Negril

Private car transfer
from Montego Bay to Negril

Door-to-door
in 1 h 30 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Montego Bay.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 30 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Negril.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 81 km
  • 1 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Montego Bay to Negril

Negril is a premiere destination in Jamaica for white sand beaches and stunning sunsets, so it is easy to see why over a million people visit annually. Most visitors come from abroad, and the closest international airport is Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The drive from Montego Bay to Negril will take you 50 miles (80 km) around the northwestern coast of Jamaica.

This trip along the A1 highway connects you to the major coastal towns on Jamaica’s northern shores and takes an average of 90 minutes by car. You’ll have lush tropical forests and views of the sea right outside your window as you travel in air-conditioned bliss.

You’ll pass several great houses, or plantations, which now stand as remnants of Jamaica’s colonial past. The Rose Hall Great House and the Greenwood Great House are the two most well-known plantations and are open to tours, so book them alongside your Daytrip ride!

As you approach Negril, your driver will take you right to your accommodation so you can begin your much-needed vacation!

About Negril

Negril is a small resort town located on the furthest west point of Jamaica in the Westmoreland Parish. It gets its name from the Spanish, who arrived in 1494 and called the area _Negrillo, _or “little black ones,” referring to either the many black eels found off of its coast or the black cliffs. It remained a small, sparsely populated coastal area until the 1960s, when tourism began to boom in Jamaica. This brought much-needed funds to the region and aided in the completion of a modern road to connect Montego Bay to Negril.

Since the 1960s, Negril has only grown in popularity on the international travel stage. Today, it has many resorts and is a popular destination for travelers of almost any budget. It is home to Rick’s Cafe, a well-known restaurant and bar that’s been operating for over 50 years. There is even a local airport, Negril Aerodrome, with plans to build an international airport in the coming years as demand increases.

Nature lovers come to Negril for its black cliffs, crystal-clear water, and white sand beaches. Its most popular feature, the Seven Mile Beach, is consistently ranked one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Its southwestern coast has black cliffs with caves and inlets where marine life thrives, and snorkelers can see tropical fish and coral reefs. Come see for yourself why Negril is among the fastest-growing destinations in Jamaica!

From Montego Bay to Negril: travel tips

Whether this is your first time in Jamaica or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will ensure that your Montego Bay to Negril transfer goes smoothly.

Book private transportation

Shuttle buses must wait until they are full to begin the journey. If you are the first to arrive from the plane, you may be waiting at the terminal until enough passengers arrive off of their flights. You may also be one of the last stops on their route as they drop off other passengers first. This 90-minute trip can easily become 3.5 hours with all the added stops.

With private transportation from Daytrip, you can travel immediately to your resort in Negril and skip the drop-offs at other resorts. You can also make sightseeing stops at places of interest on your own schedule.

Don’t exchange currency at the airport

Bring some American dollars in small bills with you on your trip to Negril. Airports tend to have poor exchange rates at cash exchange booths, so opt for a trusted ATM to pull out Jamaican dollars once in Negril. To stay safe, don’t pull out large amounts of cash at once.

Jamaican shops and restaurants accept both American and Jamaican dollars. While American dollars are preferred, paying in Jamaican dollars gives you a slightly better price.

How to get from Montego Bay to Negril

Although the Montego Bay to Negril transfer is a short ride, public options are very limited. You will be better off going through a private company for this trip.

Montego Bay to Negril with a Daytrip private driver

Hiring a private driver for your airport transfer is the most seamless way to travel around Jamaica. Our vehicles are ensured and meet modern safety standards, with drivers who are local to the area and understand the traffic laws and customs. Your driver will get you right from the airport, bus station, or your Montego Bay hotel for the utmost convenience.

Unlike a shuttle bus, you will be able to make your trip on your schedule. Book sightseeing stops along the way for the full experience. For instance, make a stop at Hampden Sugar Estate and see how rum is produced in Jamaica. With your own driver, you won’t have to worry about having a taste of Jamaica’s legendary drink before hitting the road!

Booking with a trusted transportation provider like Daytrip will give you peace of mind about your transfer. With 24/7 customer support and a stellar international track record, it’s easy to see why so many visitors to Jamaica choose Daytrip every year for their transportation needs. Secure a seat in a comfy sedan for just $36.

Montego Bay to Negril with a shuttle bus

Shuttle buses offered through your resort or a private company usually have to wait until the bus is full to begin their journey. They also make stops to pick up passengers from the bus station and make drop-offs at other resorts. This 90-minute trip can easily take 3 or more hours once you factor in all of the time waiting.

