Car Rental in Kingston

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Kingston, Jamaica
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Norman Manley International Airport
Mini
Nissan Note or similar
Nissan Note
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Finalrentals
$53.73 / per day
Downtown
Economy
Mitsubishi Mirage or similar
Mitsubishi Mirage
  • 4
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Flexways
$56.19 / per day
Norman Manley International Airport
Compact
Honda Fit or similar
Honda Fit
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Minute Car Rentals
$60.93 / per day
Downtown
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar
Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$92.42 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Downtown
Standard
Honda Accord or similar
Honda Accord
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Island Car Rentals
$105.14 / per day
Norman Manley International Airport
Special SUV
Suzuki Vitara or similar
Suzuki Vitara
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
RightCars
$109.61 / per day
Norman Manley International Airport
Economy Elite
Suzuki Swift or similar
Suzuki Swift
  • 4
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
United Rent A Car
$125.71 / per day
Norman Manley International Airport
Full-size
Mitsubishi Lancer or similar
Mitsubishi Lancer
  • 5
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$140.57 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 20:19 on 2024-03-27. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
English, Jamaican Creole
Currency
JMD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$93 per day
Average car rental length
9 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 km/h or 50 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
8.1 / 10

Why rent a car in Kingston?

Jamaica’s capital is a fascinating city to visit. It may not get the same crowds as the island’s northern coast, but there’s plenty to enjoy here, from museums celebrating the city’s world-famous sons and daughters to old pirate hiding places. Enjoy Kingston, then drive to enjoy Jamaica’s stunning beaches and tropical scenery.

Kingston

One-Way Car Rentals in Kingston

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Kingston and drop off in another city include:

  • From Kingston to Montego Bay - 41 offers from $94.11 per day

Top ways to enter Kingston

  • Kingston Airport: Also known as Norman Manley Airport after a Jamaican politician and as Palisadoes Airport after an area in which it is located, it handles around 1.6 million travelers every year. A hub for Caribbean Airlines, it is also served by around ten other airlines that offer flights to North American and the rest of the Caribbean. The airport is located about 20km (12 miles) south of Central Kingston and can be reached in 25-35 minutes depending on the traffic. The airport should not be confused with Kingston Norman Rogers Airport in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 
  • Montego Bay Airport: The busiest airport in Jamaica, Montego Bay-Sangster serves Jamaica’s second-largest city. With flights by about 25 different airlines, it handled 4.5 million travelers in 2018. Located 168km (104 miles) northwest of Kingston, the airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Ocho Rios Airport: Although currently only having one flight, between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, the airport has served international air traffic in the past and as of August 2019, there are plans for scheduling new flights in the near future. 
  • By sea: If you arrive in Jamaica by ship, you can pick up your rental car at Montego Bay Cruise Port or Ocho Rios Cruise Port. Cruise ships that make a stop at Jamaica connect it to places like Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Belize, and the United States. It might be possible to fly to Cancun Airport in Mexico, Owen Roberts Airport in the Cayman Islands, or Nassau Airport in the Bahamas and then take a cruise to Jamaica.

City facts

  • Like the rest of Jamaica, Kingston enjoys a hot tropical climate. Temperature differences between the seasons are small, but there is a pronounced rainy season (from May to November) and dry season (from December to April). The average high temperature of the course of the year is 31°C  (89°F).
  • Although most of the inhabitants of Kingston (and the rest of Jamaica) are of African descent, there are also Lebanese, Syrian, Chinese, Indian, and Jewish communities living in the city. The native inhabitants of Jamaica before the arrival of European colonists were the Taino (also known as Arawak). Although they have largely been assimilated into the rest of the country’s population and have ceased to exist as a separate group, visitors can learn about their culture and lifestyle in Kingston’s Arawak Museum.
  • With around 660,000 inhabitants, Kingston is by far the largest city in Jamaica. It has around six times more people than Montego Bay, the second-largest city. For decades, the city’s population has been experiencing a steady growth, rising from 360,000 in 1960 to 580,000 in 2005 and the present number in 2019. Kingston is also capital of Surrey County, one of the three counties of Jamaica. 

Top destinations and activities

  • Bob Marley Museum. Dedicated to the most famous inhabitant of Kingston, the museum is inside the building where Bob Marley’s recording studio used to be. Visitors can learn about the famous musician’s life, as well as about the history of reggae music and the Rastafari religion. Kingston is also home to a beautiful Bob Marley statue.
  • National Gallery of Jamaica. Opened in 1963 shortly after Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom, the gallery hosts a large number of works of Jamaican painters, sculptors, and other artists, many of whom have received international recognition. The National Gallery is located in the Kingston Mall, a large cultural center in the capital city. 
  • Devon House. One of the most famous buildings of Kingston, Devon House was once the home of George Stiebel, the first black millionaire in Jamaica. Having made his riches in South America, he later returned home for a relaxed and lavish life in the beautiful mansion. The building is surrounded by gardens, and inside, you’ll also find a restaurant.
  • Arawak Museum. Although located in a small, unassuming building, the Arawak Museum is one of the most interesting in the Jamaican capital. The museum’s exhibition is dedicated to the Arawaks, a group of Taino-speaking peoples who were the original inhabitants of Jamaica (and many other Caribbean islands). Very few Taino speakers survive to this day, and none in Jamaica, but they have contributed heavily to the Jamaican demographic and cultural makeup, and the last decades have seen a renewed interest in this heritage.

