Montego Bay is packed with cruise ports and shopping centers, but there’s a whole island waiting beyond the city. If you’re itching to see waterfalls, mountains, or hidden beaches, short road trips from Montego Bay are a fun way to see more of Jamaica.
From quiet beach coves to breezy hillside spots, you’ll find plenty of gems just an hour or two away. That’s why renting a car in Jamaica is such a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to wander, take detours, and turn a simple drive into an adventure. Here are some of the best short drives from Montego Bay.
Renting a car in Montego Bay is easy. Both local and international car rental companies are based here. Local renters usually need a valid Jamaican driver's license and a credit card. Some companies may allow cash or debit, but check first. Meanwhile, international renters need to show their passport, a valid driver’s license from their home country, and sometimes an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most companies accept licenses printed in English.
Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road. If it’s your first time driving here, use mobile apps for directions. Gas stations are common along main routes, especially the A1 highway from Montego Bay to Negril and Falmouth.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 24 minutes, 16 km (via A1 Highway)
If you're starting your weekend from Montego Bay, the Rose Hall Great House and Greenwood loop is one of the easiest and most rewarding short drives you can take. The route offers scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
First, stop at Rose Hall Great House. This 18th-century Georgian mansion overlooks the coast and is known for its legend of the “White Witch,” Annie Palmer. Guided tours are available during the day and evening, with the night tour adding a spookier vibe. Inside, you'll find preserved period furnishings, restored architecture, and historical exhibits.
A short 17-minute drive further east brings you to Greenwood Great House. This estate was built in the 1780s and is one of the best-preserved great houses in Jamaica. It’s privately owned but open to the public with guided tours that showcase a rare collection of antique furniture, 19th-century musical instruments, and over 300 books in its original library.The house sits on a hilltop with sweeping views, much quieter than Rose Hall.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 17 minutes, 7.2 km (via The Queens Dr and A1)
Lethe is best known for its bamboo rafting experience on the Great River. Each raft is made from natural bamboo and holds two people. A licensed raft captain gently steers you down the river, shares stories about the area, and may even offer a quick limestone foot massage. Rides usually last 45 minutes to an hour.
Lethe is the third most popular place to go bamboo rafting in Jamaica, after the Rio Grande and Martha Brae rivers. The sun is warm, the water is calm, and the area is full of trees, birds, and peaceful views. It’s located in the hills, about 30 minutes from Montego Bay and 90 minutes from Negril, making it a great day trip for travelers looking to relax and enjoy nature. While rafting is the main reason people visit, Lethe also gives you a glimpse of Jamaican countryside life. You’ll pass small homes, banana trees, and local vendors selling coconuts or handmade crafts.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 1 hour and 32 minutes, 76 km (via A1)
If you’re up for a longer but scenic drive, Negril is a great choice. It’s on Jamaica’s west coast, and the drive passes through towns like Hopewell, Green Island, and Lucea. Once in Negril, head straight to Seven Mile Beach, a long stretch of white sand and calm, shallow water. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the shore. You’ll find plenty of beachfront restaurants, bars, and places to rent beach chairs. Water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling are also available at many points along the beach.
In the afternoon, go to West End Cliffs, about 15 minutes south of the beach. This side is known for its dramatic cliff views and clear, deep water. The most popular stop here is Rick’s Café, a lively spot where you can watch cliff divers leap into the sea from platforms as high as 35 feet. It’s also one of the top spots to catch the sunset during a road trip in Jamaica.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 2 hours and 23 minutes, 80 km (via Niagara Main Road)
Cockpit Country is known for its untouched forests, limestone hills, and unique round-top valleys. This protected area is home to some of Jamaica’s richest biodiversity. The dense forest here is filled with native birds, plants, and caves. It's also one of the best places in Jamaica for hiking, birdwatching, and learning about Maroon heritage. Local guides from villages like Accompong offer tours that take you through the landscape while sharing stories of the Maroons—descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped and built independent communities in the hills.
