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Driving forward with multi-million-pound boosts for West Sussex bus travel

• Public transport , Technology , Transport
• 19 . 04 . 2024

Two new initiatives are underway to further improve bus travel in West Sussex. More than 400 Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) digital displays are being installed countywide in a £3.3million programme and traffic lights are also being upgraded at 24 junctions to give buses priority in a £1.4million scheme.

The improvements are all part of West Sussex County Council’s, Department for Transport-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in support of this more sustainable travel option.

The installation of the RTPI displays started in January and is progressing at a rate of around 16 per week. The traffic light junction upgrades started in November 2023 with 10 having been completed to date.

These junctions now have more dynamic control systems which respond to traffic movements in real time, giving priority to buses while minimising delays for other road users. They are concentrated on the Coastliner 700 bus route, which is one of the busiest in the country, and are in Southwick, Shoreham, Lancing, Worthing and Bognor Regis. There will also be upgrades in Crawley as part of the programme.

Cllr Joy Dennis, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Developing a modern infrastructure is a key part of our Council Plan and by providing improvements for bus travel we are supporting sustainable travel options, which are an important aspect of the  West Sussex Transport Plan 2022 – 2036 .

“I’m particularly pleased to see the county-wide spread of the new Real Time Passenger Information displays. Their locations include bus stops near vital community facilities, such as hospitals and doctors’ surgeries, and in rural areas where bus services are a lifeline and so important in helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

“If you live in a town, there could be a bus service running every 20 minutes or so, but if you’re in a rural area and the service is hourly, you really want to know it’s on its way, or if it has been delayed. These displays will help residents feel confident that using the bus will get them where they want to be, on time.”

The ‘Real-time’ displays show the bus service number, its destination and departure time. All feature a special audio push-button facility to make bus travel easier for passengers with visual impairments, learning or reading difficulties.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. I’m delighted to have worked alongside West Sussex County Council and local MPs to give the council over £19million to boost its bus services.

“Installing new digital displays at bus stops will make it easier to plan journeys while improving traffic lights will make buses more punctual and reliable, helping residents get around by bus more easily and with greater peace of mind.”

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• South East England

Compass Travel

99 - petworth - chichester.

A bus service operated by Compass Travel

Stops marked with 'DRT' are only available if they are pre booked. If all DRT stops are booked, some of the times may also be upto 15 minutes later than stated. Please see the Compass Bus Website below for more information.

www.compass-travel.co.uk/download/west-sussex-bus-services/099F-Book-a-Bus-Compass-99.pdf

Petworth to Chichester

Chichester to petworth.

Timetable data from https://opendata.ticketer.com/uk/Compass_Travel/routes_and_timetables/current.zip, 1 June 2024

Contactless payment accepted

Mobile tickets and live bus tracking available on the MyTrip app

• My Bus Pass
• Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ENCTS bus pass?

When and where can I use my bus pass?

How old must I be to be entitled to a bus pass?

What types of disability entitle someone to a bus pass?

Why do I have to enter my personal details?

What kind of photograph is needed?

What documents are acceptable as proof of address?

What documents are acceptable as proof of age?

What documents are acceptable as proof of disability?

Can I get a new pass if my existing pass is lost or damaged?

How do I get a new pass if my existing pass has expired?

ENCTS stands for English National Concessionary Travel Scheme which is the scheme introduced in 2008 to enable free ‘local’ bus travel for state pensioners and people with certain types and degree of disability. To use the bus system under this scheme it is essential to be in possession of a credit card sized bus pass which can be electronically checked for validity at the point of bus embarkation.

The ENCTS bus pass can be used for free off-peak ‘local’ travel anywhere within the UK. Normally this will be any week day 9:30am to 11:00pm and all day at weekends. It is possible that your Local Authority may allow travel before 9:30am in some cases, particularly for those who are blind or part-sighted, and in such cases may issue a pass with a visible ‘all day’ symbol and special chip-encoding to this effect. Also, at Local Authority discretion, some disability-based passes may be issued specially marked and encoded to permit the card holder to travel with a companion.

Entitlement to an ENCTS bus pass on the basis of age was, originally and regardless of gender, by having reached the age at which a female could be in receipt of the state pension. Until 2010 this meant at age 60 but since then the age of female state pension entitlement has gradually been equalised with the male entitlement, which was 65, but is now, for both genders, in the process of being moved onwards to be age 66 which will be reached by October 2020. This will change again in the years to come with the state pension age being set to be 68 by 2039. The website will check your bus pass entitlement date based on your date of birth and tell you if your application is too early. Note it is also possible to qualify for the bus pass on the basis of disability and in these cases the bus pass can be applied for from the age free bus travel for a child in general ceases.

