I've always had my transport to Negril booked ahead of time. This way is good but there is always some wait time. Can I pick up transport just outside the airport exit? What is the going one way rate to Negril? Is it safe.
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I've always had my transport to Negril booked ahead of time. This way is good but there is always some wait time. Can I pick up transport just outside the airport exit? What is the going one way rate to Negril? Is it safe.
If you get transport at the airport the fee will be much higher.
As to wait time I'd recommend a driver who's waiting for you.
Linston (my son) of Linston's Taxi here on the board is always waiting for his client and is excellent at communication.
www.redplate-negril.com
Cap
i've jumped in a taxi right outside the airport - red plates and JUTA -- no problem - nice driver - you can always negotiate (or share a ride)
the driver ended up giving my cousin a tour of Ochi on a future trip
Sorry Cap, but you can get a ride from the JUTA desk for about the same price as a private taxi. We paid $60 for 2 people last December and waited about 20 minutes to get it all together.
Regards,
Bob
The fee can be higher but with the skills of negotiation you can get the price down to what you are comfortable paying. Before sealing the deal, make sure to look at the car/van/bus that is taking you...not just for the red late but to ensure the vehicle will make it to Negril.
i walked out the door --- the dispatcher found me a taxi --- the redcap put my suitcases in the car --- and we were off --- didn't stop at a juta desk --- walked out the door and caught a taxi - just like any other place in the world
the driver even stopped for beer and rum at our request
ETA: the airport drivers are subject to car safety inspections and cleanliness standards -- and they have a big ole badge with their picture and name
Looks like the JUTA rates are $25 per person to the beach and $30 per person to the west end. Private taxis booked through the people that advertise on this message board generally run round $70 for 2 people. JUTA will take at least 20 minutes before you're on your way and you may have to stop at everyone elses hotel before you get to yours. Did JUTA the first time down and didn't even get to sit next to the wife. We also had to negotiate at the door one time as our driver failed to show due to a family emergency. Got a fair of $50 but that was at least 5 - 7 years ago. Now we always book with drivers recommended on the board and they're always waiting there for us and we're on our way quickly (with a few cold Red Stripes).
No need to pay $70 for two or even to wait for your ride. Kingsley James from Take Care Tours, a Negril.com sponsor, is $50 each way. My longest wait for him was 5 minutes, and only because there was no wait in customs or immigration. My only wait in fact was for my bags. He is always on time and will bring cold beers if you make the request.Quote:
Originally Posted by Russ In Mn
We always go with JUTA. Cant beat it.
Don't get me wrong because I respect what CaptainD is saying and have no doubt his son is awesome but I also used Kinglsey and loved the guy. I guess my point is there are many excellent taxi drivers worthy of your patronage. I will continue to use Kinglsey James because he has earned my trust and admiration. If not for that experience, I would certainly give Linston a try and would encourage others not to be afraid to do the same.Quote:
Originally Posted by booger
Alfred Barrett was an absolute rock star. Jah bless his soul!!!
Hey Booger - is $50 for a private ride, or is there a chance that you will have to share the van with other passengers? The driver that we always used raised his rates on our last trip (from $60 to $70) and I'm thinking about giving Kingsley a try. I heard a lot of drivers have raised their rates, due to the price of gas increasing.Quote:
Originally Posted by booger
Linston is currently charging 50 for up to 2 passengers.
He's fully booked for seven days starting Monday dragging my old butt around
Cap
I am paying 70 for my guy. No issue though. Really enjoy his company and he stops everywhere we want on the way, and has lots of cold beer for us in the car.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_D
Seveen... How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking. Also, did you go to the door with the red bar just outside with all the drivers waiting? Thanks.
Hey Mike, it is indeed a private ride.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_D
Hubs and I are big Linston fans!
i paid $65 - i used the skycap and they directed me outside to the taxi dispatcher --- there is order to that mad scene lol - on my way as soon as my bags were loadedQuote:
Originally Posted by ShortStout
i like using different drivers - you find out about different things and different places
I know that everyone likes a bargain, and likes to say "I can get that for less". But I would like to remind everyone that the US IRS - not an organization known for its generosity - allows US $.565/mile for business operation of a vehicle, which is intended to include fuel, depreciation, insurance, and normal wear including tires. So a 55 mile trip (the distance from MBJ to Negril) would be $31 US each way. If someone is coming from Negril to pick you up, their costs would be $62. This is not including any compensation for the driver. If I take a taxi from my place to the Syracuse airport, almost exactly the same distance, the fare is US $145.00.
