Sangster International Airport (AKA Montego Bay Airport) is located 10 kilometers outside of the city center. 

That said, Montego Bay transportation from the airport is quite limited. You have three options: taxi, private transfer, or shared shuttle bus. 

The most convenient and efficient method is to take an Montego Bay Airport taxi or private Montego Bay Airport transfer. These options are available 24/7 and provide you the comfort and privacy of an individual vehicle for you and your loved ones. 

There is no public transportation from Montego Bay. Instead, many tourists opt to take shared shuttle buses run by their hotels or private tour companies. This is the least convenient method and doesn’t save you money. However, it can be useful for those traveling in larger groups.

3 options to go from Montego Bay Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€30 15min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€27 15min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Shared shuttle bus
€44 20min 24/7
Convenience
Read more
Save the article for later or share it with friends

How to get from Montego Bay Airport to the city center by taxi

Getting a Montego Bay Airport taxi from Montego Bay Airport to the city center is one of the best ways to travel. The journey will only take around 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions. Not only will you go from the curbside of the airport to your hotel, but you’ll also have the pleasure of a private vehicle. 

Local Montego Bay taxis are available 24/7. Given that there isn’t any public transport available from Montego Bay Airport, taking a taxi or transfer is often the only available option in the early morning or late at night.

Montego Bay Airport to city taxi price

The average taxi fare from Montego Bay Airport to the city center is $30 (€27). However, this is just an estimate. Taxis don’t operate with taximeters but your fare increases in line with the distance travelled. You can book your taxi from the taxi kiosk in the Arrivals Hall and pay a fixed price, or you can negotiate with a driver yourself.

Where do I get a taxi from?

There is an authorised airport taxi desk right outside the customs exit at Montego Bay Airport; from there, you can hail an official taxi. Alternatively, you can join the taxi queue directly outside of the terminal building.

Convenience

If you’re looking for a convenient Montego Bay Airport transportation option to your hotel or the downtown area, an airport taxi is a great choice. You will get to your destination quickly and comfortably in a private car, without making any intermediate stops along the way. You may, however, need to wait for an available taxi. 

Useful Tips

If you don't plan to book a taxi with a private company, you'll need to carry your own baby/child seat; regular taxis aren't equipped with one.
Tips are welcomed in Jamaica though it’s not obligatory.
The taxi rank is located outside of the terminal building. However, you can report to the taxi desk in the Arrivals Hall first if you’d like to pre-pay for your taxi.
You can pay for your taxi fare in Jamaican dollars or US dollars.
Negotiating with your taxi driver is a common custom. Only do this if you feel confident as many tourists are scammed this way.
Most Montego Bay Airport taxis carry up to four passengers. If you require a larger vehicle, taking a shared shuttle or private transfer might be best.
Taxi fares increase during the high tourist season which is between December and April.

How to get from Montego Bay Airport to the city by bus (shared shuttle)

The closest thing to public transportation available from Montego Bay Airport is to take a shared shuttle bus. 

The shared shuttles from Montego Bay Airport to the city center depart often and are comfortable for tourists. These buses are run by resorts or private companies like Jamaica Tours Ltd.

Each company runs its own timetable for shuttles. However, the average wait time is around 10-20 minutes. Normally, companies align their schedules with the flights for the day. Therefore, it’s rare that you’ll need to wait too long for your shared shuttle bus to depart. 

The downside is that your journey time will completely depend on the bus’ chosen route. Typically, it only takes 15-20 minutes to service the hotels nearest to Montego Bay city center. However, if your hotel is further away, your bus will make multiple stops before getting to yours. Therefore, your journey time could be 30-40 minutes or more. 

How much is a bus from Montego Bay Airport to the city?

The cost of a shuttle from Montego Bay Airport to your hotel will depend on the company. Some hotels include the cost of an airport shuttle in your accommodation fees. This is particularly true of high-end resorts. However, typically a hotel will charge you ~$25-40 (€22-35) for their shared shuttle service from the airport. 

If you opt for one of the private companies available at Arrivals at Montego Bay Airport, your airport transfer will depend on your destination. The average cost is around $60 (€54) per adult and $30 (€27) per child. 

You can book your place online in advance or head to the kiosk for the tour company in the Arrivals Hall. While booking, you’ll need to share your resort or hotel. Most tour companies serve the major hotels and resorts across the island.

