Getting Around, Ocho Rios Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Middlesex, Jamaica)
Ocho Rios has a small airport that receives daily flights from Jamaica's capital (Kingston) and Montego Bay, although it is hardly worth flying in from these destinations, since the travel time from either place via public transportation is only a couple of hours. Both Kingston and Montego Bay come with busy international airports, with daily Europe and US flights.
Buses serve Ocho Rios well, however, there is no actual bus transport available around the town itself. Services, including minibuses and route taxis, arrive at the transportation centre on Evelyn Street. You can easily walk around the town centre and beaches, while taxis provide the best travel option for getting to nearby sights if you don't have a hire car.
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) / Arriving by Air
Address: A3, Boscobel / Salt Gut, Jamaica, JM
Tel: +1 876 975 3101
The Ian Fleming International Airport, formerly Boscobel Aerodrome, is located in nearby Boscobel, between the Rio Nuevo Bay and Oracabessa, where it serves Ocho Rios and various neighbouring towns, such as both St. Ann's Bay and Port Maria. This is a local airport, though, receiving flights from
Montego Bay and
Kingston by Jamaica Express Airlines. The airport is to be found 17 km / 11 miles to the east of Ocho Rios. Most people arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and transfer over by using shuttle transport. Kingston receives flights from all over the world, including from
London (British Airways). Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport is the other main air facility in
Jamaica and also receives international flights.
Montego Bay Sangster International Airport (MBJ) Guide
Car Rental
Tel: +1 876 974 2666
Jamaica is not all that big and there are several sights connected to Ocho Rios by highway, suiting those who fancy venturing out by car. While the main highways are generally of a reasonable standard, driving around at night is not a good idea. Island Car Rentals is the main car hire company in Ocho Rios and you can book online, or from their outlet at the Carib Arcade. Rental cars are also available from further hire outlets on Main Street - at the Pineapple Place Shopping Centre (next to the Pineapple Hotel), on Milford Road and at the Sandcastles Resort.
Buses and Coaches
Buses arrive daily from Kingston and Montego Bay, and the cost for this journey is minimal. There are also minibus services, which are generally a little more comfortable and slightly more expensive, and trip times are only a couple of hours from either destination. Of note, there is no bus service around the town of Ocho Rios itself.
Taxis
Tel: +1 876 974 2292
Taxi travel is cheap in Jamaica, as there are shared options available, while those summoned by your hotel will invariably be expensive. These are a lot safer, however, and this is the way to go if you are planning a day trip. The best place to charter your own taxi is at the parking area near the centrally located Ocean Village Plaza. JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association) taxis are widely available in the town and cater for tourists well.
Boats and Ferries
There is no ferry service to Ocho Rios, although this is a major cruise ship destination with a couple of well-equipped piers.
The main pier is within walking distance of the town centre, while the other, the James Bond Pier, is further west. Cruise ships mostly sail in from southern Florida.
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