Thinking about spending a whole week exploring Jamaica by car? It’s one of the best ways to see the island. With the right plan, you can drive through hidden beaches, mountain towns, and local markets. Renting a car in Jamaica makes it easy to travel at your own pace. Plus, you can visit the places you’ve always wanted to see. Keep reading our guide to start planning your road trip.
You’ve booked your flight, picked your travel dates, and now you’re ready to explore beyond the resorts. Here are tips to plan your road trip around Jamaica.
Jamaica’s warm weather makes it a year-round destination, but some months are more convenient for driving. The best time for a road trip in Jamaica is from December to April. These months bring dry skies, sunny days, and great road conditions. You’ll skip the rainy season, which usually starts in May and ends in November.
Traveling during dry months also means you can enjoy popular festivals. In Kingston, Carnival and other street events fill the calendar. Montego Bay also has concerts and food fairs that happen under clear skies. Since this is the high season, book your hotels and car rental early. If you want to save money and don’t mind a bit of rain, try late November or early May. These shoulder months have fewer crowds and lower rates.
Getting a car is the best way to move around on your schedule. You can visit beaches, hillside towns, and remote spots without relying on taxis or tours. The best driving routes in Jamaica take you along scenic coast roads, into the hills, and through quiet rural areas. Think about how many people are coming with you. A compact car is fine for one or two travelers in the city, but it might feel cramped with luggage or on rougher roads. A small SUV is a better choice if you’re traveling as a group or heading into places like the Blue Mountains or Cockpit Country. Look for a vehicle with strong air conditioning, good brakes, and enough clearance for bumpy roads.
Pick-up is easy at major airports like Norman Manley in Kingston or Sangster in Montego Bay. You’ll need a valid driver’s license. An international driving permit helps but isn’t required for short visits. Most rental companies ask for a credit card for the deposit.
If you enjoy a trip with a plan, creating a route will help you get the most out of your drive. You can start in Montego Bay, which is a common entry point for many travelers. From there, consider driving west to Negril, where Seven Mile Beach, calm waters, and Rick’s Café offer a relaxing first stop.
If you like quiet local areas, a drive south to Treasure Beach may suit you. It’s peaceful, with fresh seafood and simple coastal life. Those curious about local drinks can make a stop inland at Appleton Estate for a rum tour or explore Mandeville for a cooler mountain-town feel. If music and culture interest you, head east to Kingston. You’ll find the Bob Marley Museum, tasty jerk chicken, and Devon House ice cream. For nature lovers, Port Antonio makes a good final stop. You can visit Blue Lagoon, swim at Reach Falls, or raft the Rio Grande River. On your return, you might enjoy the misty drive through the Blue Mountains, with a coffee break along the way.
Bring lightweight clothes, swimwear, sandals, and a rain jacket. It rains in the hills even during dry months. You’ll also want bug spray, especially if you plan to visit forests or the coast. For sunny days, don’t forget sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected during long outdoor stops.
Set up your phone before the trip. Download offline maps because you might lose signal in remote areas. A power bank comes in handy when outlets are hard to find. Always bring some small bills because small shops and food stalls often don’t take cards. Keep your ID, license, and rental documents in one place if you get stopped at a checkpoint.
You must drive on the left, and road signs are in English. Speed is measured in kilometers per hour, and limits vary between highways and local roads. Everyone in the car must wear seatbelts. Be ready for unexpected turns, sharp curves, and speed bumps, even in rural areas. Some roads have no streetlights at night, so avoid late drives in unfamiliar areas. In busy towns, be careful around corners and watch for sudden foot traffic.
Where you stay can shape your whole trip. Negril is perfect for beach lovers. Stay at The Cliff Hotel or Sandy Haven Resort for great ocean views and easy access to the Seven Mile Beach. If you head south to Treasure Beach, you’ll find peaceful stays like Jakes Hotel or one of the cozy local villas. These places feel homey, quiet, and full of island charm. In Kingston, pick somewhere close to food and museums, like Spanish Court Hotel or R Hotel. As you wrap up in Port Antonio, look into Geejam or Hotel Mockingbird Hill. Both offer comfort with a view. Pick places with secure parking, especially in a busy town or city. Stay near main roads or town centers to start early and avoid delays. Booking in advance helps your trip remain on track.
