Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and mountains are best explored by renting a car, but fuel costs can add up quickly. If you’re looking to save money on gas in Jamaica, you’re in the right place. Our guide will show you how to cut fuel costs from picking a fuel-efficient rental car to planning efficient routes. We’ll share practical fuel-saving tips for first-time travellers. By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy your Jamaican road trip while keeping your fuel budget under control.
Gas prices in Jamaica often change, but the overall trend in 2025 has been lower than last year. For example, 87 octane fuel increased slightly in the first week of January, reaching J$152.35 per litre. Still, this is cheaper than J$165.39 at the start of 2024.The same thing happened with 90 octane gasoline and diesel. In January 2025, 90 octane rose to J$161.28, but that was about J$10 less than a year before. Diesel also went up a little in the same week, but was still J$8 cheaper compared to 2024. This means drivers are paying less for fuel now than they did last year.
Fuel prices in Jamaica are linked to the global oil market. Brent crude oil rose slightly at the end of December 2024, trading close to US$75 per barrel. Even with this rise, crude oil prices were still lower than in early 2024. As of September 2025, the average gasoline price in Jamaica is J$201.69 per litre, or about USD 1.26. This is higher than the global average of USD 1.22. Still, some gas stations sell cheaper fuel. If you are driving around the island, it is important to know where fuel is more affordable. Watching weekly updates and checking the lowest island wide prices can help you save money on gas in Jamaica.
The vehicle you rent greatly affects how much fuel you’ll use. You can start cutting fuel costs by picking the right car for Jamaica’s roads.
One of the best ways to save money on gas in Jamaica is to rent an economy or compact car. Smaller cars usually have better gas mileage and cost less to refuel than a large SUV. A compact car is often enough for both comfort and space for solo travellers or couples. Cars like the Toyota or Suzuki are standard in Jamaican rental fleets, and use less fuel than a heavy 7-seater or big sedan. They are also usually the cheapest cars to rent. The key is to choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. A smaller engine will burn less petrol on your island drives. On top of that, a compact car is easier to handle on Jamaica’s narrow roads.
Think about where you plan to drive in Jamaica. The island’s geography ranges from flat coastal plains to steep, winding mountain roads. If you’re sticking to highways and major tourist routes, a regular 2WD car will handle it fine. You can reach the Blue Mountains without a 4x4 if you drive carefully. On most routes, potholes are a bigger concern than actual off-road conditions.
If your plans involve very rugged terrain, such as remote inland villages, dirt tracks, or areas with poor road conditions, an SUV or 4x4 might be a wise choice. Keep in mind that larger 4x4 vehicles almost always burn more fuel than compact cars. They have bigger engines and higher weights, which lowers fuel economy. For this reason, it’s best to rent one only if you need the clearance or traction for unpaved paths or mountainous areas.
On the other hand, choosing a car that’s too small or underpowered for steep hills can also waste fuel, since you’ll end up pressing harder on the accelerator. The key is to find the right balance: match your vehicle to the terrain you’ll encounter. For example, if you plan to drive up into the Blue Mountains or through hilly Cockpit Country, a mid-sized car or light SUV could be more efficient, as it won’t struggle as much on inclines. But for cruising between Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril on paved roads, a compact will do just fine and save you money on fuel.
Another thing to consider is whether to get a manual or automatic transmission. Stick-shift cars can sometimes get better gas mileage than automatic cars, especially on highways or hilly terrain where a good driver can keep the engine revs low. If you're used to driving a stick shift, you might save some gas by choosing a manual transmission. You will have more direct control over gear changes. For example, you can shift to a higher gear sooner to cruise more efficiently or downshift ahead of time to get ready for hills. It's also possible that renting a manual car will cost less.
However, don't worry if you want an automatic transmission. Modern automatics are also very efficient, and the difference in fuel use isn't as big as it used to be. In Jamaican city traffic, an automatic can be easier and help you avoid stalling or driving jerkily, which wastes gas. Many rental cars in Jamaica are automatics, which is suitable for people from North America. It also helps when driving on those winding left-hand roads.
At some point, you’ll need to refuel your rental car. Let’s go over where to find gas, how to pay, and what fuel to use.
You won’t have trouble finding gas stations in populated areas. They are widely available in cities such as Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, as well as along major highways. However, stations can be much farther apart in remote areas or deep countryside. If you plan to drive off the beaten path across the south coast or into the mountains, plan your refuelling stops in advance.
As a rule, don’t wait until your tank is nearly empty to start looking for fuel in rural districts. It's safer to top up once you’re down to half a tank and heading away from a town. It’s also important to note that not all gas stations are open 24 hours. In smaller towns, stations may close early in the evening, and operating hours can be limited on Sundays or public holidays.