When applying online on the basis of disability a list of types will be presented for the applicant to select as appropriate. Normally this list will specify sight, hearing or speech impairment, mobility limitations, loss of (or use of) both arms, learning difficulties or being unable to drive on medical grounds. Proof of existence and extent of these disabilities is required and it will be necessary to photograph/scan and upload an appropriate document, such as a Certificate of Visual Impairment or, for example, a PIP Award minimum 8 points benefit statement. A list of suitable documents for upload will be presented based on the type of disability indicated by the applicant.

The ENCTS bus pass is a potentially valuable benefit aimed at particular sections of society - Older Persons and those with certain disabilities. Consequently it is important to establish identity and verify entitlement, hence the personal details being requested here. Note the same information would be required if applying by alternative methods such as by post or in person.

The ENCTS bus pass includes a photograph of the cardholder. This photo needs to be a head and shoulders identity photo typical of the kind of photo required for a passport. The website will enable you to import a photo that is already stored on your computer or take a photo via webcam or via the inbuilt camera if using a mobile device. Having captured the image the site provides the functionality to rotate it, if necessary, into an upright position and to crop it into the head and shoulders format.

The scanned/photographed document needs to be such as a bank statement, driving licence, recent utility bill or current council tax bill. The section of document must show clearly what type of document it is (up to three separate document images can be uploaded) and contain a date to show when it was issued and your name and address must be printed as opposed to being handwritten. It can be a photo file (typically jpg format) or an image or images included within a pdf or Word document.

The scanned/photographed document needs to be such as a birth certificate, driving licence, passport or letter confirming entitlement to state pension. The section of document must show clearly what type of document it is (up to three separate document images can be uploaded) and contain a date to show when it was issued and your name and address must be printed as opposed to being handwritten. It can be a photo file (typically jpg format) or an image or images included within a pdf or Word document.

The scanned/photographed document needs to be such as a certificate of visual impairment if blind or part-sighted, appropriate PIP award at least 8 points or HRMC of DLA benefit statements, a Blue Badge, a medical practitioner’s report etc. The section of document must show clearly what type of document it is (up to three separate document images can be uploaded) and contain a date to show when it was issued and your name and address must be printed as opposed to being handwritten. It can be a photo file (typically jpg format) or an image or images included within a pdf or Word document.

Applying for a new pass when an existing pass is lost or damaged is referred to within this system as a Replacement pass. Whether or not this type of application is possible via this website is at the discretion of your Local Authority. Almost immediately after selecting Apply Online on this site you will be asked to choose Application Type and if online Replacement applications are possible then the option to choose Replacement will be available here.

Applying for a new pass when an existing pass has expired or is soon to expire is referred to within this system as a Renewal pass. Whether or not this type of application is possible via this website is at the discretion of your Local Authority. Almost immediately after selecting Apply Online on this site you will be asked to choose Application Type and if online Renewal applications are possible then the option to choose Renewal will be available here. After choosing Renewal you will be asked to enter the long 18-digit pass number printed on the front of your existing card.

Hubs Mobility Advice Service

Accessible uk travel support and mobility advice, west sussex buses, county advice overview.

West Sussex has a range of bus operators providing services across the county, with some travelling into neighbouring East Sussex and Surrey.  

Most bus services in Surrey are accessible for wheelchairs with low floors and ramps.

Information regarding operators and fares can be found on the West Sussex County Council website .

If you have reduced mobility, or a disability, where possible plan your journey in advance. You may wish to consider: 

• Which mobility aids you will be travelling with. You should contact the provider if you are unsure whether you can travel with your scooter/wheelchair.
• If you are travelling with a scooter, have you applied for and received a Scooter Permit?
• If the destination stop is accessible, and any arrangements you need to make for onward travel.
• Buses in West Sussex accept contactless payment, except American Express on Compass Buses. If paying by cash, passengers are recommended to have the correct amount of money. Drivers cannot always provide change, so operators will issue a change voucher which can be put towards payment for a future journey.

Regional operators

Brighton & hove.

Services extend into Shoreham-by-Sea, Steyning and Worthing.

