Car Rental in Montego Bay

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Montego Bay, 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

Sangster International Airport
Mini
Nissan Note or similar
Nissan Note
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Finalrentals
$53.73 / per day
Sangster International Airport
Economy
Suzuki Swift or similar
Suzuki Swift
  • 4
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Island Car Rentals
$58.33 / per day
Sangster International Airport
Compact
Honda Fit or similar
Honda Fit
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Minute Car Rentals
$60.61 / per day
Sangster International Airport
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla or similar
Toyota Corolla
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
NUCarrentals
$83.29 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Sangster International Airport
Standard
Toyota Premio or similar
Toyota Premio
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Routes Car Rental
$102.46 / per day
Sangster International Airport
Special SUV
Suzuki Vitara or similar
Suzuki Vitara
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
RightCars
$109.61 / per day
Sangster International Airport
Economy Elite
Suzuki Swift or similar
Suzuki Swift
  • 4
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
United Rent A Car
$125.71 / per day
Montego Bay Providence Way
Full-size
Mitsubishi Lancer or similar
Mitsubishi Lancer
  • 5
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$139.78 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 20:18 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
$92 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
8.6 / 10

Why rent a car in Montego Bay?

Montego Bay is a great place to visit. With a long beautiful coastline, it is a famous beach destination. Many beaches are located in the city, but with a rental car, you can also reach more private and secluded spots along the coast. Thanks to its prime location and great accommodation options, Montego Bay can be a base from where to explore the rest of Jamaica’s Cornwall County and the country’s northern coast. 

Montego Bay

One-Way Car Rentals in Montego Bay

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

  • From Montego Bay to Kingston - 28 offers from $94.11 per day

Top ways to enter Montego Bay

  • Sangster Airport: Named after the former Jamaican Prime Minister, Sangster is the primary airport serving Montego Bay. It handled 4.5 million travelers in 2018 and offers flights to and from many destinations in the Caribbean, North and South America, and Europe. Located just 7km (4.3 miles) from downtown Montego Bay, the airport can be reached in about 15 minutes.
  • Kingston Airport: Also known as Kingston-Norman Manley and Palisadoes, it is the main airport serving Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Less busy than Sangster Airport, it nonetheless offers flights by 11 different airlines connecting Jamaica to Canada, the United States, Bahamas, United Kingdom, and other destinations. Located 190km (118 miles) southeast of Montego Bay, Sangster Airport can be reached in about three hours.
  • By sea: If you arrive in Montego Bay by ship, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Montego Bay Cruise Port. Cruise ships that make a stop at Montego Bay connect Jamaica to places like Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Belize, and the United States. It is 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 Montego Bay.

Ian Fleming Airport near the city of Ocho Rios is the third international airport of Jamaica. Although there are plans for new air routes to be opened in the near future, as of July 2019, it only serves one connection, that between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

City facts

  • Located on the Caribbean coast, Montego Bay enjoys pleasant tropical weather with very little temperature changes throughout the year. The average high temperature is  31°C  (89°F) in August, the warmest month, and 28°C  (82°F) in January and February. The rainiest period of the year is from September to November while March is by far the driest month. 
  • With a population of about 110,000, Montego Bay is the second-largest city in Jamaica. It is also the seat of the St. James Parish that surrounds it. Although much smaller than the capital Kingston, Montego Bay is the number one tourist destination in Jamaica and receives the largest number of international visitors.

Top destinations and activities

  • Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. A beautiful natural area just southwest of Montego Bay, Rocklands is home to hundreds of unique bird species. Some are endemic to Jamaica while others come from faraway regions. Birds you can see in Rocklands include Jamaican Orioles, Caribbean Doves, Northern Mockingbirds and different types of hummingbirds. You can join a tour to Rocklands, but it’s also possible to drive there yourself, first going to the nearby town of Reading and then heading to Rocklands Road, Wiltshire, Anchovy.
  • Doctor’s Cave Beach. Jamaica has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but there’s a consensus among both locals and visitors that Doctor’s Cave is one of the most special ones. Made up of beautiful white sands and turquoise blue waters, as well as beach bars, umbrellas, and shops where you can rent water sports equipment, it has everything for a great day by the sea.
  • Kitesurfing. Kitesurfing has been growing in the Caribbean in recent years, and Jamaica still has some catching up to do to places like Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. The good news is that the first kitesurfing center in the country has recently opened near the town of Corral Spring just east of Montego Bay. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, kitesurfing in the Caribbean is an experience of a lifetime.
  • Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden. Combining culture with the outdoors, Ras Natango is known for its exhibitions of Jamaican art but also for the botanical garden where many unique species can be found. Located a 20-minute drive inland at a relatively high elevation, the area offers amazing panoramic views of the city and the sea below.

