From airport to Ocho Rios

[meandpaul]

For those of you who have had to take that long bus ride from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios, did you try to pick your flights as early as possible? I am waiting for some flight prices to (hopefully) drop some before purchasing, but I guess I need to add 3 hours to the arrival time to get my "true" arrival time in Ocho Rios. How long, in general, does it take to check-in at these resorts?

 

Sorry..this post may read a bit scrambled, just trying to get my thoughts/plans together.

[Leia78]

I went to Negril a couple of years ago, and by the time we got to our hotel, it was pretty dark. So I suggest to get an early flight. I went w/ 2 of my girlfriends and, I don't know about Ocho Rios, but that ride was border line scary. I guess they really don't enforce driving laws...Thank goodness our driver was playing really good reggae to take the edge off.

 

We had such a blast in Jamaica, maybe a little too much fun, The vibe, the people, and the MUSIC is so awsome. Congratulations on your engagement!

[Wisco4]

I haven't been to Ocho Rios for a few years but from what I recall it took about 40-45 minutes on the shuttle from the airport. Check in should be a breeze unless you arrive before your room is clean...so in other words try not to get there too early.

[meandpaul]

It is around 90 miles from MBJ to Ocho Rios. I have read where the bus trip was 3 hours (which sounds like a long time). Maybe it depends on traffic and your particular driver. When I went to Mexico (Playa de Carmen) our 0cab driver was a maniac...

[Jerzzygirl]

After you go through immigration and get your luggage its about 3 hours and thats with a stop at a rest area. We had a 1130am flight out of ft lauderdale and were at the Riu by 3.

[JenniferSS]

Great advice MoBride! Most resorts check in at 3pm but let you use the pools, restaurants and the bars (yea!) so that you can start your vacation immediately. But be sure to bring your swimsuit, sunglasses, a small bottle of sunscreen -3 oz or less so that you can keep it in your carry on luggage ( you do not want to start with a sunburn!) and a quick change of clothes-especially if your coming from a cold climate.

 

I also recommend taking the private transfers (ask your TA what the cost is as they can vary depending on who they are using for a supplier).

 

The highway is finished going into Ocho Rios but if you are at a resort farther down ( in May they were still working near Couples Sans Souci) you may encounter some delays.

 

At this time a straight ride-no pit stops- into Sandals Grande is an hour 45 minutes.

 

TA Jennifer

[starchild]

We took a late night flight so we arrived in Montego Bay at 7am and made it to the resort around 10am. We grabbed some food and drinks and hung out. They had the room ready for us around noon...maybe that was a honeymoon perk? We didn't have to wait long.

 

P.S. I was there in June and the first 10 minutes of the road wasn't fixed yet. It was a tad bumpy, but some of those tripadvisor people are nutty! They complain that the ride is too long but you're in JA, the scenery is beautiful. Plus you stop for Red Stripe halfway through, it's great! We were still hungover from Mexico so if you're not it must be even better

[twinkletoes]

I totally agree with if you arrive too early and your room is not ready yet, enjoy the other amenities at the hotel.

 

 

The 1st time I went to Jamaica, my room wasnt ready and the hotel was just like line your suitcase along the wall, go have fun, and come back in an hour and 1/2. I was like what! I really didnt want to leave my stuff out in the open. Good thing I brought along a suitcase lock! I know there were a few mix ups with people picking up other people's luggage!

 

However, when I went last year, they actually had a secure room where you could lock your luggage in and you are issued a ticket to come back and retrieve your stuff. Much safer in my opinion. I guess it varies by resorts.

 

With all that being said,lol, if you dont have a unique looking suitcase, a good idea in general would be to mark your suitcase so it is easily identifiable. Most luggage is black or blue. We usually get some red tape and wrap it on multiple parts of the suitcase.