Brighton & Hove Buses website     Contact: 01273 886200     SMS for customers with hearing impairments: 07583 051915

Compass Bus

Run services throughout West Sussex.

Compass Travel website    Contact: 01903 690025

Cover Crawley, Horley, Gatwick, Horsham, East Grinstead, and Mid Sussex. Services include the Fastway Service (Routes 10,20 and 100) which links Crawley and Gatwick rail stations, Horley and Gatwick, and Redhill and East Surrey hospital.

Metrobus – Buses across Sussex, Kent and Surrey   Contact: 01293 449 191 Information regarding mobility equipment on Metrobus services can be found via this link .

Southdown Buses

Cover Crawley and East Grinstead into Surrey.

Southdown Buses website Contact: 01342 719 619

Cover Chichester, Worthing, Midhurst, and the South Coast.

Stagecoach website Contact: 0345 241 8000

Help with cost 

Disabled person’s bus pass.

If you have a disability and are a West Sussex resident, you may be eligible to apply for a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, either online or via the post. 

The Disabled Person’s Bus Pass can be used at any time in West Sussex. In other parts of England, it can be used between 09:30am – 11:00pm, Monday –Friday, and any time during weekends and bank holidays. You can use the pass any time on Transport for London Buses.

You can find information on the West Sussex County Council website .

For more information, contact :  033 022 26222   or email  buspass@westsussex.gov.uk

If you need someone to travel with you, you may also be able to apply for a Companion Pass.

Older Person’s Bus Pass

If you have reached state pension age and are a West Sussex resident, you may be able to apply for an Older Person’s Bus Pass online or via the post. 

The Older Person’s Bus Pass can be used in West Sussex and other parts of England from 09:30am – 11:00pm, Monday – Friday, and any time during weekends and bank holidays. It can be used at any time on Transport for London Buses.

For more information, contact :  033 022 26222   or  buspass@westsussex.gov.uk

Job Centre Plus Travel Cards

Job Centre Plus Travel Card Holders are eligible for half price single and return tickets on Stagecoach buses through the ‘Back on Board’ scheme. Find further information via this link .

It is worth checking with individual bus operators for offers and discounts. The West Sussex County Council website also contains information regarding discounted travel . 

Special assistance

Passenger Assistance Cards or Helping Hands Cards are produced by bus companies for passengers who may need additional support. For example, “I have difficulty speaking” or “I am hard of hearing”.

You can apply for a Journey Assistance Card through Stagecoach using this link . 

The Metrobus Helping Hand Card can also be used on Brighton and Hove buses, and can be downloaded via this link .

Travelling with mobility equipment

Most West Sussex operators have low-floor accessible buses and ramps, with space for a wheelchair or small mobility scooter. You are advised to check with your operator in advance of travel.

Metrobus, Stagecoach South and Brighton & Hove have all signed up to the  Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)  code of practice for the use of mobility scooters on buses.

This means these operators will accept Class 2 Mobility scooters (not above 4mph) within the following dimensions:

• Length Not Exceeding: 1000mm
• Width Not Exceeding: 600mm   
• Turning Circle of no more than 1200mm.

Mobility scooter permit

Some bus companies require a mobility scooter permit which can be issued following a suitability assessment.

Metrobus can arrange to assess your 4-mph scooter either at Crawley or Redhill bus station. If that is difficult, they can arrange a home assessment 

To arrange an assessment, contact: 01293 449191 or email  feedback@metrobus.co.uk

You can find further information regarding mobility equipment on the Metrobus website .

Stagecoach South 

Details for mobility scooter users are available from the Stagecoach Disability Helpline which can also provide information regarding scooter approval and the issue of a permit for travel.

Contact:   south.disabilityhelpdesk@stagecoachbus.com

Can arrange to assess your 4-mph scooter either at their One stop Travel Shop in Brighton or their reception in Hove .  If these locations are difficult for you to reach, contact the operator to see if an alternative can be arranged.

Contact: 01273 886 200 or email info@buses.co.uk 

Routes and timetable links

You can check individual bus operator’s websites for timetables and route planning or contact the information phone lines for help. 

The following websites can provide details for local and national bus travel:

• Traveline has a nationwide journey planner and bus timetables. 
• Surrey County Council provide an interactive map to help you find your nearest bus stop.  
• If you are comfortable using apps on your smartphones, the  UK Bus checker can help you plan journeys around West Sussex.
• Additionally, the Bus Times website provides an overview of bus stops and bus routes in each West Sussex area. 