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 license ban, or even deportation or imprisonment. 
  • Although Montego Bay is not a large city, the traffic in and around 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 plan your route in advance. Be especially careful to look out for animals crossing and people walking along the road.
  • Jamaica is quite mountainous, especially in the inland areas. Getting a smaller car is a good idea if you only plan to drive in Montego Bay, 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 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 are two toll roads in Jamaica, the T1, which connects the capital city Kingston in the south of the island to Montego Bay in the north, and the T2 between Caymanas and St. Ann's Bay. The Port Kington Causeway is also tolled.

The toll depends on the size of the car. The toll payment can be made either by paying in cash at a toll booth or by getting a prepaid electronic tag (for which you can pay either in 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.

If you plan to drive outside Montego Bay, it’s important to do your own research about the Jamaican toll roads before you arrive. Do keep in mind that information about Jamaica’s toll roads found online can be insufficient or contradictory because new sections are constantly 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

  • Ocho Rios. Another city on the northern coast that’s popular with tourists, Ocho Rios is known for its beaches, green spaces, rafting, and tours exploring the surrounding rainforest. Another interesting place to visit is the Coyaba Museum which houses many artworks and artifacts of the native Arawak people and is surrounded by a garden of the same name. The drive from Montego Bay takes about two hours.
  • Dunn’s River Falls & Park. An impressive waterfall at the confluence of four rivers, Dunn’s is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jamaica. It is possible to climb the waterfalls with a local guide. The climb itself is quite intensive, but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the waterfall emptying straight into the sea. Located near Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is about 95km (59 miles) east of Montego Bay and can be reached in 1 hour and 40 minutes.
  • Mayfield Falls. Less known and wilder than Dunn’s, Mayfield Falls is a nature area southwest of Montego Bay. You’ll have to pay a $15 entry fee, but that will include a local guide who will accompany you in climbing the waterfalls, trekking through the jungle, diving through tunnels, and swimming in natural pools. Mayfield Falls is just 39km (24 miles) from Montego Bay, but as the road goes through the countryside, so it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there. 
  • Falmouth. The newest cruise port in Jamaica, Falmouth has seen a large influx of tourists in recent years, but it remains better known for its 18th and 19th-century Georgian architecture. Famous examples include Good Hope Great House, the Tharp House, and St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Located 34km (21 miles) east of Montego Bay, Falmouth can be reached in about 40 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Montego Bay is the Toyota Yaris, and many travelers also go for the Nissan Tiida and the Toyota Corolla. The most popular rental car types are the compact, economy, and full-size classes.

Further destinations

  • Negril. If the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay start to overwhelm you, you might consider visiting Negril. With a relaxed atmosphere, serene white sand beaches, and opportunities to snorkel in the sea  it is the place to get away from everything. Located near the westernmost tip of Jamaica, Negril is 80km (50 miles) southwest of Montego Bay and can be reached in about 90 minutes.
  • Kingston. Jamaica’s capital and by far largest city might not attract the same crowds of tourists as Montego Bay or other towns on the country’s northern coast, but it has its fair share of attractions. Some of the outstanding ones are the Bob Marley Museum, the National Gallery of Jamaica, and Port Royal, a former Caribbean pirate haven. A potential base from where to explore the Blue Mountains or Jamaica’s southern coast, Kingston is also a worthy destination in its own right. Located 170km (105 miles) southwest of Montego Bay, Kingston can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • The Blue Mountains. An impressive mountain chain and a region in the eastern part of Jamaica, the Blue Mountains is one of the most beautiful places in the country. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, trekking, and visiting the local forests. The area is also home to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. Taking up nearly 5% of Jamaica’s territory, it is home to countless flora and fauna species, including giant swallowtail butterfly, black-billed parrot, Jamaican hutia, and Jamaican boa. Locals claim that on a clear day, Cuba is visible from the highest peaks of the Blue Mountains. Located about 200km (125 miles) southeast of Montego Bay, the mountains can be reached in four to five hours.

Car Rental Prices in Montego Bay

  • 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 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 Montego Bay is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 49% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 80% cheaper than renting a vehicle in July.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Edited by Hannah Lukaszewicz, a US citizen who runs the international travel blog Getting Stamped. Hannah and her family have traveled to over 85 countries with a never-ending bucket list! Her travel blog hopes to inspire you to travel the world and help you plan your trip too. She has rented cars all over the world and has driven in over 30 countries. She believes that renting a car gives you such freedom and is the best way to experience a destination.