When it’s time to pay for fuel, you’ll usually have two options: cash or card. Most gas stations in Jamaica accept credit or debit cards, especially in urban areas and along highways. You can pay either at the pump or inside with the cashier. Still, it’s wise to ask the attendant before filling up if you plan to pay by card because machines occasionally go down. Always carry some Jamaican dollars, especially in smaller towns or when refuelling late at night. In more remote areas, cash may be the only accepted option.
You should also be aware of potential extra charges with card payments. A few stations have been reported to add a small fee for card use, such as JMD $10 or a 3% surcharge on the transaction if you don’t pay in cash. However, this is not common. To avoid surprise fees, you can pay in cash or ask if there’s a difference in the price of a card versus cash before filling it out.
Make sure you know what fuel your rental car takes. Most rental cars in Jamaica run on regular unleaded gasoline (petrol). At the station, you’ll usually find 87 octane and 90 octane, sometimes labelled Unleaded 87 and Unleaded 90 on the pump. These are regular and premium petrol, respectively. If your rental agreement or the car’s fuel cap doesn’t specifically say it requires premium (90) fuel, you should fill up with 87-octane regular fuel. It will stretch your budget further, and modern engines are designed to run on it without problems.
Choosing 87 instead of 90 whenever possible is one of the simplest fuel-saving tips in Jamaica because premium petrol can be about 5 to 10% more expensive per litre. The performance difference between 87 and 90 is negligible for normal everyday driving. Unless your car requires premium, stick to regular unleaded to save money and keep your engine running smoothly.
If you want to cut fuel costs in Jamaica, the way you handle your rental car on the road is just as important as the type of vehicle you choose.
Driving at a sensible speed is safer and more fuel-efficient. In Jamaica, speed limits are usually 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns and about 80 km/h (50 mph) on open roads, with some highways allowing up to 110 km/h. Sticking to these moderate speeds will help your fuel last longer. Because of wind resistance, most cars' fuel economy drops quickly once you go above roughly 75 km/h. There’s no need to rush on island roads; you’ll often be behind a slow truck or approaching a bend.
Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking whenever possible, as these habits waste fuel. Instead, accelerate gently and keep a steady speed as much as you can. On a flat highway, cruise control at the speed limit can help maintain efficiency, but be ready to take over when driving up hills or in traffic. Smooth, steady driving is one of the easiest ways to save money on gas in Jamaica.
Road conditions can change quickly, especially in the countryside, where you may encounter potholes, speed bumps, or winding stretches. Always drive with anticipation. If you see a stoplight or a corner ahead, ease off the gas early and coast rather than speeding up and slamming the brakes. This type of defensive driving prevents wear and tear, and it also saves fuel. By reading the road ahead, you can often keep rolling smoothly and use your brakes less – which means less wasted fuel.
Idling in traffic is one of the biggest enemies of fuel economy. Cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay often face heavy congestion during rush hours, typically 7 to 9 am and 4 to 6 pm. Whenever possible, plan your driving outside these peak times. For example, if you’re heading from Kingston to Ocho Rios, leaving after the morning or evening rush will save you time and fuel.
If you must drive during busy hours, consider taking a longer bypass road with steady movement rather than sitting in a short but congested route. Navigation apps with real-time traffic updates can be handy. These apps often show traffic conditions and suggest faster alternatives. Even if you don’t have mobile data on the go, checking your route while on hotel Wi-Fi before departure can help you spot hotspots to avoid.
It’s hot in Jamaica, so naturally you’ll use the air conditioning. But remember that the engine powers AC and increases fuel use. Running the AC can put about 20% extra load on the engine, which means more petrol is burned. That doesn’t mean you should avoid it altogether. Consider rolling down the windows in city traffic or when driving at low speeds instead of blasting the AC. At lower speeds, the fuel penalty from AC is more noticeable, and open windows don’t create much drag. When you do use AC, switch to the “recirculate” mode if your car has it. This reuses already cooled air inside the vehicle, which is easier for the system than cooling hot outside air.
Driving around Jamaica lets you see beaches, mountains, and hidden villages at your own pace. You can save money on gas and avoid stress by picking the right car, planning your gas stops, and driving smart. Rent a car in Jamaica with Final Rentals to make your journey easier. Final Rentals offers budget-friendly options, from compact cars to SUVs, and online booking. You can collect your car directly at Montego Bay Airport or Kingston Norman Manley Airport, so you can start your trip as soon as you land.
