are payable on site or on their website ahead of time. Costs depends on the time you book, it's recommended to book ahead of time.
The Montego Bay Transportation Center, in downtown Montego Bay has buses and route-taxis serving most cities throughout the country including but not limited to [wiki=8fc62d00d2c80bdb5306b4ba590c5fd6]Black River[/wiki],[wiki=0fc2cbb199ea7a0b8b5c8f33f4ddbce0]Ocho Rios[/wiki], [wiki=24e6434c4f42d9278801808ba5113247]Spanish Town[/wiki] & [wiki=3303f645b1c5a2bb4d36ab1be910714b]Kingston[/wiki]. Don't be intimidated, If you can't find the right taxi or bus in the transportaion center, you'll almost certainly be approached by someone asking you where you're going. Don't panic, these people are generally trustworthy and will point you in the right direction. When in doubt, make sure the car or bus you get into has a red license plate, and it should have its destination printed on the side door (e.g. MoBay-to-Lucea). Another good bet that you aren't getting scammed is to only get into a vehicle with other Jamaican passangers in it. Again, people at the transportation center aren't like the hustlers on the hip-strip, so take their info at face value as it generally tends to be correct.
To get to Negril, you'll have to take a bus or route taxi to Lucea. The fare to Lucea is around $180JMD. Where the bus drops you off in Lucea, there will likely be a route-taxi waiting to fill up and take you to Negril. Again, the people hanging around in Lucea can generally be trusted to point you in the right direction. Lucea-Negril was around $200JMD.
To get to Ocho Rios ask to get pointed to the right mini bus. It should be $400 JMD and about 1 hour 45 minutes.
To get to Treasure Beach, there is supposedly a bus to Black River, this would be your best bet. Then transfer to a route-taxi in Black River. Avoid taking a bus to Savanna-la-mar, as this is a longer route and a bigger hassle (you'll need to take two more taxis just to get to Black River anyway). Total fare should be $300-$500JMD.
[[Category: Cornwall County]]
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[[Wikipedia:Montego Bay]]