You’ll find jerk chicken stalls, fruit sellers, and cookshops offering local meals along the road. Try ackee and saltfish, bammy, steamed fish, or curry goat. Each region has its take on flavors. In Portland, stop at Boston Bay for famous jerk pork. In Mandeville, try the local patties. And in Kingston, don't miss the pan chicken stands. Feel free to ask locals where to eat. Many small gems don’t appear online, but they offer tasty meals at a reasonable price. Just remember, drinking and driving is not allowed.
Every part of Jamaica has something different to offer. In Negril, spend time at Seven Mile Beach, then head to Rick’s Café to watch the cliff divers and enjoy live music. Down south, visit YS Falls for a swim or explore the Black River by boat—you might spot crocodiles and pass through quiet mangroves.
In Kingston, you’ll find the heart of Jamaica’s culture. Check out the Bob Marley Museum, walk through Emancipation Park, and visit several local art galleries. Music is everywhere, from roadside speakers to nighttime dance halls. Over in Port Antonio, swim in the Blue Lagoon, hike to Reach Falls, or raft along the Rio Grande. You might stumble into a street party or live music event depending on when you visit. Each stop brings a fresh experience.
Ready to hit the road? Below is a 7-day driving itinerary that includes Jamaica’s cultural highlights, natural wonders, laid-back beaches, and adventurous activities. Feel free to adjust stops based on your interests, but this itinerary covers many of the top places to visit in Jamaica.
Once you land at Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, head to the rental car center to pick up your vehicle. From there, take the A1 highway west toward Negril. The drive covers about 80 kilometers (50 miles) and takes roughly 1.5 hours.. The route follows the coast.
When you reach Negril, make your first stop at Seven Mile Beach. This is the longest continuous beach in Jamaica, with soft sand and easy access to resorts, bars, and restrooms. Parking is available near most beach entrances. In the evening, drive 15 minutes west to Rick’s Café, located on the cliffs of Negril’s West End. You can park nearby and walk to the viewing area. Expect live reggae music, cliff diving shows, and one of the best sunset views on the island. It’s a relaxed but iconic way to begin your road trip.
Start your morning in Negril with a traditional Jamaican breakfast. You can try ackee and saltfish or pick up a fresh Jamaican patty from a local shop. If time allows, take a quick swim or go snorkeling in the calm waters of Seven Mile Beach before checking out. By mid-morning, begin your drive toward Treasure Beach, located along Jamaica’s south coast. The journey covers about 100 kilometers and the drive takes 2 hours.
Once you reach Treasure Beach, settle into your accommodation and prepare for an afternoon visit to Floyd’s Pelican Bar. To reach it, hire a fishing boat at the local beach dock. The ride to the bar takes about 15 minutes across shallow sea water. The bar is built on a sandbar, and you can enjoy a cold Red Stripe or fruit drink while standing in knee-deep clear water. With ocean views in every direction and small fish swimming around you, it is one of the most unusual experiences in Jamaica. Spend the night in Treasure Beach and enjoy the quiet sound of the waves under a sky full of stars.
To continue your road trip in Jamaica, leave Treasure Beach early and make your way inland to YS Falls. The falls have seven tiers, cool natural pools, and a quiet setting surrounded by trees. You can swim, try the rope swing, or walk along shaded paths. There’s also a zipline if you want more excitement before the long drive.
After your visit, head east toward Kingston. The drive takes around 2 hours, bringing you through country roads, farmland, and winding hills. Kingston is Jamaica’s capital because it’s where music, government, history, and city life come together. It’s where reggae was born, national landmarks stand, and where you’ll find the country’s most vibrant food and art scenes. After checking in, head to Sweetwood Jerk Joint near New Kingston. Their jerk chicken, festival bread, and roasted breadfruit are a must-try.
Start your morning in Kingston with a visit to the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road. This former home and studio closely examines the life of Jamaica’s most iconic musician. You’ll walk through the rooms where he lived, see his recording studio, and learn how his music shaped the island’s identity. It’s one of the best cultural stops on the island.
