An Adventure of Many Steps- New to Negril

If this is your first trip to JA, a few things you should know about the route taxi/bus system.
The vehicles are usually regular size automobiles that sit 3 or 4 passengers in the back seat, and 1 in the front seat (not big buses). They have a set route and do not stop for bathroom or beer breaks. They generally drop you off at the roadside of at the designated bus stop. If you know where you want dropped off on the beach road, let the driver know before you get there. If you are staying on the West End/Cliffs, you can ask the driver if he can take you there for additional price (of at least $100 per person). If he can't take you, you will then have to hire another taxi to get to your hotel.

I agree you would be better off with a private taxi (which will cost between $60 & $80 in total for the four of you (and they will likely have a free cold beverage waiting for you in their vehicle) and you will be in Negril in about 90 minutes from the time you leave the airport. Plus the driver will help you with your luggage.

As you are arriving late in the afternoon, it will likely be dark by the time you get to Lucea if you use a route taxi. Make sure you keep you eye on your luggage so it doesn't disappear or get put into a vehicle that you are not travelling in. As there are 4 of you, you may have to wait for a route taxi that has enough room in the vehicle for all of you and your luggage. Also make sure that it is actually a route taxi with a red plate that you get into - route taxi's have their routes painted on the drivers door and always have a red licence plate (which tells you the vehicle is properly licensed and insured to carry passengers).

Route taxi's are a great way to travel short distances without luggage, but they can be exhausting if you have multiple route changes and luggage for several people.

Have a great stay in Jamaica and enjoy to the max!

Trip 35 coming up next week and even me ,being a huge cheapskate, would not bother trying this, Juta, or Clives are a much better plan, or a private driver.

I would just hire a driver. Yes route buses are cheap and effective though unreliable, and I don't how much your traveling with but you may have to purchase an extra seat for your luggage which would double your fare.

SamiraTootie, congrats on choosing Negril for your vacation, I hope you will love it as much as we all do!
Please, please listen to all the advice you have been given here by ALL the other posters. Most of them have been traveling to Jamaica and Negril for many years, a couple actually live there. You will be much more comfortable on your vacation with a private driver or a shared ride (pre arranged).
Also, please forgive me for saying so, but if you NEED to look for a ride to Negril that costs you less than $20 you might want to reconsider spending $$ to go on vacation.

Go with the private drivers Bnewb suggested,you will not be dissapointed and you can relax with a cold Red Stripe or bottle of water and enjoy the scenery.Also if you have never been on the trip from Montegeo Bay to Negril most drivers will give you alot of information and history on the little towns you are going to go through if you wish to learn a little about the awesome island you are going to vacation on.