Jamaica Car Rental...
The Key To Exploring Jamaica

The choice is yours in getting around our tropical paradise, whether it's by Jamaica car rental, bus or taxi. To be honest, no matter how you choose to get around, you'll get to experience and quite possibly enjoy another side of Jamaican life.

Before you get behind the steering wheel, here's a practical and realistic guide (including tips, tricks, and need-to-know facts) for exploring the real Jamaica using a...

...Jamaica car rental.

When you tour Jamaica by rental car (or "rental" as we prefer to call it), you'll see so much more of Jamaica. You'll drive on modern two lane highways, narrow town streets, and bumpy and winding country roads... in other words you'll become a true Jamaican traveller.

But.. driver beware!

Keep in mind that in Jamaica you drive on the left-hand side of the road... and if you're one of those people who enjoy a constant adrenaline rush, driving around Jamaica should be right up your alley.

Spine tingling bends, the occasional pothole and the feeling that the road will never be wide enough to let two vehicles pass safely all add to the heart stopping excitement. Whether you are bouncing along on a newly-paved, once-paved or unpaved road, never let it be said that you experienced a moment of boredom.

After driving around for a while... feeling that you have the hang of it, you could find that you're learning a few choice Jamaican cuss words (hopefully not!). If you take some time to study how many of the taxi drivers and locals do it, you might even find yourself copying them (again, hopefully not!).

With a Jamaica car rental, you'll be able to go wherever you want whenever you want. However, you've been warned; driving around Jamaica is not for the faint of heart. All jokes aside. Avoid travelling at night and stay on the main roads. Drive slowly. You may encounter many obstacles you're not used to.

Jamaica Car Rental Tips For A Safe Journey

• In Jamaica, drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Speed Limit: 50 km/h speed limit in built up areas; 80 km/h outside. (Highway 2000 speed limit is 110 km/h.)
• Be careful of stray animals - mostly dogs and goats.
• In some areas potholes will keep you going slow. However, faster country roads can be more dangerous because of the increased speed limit.
• Trucks sometimes dump off excess load on road (because the truck broke down)... and this load may not be speedily removed.
• Bridge rails may be missing because of a previous accident (and have not yet been replaced). You may not realize you're on a bridge until you're already on the bridge.
• This is not a regular occurrence: An unusual pool of water on the road may be caused by a broken pipe. Be sure to reduce speed because there may be a deep pothole in the vicinity of the water.
• Also, ensure that you reduce speed around corners... grit or coarse sand may have fallen from trucks hauling these materials.

Jamaica Car Rental Night Driving Hazards

(Pale lighted road or car equals increased risk).

• Main night-time driving danger: Cows will lie in the road for warmth (prevalent in colder areas - especially the parishes of St. Ann and Manchester). Dark coloured cows will cause the greatest danger because you don't see them easily.

  If you have a pale light you may not see an animal until you've almost hit it.

• Do look out for trucks parked in corners with no lights and/or no reflectors.
• Be aware that vehicles with only one functioning light (especially no right hand side lights)... can easily be mistaken for a bike.
  1. If light is high off ground, it's most likely a truck.
  2. If light is close to left hand side of road, it's most likely a car.

  (A bike would tend to be in the middle of the road and not off to the side at night.)

• Be careful of oncoming vehicles with bright beam lights - you can be temporarily blinded.

Whether you want to drive in a convertible with the balmy wind in your hair, just want to get around in a compact or feel safer in a four-wheel drive, there are plenty options available for your Jamaica car rental.

Starting around $25 per day for a compact and up to $130 for a four-wheel drive, you are sure to find a Jamaica car rental agency that will meet all your requirements.

Although policies may vary between different car rental agencies, the following is something to keep in mind...

• Prices are usually calculated for a 24-hour period.
• Surcharges, taxes, driver fees and collision damage waiver fees are usually extra.
• Extra driver fees might be applicable.
• Acceptable payment methods are American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Travelers Checks and Cash.
• Many companies offer unlimited mileage.
• Most Jamaica car rental companies deliver all over the island.

It's worth your while to pay attention to the type of company you choose when deciding on a Jamaica car rental. Local companies often offer you the best rates... but going with a known name normally ensures roadside assistance and a better vehicle. Also, larger companies usually allow you to pick up and drop off in different major towns for no extra fee.

Facts You Should Know Before Renting A Car

• Car Rental agencies can be found islandwide but you must be at least 25 years old in order to rent a motor vehicle.


• You're required to carry a valid licence whenever you're driving. Valid International Driver's Licences are recognized by Jamaica. If you're travelling from North American, you may use your country's licence for up to 3 months per visit. Travelling from the UK? If yes you may use your licence for up to 12 months. Our Japanese guests are only allowed to use their licenses for a period of 1 month.


• By law, all passengers are required to wear safety belts. All children under 3 years old travelling with you must be placed in infant carriers.


• No need to worry about getting petrol for your vehicle. Service stations can be found islandwide... and many are open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

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