Cost
~$25-40 (€22-35)
Trip Duration
20 Min.
The price per person may vary depending on whether you're travelling alone or you're part of a larger group.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Montego Bay Airport shuttle service is available 24/7 but you need to book your shared ride in advance.

Where do I take the shuttle from?

There is a dedicated spot in the ground transportation Arrivals Hall, right after customs. A representative of the company you’ve booked with will indicate where to wait. Then, the shuttle will pick you up from the curbside of the terminal building at Montego Bay Airport.

Convenience

Choosing the shared shuttle service is a convenient option if you’re travelling with your family or as part of a larger group. The more people are on board, the lower the cost per traveller. Keep in mind, though, that your shared shuttle will make additional stops for the rest of the passengers, which will increase your travelling time.

Useful Tips

Shuttle buses must be booked in advance online or on-demand in person at the designated kiosks in the Arrivals Hall.
Most shuttle buses are minivans with enough luggage storage for 8-12 people.
Shuttles from Montego Bay Airport tend to be well-air-conditioned and comfortable for passengers.
Not all shuttle buses are equipped to transport wheelchair users. It’s best to contact a specific reduced mobility transportation company to help you rather than relying on the hotel or tour shuttle.

How to get from Montego Bay Airport to the city center by private transfer

The best way of traveling from Montego Bay Airport to the city is to pre-book a private Montego Bay Airport transfer. This is also one of the most common solutions for tourists in Jamaica, given that there is no public transport from the airport. Plus, you can skip the taxi queue and receive a friendly meet-and-greet service in the Arrivals Hall. 

Top-rated private transfer companies such as Welcome Pickups provide personalized services specifically designed with you in mind. 

Here is what you can expect from our comprehensive, 5-star service: 

  • Local, professionally trained drivers
  • Guaranteed on-time collection
  • Well-priced fixed fares paid in advance
  • 24/7 customer support via our app

By booking a private airport transfer from Montego Bay Airport to your hotel, you can enjoy your flight knowing your transport is taken care of. 

How much is a private transfer from Montego Bay Airport to the city?

If you choose to take a private transfer from Montego Bay Airport to your hotel, you’ll receive a fixed quote at the time of booking. That way, you won’t need to negotiate with your driver or be at the mercy of increased seasonal rates. Your quote is final and includes all fees and surcharges. 

A private airport transfer from the airport to Montego Bay costs €30 for a four-seater sedan. If you require a car for up to 6 people, it costs €45. Minivans for up to 8 passengers costs €80 or €110 for up to 12 passengers.  

You can book via our website or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Just put in your flight details, name, contact email, party size, destination, and desired collection time. We’ll send you a fixed quote for your journey within minutes.

Cost
€30
Trip Duration
15 Min.
*Pre-booking your private airport transfer from Montego Bay Airport is the best way to unlock a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private airport transfers are available 24/7 from Montego Bay Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly, professional local driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall carrying a sign with your name on it. After welcoming you to sunny Jamaica, they’ll help you with your luggage and guide you to your air-conditioned, modern vehicle.

Convenience

Taking a private transfer from Montego Bay Airport to the city or your hotel is the most convenient method because you don’t have to wait for a taxi. Moreover, you’ll get a private vehicle for you and your loved ones to travel in comfort in style.

Useful Tips

We offer a wide range of vehicles from four-seater sedans to spacious minivans for larger groups. Simply let us know how many you’ll be travelling with and we’ll choose an appropriate vehicle for you.
A couple of days before your flight, you’ll receive an email from us with your driver’s name, contact details and photo for your peace of mind.
If you require a baby or booster seat, you can request one on our booking form.
Going through customs and baggage reclaim can be long at Jamaican Airports. Therefore, we recommend setting your collection time at least 30 minutes after you’re due to land.
If your flight is delayed, don’t panic! We will update your driver so you don’t have to. You can relax knowing your driver will be waiting for you when you land.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Montego Bay from the airport?

Montego Bay Airport is located about 7 kilometers north of the city center. Therefore, getting from Montego Bay Airport to your hotel in the centre by taxi or transfer takes 13 minutes in light traffic.

How long is a transfer from the airport to Montego Bay?

How far is Montego Bay from the airport shuttle?

Was this helpful?

Transfer Options in Montego Bay