The Route: MBJ Airport to Negril
The drive from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport to Negril is one of the most popular routes in Jamaica — and one of the easiest. You'll follow the A1 highway westward along the coast, passing through the towns of Hopewell, Lucea, and Green Island before arriving at Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach.
The road is a two-lane highway the entire way, well-paved and clearly marked. Traffic is typically light outside of Montego Bay proper, and the scenery is beautiful — turquoise Caribbean Sea on your right, green hills on your left.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Exit Sangster International Airport and turn right onto the A1 (Queens Drive), heading west
- Follow the coast through downtown Montego Bay — you'll pass the Hip Strip area, Doctor's Cave Beach on your right
- Continue on A1 West past Rose Hall and Ironshore. The road opens up once you clear the Montego Bay area
- Pass through Hopewell (about 25 minutes from the airport). The road narrows slightly through town — watch speed
- Continue through Lucea, the capital of Hanover parish. Good spot for a quick fuel stop
- Pass Green Island and continue to Negril roundabout. Turn left for Seven Mile Beach (Norman Manley Boulevard) or go straight for the West End cliffs
Leave the airport before 4 PM to avoid rush hour traffic in Montego Bay town centre. The Montego Bay section (first 20 minutes) can get congested.
Best Stops Along the Way
🏖️ Half Moon Beach (15 min from MBJ)
Just past Rose Hall. A quieter alternative to the busy Montego Bay beaches, with a beautiful crescent shape.
🏰 Rose Hall Great House (10 min from MBJ)
The famous "White Witch" haunted plantation. Worth a quick photo stop even if you don't do the tour — stunning views of the coast.
⛽ Lucea Town (40 min from MBJ)
The last reliable fuel stop before Negril. Fill up here. There's also a Juici Patties for authentic Jamaican patties — perfect road trip snack.
🌊 Tryall Water Wheel (30 min from MBJ)
Historic sugar mill water wheel right by the road. A quick 5-minute photo stop with a bit of Jamaican history.
🍹 Rick's Café, Negril (at destination)
Famous cliff bar on the West End. Arrive before 5:30 PM to watch the sunset and cliff divers. Best experience in Negril.
What Type of Car Do You Need?
The Montego Bay to Negril route is entirely on paved highway, so any car will handle it comfortably. That said, here are our recommendations:
- Couples or solo: Toyota Corolla or Axio — fuel-efficient, comfortable, great A/C
- Families or groups: Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail — more space for luggage and kids, higher ride for better views
- Budget: Toyota Vitz — our most affordable option, perfect for this short, easy drive
All our vehicles are automatic, fully insured, and come with A/C — essential for Jamaica's tropical heat.
Tips for This Drive
- Start early or mid-morning if you want to stop at beaches along the way
- The drive is easy enough for first-time left-side drivers — the highway is straightforward with minimal turns
- There are no tolls on this route
- Cell phone coverage is good the entire way (Digicel and Flow both work)
- If you're staying in Negril for multiple days and returning to MBJ airport, let us know — we can arrange drop-off at your hotel and airport pickup on departure day
Other Popular Drives from Montego Bay
- Montego Bay to Ocho Rios — 1.5-2 hours, Dunn's River Falls
- Complete Driving in Jamaica Guide — tips, rules, and distances
Need a Car for Negril?
We deliver free to MBJ Airport. Pick up your car when you land, drive to Negril, and we'll collect it when you're done.
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