Kingston flights and travel guide

The heart of Jamaica – Kingston – beats to the rhythm of a sound that’s born and bred here: reggae. And its most iconic figure, Bob Marley, lived in the city for most of his adult life. Fans of the beloved singer will undoubtedly make the Bob Marley Museum their first stop after coming off a flight to Kingston. Although the museum is one of its main draws there’s much more to see in the capital, and especially, in the outskirts.

A short ferry ride from Kingston is the small fishing village of Port Royal in the south, once an important trading centre and a playground for pirates. To the west is historic Spanish Town, the capital of Jamaica until 1872. Spanish and British influences can be seen throughout the city from the Georgian houses in the old Town Square to the Spanish church turned English cathedral - San Jago de la Vega.

The Blue Mountains just north of the city is where the famous coffee is cultivated. The area provides a good escape from the city, and travellers booking flights to Kingston can add a few days to their itinerary to explore the trails, rivers and waterfalls of the stunning mountain chain.

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Kingston Climate

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When to Fly to Kingston

Peak Season:
Across the island, mid-December through mid-April is the peak season for travellers booking flights to Kingston. Reservations need to be made at least a couple months in advance, especially if you are arriving for Carnival, which is March and April in Kingston.

Off Season:
May through mid-December is considered the off season, and most hotel rates drop from 20 to 40 per cent. Package tours and airline fares are also typically lower during the off season.

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Getting Downtown Kingston

An airport bus service and local bus service connect to the centre of Kingston with a journey time of between 30 minutes to an hour. Taxis are available.

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Getting Around Kingston

Downtown Kingston is easy to explore on foot, but walking at night is not recommended. For short distances, taxis can get you around and for longer trips hiring a driver and car for the day is recommended.

Take only Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) taxis. They have red PPV plates and can be hailed or called. Taxi drivers are supposed to have the fares posted and, if the meter is not working, agree on a fare before getting in the cab. Fares are higher between midnight and 5am.

Mopeds and motorcycles are popular modes of transport, and most hotels can arrange a rental.

Most visitors avoid public transportation in Kingston. The driving is erratic and the buses are crowded and not always safe.

Hiring a car is a good way to see the island, but rental fees are very high. Generally you get the best rates reserving a car while booking your Kingston flight. Depending on the amount of traveling you will be doing, it may be less expensive to hire a driver and car for the day. Hiring a driver also spares you from having to deal with local drivers who can be boisterous, erratic, and aggressive.

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Kingston Airports

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