How to See Jamaica By Road Trip in One Week

At 10,991 km² in surface area, Jamaica is the perfect size to explore by road trip. Filled with beautiful beaches, rushing rivers, majestic mountain ranges and vibrant cities, there’s always something to see through the window so you can’t get bored. With a car rental from Arah Rides, known for their well-maintained vehicles and exceptional service, you can explore the island at your own pace. In this guide, I’ll cover how to plan a road trip with Arah Rides, essential tips for a smooth experience, and five unforgettable itineraries to fill one week, each highlighting unique destinations, scenic drives, and the best spots for lunch.

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Planning The Ultimate Jamaican Road Trip

1. Choose the Right Car– Jamaica’s diverse landscape includes both smooth highways and rugged paths leading to hidden gems. Arah Rides offers a range of vehicles, from compact cars for city drives to SUVs for mountain trails. Choose the right car based on your group size and the terrain you expect to cover.

2. Plan Your Routes in Advance– While road trips are all about spontaneity, having a rough itinerary helps ensure you don’t miss key attractions. Download offline maps, as some areas may have limited internet access and cell signals.

3. Stay Safe on the Road– Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, like driving on the left side of the road. Also, watch out for winding roads in the mountains, and be cautious of sudden rain showers that may make roads slippery.

4. Pack Essentials–  Bring essentials like insect repellant, sunscreen, water, and cash (some rural areas may not accept cards). It’s also a good idea to have a playlist ready for those scenic drives along the coast.

5. Fuel Up– Gas stations aren’t as common in rural areas, so always keep your tank topped up.

Now, let’s dive into five curated itineraries that cover Jamaica’s must-see spots, best routes, and where to eat along the way.

Montego Bay to Ocho Rios

If you’re traveling to Jamaica, collect your Arah Rides car rental at the airport for as little as US$26 per day, then you’re ready to go. This route is well-paved and easy to follow with GPS, but watch out for the occasional pothole. Start with a history lesson at the fabled Rose Hall Great House, or at the lesser known Greenwood Great House. Then, take a trip to the old colonial town of Falmouth with its Georgian architecture and pick up souvenirs at the town’s artisan village. Enjoy a traditional Jamaican lunch at Plantation Smokehouse or Scotchies. If time permits, end your day at the Mystic Mountain adventure park.

• Distance: 97.2 kilometers
• Driving Time (without stops): 1 ½ hours

Ocho Rios to Port Antonio

Wake early to visit Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica’s most popular tourist attraction, before the cruise ship crowds arrive. Next, take a tube or raft down the scenic White River and enjoy the peaceful tranquility. If you’ve worked up an appetite, head back into town for Miss T’s Kitchen, another authentic Jamaican eatery and try the oxtail or curry goat, or both. Or, hold out until you get to Port Antonio– the island’s birthplace of jerk. Here, you can stop by the Boston Jerk Centre then end the day at either Frenchman’s Cove, Winnifred Beach or Boston Beach.

• Distance: 102 kilometers
• Driving Time (without stops): 2 hours

Port Antonio to Kingston

This route is best done by an experienced driver and in an AWD or 4×4 since the roads are winding and slippery when wet– and it rains here a lot. But, for those who brave the journey you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Jamaica’s rugged mountains with untamed beauty around every turn. Leave from Port Antonio, then stop for a swim at Fish Dunn Falls in Silver Hill. Next, continue on to Holywell, Jamaica’s most popular recreational park, then have lunch here by the Blue Brews Bistro or wait until Irish Town to dine at EITS Cafe or at the Crystal Edge Restaurant. If you have any energy left, check out these nightlife spots in Kingston.

• Distance: 90.4 kilometers
• Driving Time (without stops): 3 hours

Kingston to Treasure Beach

From Kingston, set off early to get to YS Falls– another popular waterfall on the island. From there, head to Appleton Estate to experience the origins of rum, an iconic spirit which features in most Jamaican cocktails. Have lunch at Appleton then head to Lover’s Leap, followed by Treasure Beach for dinner at Jack Sprat or Lashing’s Boutique Hotel. If seeing Jamaican crocodiles in their natural habitat tickles your fancy, feel free to switch out Lovers’ Leap for the Black River Safari instead.

• Distance: 142 kilometers
• Driving Time (without stops): 2 ½ hours

Treasure Beach to Montego Bay

Coming full circle, set off from Treasure Beach to the Bluefields Organic Farm for a farm-to-table tour of Jamaican herbs (not that kind!), fruits and vegetables. Next, visit Rick’s Cafe for a Red Stripe beer and to watch the cliff-jumpers– or join them! Have lunch at Rockhouse’s Pushcart Restaurant or by Miss Lily’s at Skylark. Then, end the night in Montego Bay. Congratulations! You have conquered Jamaica by road trip.

• Distance: 186 kilometers
• Driving Time (without stops): 4 hours

Wrap Up

With Arah Rides, you’re in for a memorable Jamaican road trip! By choosing the right car and following these itineraries, you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring Jamaica’s diverse regions. And, when you support Arah Rides, you’re giving back to Jamaica. Launched in April 2024, this locally-owned company has redefined Jamaica’s car rental landscape with a unique blend of transparency, convenience, affordability, modern technology and charitable work. In August 2024, Arah Rides provided and distributed back-to-school supplies to 250 children in rural Jamaica at the Geneva Primary School in Newell, Waterloo Christian Early Childhood Institution in Santa Cruz and the Windsor Lodge Children’s Home in Royal Flat, Manchester. So what are you waiting for? Join me in Jamaica!

For registered car rental companies, contact Arah Rides at info@arahrides.com to get your units listed for free and become an ArahPro. Also, learn more about Arah Rides here and visit their car rental marketplace here.

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‘Til next time!