Can we just catch a cab from MBJ to Negril?

Or should we arrange for private transportation?

It's just two of us, and wondering if it would be cheaper, easier and faster to just grab a cab on our way out from the airport? Our friend gave us this advice because he said the cabbies would also give us good insight into other recreational stuff too if you know what mean. But I don't want to mess around too much, just want to get to Negril as fast as possible. NOt interested waiting for other people etc. Just curious what you all do when you go to Negril.

Book a private ride. Look in the transportation section and you will find some good drivers who will take care if you. My preference is Kingsley James from Take Care Tours. He will make whatever stops you need on the way and charges $60 for two people each way. Everyone has their favorite driver, mine just happens to be a favorite of many good folks.

http://negril.com/transport/takecare.htm

Another driver who gets great reviews in Linston. His Dad post on here as CaptainD, so if he acts up feel free to tell on him. LOL

http://redplate-negril.com/

I don't think you'll get that much of a deal from cabbies at the airport, because you still need transportation back to Mobay. I pay $100 R/T for two when I go. Try http://www.phillipsjamaicatours.com/ he's on Negril.com and just recently a couple boardies gave him good reviews. I really don't see cabbies giving someone that much of a break when the destination is Negril. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Navvet

I don't think you'll get that much of a deal from cabbies at the airport, because you still need transportation back to Mobay. I really don't see cabbies giving someone that much of a break when the destination is Negril. Good luck.

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The cabbies at the airport WILL accept a fair price. Of course, if you are new and you dont know what a fair price is they WILL try to over charge you.

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Originally Posted by luvjabd

The cabbies at the airport WILL accept a fair price. Of course, if you are new and you dont know what a fair price is they WILL try to over charge you.

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That's why I suggested using a tour operator from Negril.com because the price is already known ahead of time and one knows that they will pick you up on the way out of JA.

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Originally Posted by Navvet

That's why I suggested using a tour operator from Negril.com because the price is already known ahead of time and one knows that they will pick you up on the way out of JA.

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We used Rocky's Tours and had no problems. Wayne was a very good driver with a great sense of humour. Our fare was $70.00, money well spent.

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Originally Posted by Navvet

That's why I suggested using a tour operator from Negril.com because the price is already known ahead of time and one knows that they will pick you up on the way out of JA.

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You dont just hop in the taxi and then let him charge you whatever when you reach Negril.....you ask BEFORE you get in the car how much to Negril. Better yet ask..."Will you take me to Negril for (quote your rate)?"
This webiste is a lot of help but you can survive Negril without the sponsors.

If you were in a pinch, you could probabaly negotiate a decent price, but why take the chance. There are lots of Negril drivers that are more than fare price, as mentioned above.

If your a wing it type of person go for it but please come back and let us all know how you made out.

One big reason we book a driver in advance from Negril.com is some offer a free phone to use while your there. We did this on our last trip. Makes it a real game changer in enhancing your enjoyment on your trip.

I think one of the main reasons to get a Negril driver to pick you up and drop you off is that the drivers outside the airport are Mobay-based drivers and they usually want to charge a little more because of the business they miss out on when they take you to Negril and, of course, they have to come back empty.

As someone else said, the Negril drivers are often offering a free cell phone for you to use and now you will know a driver to call when you want to go to the beach or the cliffs or shopping etc.

Another reason I would like to add is if this is your first trip, you now know someone who lives somewhere around Negril and can fill you in on the "runnings" (especially if you want to partake of the local culture). :cool:

Peace and Guidance

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Originally Posted by Accompong

I think one of the main reasons to get a Negril driver to pick you up and drop you off is that the drivers outside the airport are Mobay-based drivers and they usually want to charge a little more because of the business they miss out on when they take you to Negril and, of course, they have to come back empty.

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I have grabbed ataxi at the airport many times and negotiated the price i wanted. There are often Negril Taxi drivers at the airport wanting to pick up a fare after dropping off someone.