Traffic and parking

  • Jamaica drives on the left hand side of the road. 
  • Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limit is 80km/h (50 mph) on most intercity roads and 50km/h (31 mph) inside urban and built-up areas. The only exception is the national, tolled Highway 2000 on which the speed limit is 110km/h (68 mph).
  • The legal alcohol limit  for drivers is 0.35%. Exceeding the limit will lead to high fines, a licence ban, or even deportation or imprisonment. 
  • Although Kingston is not a very large city, the traffic in and around it is often quite congested. Getting a traffic app is a good idea (most locals go with Waze).
  • While the main highways and intercity roads in Jamaica are generally in good condition (and the ones that are not are quickly improving), many of the rural roads and roads in the nature areas remain in quite a bad shape. Potholes are common, many roads are very narrow, most lack good lighting and have no special sections for pedestrians. Countryside roads also tend to lack road signs. It’s important to exercise extra caution when driving on these roads and to set out your route in advance. 
  • Jamaica is quite mountainous, especially in the inland areas. Getting a smaller car is a good idea if you only plan to drive in the city, but 4WD is a must if you plan to drive away from the main roads or in the mountains.
  • Most gas stations usually close around 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. The further you drive from the large cities, the fewer you’ll find, and in the rural areas many are closed on Sundays.
  • Proof of insurance and the documentation of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
  • When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
  • The nation-wide emergency numbers are 110 for ambulance and fire brigade and 119 for police and the air-sea rescue.

Toll roads

There is one toll road in Jamaica, Highway 2000, which connects Kingston in the south of the island to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay in the north. Highway 2000 is controlled by the Government of Jamaica. 

The toll payment depends on the size of the car. The toll payment can be made either by paying with cash at a toll booth or by getting a prepaid electronic tag (for which you can pay either with cash or by credit card). Some rental cars will come pre-equipped with this electronic tag. Some rental car providers might add an additional fee for this service. Ask your rental car provider about it in advance.

Built in 2003, Highway 2000 is 149km (93 miles) long. As of July 2019, some sections of the road are still under construction and there are plans to add more sections in the near future. 

If you plan to drive outside Kingston, it’s important to do your own research about the Jamaican toll roads before you arrive. Keep in mind that information about Jamaica’s toll roads found online can be insufficient or contradictory because new sections are constantly being added and the rules are changed quite frequently. The best way to get all the information and the latest updates is to contact your rental car provider in advance.

Ideas for day trips

  • Port Royal. A village next to the capital city, Port Royal used to be famous as a haven for pirates who frequently raided the rich ships of the Spanish Empire. The area was called the richest and wickedest city in the world, and sea robbers from the other side of the world are said to have come to hide here whenever escaping trouble. Naturally, they brought unspeakable riches with them, some of which are said to still be hidden around the village. Located on the tip of Palisadoes earth mound, Port Royal is 30km (18 miles) from the Kingston city center and can be reached in about 35 minutes.
  • Lime Cay. Located next to Port Royal, Lime Cay is a beautiful and remote islet. Although only accessed by boat from Port Royal, it hosts parties and events during the weekends. It is much more quiet on working days when Lime Cay is the perfect place to try snorkeling or simply enjoy the beautiful beaches. 
  • Hellshire Beach. Another nice beach area near the capital, Hellshire is largely favored by locals and has a much more authentic feel than the resorts catering to foreign tourists. The beaches are mainly white and sandy with a short section also made up of black sand. Besides the beautiful coastline, Hellshire is also famous for its unique recipe of fried fish. Located 24km (15 miles) southwest of Kingston, the area can be reached in about 30 minutes. 
  • Alligator Pond. Located on the south-central coast, Alligator Pond is known as one of the fishing capitals of Jamaica — and, consequently, has some of the best seafood. The name of the village, as well as the Alligator River that flows through it, comes from the jagged coastal hills that are said to resemble an alligator’s back. The area is not especially touristy and takes some planning to visit, but the whole experience can be very rewarding. 

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Kingston is the Toyota Yaris. Many travelers also choose the Nissan Tiida and the Toyota Corolla. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and full-size.