Top 3 Cities near Montego Bay

  1. 52.4 km / 32.6 miles away
  2. 67.2 km / 41.8 miles away
  3. 134.6 km / 83.6 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Montego Bay?

Car rental prices in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay
$57.39
January
$50.20
February
$56.39
March
$54.11
April
$46.91
May
$61.10
June
$76.55
July
$70.80
August
$58.37
September
$54.38
October
$59.72
November
$78.11
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Montego Bay is May (when prices average $46.91 per day). This is 22% cheaper than the yearly average and 40% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $78.11).

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 Montego Bay?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 11 days, and in August, they keep their car for 8 days.
Average number of rental days in Montego Bay
11
January
9
February
9
March
10
April
9
May
9
June
9
July
8
August
10
September
9
October
8
November
10
December

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

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Montego Bay is December, and the least popular is September.
Monthly searches in Montego Bay by pick-up date relative to the average
81%
January
83%
February
94%
March
84%
April
92%
May
78%
June
160%
July
95%
August
46%
September
74%
October
71%
November
241%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 4
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Autounion, Island Car Rentals, Budget, AddCar, SIXT
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Large cars
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
Autounion Toyota Vitz 5 2 Small cars
Island Car Rentals Toyota Yaris 4 1 Medium cars
Budget Suzuki Swift 5 1 Small cars
Autounion Toyota Corolla 5 2 Large cars
Island Car Rentals Hyundai Creta 5 2 SUVs
Autounion Toyota RAV4 5 3 SUVs
AddCar Nissan Sentra 4 1 Small cars
Autounion Toyota Yaris 4 2 Medium cars
Autounion Nissan March 4 1 Small cars

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.

United Kingdom
Hyundai Creta
December 2, 2023
Business
United States of America (USA)
Daihatsu Mira
June 12, 2023
The trip was great. The car met all terrain and travel across the entire island. We visited all planned cities and venues as expected without any issues.
Canada
Nissan Sentra
April 14, 2023
Visited the country side and most of all Salt River. Beautiful spot and the weather was exceptional.
United Kingdom
Toyota RAV4
March 29, 2023
T car place was only 3 minutes away and they took an hour to pick me up from the airport
Jamaica
Suzuki Swift
April 8, 2021
Adhere to protocols and have fun food is great. Be safe and have fun. See you all soon real soon.
United Kingdom
Mitsubishi LANCER
February 8, 2019
great trip. Jamaica is a beautiful island.
United Kingdom
Nissan Tiida
November 26, 2018
We stayed at a hotel in just outside Montrgo Bay and the experience was brilliant. Our hire car was delivered to our hotel and it was collected from our hotel at the end if our stay - Excellent service!
United Kingdom
Suzuki Liana
June 15, 2018
The hip strip- must go.. peaceful and chilled area to walk.. lots to do

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
RightCars
8 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Budget
4.8 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
10
Total rental companies
19
Average daily price
$91.69
Lowest daily price
$53.73
Total cars available
235

Top 19 Suppliers in Montego Bay in 2024

RightCars
RightCars
Very good 8 / 7 reviews
1 location
$110 - $123
Alamo
Alamo
Good 7.9 / 2 reviews
2 locations
$92 - $97
Island Car Rentals
Island Car Rentals
Good 7.8 / 65 reviews
1 location
$58 - $160
Hertz
Hertz
Good 7.7
1 location
National
National
Good 7.7
2 locations
$123 - $134
Enterprise
Enterprise
Good 7.6 / 2 reviews
2 locations
$121 - $143
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Good 7.6 / 2 reviews
1 location
$69 - $175
Avis
Avis
Good 7.6
1 location
$87 - $141
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.6
1 location
Flexways
Flexways
Good 7.5
1 location
$93 - $197
Ace Rent a car
Ace Rent a car
Good 7.4 / 11 reviews
1 location
$135 - $206
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Good 7.4 / 2 reviews
1 location
$60 - $171
Finalrentals
Finalrentals
Good 7.4 / 1 review
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 7.3 / 4 reviews
1 location
$61 - $185
SIXT
SIXT
Good 7.2 / 12 reviews
1 location
$136 - $286
AddCar
AddCar
Poor 5.9 / 41 reviews
1 location
Autounion
Autounion
Poor 5.3 / 75 reviews
3 locations
$98 - $317
Budget
Budget
Poor 4.8 / 29 reviews
2 locations
$97 - $187
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