Taxis in Montego Bay
Taking a taxi in Montego Bay may be a little different to what you are used to, however, they are still the most hassle-free and safest way to get around, not to mention very affordable. Much the same as other cities in Jamaica like Kingston, there are two types of taxis in Montego Bay, private taxis and route taxis.
Private taxis are used like regular taxi services, offering a private service for up to 4 passengers that are most commonly booked in advance or over the phone, rather than hailed from the street. Jamaica Co-operative Automobile & Limousine Tours (JCAL) and Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA/Jam Rock) operate this type of official taxi and the vehicles can vary from white vans to Japanese estate cars.
On the other hand, as the name suggests, route taxis operate along specific routes for set prices, operating more like a bus, picking up and dropping people off along the way. Each taxi can seat up to 10 people and should have ‘Route Taxi’ written on the vehicle, as well as the destination the taxi is headed to on display in the window.
In either case, a licensed Montego Bay taxi can be identified by its red number plates featuring the lettering ‘PPV’ or ‘PP’. Furthermore, the typical rooftop ‘TAXI’ sign should also be visible, along with the driver’s registration and licence. Whichever option you choose, if you want a fast and comfortable ride from Montego Bay Airport to any part of the city or a different town, taxis are your best option for transport in Montego Bay.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANGSTER AIRPORT TO MONTEGO BAY | 0.80 € | 0.80 € | 10 MIN |
| SANGSTER AIRPORT TO OCHO RIOS (PRIVATE) | 100 € | 100 € | 1 H 30 MIN |
| SANGSTER AIRPORT TO NEGRIL (PRIVATE) | 135 € | 135 € | 1 H 30 MIN |
| MONTEGO BAY TO NEGRIL | 3.80 € | 3.80 € | 1 H 30 MIN |
| MONTEGO BAY TO RUNAWAY BAY | 3.75 € | 3.75 € | 1 H 15 MIN |
| CRUISE TERMINAL TO DOCTOR'S CAVE BEACH | 0.90 € | 0.90 € | 9 MIN |
Montego Bay taxi prices
Taxi prices in Montego Bay are not calculated by the meter, although they are calculated based on the distance a passenger is travelling. For instance, when taking a route taxi your fare will be calculated as follows:
Base rate: €0.65 (JMD 113)
Price per km: €0.04 (JMD 7)
Thankfully, you won’t need to do these calculations yourself since taxis usually have a price list available with calculations between popular destinations already determined. Here are some Montego Bay taxi rates you can expect for your taxi service from Montego Bay to different destinations. Prices are per person and rates at night are typically higher:
Montego Bay to Negril – €3.80 (JMD 655)
Sangster Airport to Montego Bay Hip Strip – €0.80 (JMD 136)
Montego Bay to Runaway Bay – €3.75 (JMD 650)
If you take a private (chartered) taxi then your Montego Bay taxi price can be negotiated. Keep in mind that rates are considerably higher in private taxis and that you will be quoted in US dollars rather than Jamaican dollars. Always agree on a price before you enter the taxi or over the phone when you call for a taxi.
Read all reviews
How to get a taxi in Montego Bay
Hailing a taxi from the street in Montego Bay is easy enough, although this is generally only the case from within town. Outside of the busier areas flagging one down is a little less common.
Finding an official taxi rank in Montego Bay can also be a bit of a challenge, other than at the airport or cruise port/Pier 1. That being said, if you head to a shopping mall or hotel, you can usually find one hanging around, and they are commonly found along Gloucester Avenue and Hip Street. To be sure you’re taking an official taxi always check that they have red license plates, a government sticker in the window and the driver is wearing an official ID and although less common these days, a uniform.
How to get a taxi from Sangster International Airport
The official taxi stand at Montego Airport is located directly outside the exit to the Arrivals Hall. There are two official private taxi companies that are allowed to operate from the airport: JUTA and JCAL. As you exit Customs, take a right and continue walking until you see the Authorised Airport Taxi desk which should have a ‘TAXI’ sign above it. Here you can check current pricing to where you want to go and book a taxi. Otherwise, proceed to the taxi rank. From Montego Airport to the city centre a ride in a private taxi costs around €23 (JMD 4,000), to Negril you’ll pay €135 (JMD 23,500) and to Ocho Rios the approximate price is €100 (JMD 17,400).
