Montego Bay to Ocho Rios: Drive Time, Route and the Best Stops Along the Way
How long the drive from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios takes, what you'll pass on the North Coast Highway and the stops worth making.
By Gabrielle Tours 6 min read
Ocho Rios is home to Dunn's River Falls, big all-inclusive resorts and some of Jamaica's best excursions, and most visitors reach it from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Here's what the trip looks like.
How long is the drive?
The drive from MBJ to Ocho Rios is roughly 65 miles (105 km) along the North Coast Highway (the A1), and usually takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Resorts east of town, such as Couples Tower Isle or Beaches Ocho Rios in Boscobel, add another 15–20 minutes.
The route
The North Coast Highway is a well-maintained road that hugs the coastline heading east. Along the way you'll pass:
- Rose Hall. The resort strip just east of Montego Bay, home to the Rose Hall Great House.
- Falmouth. A historic Georgian port town and cruise ship terminal.
- Duncans and Rio Bueno. Quiet fishing villages and sea views.
- Discovery Bay. Said to be near where Columbus first landed in Jamaica in 1494.
- Runaway Bay. Home to the Bahia Principe resorts and the Green Grotto Caves.
- Ocho Rios. You've arrived!
Stops worth making
Because a private transfer is your vehicle, you can break up the drive. Popular stops include:
- Falmouth's historic town square for a quick look at Georgian architecture.
- A roadside fruit or coconut stand for fresh jelly coconut water.
- Green Grotto Caves in Runaway Bay, if you have a little time for a guided cave walk.
- A jerk lunch spot for a proper welcome to Jamaican food.
Let your driver know what you're in the mood for. Short stops are no problem.
Private transfer or shuttle?
Shared shuttles to Ocho Rios usually make several resort drop-offs, and the longer the route, the more stops they make. With a private transfer, your group goes straight to your hotel and can stop whenever you like. Pricing is per vehicle, so it's often great value for families and groups of four.
Things to do once you're there
- Climb Dunn's River Falls (read our Dunn's River Falls tips)
- Swim in the Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls)
- Explore Mystic Mountain and its rainforest bobsled
- Shop and eat in Ocho Rios town
Want to combine your transfer with a stop at Dunn's River? Ask us about a custom excursion.