Gas and, I'm sure, tires and parts are more expensive in Jamaica than in the US. So have a heart when you are bargaining for your rides, and when you are tipping your driver.
Well said wrtiii.... And we too are Linston fans!
wrtiii,
Excellent points.
I have taken many different variations of rides to Negril, each one a special adventure in its own way, all were priceless. Especially the first one on the "OLD" road to Negril with a stop at the ganga bridge! In current times, the most affordable was a FREE ride from a buddy in Negril (cost me a few red stripes on the ride). I have jumped in a taxi just outside the terminal and that was so enjoyable that I ended up tipping the driver $20US over the stated amount!
Enjoy,
VVHT
Is that bridge still there? Never taken the old way.
Flip, the last time I drove by in 2008 it was still there, but it wasn't staffed like it was back when the "OLD" road was the only way to Negril. The Juta buses would slow to a crawl as you approached the bridge and the vendors would stuff enormous "BUDS" through the open windows. Oh the memories....
transfer is included for us usally
we have a friend (red plate) Byron hangs at sunset at the palms that we use for everything else.
flying again from mo bay this year on timair not cheap but it was alot of fun!
take taxi (Byron) back to drag out every last minute we can
Interesting point, however it does not cost a driver $62 round trip. If it did, you would not see rates for $50 each way. Also, I drive as part of my job and am reimbursed mileage from my company. It is enough to cover my gas, tires, insurance, maintenance, and roughly half my car payment. And my vehicle is not as fuel efficient as my drivers. You think the Syracuse rates are high, check out Vegas sometime. Think the mob is still running the show there.......Quote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
On a side note, my driver is well compensated by me in a form of a tip. Maybe he can afford the $50 rides each way because of generous folks like myself. Who knows......
Given the number of small businesses in the US that fail because they have what they think is an adequate cash flow but are not actually covering expenses, it wouldn't surprise me at all to find that drivers in JA saved up to buy the car, went into business and think they're doing OK, but are not setting adequate money aside to replace the car when needed. Many US sole proprietors do exactly the same, and it's a major reason why the lifespan of most businesses is so short. I have no idea how vehicles are financed in JA, how much money down is required, etc., so this is speculation on my part, but I do know firsthand how easy it is for a small business to undercharge for products or services right up until bankruptcy happens.
My driver has been doing it for over 20 years. One thing to keep in mind is that many drivers that do airport transport also do tours, and their margins are probably offset. Like any business, your margins vary and are probably supplemented by additional services rendered.
interest-ing argument der, mi frenQuote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
BUT thing$ different in Jamaica
..... can't really compare foreign-thing-y-$ with Ja-thing-y$, like you're doing
for example,
if one were to use the Jamaican route-taxi system, from the airport-to-Negril, the odds are pretty-good that you'll get to Negril quicker.
and
and
and:::>> you'll DEFINITE-ly pay less than all those options (above).
probably something like:::>> US $6.50
in brief,
you'd catch a taxi right-there at the airport (just like those who work-there do, a daily basis), and quickly go to MoBay bus park
hop another taxi ride to Lucea
and then a final ride to Negril
if your resort is on the Beach Road, the driver will stop there.
if you're on the West End you'll have to catch another taxi (approximately, another US $1.00)
In fact, if you tell the driver carry-ing you from Lucea, that you want to be dropped off on the West End, I'm willing to bet you a bag-juice that he'll do it (for the US$1.00, of course).
What about your bags/luggage..???..
NOT an issue or problem...!!..
:-)
it's a free service ---- it's part of The-Service ---- it's how things-GO in Jamaica ... it's '..the runnings..' ....... plenty of room in the trunk is a GUARANTEE..!!.. [[ trus me ]]
they keep those trunks EMPTY and CLEAN, to tote passenger-stuff.
tipping....???...
