ais1inn

My girlfriend and I depart in a few days for Negril. I just wanted to get some last-minute"insider" opinions on the JUTA busses.

What are they like? We live in Boston, Mass, so we're used to some pretty cramped trains and busses. But no idea about Jamaica.

Can anyone give me some good descriptors or maybe a photo? Mostly, I'm just trying to figure out if the busses will be comfortable enough for a 1.5 hour drive from Mo Bay to Negril. Are the windows big or small? Are the seats cushioned or hard? Cramped? Air cond. or good ventilation,... that sort of info.

Thanks a bunch.
-Jeremiah

andreaac

Juta busses are pretty reliable. You will be most comfortable since only other travelers will be aboard. The buses load-up at the airport with travelers going to different resorts. Depending on flight schedules into Montego Bay there may not be many people on your bus at all! Don't worry, no one will be jammed up against you. You will have AC also.

The JUTA buses are like the coach buses you see here in the states. Some are the full-sized (Greyhound sizes) busses and other are the mini buses which are the smaller versions.

I have always used JUTA when visiting Jamaica and have never had a problem. Just remember to tip the bus driver after he helps you to unload your luggage at your hotel.

liza

They're fine. But if there are 2 or more of you, you might like to spend just a little more and have a private driver take you so you can stop when and where you like along the way, even do a little touring if that interests you. He'd also stop by the grocery store and such when you get to negril if you want to stock up on beer or whatever.

They're usually about $50-60 for two people, either a taxi or sometimes a van.

I can recommend Salomon Kerr at www.geocities.com/talkofthetowntours - we've used him and so have many, many poeple i know, he's very nice, a great driver and if you'd like to do a day trip later on, he can arrange that too. He has a nice van with AC.

ais1inn

Hey thanks for all the help. That clears a lot up.

I think, since so many people are suggesting it and, since it's our first time to the island, we might try to hire a taxi/guide.

The 3 i've read most commonly: http://www.geocities.com/talkofthetowntours/ (Salomon)
http://www.jamaicaconchtours.com/aboutus.html (LeeAnne) and
http://www.barrettadventures.com (Carolyn and Errol)

I'm a little confused, though. When I go to their websites, they don't seem much like taxis. They keep talking about tours of 1 day (or longer). Would I be insulting them by asking them just to work as a taxi?

tivertonhouse

Both Salomon and Carolyn & Errol Barrett will do transport only services.

liza

The thing about hiring a guide for the airport run is that they'll make it more than an airport run, they'll make a little trip out of it (if you like) by stopping along the way, explaining what it is you're passing, etc.

We stopped at a little private waterfall in the hills on the way from Negril to MoBay once, but even the little stops to take a picture or get a beer or try a fresh coconut make it worth it for us over taking a bus.

I wouldn't worry about insulting anyone.

liza

PS: a "regular" taxi you'd get at the airport won't cost less than a driver in general.

ais1inn

Thanks, liza and tiverton

Actually, I just discovered that pricing fact. I booked transport through Carolyn & Errol Barrett and the cost is all of $10 more than a taxi would've been. That's more than worth it I think.

Thanks again!

tivertonhouse

Have Carolyn/Errol stop for you at The Gemini Shop in MoBay b4 you head for Negril; they generally have the best exchange rate around...