Disclaimer Any advice or information given by the Hubs Mobility Advice Service is impartial and correct at the time it is provided. However, as operators may change their services or equipment prior to your journey or booking, you are strongly advised to check any details directly with them shortly before you expect to travel.

Contact your local Hub

Get in touch with the South London, Surrey and West Sussex Hub for personal mobility advice and accessible travel information. Your Hub can help with local, national and international accessible travel advice.

Protect Your Trip »

The 6 best grand canyon bus tours from las vegas.

Go beyond the glitz and glam to see one of the country's top natural landmarks.

The Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours

Courtesy of National Park Express

While the Strip is certainly one of Las Vegas' most famous features, it's not all the city has to offer. A trip to Las Vegas wouldn't be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring natural wonders just outside of it, such as the Grand Canyon. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy a break from the bright lights and bustling city on a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. As one of the largest natural canyons on Earth, the Grand Canyon is more than 270 miles long, meaning there are multiple destinations to explore; the most popular are the South and West Rims.

We've rounded up the top options for Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas, whether you seek an adventurous ride or a more tranquil sightseeing experience.

Best Overall: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus/Helicopter & Landing Tour with Optional Skywalk

Getty Images

Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: From $358 per person Duration: About 10 hours

Visitors can experience the ultimate Grand Canyon bus tour paired with an unforgettable helicopter ride down to the floor of the canyon. The adventure begins on an air-conditioned tour bus that departs from the Vegas Strip and carries passengers to the West Rim. From there, passengers will board a helicopter that descends 4,000 feet, landing on the floor of the canyon. Visitors can explore the canyon floor before reboarding the motorcoach and continuing onto Grand Canyon West, which is home to Guano Point, Eagle Point and Hualapai Ranch. You'll also have the option to brave the world-famous glass Skywalk for sweeping views (and an additional fee).

Local tip: Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribal Nation. In the tribe's traditions, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River are considered living, spiritual entities. When visiting Grand Canyon West, travelers are immersed in the rich culture and history of the Hualapai Nation.

Check prices & availability on:

Best West Rim Tour: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $99 per person Duration: About 11 hours

Located in Peach Springs, Arizona, the West Rim is only a few hours from Las Vegas. This tour will show you the best that the West Rim has to offer, including the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge (for an added fee). After being picked up from select Vegas hotels and traveling three hours on an air-conditioned bus, passengers get to spend up to four hours exploring the West Rim. A must-see lookout point at the West Rim is Guano Point, from which you can hike to Highpoint Hike and get a view of the Colorado River.

A lunch box, snacks and plenty of water are included with the tour. One unique feature of this outing is that you get to stop at the Hoover Dam for a photo during the bus journey (but keep in mind this stop is available seasonally). You can also choose from several upgrades, including a Skywalk admission ticket, a helicopter ride or a boat excursion.

Local tip: Because it's closer to the Las Vegas desert, this side of the Grand Canyon is the warmest year-round, with hot and dry summers, mild shoulder seasons, and occasional snowfall in the winter.

Best Budget: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $84 per person Duration: About 15 to 16 hours

A South Rim bus tour offers a quieter, more historic sightseeing experience. The South Rim is one of the most popular parts of Grand Canyon National Park . Guests can see the wide variety of flora and fauna native to the area. This bus tour – which takes around four hours to get to the South Rim's Mather Point from Vegas – gives visitors the opportunity to walk along Bright Angel Trail; it leads to Bright Angel Lodge, located in the Village Historic District.

You can also stock up on snacks and souvenirs at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, since the tour only includes a box lunch and water. Or, upgrade your excursion with the guided walking tour add-on. Another historic part of the tour is the scenic drive along the famous Route 66, one of the first U.S. highways.

Local tip: Located farther from Vegas, the South Rim is cooler, with rainy and snowy winters, and more moderate temperatures in spring, summer and fall.

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Best South Rim Tour: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch

Tour operator: National Park Express Price: From $119 per person Duration: About 13 hours

This guided bus tour includes lunch, bottled water and a granola bar to snack on during the day, as well as admission to some of the most popular Grand Canyon destinations, like Mather Point and Bright Angel Point. You'll get about three hours total at the Grand Canyon. Plus, you can select your own pickup location from several Las Vegas-area hotels and be dropped off at one of three locations (Excalibur, Horseshoe or Treasure Island).

