Getting around Jamaica

Kingston and the corporate area run on JUTC buses, and licensed route taxis and minibuses cover the rest of the island. Every public passenger vehicle is licensed by the Transport Authority, and only approved fares may be charged — ask the fare before you ride. JUTC's cashless SmartFare card speeds up boarding, with the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre as the network's hub.

How it works

JUTC buses

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company runs the scheduled bus network in the Kingston region from the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre and the Downtown transport hub. Its SmartFare card is cashless, pay-as-you-go, and replaceable if lost.

Route taxis

Licensed route taxis run fixed corridors island-wide under Transport Authority rules — only approved fares may be charged. The Authority itself warns against unlicensed "robot" taxis; stick to licensed vehicles.

Charters and coaches

JUTC also runs express buses, premium coaches and charters for event and group travel, bookable through its portal.

Official sources

Taxis

Car and scooter hire

Buses