How to get a taxi from Montego Bay Cruise Port
Only official taxis with red license plates are allowed to enter the port to pick up passengers. Taxis are typically waiting outside the exit when ships are scheduled to arrive. Getting into town takes 5 to 10 minutes and a private taxi shouldn’t cost more than €10 (JMD 1,740).
Most popular Montego Bay Taxi Apps
Currently, there isn’t a Montego Bay Taxi app available for use. Uber is present in Kingston but it hasn’t spread to other parts of the island. Most tourists arrange their rides through private taxi companies or tour companies such as Inside Tours Jamaica.
Alternatively, you can arrange a transfer ahead of time with Welcome Pickups. Not only are they recommended for the journey to and from the airport to ensure you are collected on time, but they also offer rides in town and to other destinations so you can have peace of mind that a driver will be there when you need one.
Useful Montego Bay Taxi Numbers
It’s usually easier to flag down a taxi during the day, but you may need to call or book online at night by phoning a Montego Bay taxi number. Three top companies that you can call for a taxi to pick you up or for door-to-door services are:
- JCAL Taxi: +1 (876) 952-7574
- JUTA Taxi: +1 (876) 952-0813
- Webb Taxi Jamaica: +1 (876) 360-3427
Book your Montego Bay Taxi in Advance
During peak hours of the day, getting a taxi in Montego Bay may be a challenge. Route taxis can fill up and when you phone a company directly, wait times can take up to an hour. Booking a taxi in advance is the best way to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, and we recommend booking your Montego Bay taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups. We offer fast and reliable taxis all over Montego Bay with guaranteed fixed rate fees.
Montego Bay taxi tips
- Route taxis only accept cash and you should try to pay with smaller notes. Some private taxis will accept a credit card but you should check before riding.
- After 19:00 route taxis are few and far between so you will need to arrange a ride with a private taxi.
- Passengers who are physically disabled or senior citizens are eligible for a 50% discount on route taxi fares.
- Route taxi rates are applicable across the entire island.
- If you’re coming from Hip Street, taxis are usually along Gloucester Avenue.
- For tipping, you can budget up to 15% of the total fare during the day and more if you’re travelling at night.
- Route taxi prices are per person, whereas private taxis are charged per vehicle.
- Some licensed taxis use taximeters with maximum prices set by the local government. However, it is much more common for taxis to list set fares for each destination which should be available to the passenger inside the vehicle.
- Taxis in Montego Bay don’t carry child seats. Therefore, you should bring your own if you need one.
- You can recognise licensed taxis from their license plates, which is mostly a red background with white numbers or letters and the letter ‘P.’
- If you’re travelling as a family or with lots of luggage, a private taxi is a much better option since luggage space is limited in route taxis.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is for everyone, including travellers with special needs, disabilities, or limited mobility. Although most of the taxis you’ll find have space for a foldable wheelchair, some taxi companies have specialised vehicles for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Jamaica Wheelchair Taxi is a reputable company that offers wheelchair-accessible vans, and you can reach them on +1 (876) 775-8724. Depending on your preference, you can book vans with seats for six persons plus one wheelchair passenger or seats for up to four persons plus two wheelchair passengers.
Montego Bay Taxi Safety and Complaints
Even though taking an official Montego Bay taxi is safe and convenient, you may still encounter a rude driver or an unofficial driver trying to overcharge you. Before you begin the trip, be sure to take down the taxi driver’s name, ID number, and the number of your taxi. You can take this information to the local transport authority, police, or the taxi company where the driver works and lay down your complaints.
It’s important to take extra precautions when using route taxis too. Since these are shared taxis and are often crowded, always keep your belongings close to you or in sight. Moreover, drivers can often drive fast and erratic claiming they are familiar with the roads. To avoid this, it is best to book a private taxi or transfer with a company like Welcome.