Cheap flights to Jamaica

Jamaica Travel Guide

Booking flights to Jamaica? You made the right decision. The sound of Reggae, the feeling of the white sand beaches between your toes, bikini-clad days and tank-top nights – it’s no wonder millions of tourists continue to fly to Jamaica every year. The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is divided into fourteen parishes and has a lot to offer its visitors. Jamaica’s economy thrives on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, finance and of course, tourism. 

The beaches in Jamaica are beautiful, and many come to the country to stay at an all-inclusive resort (a concept the island pioneered) for a relaxing vacation in places like Ocho Rios, Negril, and Montego Bay. For those seeking adventure, Jamaica offers a wealth of activities from diving on Caribbean reefs to zip-lining, and even dogsledding. The nightlife is exciting and bustling in many cities in Jamaica, and every whim is catered for. Jamaica has also become a popular place for couples in love to get married and, without wasting any time, honeymoon on the beach for a couple of weeks.

Away from the all-inclusive resorts, what some would call the “real” Jamaica exists – with a friendly and generous people, mouthwatering cuisine and a wild variety of fruits including the ortanique, unique to Jamaica, a cross between a tangerine and an orange. Kingston, on the east coast, is the capital, and the center of government, business and the cultural scene.

There are some “beware” factors that visitors booking Jamaica flights and hotels should be aware of however, as it remains an island of widespread crime. Tourists flying to Jamaica are advised to be aware of their surroundings, and to not head off the beaten path. Still, the over 2.5 million people who call Jamaica home welcome tourists with open arms. It’s also not uncommon for tourists booking airline tickets to Jamaica to come across some of the island’s alternative beliefs. Some Jamaicans still regard ganja (otherwise known as marijuana) as a sacred plant and believe in its healing power.

Whether your Jamaica flight takes you to a remote hut or a lavish resort, there’s much to see and do on this island. Or, just sit back and relax. After all, you’re in Jamaica, Mon. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to this beautiful island.

How to get around the island of Jamaica

There are three international airports in Jamaica, with Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International (KIN) in Kingston being the most popular. Here are a few tips for getting to where you need to go from each of these two airports.

Sangster International Airport:

Once your flight to Jamaica arrives and you’ve gone through customs and baggage claim, you’ll need to find a way to get to the city center. There are two separate taxi firms that operate from outside of the arrivals Terminal but they won’t be cheap so it’s best to either avoid or only travel if there are a couple of you to split the fare. The best option is a transfer to your hotel so once you’ve booked your flights to Jamaica start enquiring and researching which hotels provide transfers to and from the airport as this will save you a lot of time and money.

Norman Manley International Airport:

There are a couple of options to get you into the center of the capital. You can get a bus directly to the city and it runs all throughout the day. Traveling to the city is easy thanks to the frequency of the buses and the price is cheap too. You can also opt for a taxi from outside of the airport. They are a lot more expensive but if you have a lot of baggage or if you don’t care for a bus journey then they could be your next best bet. Lastly, once you’ve secured your flight tickets it is worth enquiring if your hotel provides free transfers to and from the airport.

After you’ve gotten to where you need to go, renting a car gives travelers the independence to see the country on their own terms, though one must be very cautious if choosing to go this route. Be safe and aware of your surroundings, and don’t go off the beaten path. Traveling in groups is also recommended. If going sightseeing to places like Dunn’s River Falls or Kingston, it might be best to book a tour with many of the reputable vendors that operate on the island.

Bus is one of the cheapest ways of getting around Jamaica, and may suit travelers without a strict deadline. Taxis are an option as well, but be sure to negotiate a fare with the driver before taking off.

Tips for your stay in Jamaica

• It’s not the cheapest option, but if you have saved money with cheap flights to Jamaica, a stay at James Bond author Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye estate would be a vacation to remember.
• Another Bond-related treat is Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. It was Fleming’s favorite and became Bond’s choice too. Only the coffee grown above 3,000 feet can be called Blue Mountain.
• It’s certainly not a budget option but Strawberry Hill, a plantation-style hilltop retreat, is a great base for coffee expeditions. Further up the mountains is Twyman’s Old Tavern Estate, a family-owned business that grows, processes and produces Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.
• In Ocho Rios, swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove. You can also swim with stingrays at Stingray City on James Bond Beach in Oracabessa, twenty-five minutes east of Ocho Rios.
• Scotchies in Montego Bay serves the best jerk chicken and jerk pork in Jamaica, all washed down with some Red Stripe beer. Dishes are cheap and delicious.
• The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is a must-see. There’s a cafe there too, Bob’s Cafe, that serves his favorite dish – irie (oxtail) stew.

Finding Flights from Jamaica

When you’re ready to leave Jamaica and explore more of the world, Cheapflights can help with that as well. Delta, Jet Blue, American Airlines, Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines are popular carriers who fly out of Jamaican airports, including Kingston Normal Manley International Airport (KIN), Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) and Sangster International Airport (MBJ).

Here are some popular routes from Jamaica, where you will find cheap flight deals:

Flights from Jamaica to London

Flights from Jamaica to New York

Flights from Jamaica to Florida

Booked a flight from Jamaica? Whether you’re in Montego Bay, Saint Mary Parish, or Kingston, you may be able to take a transfer directly from the resort or hotel to the appropriate airport. If not, you can book private transfers or shuttle transfers with many area transportation companies. If hailing a taxi, be sure to use a red plate taxi with a meter. A JUTA (Jamaican Union Taxi Association) is also an option, but pricier, with per-passenger fees. Be sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours early, as you would for any international flight.

Once you choose a destination and departure city, be sure to check out our Jamaica airport guides for detailed travel information and helpful tips.