How to get to Jamaica

Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, located in the Western Caribbean about 145km (90mi) south of Cuba and 160km (99mi) west of Haiti.

The most convenient route to Jamaica is by air to one of three international airports…

Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) is located 18km (11mi) southeast of the capital, Kingston.

This airport is the better option if you're visiting Kingston, Port Antonio or heading to the Blue Mountains.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Jamaica's largest and most popular airport, is located in Montego Bay, and is the primary point of entry for visitors headed to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril.

More information about getting to Montego Bay.

Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) is located in the Ocho Rios resort area, and is a convenient entry point to Jamaica's north coast for small aircraft.

The airport is named for Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond novels, whose home – Goldeneye – is located in St Mary parish.

By sea, both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are favourite ports-of-call for several cruise lines.


Flight times to Kingston, Jamaica

The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), Kingston.

From United States: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Caribbean Airlines and Jet Blue offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Kingston, Jamaica.

Atlanta to Kingston is 2 hrs 52 min, direct flight
Fort Lauderdale to Kingston is 1 hr 37 min, direct flight
New York to Kingston is 3 hrs 50 min, direct flight
Miami to Kingston is 1 hr 45 min, direct flight

Boston to Kingston is 5 hrs 58 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Kingston is 6 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Charlotte to Kingston is 4 hrs 29 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Kingston is 5 hrs 47 min, connecting flightˆ
Houston to Kingston is 5 hrs 28 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Kingston is 8 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to Kingston is 8 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Seattle to Kingston is 9 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ


From Canada: Air Canada, American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Fly Jamaica, West Jet and Delta Air Lines offer the most convenient scheduled flights.

Toronto to Kingston is 4 hrs 50 min, direct flight

Montreal to Kingston is 6 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Kingston is 10 hrs, connecting flightˆ


From Australia: Qantas, American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Australia, Delta Air Lines and Jet Blue offer the most convenient three stop scheduled flights.

Adelaide to Kingston is 26 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Kingston is 22 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to Kingston is 23 hrs 10 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Kingston is 24 hrs, connecting flightˆ


From New Zealand: American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer the most convenient three stop scheduled flights.

Auckland to Kingston is 21 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ


From Singapore: Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines offer regular flights to the Kingston, Jamaica.

Singapore to Kingston is 27 hrs 56 min, connecting flightˆ


From United Kingdom: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue and Fly Jamacia offer the most convenient daily scheduled flights to Kingston, Jamaica.

London to Kingston is 12 hrs 43 min, connecting flightˆ
Manchester to Kingston is 12 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ


From Ireland: Aer Lingus, Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Kingston, Jamaica.

Dublin to Kingston is 12 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ


From France: American Airlines, Air France, Fly Jamaica and Delta offer the most convenient scheduled flights.

Paris to Kingston is 12 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ


From Germany: Lufthansa, American Airlines, easyJet, Delta Air Lines and British Airways offer the most convenient flights to Kingston, Jamaica.

Berlin to Kingston is 12 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Dusseldorf to Kingston is 12 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Frankfurt to Kingston is 14 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Hamburg to Kingston is 13 hrs 55 min, connecting flightˆ
Munich to Kingston is 12 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ

(ˆincludes transfer time.)


Flying in

Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), is located 18km (11mi) southeast of the capital, Kingston, just 30 minutes by taxi or coach.


Public transport

Taxi: A wide range of air-conditioned taxis are available outside the main terminal bulding. Fares start at around J$650.

Shuttle: Hotels can arrange transport by prior arrangement.

Bus: The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (tel: 1 888 588 2287; www.jutc.com) operates the public bus service between Kingston Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston.

Bus 98 runs frequently throughout the day to the city centre. Journey time is around 30 minutes; fare is J$100.


Car rental

On-site car hire companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz and Island Car Rentals. Offices for these operators are located in the transportation hall, outside the customs area.


Terminal facilities

Money: ATMs are located in the customs hall and in the arrivals area. Currency exchange services are located in the departure and arrival areas.

Food: The airport has various snack counters, a bar with views of the runway, a cafe and two restaurants.

Shopping: Duty-free and general retail shopping facilities are located in the departures area. A wide range of quality gifts, spices and local souvenirs are available as well as books, magazines and travel accessories.

Wi-Fi: Internet kiosks and Wi-Fi hotspots are located in the departures area

Other: The Club Kingston VIP lounge in the departure area provides complimentary refreshments and includes a business centre and showers. Reservations are required in advance (tel: (876) 619 1565).

A first aid service is available in the immigration hall. Baby changing facilities are available in certain toilets. Hotel and tour operator desks are located in the arrivals hall.


Disabled facilities

There are toilets for wheelchair users at the airport. Wheelchairs are available upon request. Travellers who require assistance at the airport should notify their airline before arrival.


Entry requirements

Visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months after entry. All visitors must hold return/onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.


How to get around Jamaica

At around 235km (146mi) long and 82km (51mi) across at its widest point, hiring a car is the best way of exploring Jamaica.

Scooters and motorbikes can also be rented, usually with the help of your hotel front desk.

Jamaica's road network covers the whole island. Roads are divided into freeways, major roads and minor roads.

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside the main towns.

The Jamaica Tourist Board offers one of the most comprehensive road maps of the island – the Discover Jamaica road map.

The map contains a detailed overview of the entire island, as well as blowups of Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville, Spanish Town, Port Antonio and Ocho Rios. Available from any Jamaica Tourist Board office or car-rental agency.

By car, Negril to Port Antonio (incorporating Montego Bay and Ocho Rios) takes about five or six hours, while Montego Bay to Ocho Rios takes about two hours.

More about how to get around Jamaica


Latest update: How to get to Jamaica: 7 May, 2022



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