One of the main cultural stops is Accompong Village. You can visit the town square, meet local guides, and see the monument dedicated to their leader, Cudjoe. If you visit on January 6, the village hosts a large celebration of the Maroon Treaty. There are no big hotels or resorts here, so it’s best for day trips unless you're planning a homestay or guided eco-tour.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: Approximately 1 hours and 34 minutes hours, 34 km (via B6)
YS Falls is a beautiful natural spot in St. Elizabeth Parish, on Jamaica’s south coast. When you arrive, a short tractor-pulled jitney ride takes you through a working farm to the falls. YS Falls features seven waterfalls that flow into natural pools. Some pools are shallow and safe for children, while others are deeper for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty, and water shoes are recommended due to the rocky areas.
For adventure seekers, there's a 40-ft zipline that goes over the falls. River tubing is also available if you want a relaxing float down the river. The surrounding gardens are well-kept, with picnic areas and lounge chairs for relaxation. YS Falls is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and a gift shop. It's a great day trip for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy Jamaica's natural beauty.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 2 hours and 18 minutes, 107 km (via A2 and B8 Highways)
Treasure Beach is a peaceful coastal area on Jamaica's south coast. Unlike busy resort towns, it has small fishing villages with a quiet atmosphere. The area includes several bays: Billy's Bay, Frenchman's Bay, Calabash Bay, and Great Pedro Bay.
Popular activities include visiting local beaches, such as Calabash Bay and Frenchman's Bay, where you can swim, sunbathe, or watch fishermen at work. A unique attraction is Floyd's Pelican Bar, a rustic bar built on a sandbar offshore, accessible by a short boat ride. For dining, local favorites include Jack Sprat Restaurant, known for its seafood and pizzas, and Smurf's Café, a popular breakfast spot. The area also hosts the Calabash International Literary Festival from May 23 to 25, which attracts writers and readers from around the world.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 1 hour and 40 minutes, 81 km (via A2 and B8 Highways)
Black River is one of Jamaica's longest rivers, stretching over 53 kilometers, which empties into the Caribbean Sea. The main attraction here is the Black River Safari, a guided boat tour that takes you along the river's calm waters. During the tour, you'll navigate through mangrove forests and have the opportunity to see various wildlife, including the endangered American crocodile and over 100 species of birds. The tour lasts approximately one hour and is led by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the river's ecosystem and history.
In addition to the safari, visitors can explore the town of Black River, which is one of the oldest towns in Jamaica. It became the capital of St. Elizabeth Parish and was once one of the wealthiest areas on the island during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is not part of a protected heritage area, but it boasts some of the most notable buildings in the town’s heritage district include Invercauld, Waterloo Guest House, and the Parish Church.
Drive time and distance from Montego Bay: 1 hour and 14 minutes, 36 km (via A1)
The last on our list of where to drive from Montego Bay is Mayfield Falls, a peaceful nature spot in Glenbrook, Westmoreland. When you arrive, you'll start at the welcome center. Here, guides will prepare you for the river walk. The walk takes about an hour and follows the Mayfield River.
Along the way, you'll see tropical plants like cocoa and turmeric. The trail is mostly easy, but some parts can be steep or slippery. Guides can adjust the route based on your group's needs. Mayfield Falls has 21 small waterfalls and natural pools. The tallest waterfall, called "The Washing Machine," is about 3 meters high. You can swim in the pools, relax under the falls, or explore small underwater caves. Some pools feel like natural jacuzzis because of the bubbling water.
Facilities at Mayfield Falls include restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and a gift shop. Water shoes are recommended for walking on the rocks and you can rent if needed. Lockers can also be rented. Mayfield Falls is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. .
These scenic drives from Montego Bay offer beach, history, adventure. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, sipping rum by the coast, or drifting down a calm river, there’s a route here for you. Renting a car with FinalRentals lets you discover Jamaica at your pace. You can pick up your rental car directly at Montego Bay Airport. If you're arriving in Kingston, vehicles are also available at Norman Manley Airport or within the city.