You can also walk just off the airport property and get a cheaper ride in a route taxi. :p

Thanks for the good advice. We are going to set up transport ahead of time. We are definitely wing it, negotiate type of people but to have this part squared away ahead of time will be nice. :)

Question, if we go with someone that offers a free phone - are we going to be paying a higher rate for them to cab us around than we would just grabbing a cab from the street?

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Originally Posted by Irie John

I have grabbed ataxi at the airport many times and negotiated the price i wanted. There are often Negril Taxi drivers at the airport wanting to pick up a fare after dropping off someone.

You can also walk just off the airport property and get a cheaper ride in a route taxi. :p

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Well, Irie John, you have done these things "many times" and (I believe) this is their first time so I wouldn't suggest they try saving a few bucks and take a chance of possibly ruining their vacation. I think you probably already know about the "Route Taxi" threads and how a novice visitor can have a problem there as well. Honestly, I don't do any of these things personally that I recommend as I live in Jamaica but I want to see a visitor have the best time possible.

Just the way I look at things.

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Originally Posted by hygieia

Thanks for the good advice. We are going to set up transport ahead of time. We are definitely wing it, negotiate type of people but to have this part squared away ahead of time will be nice. :)

Question, if we go with someone that offers a free phone - are we going to be paying a higher rate for them to cab us around than we would just grabbing a cab from the street?

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I would suggest you read the thread about the Route Taxis before you just "grab a cab from the street". Think about using your airport driver or one suggested by your hotel before trying to immerse yourself in the Route Taxi business.

Again, just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

We paid $60.00 us each way from airport to Negril and back. Free phone included. with Stevepositive tours.

Hi Hygieia we at Steve Positive Tours offer free cellphone use and refreshing complimentary drink on roundtrip pickups, for MBJ $120US covers this roundtrip transfer for up to 3 persons, you can call us at 1-876-372-8354 or email stevepositiveja@gmail.com

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Originally Posted by Accompong

Well, Irie John, you have done these things "many times" and (I believe) this is their first time so I wouldn't suggest they try saving a few bucks and take a chance of possibly ruining their vacation. I think you probably already know about the "Route Taxi" threads and how a novice visitor can have a problem there as well. Honestly, I don't do any of these things personally that I recommend as I live in Jamaica but I want to see a visitor have the best time possible.

Just the way I look at things.



I would suggest you read the thread about the Route Taxis before you just "grab a cab from the street". Think about using your airport driver or one suggested by your hotel before trying to immerse yourself in the Route Taxi business.

Again, just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

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I should be clear. I understand which taxi cabs to take and which not to take. Red plate not white, correct?

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Originally Posted by hygieia

I should be clear. I understand which taxi cabs to take and which not to take. Red plate not white, correct?

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Yes, that is correct. Red Plates are licensed taxis to take passengers and White Plates are privately owned and operated vehicles (like your car at home).

However, still use caution. Make sure the "to and from destination" on the side of the taxi match the way you are going and you are somewhere in between those places. Also, don't travel alone in a vehicle at night if possible. Some may not agree with that advice but better be safe than sorry.

Have a great trip!

Peace and Guidance

i'd definitely recommend booking ahead of time. Use one of the many listed already or we used Ashton Pitt on this last trip. If you go through your hotel, they will probably charge more.
Your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive, will assist with your luggage, have your preferred beverages cold and ready to go if you want, and make any requested stops along the way. As stated before, many will loan you a phone, you just have to put down a deposit and put some minutes on it. You know they will do a good job because they want your business for the ride back.
You could probably negotiate a fair price on the spot, but you won't get some of the perks.

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Originally Posted by Accompong

Yes, that is correct. Red Plates are licensed taxis to take passengers and White Plates are privately owned and operated vehicles (like your car at home).

However, still use caution. Make sure the "to and from destination" on the side of the taxi match the way you are going and you are somewhere in between those places. Also, don't travel alone in a vehicle at night if possible. Some may not agree with that advice but better be safe than sorry.

Have a great trip!