After that, swing by Devon House. This 19th-century mansion is known for its architecture, local shops, and some of the best ice cream in Jamaica. If you have time, drive downtown Kingston to spot colonial-era buildings and colorful street scenes.
By midday, start your drive to Ocho Rios. Take Highway 2000 and the A1 toll road—it’s the fastest and smoothest route, taking about 1.5 hours. The road cuts through mountains, tunnels, and valleys, with sweeping coastal views as you near the north coast. Make sure to carry Jamaican dollars for the toll booths. Arrive in Ocho Rios by afternoon. You can visit a local beach, grab a drink by the pool, or unwind. The town is more active than you’ve seen, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife if you feel like going out.
You’ll want a full day in Ocho Rios because the area packs some of the most active and scenic stops. This is the place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Dunn’s River Falls is the main attraction. It drops about 55 meters over smooth limestone rocks and empties into the sea. You can climb it with a guided group or go at your own pace, using the natural steps and pools as you move up. Water shoes are essential for grip, and there’s a beach waiting at the base if you just want to relax.
After the falls, the afternoon is yours. For something active, head to Mystic Mountain, where you can ride a rainforest tram or try the bobsled coaster through thick green canopy. If you prefer something wilder, drive to the Blue Hole, where deep turquoise pools, rope swings, and short cliff jumps offer a real jungle adventure. You can go bamboo rafting on the White River or spend a few hours on Ocho Rios Bay Beach.
In the evening, grab dinner at Scotchies, one of the best spots for jerk chicken and pork smoked over pimento wood. Ocho Rios blends excitement and comfort, so it’s worth staying a second night to enjoy it without rushing.
After a full day in Ocho Rios, ease into the final leg of your road trip by driving toward Falmouth. The drive takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Falmouth is a smaller town, known for its colonial history, walkable streets, and river adventures. It’s a quieter place to end your trip, away from the all-inclusive crowds.
Your main stop today is the Martha Brae River, just outside town. Book a bamboo rafting trip, where a local guide steers a hand-built raft down gentle waters shaded by trees. The ride lasts about an hour and takes you through a peaceful stretch of the river, with birds above and greenery all around. It’s calm, scenic, and a nice change of pace after five days of active travel. Once in Falmouth, check into a local guesthouse or small hotel near the historic town center. In the evening, stroll past Georgian buildings, visit a local café, or find a small beach for a final sunset. The energy is low-key, which you need at the end of a long drive.
After breakfast in Falmouth, head west along the A1 coastal highway toward Lucea, a quiet harbor town in Hanover Parish. The drive takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. This final stretch brings you to one of the least touristy towns on the north coast.
Lucea feels like a place time forgot. There’s a small town square with a historic clock tower, built in the early 1800s, and old stone buildings that show the town’s colonial past. You won’t find big hotels here. There are local markets, fishing boats, and food stalls where you can try fried fish, bammy, or mannish water. It’s a good place to take a break, watch daily life unfold, and walk along the natural harbor once one of the busiest ports on the island.
Make time to visit Lucea Parish Church, one of the oldest churches in western Jamaica. Built in the 1700s using local limestone, it still holds regular services. The church sits on a small hill with views of the town and coast below. Its arched windows, wooden pews, and stone walls reflect centuries of local life and craftsmanship. From Lucea, you’re just 1 hour away from Sangster International Airport.
Driving in Jamaica for a week offers everything from reggae music history in Kingston to waterfall adventures in Ocho Rios and serene sunsets in Negril. With this road trip plan, you’ll see the diverse sides of Jamaica beyond the resorts. Follow the safety tips and itinerary above to explore the best of Jamaica by car.
Final Rentals offers car rentals across Jamaica, with pick-up points in Kingston and Montego Bay. Depending on where you're headed, you can book online and choose from compact cars, sedans, or SUVs. Every rental has unlimited mileage and free cancellation. Whether you're heading to Pelican Bar, climbing Dunn’s River Falls, or navigating the backroads, our fleet of vehicles is well-equipped for long drives.