Local tip: Visitors who are looking to experience the wildlife native to the area often choose the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is home to more animal species than the West Rim, such as coyotes and bighorn sheep.

Best All-Inclusive: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk

Courtesy of Comedy on Deck Tours

Tour operator: Comedy on Deck Tours Price: From $149 per adult Duration: About 10.5 hours

This full-day Grand Canyon tour run by Comedy on Deck Tours gives guests several options to customize their experience, such as a VIP Skywalk tour. But there is also a great base package. Guests are treated to not one but two sit-down meals from local restaurants: a freshly prepared breakfast and a barbecue lunch with an incredible view of the canyon. Additionally, this all-inclusive tour also stops at the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon, so guests get to experience two national landmarks for the price of one. The professional comedian who doubles as tour guide makes for an even more fun experience.

Local tip: The West Rim is typically less crowded than the South Rim, so it may be a good option for your Grand Canyon destination if you're hoping to avoid all the tourist congestion.

Best for Families: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: $85 per person Duration: About 14 hours

Although there are plenty of kid-approved activities in Las Vegas itself, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a must-see for any family vacation. This South Rim bus tour from Canyon Tours offers a full day of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Not only will youngsters marvel at the beauty of the canyon, but they can also have an interactive experience at the IMAX theater, which plays a film that takes you into the center of the canyon. Visitor centers throughout the park also offer free activities that allow children 4 and older to earn an official Junior Ranger badge and learn about nature, history and park preservation.

Local tip: The South Rim is divided into different viewpoint areas that visitors can explore. One of the most popular viewpoints is Hermit Road, which is ideal for families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact tour duration depends on the company you choose, but you should budget at least 10 hours for the entire experience.

You'll pay at least $85 per person for a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. This price will vary based on company, tour inclusions and location along the canyon.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Taylore Fox is a Las Vegas local who has two decades' worth of experience living in and exploring the city. As an experienced writer, reader, researcher and learner, she believes there is always something new to learn and explore, even in one's own hometown.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Las Vegas Shows
• The Top Las Vegas Tours
• The Top Las Vegas Spas
• The Top Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Tags: Travel , Tours

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Lib Dems promise to bring back axed rural bus routes

Party hopes manifesto pledge will win over July 4 voters in ‘Blue Wall’ Tory heartlands

The Liberal Democrats will pledge to help bring back axed rural bus routes as they launch their general election manifesto on Monday.

Sir Ed Davey accused the Conservatives of taking farming and countryside communities “for granted” ahead of unveiling a raft of new promises aimed at winning over voters in traditional Tory heartlands.

The party is promising to give councils new powers to restore bus routes and add new ones “where there is local need” with a particular focus on rural areas.

Analysis of Traffic Commissioners’ data shows the number of registered bus routes in Britain has almost halved since 2010, with the West Midlands and North West hardest hit.

The Liberal Democrats are hoping to win dozens of seats from the Tories in the “Blue Wall” by focusing on rising energy bills, NHS waiting lists and the sewage crisis.

Other Liberal Democrat promises ahead of the July 4 poll include expanding rural fuel duty relief, by doubling the number of areas covered, and ensuring gigabit broadband is available to all homes and businesses.

A nationwide “pumpwatch” scheme would also be created, allowing drivers to access real-time petrol and diesel price data on mobile devices and through services such as Google Maps.

Further pledges include a “strategic small surgeries fund” to sustain GP practices in rural areas and enhancing council powers over pubs and community farms so vital infrastructure can be protected.

Sir Ed said: “After years of being taken for granted by the Conservative Party, many people in rural and farming communities are switching to the Liberal Democrats.

“The cost-of-living crisis, botched trade deals, and lack of investment with rural infrastructure have hit them hard, and the Conservatives have failed to protect them.

“That’s why we’ve set out a rural rescue package and would put a minister in Whitehall to champion rural communities.

“Liberal Democrats will stand up for rural people and give them the fair deal they badly need.”

Earlier this year, a Government report found rural households suffered both the highest rate of fuel poverty (15 per cent) and the largest fuel poverty gap (almost £780).

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The best ways to travel around in Jamaica

Apr 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Explore Jamaica with our guide to the island's transportation © Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock

There are so many natural and cultural treasures dotted all over the island of Jamaica that it's no wonder visitors continue to come back years after their first trip.