Further destinations

  • Blue Mountains. One of the most impressive areas in all of the Caribbean, the Blue Mountains can be easily described as a tropical paradise. Made up of high peaks, lush jungle, and many hiking trails, the mountains offer an enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A large part of the area is made up of Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park which is home to many protected plant and animal species. Located just 40km (25 miles) northeast of Kingston, the Blue Mountains can be reached in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Montego Bay. Kingston might be Jamaica’s largest city, but Montego Bay on the island’s northern shore is its number one tourist hub. The area can get quite crowded during the high season, but that is only because Mo Bay’s beaches, waterfalls, and water sports centers have so much to be enjoyed. Located 170km (105 miles) northwest of Kingston, Montego Bay can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios is a resort town on Jamaica’s northern coast. There are many attractions here, from the Dunn’s River Falls area to Dolphin Cove where tourists can interact with sea animals and the many trekking tours in the surrounding rainforest. Compared to Montego Bay, it’s just as scenic, but more quiet and relaxed. It’s closer to Kingston, too - 85km (53 miles) to the north, it can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Car Rental Prices in Kingston

  • Station wagons - from $123 per day
  • Large cars - from $64 per day
  • Medium cars - from $61 per day
  • Vans - from $104 per day
  • Premium cars - from $143 per day
  • Small cars - from $54 per day
  • SUVs - from $86 per day

Money-saving tips

Follow these simple tips to land a great rental car in the capital of Jamaica:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Kingston is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 41% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 61% cheaper than renting a car in November.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Top 3 Cities near Kingston

  1. 77.1 km / 47.9 miles away
  2. 134.6 km / 83.6 miles away
  3. 169.0 km / 105.0 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Kingston?

Car rental prices in Kingston vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Kingston
$61.36
January
$51.62
February
$65.98
March
$70.82
April
$50.98
May
$64.00
June
$80.14
July
$75.84
August
$64.96
September
$62.08
October
$66.24
November
$85.31
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Kingston is May (when prices average $50.98 per day). This is 23% cheaper than the yearly average and 40% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $85.31).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Kingston?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in September, the average renter keeps their car for 13 days, and in April, they keep their car for 6 days.
Average number of rental days in Kingston
9
January
9
February
9
March
6
April
10
May
10
June
9
July
9
August
13
September
9
October
7
November
12
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Kingston?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Kingston is June, and the least popular is October.
Monthly searches in Kingston by pick-up date relative to the average
78%
January
101%
February
91%
March
76%
April
80%
May
153%
June
150%
July
122%
August
78%
September
58%
October
67%
November
146%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 4
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Island Car Rentals, Autounion, Flexways, Minute Car Rentals, Ace Rent a car
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans
Lowest price $54 per day
Cheapest supplier Finalrentals

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Island Car Rentals Suzuki Swift 5 1 Small cars
Island Car Rentals Toyota Yaris 4 1 Medium cars
Island Car Rentals Hyundai Creta 5 2 SUVs
Autounion Toyota Vitz 5 2 Small cars
Autounion Toyota RAV4 5 3 SUVs
Flexways Toyota Wish 4 2 Vans
Autounion Toyota Yaris 4 2 Medium cars
Flexways Mitsubishi Mirage 5 2 Small cars
Autounion Nissan March 4 1 Small cars
Autounion Toyota Wish 5 3 Vans

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Aruba
Toyota Yaris
December 4, 2023
The reason for my trip was to attend a funeral but over all it was nice seeing family & friends again
Cayman Islands
Hyundai Creta
November 1, 2023
Nature and mountains amazing
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Yaris
June 27, 2023
Columbus Cove in St. Ann Parish is a pristine beach. Well worth the visits. Ocean's 11 in Ocho Rios has great food at a very reasonable price. Mystic Mountain is a must go- to place for views, a pool and other activities.
Canada
Toyota Yaris
January 8, 2023
Gas was good, smooth driving
United Kingdom
Hyundai Accent
December 5, 2022
Don't wish to say at this time
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
August 8, 2019
Kingston is a busy city and one should drive with caution. The condition of the roads is not great. The parish of Portland is a beautiful area and there is a lot to explore. Be mindful of the road condition and if possible hire a 4x4.
United States of America (USA)
Suzuki Dzire
January 9, 2019
Kingston is a great city with lots to offer. Be careful when driving as there are quite a few potholes

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Island Car Rentals
8.2 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Autounion
5.2 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
8
Total rental companies
15
Average daily price
$93.03
Lowest daily price
$53.73
Total cars available
220

Top 15 Suppliers in Kingston in 2024

Island Car Rentals
Island Car Rentals
Very good 8.2 / 65 reviews
2 locations
$57 - $158
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Very good 8 / 8 reviews
1 location
$90 - $175
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8 / 7 reviews
2 locations
$94 - $98
RightCars
RightCars
Good 7.9 / 7 reviews
1 location
$110 - $123
Hertz
Hertz
Good 7.7
1 location
National
National
Good 7.7
2 locations
$128 - $129
Enterprise
Enterprise
Good 7.6 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$125 - $138
Avis
Avis
Good 7.6 / 1 review
3 locations
$87 - $141
Flexways
Flexways
Good 7.5 / 9 reviews
2 locations
$56 - $159
Ace Rent a car
Ace Rent a car
Good 7.4 / 15 reviews
1 location
$128 - $195
Finalrentals
Finalrentals
Good 7.4
1 location
$54 - $129
United Rent A Car
United Rent A Car
Good 7.4
1 location
$116 - $157
Minute Car Rentals
Minute Car Rentals
Good 7 / 5 reviews
1 location
$61 - $186
Budget
Budget
Satisfactory 6.6
1 location
$98 - $180
Autounion
Autounion
Poor 5.2 / 33 reviews
2 locations
$101 - $340
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