Renting a car ?

[Dr Suess]

I rent from Island Car Rentals in Kingston whenever I have a trip I can't make in my own car or if my car is in the shop. I know they have a branch at the mobay airport as well. Highly reccomend them

[negrilal]

I have rented a car in Jamaica more then 25 times. It has its pros and cons.
I swore I would never drive in Jamaica for the first few years I visited. Then, I rented a motor scooter, duh, clearly safer in a car. I have been driving ever since.
Pros: if you don't do packages where transport to Negril is included, the cost of 2 people transported each way pays for a car rental nearly for a week.

Easy runs to town square for supplies as often as you like without negotiating with drivers constantly ( the more drivers you deal with, the more likely to have an unpleasant experience at some point).

Cruises up and down the Cliffs, Savlamar, etc at no great expense. Touring thru the countryside....if you do all these things it will way more to hire a driver.
Cons: hassle at airport car rental places on arrival sometimes
Car sits idle when you shouldn't be driving...I need not elaborate
Knowledge that if you must act instinctively in an emergency situation you may go the wrong way.
Never had an accident but I'm sure it would be terrible experience even if nobody got hurt ( I feel safer then I did with many drivers)
Cumbersome chore returning car when leaving Jamaica

Driving on the "other side" is way easier than than you might think.

Stick to name brands at airport. Don't take the collision insurance but be sure your CC covers collision insurance in Jamaica ( many don't)

[Accompong]

if you don't do packages where transport to Negril is included, the cost of 2 people transported each way pays for a car rental nearly for a week.

Two people transported each way would be about $140.00 US. Where can you get a rental car for around $140.00 US per week without it being from a "friend" or some fly by night company? Maybe there is but I am curious as to where. The price per week seems like it would be around double that amount and probably even more.

It is hard to compare someone like Captd who lives or visits many times a year with a week a year vacation visitor as he owns a car and he needs it to maintain his home. A vacation visitor's need would depend heavily on how many trips around the island they would make during that week. Yes, if they took a tour to say Black River Safari along with the trip back and forth to the airport it might make good economic sense but, even then, depending on the number of people etc. , it might not. Spending the money and assuming the risk and liability of driving yourself seems like an unnecessary chance to take on a vacation.

I stay for about 2 months each year and I don't rent a car as I am generally happy where I stay and don't feel the need to travel all around much of the time. Transportation cost for me is about $50,000 Jamaican during my stay. That is around $500 US. A round-trip to my home away from home in Williamsfield is $15,000 J and the rest is for a couple of trips into Sav or Negril when needed. I am comfortable taking Route Taxis if required or hiring a Red Plate if needed. Buses like the Knutsford Express are also a good alternative at a very reasonable price.

Private transportation and renting a car can be the most expensive part of your vacation. I, personally, just don't feel comfortable paying for a rental car that sits idle when I don't need to use it like overnight while I sleep.

Just my opinion

[noproblem]

I'm renting a car for the fist time and this will be my 30th something trip to JA. I totally get what most are saying here but I'm strictly doing it for convenience. No waiting for a driver or flagging a cab. I make multiple trips from the cliffs to the beach and I'm always going somewhere. Plus if just feel like exploring a little I have the option. I love island time and don't mind the soon come when I call for a ride but if I'm in desperate need for some Ragga Bones pork, off I go, no wait no hassle. Since I already have experience island driving elsewhere, I'm looking forward to the freedom of having my own transportation.

[captaind]

whenever I have a trip I can't make in my own car or if my car is in the shop.

Ain't that the truth!


cap