Peace and Guidance

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You'd be well advised to listen to Accompong. Wise man dat. :)

I've jumped in a taxi outside the airport before --- there's a dispatcher - just like in the states - that tells you the fare and pulls your taxi up from the taxi line -- the driver was clean, the car was clean and he drove safely --- when my cousin went back a few months later --- the driver gave him a real deal tour around ochi when he got off the cruise ship

the taxis are red plates, the driver's ID with his name and number hang in the car

just like hopping into a taxi any other place I've been . . .

I have to admit that I prefer to book prior as my driver gives me much comfort. However to assume that someone asking this question is naive cracks me up. You absolutely can walk out of the airport and secure a safe ride at a comparable price in a matter of seconds. Just cause a person only has a few post does not mean that they are new to international travel or are not cultured, and to assume so is ridiculous.

As we say at home....there are many ways to skin a cat! Please don't take this as an assault to felines. :) Have to agree with you booger. I generally book transport ahead of time..but, I would not be opposed to taking a different approach if I felt like it. :) One of the wonderful things about going to Jamaica...is freedom to just BE. Peace out............

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Originally Posted by booger

I have to admit that I prefer to book prior as my driver gives me much comfort. However to assume that someone asking this question is naive cracks me up. You absolutely can walk out of the airport and secure a safe ride at a comparable price in a matter of seconds. Just cause a person only has a few post does not mean that they are new to international travel or are not cultured, and to assume so is ridiculous.

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Haha, thanks. We're certainly not naïve. Very street smart, business savvy and acute. But I still genuinely appreciate the advice/insight from those who know more than we do about the area.

Consider another factor. The driver you pick outside the airport arrival might drive like a maniac!
Pick someone with a safe driving reputation from this board.

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Originally Posted by hygieia

Haha, thanks. We're certainly not naïve. Very street smart, business savvy and acute. But I still genuinely appreciate the advice/insight from those who know more than we do about the area.

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I think for your first trip to Jamaica (even if you have been around the world umteen times) it is a good idea to travel a little more conventionally. Here is a brief story of something that happened to me in 1996 even after I had been to Jamaica more that 20 times previously.

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I flew into Kingston even though my final destination was Maggotty where my wedding was to take place the following weekend. I got a flight on Spirit Airlines for $7 so I figured that even a relatively expensive taxi ride would be cheaper than flying into Montego Bay.

I arrived about 11pm and after clearing Customs and Immigration, I went outside to negotiate a taxi fare to Maggotty. I tried to size up the drivers first so that I wouldn't get a drunk or someone who looked desperate for my money. I narrowed it down to three drivers almost immediately and as it was they were all parked closely together so I could next pick a serviceable vehicle for the long ride.

I didn't take the low offer nor the high offer but settled for a good price, good car and what I perceived to be a good driver and off we went. I was a little tired from a long day of work and a flight from my home in California so I almost immediately leaned on the rear window and took a nap.

We hit a small bump while still in Kingston and I opened my eyes to see we were in Trenchtown and pulling up to a government yard building. There were several youths sitting outside the building showing a great interest in the car that just pulled into their turf.

The driver stopped about 50 feet short of the youth and turned to me and said, "Hey mon, you said $250 US right?" when we had agreed on $200 dollars.

He continued, "If you don't want to pay then you can get out here (pointing ahead at the youth now getting up and heading our way). He had an evil grin on his face.

I waited for a second as I was pissed but didn't want to lose my cool as my life could be in real danger. Then a crazy thought came to mind. I rolled down the window and shouted "I will give anyone a $100 to kill this driver!"

Now, everyone started to run at the car and the driver put it into reverse and backed rapidly to the main road. He headed back towards my destination and didn't say another word until we reached Apple Valley Park where I was staying.

My friend Marshall was waiting and I told him what happened. He said to give him the $200 and he would deal with the driver. I don't know the outcome but I hear a lot of "I'm sorry" and "Please don't hurt me!" etc. before he heads back to Kingston. Marshall never did tell me what he said and what money he gave him but I am sure it taught both me and him a valuable lesson.