Whether you want to bounce from beach to beach in search of your perfect stretch of sand or learn more about Jamaica's rich history, every corner of this Caribbean jewel has something new to offer.

So how do you make your way around to find them all? Luckily, there are numerous ways to travel the beautiful island of Jamaica, from buses and cabs to hiring your own wheels. Here’s are our top transportation tips.

Public transport is made up of buses, route taxis and motorbikes

Jamaica’s public transport system consists of a network of buses and cabs that link towns large and small across the island.  JUTC bus is the national bus system that is found in the major cities of Kingston and Montego Bay . Coaster buses form the wider bus network in Jamaica, often filling gaps where JUTC buses don’t go.

There is, however, no set timetable or schedule for when they arrive – you just have to embrace island time and wait for the next departure (on average, you can expect to catch a bus or taxi within 15 to 20 minutes). Most major towns have designated bus parks or transport centers. 

There are two types of cabs or taxis in Jamaica: charter taxis and route taxis. Route taxis run like buses and are the much cheaper of the two, with a fare only slightly higher than the bus. 

Operated by taxi companies, chartered cabs are more expensive. You call ahead to book (charter) a cab, with the fare set by the company before your ride arrives.

In some towns, including Negril , motorbikes are a popular form of public transport. They act like route taxis and take passengers to and from specific points around the town.

Ready to go to Jamaica? Here are the top island experiences

Carry cash to pay public transport fares

There is usually a conductor on the buses who collects fares from each passenger. Either wait for the conductor to request all fares in cash at once, or pay just before you exit at your stop. You can pay with cash or purchase a top-up transport card at various spots islandwide.

If you take a taxi, whether a charter cab or a route taxi, you pay your fare at the end of your journey in cash.

Public transport in Jamaica is relatively safe and affordable

Remember to always board public transport at main bus parks or terminals, be careful at night and make sure you have cash in small denominations rather than larger bills.

For route taxis, avoid taking empty cars. Solo women travelers may also want to avoid cars when men are the only other passengers.

Uber is available in limited cities

Uber does operate in Jamaica, but it’s not as widespread as in many other countries. Drivers are concentrated in cities like Kingston and Montego Bay. Keep in mind that where there is Uber coverage, it’s certain there will be a (cheaper) bus or taxi option. 

Driving is the best way to get around in Jamaica

While you don’t need a car to travel around Jamaica thanks to public transport options, your own ride will be far more convenient and comfortable for visiting the island's best places . Roads are well-connected and easily navigated by car.

All major towns have paved roads, albeit with varying degrees of potholes. Any foreign visitor should remember two essential tenets of driving here – everyone drives on the left, and motorists (especially taxi and bus drivers) are more aggressive on the road than you may be used to and use a “defensive” driving style.

Most reputable car rental companies offer unlimited mileage, but unfortunately, prices in Jamaica are among the highest in the Caribbean. You’ll find both established local companies like Island Car Rentals alongside international players like Hertz and Avis at the airport.

Private buses and drivers are available to hire

If you don’t want to take the wheel yourself, you can charter a car and driver for your trip (best arranged through your accommodation). Another option is the Knutsford Express , an extremely popular and affordable private bus service that connects major towns and tourist spots across the island.

Be inspired to hit the road in Jamaica with our guide to the island's top driving routes

Even a short walk may not be worth taking

Jamaica is not a particularly walkable country, with major towns or points of interest quite spread out. For example, the 35-minute walk from Liguanea to Half Way Tree in Kingston is challenging in the blazing Caribbean heat, with security concerns to factor in when walking at night.

Public transportation is not accessible in Jamaica

While many hotels, parks, cruise ports and buildings across the country can accommodate wheelchair-users and people with mobility issues, there are, unfortunately, few accessibility options related to transportation. The best option is usually pre-booking a charter taxi or a private tour to get around the island.

On public transportation, accessibility is extremely limited, with buses unable to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. Even if you’re able to get on the bus, there are almost no designated areas for your wheelchair.

The rapid speed at which route taxis load and unload with passengers makes it very challenging for persons with accessibility needs.

Some charter taxi companies, however, can provide accessible options; mention your specific requirements when you arrange the ride to ensure they send an appropriate vehicle.

Additionally, some private tours provide accessible transport options, with tourist attractions around the island welcoming visitors with accessibility needs to varying degrees.

This article was first published Oct 29, 2022 and updated Apr 20, 2024.

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