To travel solo from Kingston to Ocho Rios in Jamaica is neither far nor difficult, and you have a variety of ways to do it!
I traveled solo around Jamaica for over a month last year, so at this point, I have a lot of experience getting around the island as a solo female traveler.
Whether you prefer to get the freedom of a rental car, take the budget-friendly bus (super easy, btw), or join an organized tour, there are plenty of options to travel from Kingston to Ocho Rios and have fun in Ocho Rios once you get there!
Let me take you through your choices.
Kingston To Ocho Rios Distance
The distance from Kingston to Ocho Rios in Jamaica is just over 80 kilometers or just over 50 miles.
The drive here will take one and a half hours in a car, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The wet season and afternoon showers in the Blue Mountains region in Jamaica can be fierce, which will slow you down quite a bit!
Also, if you want to get going in a rental car, it gives you a lot of freedom and a great road trip, but remember, you will drive on the left side of the road in Jamaica!
Kingston To Ocho Rios Jamaica Map
Rental Car Road Trip From Kingston To Ocho Rios
If you choose to rent a car to make the trip from Kingston to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, that is a great option for the freedom to stop whenever you want and change your mind and plans whenever you want as well!
You can book a rental car online and arrange a pick-up at Kingston International Airport or at several locations in Kingston Town.
If you don’t have data on your phone in Jamaica, it is probably a good idea to make sure you have a GPS included in your rental. Especially in Kingston Town, there are areas in the city where you are not advised to travel on foot or in a car.
When driving in Kingston or city zones in Jamaica, also remember to always keep the doors of your vehicle locked for security reasons.
Kingston to Ocho Rios via the A1
The first alternative for your road trip to Ocho Rios is to leave Kingston and follow the A1 west to Central Village and Spanish Town.
Then head north along the A1 to Steer Town, where you break off to the east – and arrive in Ocho Rios!
It is not a very long drive, and the roads here are decent!
This trip will take around 1,5 to 2 hours, and you will pass Jamaica’s lowland terrain; the drive is fairly easy, and there are no spectacular sights along the way.
Road Trip Kingston to Ocho Rios Across The Blue Mountains
The second option for your road trip is to head north out of Kingston and drive the B1 over the Blue Mountains up to Buff Bay, where you break west and head for Ocho Rios.
This is an incredibly beautiful drive, with lots of viewpoints and various lovely detour possibilities, and there are also several restaurants and bars along this route up there in the mountains!
What you need to know if you do this road trip is that the roads in the mountains are narrow and steep, and there are twists and turns that are a bit challenging to navigate!
Also, in the Blue Mountains, you need to expect really heavy afternoon showers that will last for half an hour or an hour or so.
Do as the Jamaican mountain people, drive slowly, and honk the horn fiercely before every turn – and you will be ok!
Kingston To Ocho Rios Transfer
If you prefer to travel super comfortably and in a done-for-you-way (and don’t mind paying the bucks), get a private transfer!
That will ensure a pick-up wherever you are, at the airport or at your hotel, and you will be delivered to the doorstep exactly where you want to go!
Just lay back and enjoy the ride!
Kingston To Ocho Rios Bus Rides
In Jamaica, the best bus service to get you around the island is the Knutsford Express, I used them a lot when I traveled Jamaica for over a month.
If you don’t book a rental car, the Knutsford Express is probably the overall best way to travel in Jamaica, combining comfort, price, and itinerary.
The bus service has a variety of routes crisscrossing Jamaica; you can check the Knutsford Express Home Page to find out if their departure times suit your plans.
So what will you do when you get there? If you need some advice, I have plenty.
Things To Do In Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, which is almost straight north of Kingston, is a great place to stay as a starting point for nature adventures, and there is also a rather large cruise port here.
The three most popular activities starting from Ocho Rios are the Dunns River Falls waterfall hike, the Blue Hole adventure park, and Mystic Mountain.
As Ocho Rios is not super far away from Montego Bay, you can reach many of the same activities and sights from both places in a day trip.
The biggest difference between the two is that Ocho Rios is more of a quiet village, while Montego Bay has more of a city vibe!
I have listed some of the best tours and activities in Ocho Rios here if you want to do some further research.
Montego Bay also has a cruise port and an international airport and is the “center point” between Ocho Rios to the east and Negril to the southwest.
Where To Stay In Ocho Rios
You will find lots of really nice places to stay and holiday homes in Ocho Rios, some along the beach and others in the hills overlooking Ocho Rios and the cruise port with great views.
There are a few resorts as well, only seconds from the Golden City beach.
Check out the top-rated Moon Palace at the very end of the beach or the more budget-friendly Sandcastle, also by the beach but a little more to the middle!
I stayed for a few nights in an amazing apartment in Columbus Heights, with a spacious terrace with incredible views you can see outside my airy curtains!
There is a variety of hotels, resort hotels, and holiday homes along the city beach or in Ocho Rios town.
FAQs Ocho Rios Jamaica
Here are some of the most common questions asked about Ocho Rios Jamaica answered!
How far is Negril from Ocho Rios?
Negril is situated around 177 kilometers (110 miles) from Ocho Rios, on the southwestern tip of Jamaica. The drive in a car will normally take just over 3 hours, more with a bus service.
From Ocho Rios, you will drive westward along the A1, via Montego Bay to get to Negril.
How far Is Ocho Rios from Montego Bay?
Ocho Rios is around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Montego Bay, and Montego Bay is situated west of Ocho Rios.
The drive here by car normally will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes, more if you take a bus service.
How Far Is Ocho Rios From Airport?
The closest airport to Ocho Rios is the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, which is around 100 kilometers (62 miles) away.
You can also fly to Kingston International Airport and drive or take the bus to Ocho Rios.
Wrap-Up Kingston To Ocho Rios
I hope this information about how to get from Kingston to Ocho Rios, a bit about activities and places to stay, and some extra bonus information about other relevant destinations along the northern shores of Jamaica is helpful to you!
Jamaica truly is a one-of-a-kind destination, so enjoy your travel planning!
Related blog posts:
13+ Awesome Kingston Jamaica Tours And Attractions From An Expert
Beautiful Blue Mountains Private Tour Jamaica From An Expert Traveler
Is Jamaica Worth Visiting? Alluring Jamaica From An Expert Traveler