Before booking a shuttle bus, ask about their policy on wait times ahead of your trip so you can make the right decision about your transfer. You don’t want to delay your vacation a minute more than you have to!

Things to do when you get to Negril

Negril has many natural wonders and unique wildlife a short distance from your resort. You may have even spotted some of these places on your drive from Montego Bay to Negril! Make sure your vacation doesn’t end before you visit these spots:

Bask in the sun at Seven Mile Beach

Although not quite seven miles long (more like four!), visit Seven Mile Beach for the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters of one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica. Its long shoreline means plenty of options for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. There are plenty of public access points along the shore, as well as private areas for resort guests.

Insider tip: Bring insect repellent if you plan to stay until sunset or later—the flies come out at night!

Enjoy nature at Mayfield Falls

Take a short hike to see stunning views of these natural waterfalls and pools located in the rainforest. This is a great spot for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the lush surroundings for young and old alike. It is also one of the stops offered by Daytrip.

Insider tip: Bring good water shoes with a back strap to stay safe while walking among the rocks.

Take a dip in Blue Hole Mineral Spring

This swimming cave is close to Negril—about a 20-minute drive south. Blue Hole Mineral Spring is a natural limestone sinkhole filled with mineral-rich water from a natural spring. It's said to have therapeutic properties and is a unique swimming experience.

Watch cliff divers at Rick's Cafe

Rick’s Cafe was the first public restaurant on the West End Cliffs of Negril and opened in 1974. Despite damage from multiple hurricanes in its 50 years of operation, Rick’s builds back bigger and better every time. Grab a drink and some food while you watch cliff divers leap into the sea, and maybe take a dip yourself. As the westernmost point of Jamaica, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the sunset over the Caribbean. With live reggae music and plenty of space to dance, it’s always a party at Rick’s.

When is the best time to visit Negril

The peak season for making your trip from Montego Bay to Negril is the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you’ll experience sunny skies, very little rain, and temperatures in the 70s and 80s F (20° C to 26° C).

If you’d like to save a little on accommodation and avoid the crowds, book your trip during the shoulder seasons. Months like May, June, and November still have pleasant weather but with fewer visitors. Keep in mind that there may be more rain during these months.

The rainy season is from July through October. It brings tropical showers and high humidity. This is the least popular time to visit because storms can cancel flights and excursions.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Montego Bay to Negril

Yes, many private companies operate shuttles from the Montego Bay Airport to Negril. When choosing your shuttle bus, make sure they are a reputable brand, and the price is agreed upon before starting your trip. Shuttle buses make multiple stops, and the trip can take up to 3.5 hours.
Shuttle bus tickets cost anywhere from $30 to $120 per passenger, depending on the size of the van, the number of stops, and how far in advance you book your ticket. Many travelers find themselves exhausted after their flight and opt for private transportation for a quick arrival at the resort.
A taxi will cost between $100 and $150 to take you the 50 miles (80 km) between Montego Bay and Negril. Always research the company ahead of time, confirm your price before starting the journey, and have enough cash to pay in exact change.
The drive will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but if you have a deadline to meet, you should still account for delays due to traffic and road closures. Follow the A1 highway, which hugs the northern coast of Jamaica and connects the coastal towns.
The distance between Montego Bay and Negril is 50 miles (80 km). The A1 highway takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive. Negril is much closer to Montego Bay than to Kingston, so plan your flights accordingly.
The trip by boat from Montego Bay to Negril is 4 to 5 hours. Some cruise companies offer this route, with a stop at the famous Rick’s Cafe and the option to return to Montego Bay at the end of the day by shuttle bus. Another option is hiring a private boat operator.

Visit these sights on the way

Rose Hall Great House

Rose Hall Great House

Lose yourself in the beauty, history, and legends of Jamaica’s greatest great house. Bewitching Beauty 

Greenwood Great House

Greenwood Great House

Tour one of Jamaica’s best-preserved great houses for a glimpse into the lives of one of the island’s most important families. A Poetic Estate 

Hampden Sugar Estate

Hampden Sugar Estate

See traditional rum-making in action on the beautiful grounds of one of Jamaica’s oldest distilleries. Be Still My Pot 

Mayfield Falls

Mayfield Falls

Dive into the Jamaican jungle to find a multitude of small waterfalls and refreshing pools. A Cornucopia of Cascades 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 607 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Montego Bay to Negril
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Montego Bay to Negril

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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