(in general), Don't nobody tip a route-taxi-man in Jamaica (except a foreigner). (most-times) Tipping is a first(?)-world cultural/mindset thing-y.
....which is one reason i go-to Jamaica ---- to dash-away those first(?)-world foolishness-es.
* whew *
just thinking about some of these tipping-chats makes me tips-sy.
NEVERTHELESS,
continue-ing my post
one final thing-y
want beer, food, snacks, etc etc on your way to Negril (from the airport)...??..
NO NO Problem...!!..
that food, etc that they sell at the MoBay airport is OFF-the-chain.
and
at non-tourist prices
* sigh *
i'm salivating just thinking about the chicken soup, and those fresh-peel-ed pineapples.
PLUS,
once you get to Lucea-town,
my
my
my ---- nuff nuff stuff & places to stuff your belly, and cold-cold beer, and/or RedBull, or Magnum, etc etc.
opps..!!..
i chat too much
plus, my fingers tired
likkle more
me gone
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....Quote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
Once upon a time, I-too, kinda sorta had those *thoughts*, 'til i shocking-ly *discovered* that a whole-HEAP of those driving taxi/vans/tours/blah blah DO NOT own-nutin' .... nutin' at-tall .... they-be renting the vehicle from some-somebody
opps..!!..
my bad
new topic, for another thread
sorry
you-all carry-on your discussion
{{{ note to self:::>>> NEXT-trip, do research & video on taxi-rental *arrangements* ---- interview several drivers, ON-camera }}}
Paid $50 with Joe Cool Taxi last Summer/Tipped $10... That was after I got in Saturday, hung out with my Dallas Church Friend at one of his properties and forgot to call and set up my pick up for that Sunday morning's trip to Negril... Englebert aka "Joe Cool" made sure his "VP" picked me up for the trip to Negril within 90 minutes of my Sunday AM, slightly panicked call,lol! Here ya go... Oh and yes, they do all the tours and other stuff that other folks faves do... Link up! http://www.joecooltaxiandtoursjamaica.com/
Happy Travels
Skb
i use route taxis in jamaica BUT i am very careful not to take the seat of someone that uses that route taxi on a daily basis to get to or home from work (which is the case with some of the longer haul route taxis)
in negril there's always another ride in seconds --- not necessarily so traveling from mobay
I like Smith's travel plans. $6.50 from Mobay to Negril. Gonna have to try that.
Negril1990..Yeah,I hear ya. Tim Air is a great way to start the vacation. I think it may be about $100pp one way now that there is some competition. So,if you pay 60-70 for the taxi then you're really paying $130 or $65 PP for a cool plane ride/tour. ************ My 1st time on Tim Air,we get off the big plane,in the waiting area for the small plane,get my First Red Stripe,open it and they say "Time to go" I say "what about my beer?" Just bring it ?????? So,20 minutes ago I'm in the big plane landing and now I'm on the puddle jumper co-pilot looking at the hills of Jamaica,sugar cane burning and a beer in my hand.
Best customer service I've ever had flying anywhere, they had us laughing so hard while we waited in the "lounge" they also saved me from losing my camera bag, very nice people who obviously love their jobs.
We followed the coast our first time it was breath taking, this time we will ask to do a inland flight to see the country side. its 140 each one way now, we just think of it as a excursion/taxi now,to me worth every cent and probably wont go back to driving into Negril ever again.
I dig how they do that Longgg turn over Bloody Bay & Long Bay and you look down at your hotel and then land on the strip that's was made for exporting the Jamaican "vegetables in the 60's" and the plane stops as you think you're about to run out of runway?????????I want to tell the pilot to fly really low by Long Bay and then I JUMP out into the water and walk up to my hotel,all James Bond like.
Fred Stripe I know what you mean, we flew right over our room we stayed in our first time there (Honeymoon Sandals 1990 ),on our first flight on timair, it was dejah vu ish
Darn, Mr. Stripe gets in before me... I'd consider paying the airfare just to see the James Bond arrival! :)