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Peace and Guidance

That wasn't crazy Bill, it was brilliant. Like Aikido

Michael's on Time Taxi is a favorite of mine. ALWAYS reliable and on time. He also does tours. We're probably going to Mayfield falls with him this trip. He's also a board sponsor http://negril.com/transport/ontime.htm

There is a first time for everything. Just walk outside the airport and take your pick of drivers. Negotiate a price and tell him to drive like a sane man and you don't mean maybe. There are plenty of drivers there to assist you and you do not need 20+ trips under your belt to try it. I got a taxi at the airport my 1st trip in and have done it more often than not in my 80+ trips. Some of you really need your mommy with you to leave the house. Geeeeezz

Kingsley James has been our choice for the past few years - he doesn't charge for the loan of a phone and has a nice cold beverage waiting for us:) I do know that we looked at the "official" list of airport cabs that is just outside the departure and they had a price of 100 dollars listed for transport to Negril. We pay $60 for Kingsley who is dependable and with whom we feel very safe. I know that there are others mentioned here who are of the same caliber. I wouldn't risk not have a reputable transport waiting as I would be SERIOUSLY bummed out to have our trip start with any kind of problem.

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Originally Posted by Irie John

There is a first time for everything. Just walk outside the airport and take your pick of drivers. Negotiate a price and tell him to drive like a sane man and you don't mean maybe. There are plenty of drivers there to assist you and you do not need 20+ trips under your belt to try it. I got a taxi at the airport my 1st trip in and have done it more often than not in my 80+ trips. Some of you really need your mommy with you to leave the house. Geeeeezz

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Not everyone that arrives here wants to start negotiating immediately on arrival. Many have been flying for very long hours, they're tired, the heat can often be overwhelming for some when they first get here....having a driver set up in advance can just simply be more convenient.

That is great advice Lisa. Always take the drama out of travel when possible.

We also ride with Kingsley James (found him on this site actually) and concur with all the good sentiments about him: genuinely nice guy, quick to respond to emails, safe and easy ride, reliable and responsible, price competitive for airport transfers and day trips, etc. Last year on the way home from Mayfield Falls, Kingsley drove us through Sav la Mar so we could see the town come alive when everyone was leaving work and school for the day. He's often based out of the Xtabi hotel although drives to all hotels on beach/cliffs, and Kingsley is reputable throughout Negril. His site: http://kingsleystakecaretours.com

As I am reading some of your posts I was suddenly reminded of our first trip to Negril with friends that had already been. I remember we just followed our friends lead... We walked out(1999) looked for a bus,had a seat and while we were waiting my husband and our friends husband left the bus and brought back cold Red Stripe! A first for me! Next thing we know while we are waiting to leave someone leans in the bus with a branch of "sub fixins" and asks if anyone wants any. Well my husband and I look at each other and think well subs must be legal here :) of coarse upon asking we learn subs aren't... And we don't have subs anyway... Not there's anything wrong with that!! Oh where was I? Oh any way the bus ride has never been forgotten. It was the beginning of a life changing experience that has only been missed one year since. Sorry if this went way off subject.

Hi All ,Good Afternoon .
Im arriving on the Ialand this weekend & need some advise on getting to Negril.
As ive no luggage this time thinking of catching red plate .
Do i catch a Route Taxi from MBJ to Lucea or do i stop in Hopewell first ?
Anyone know the fare ? can pm if you want .
cheers Mick

Hi Again ,
Im arriving tomorrow & am hoping someone can tell me that i'd be able to catch a route taxi to lucea from mobay airport .

Im used to riding red plates in Jamaica but just want to know if i can go straight to Lucea from the airport or would i have to go to mobay buspark .

cheers

Get a private driver for sure. Rates are fair. You can stop along the way for refreshments, photo ops, food, restroom breaks, stock up on food/drinks for your room, etc... AND you may make a friend for life. We have been using the same driver for over 25 years ! !

We love all the bars in Negril but Canoe and Drifters are a couple of our favorite places to hang out.Can't forget Red Ground to visit Collettes and of coarse the Red Dragon for some awesome cold beers and the best jerk pork!

after i dropped off my rental at the airport, i was waiting for my ride to negril and observed all sorts of route taxis picking up passengers.
if you don't mind the hassle, why not?