Driving in Jamaica
Jamaicans drive on the left, a legacy of their British heritage. While an international license is not required, driving here requires focus, preparation, and an understanding of the local landscape.
Pot holes are a major hazard, so be alert. Animals can also be a problem—look out for goats! Pedestrians frequently cross busy areas, so always anticipate the unexpected. Stick to main traffic routes as much as possible, as the less-traveled routes tend to receive less attention for repairs.
Regardless of what your GPS tells you, it will almost always take longer to get to a destination than what the device reports. It takes roughly 15 hours to drive the full perimeter of the island using the major roads.
Using a GPS and Navigation Tools
Roads are poorly marked, so using a navigation device or app is highly recommended—but do not rely entirely on it. When in doubt, ask locals for directions, but add a dose of skepticism; "just around the corner" is likely much further than what you think it means.
Because the GPS shows a road on the map, it doesn't necessarily mean it is easily navigable. Some of the less traveled routes require slowing to 5-15 miles an hour in order to negotiate hazards. Cellular coverage is fairly extensive across the island but can be spotty in the mountains. We highly recommend downloading your route maps for offline use before leaving Wi-Fi coverage.
Preparation & Logistics
Looking for detailed information on Car Rentals, Insurance requirements, Vehicle Inspection checklists, and step-by-step guides for offline navigation?
Read the Full Logistics Guide →How long does it take to drive around the Island?
It takes 14 to 16 hours to drive the full circle of the island. The distance is about 398 miles using the major roads: A1, A2, A3, and A4. The major roads tend to stay close to the coastline around the majority of the island, with the exception of the south coast between Kingston and Black River where it travels further inland.
Southern coastal towns such as Alligator Pond and Treasure Beach are accessible off the main thoroughfare via minor B roads, but these roads are typically in rough condition in many places.
The Interactive Map
Our interactive map allows you to plot trips between popular start and end points. It allows you to add popular waypoints, providing results that include the highlighted route, distances, and estimated travel time.