Famous resort town on the western tip of Jamaica, known for its 7-mile white sand beach, cliff jumping at Rick's Café, and spectacular sunsets.

About Negril (West End / 7 Mile Beach)

Negril is defined by its Seven Mile Beach, a legendary stretch of powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters that consistently ranks among the Caribbean's finest beaches. The beachfront is lined with a mix of all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, laid-back beach bars, and reggae-playing sound systems that embody Jamaica's relaxed philosophy of life.

The West End, Negril's dramatic rocky coastline south of the beach, offers a completely different atmosphere. Here, cliffside hotels, restaurants, and bars perch above the sea, and Rick's Café has become a world-famous sunset destination where local cliff divers perform acrobatic jumps into the crystal-clear water below. The West End's boutique hotels and intimate guesthouses attract a more independent, bohemian crowd.

Negril's wider attractions include the Royal Palm Reserve (a wetland habitat with crocodiles and rare palm species), the Kool Runnings Adventure Park (a water and adventure park), and boat trips to the nearby Booby Cay island for snorkeling. The town's nightlife centers on Norman Manley Boulevard, with open-air dancehall sessions, beachfront reggae parties, and the legendary weekly bonfire nights at various beach bars.

Nearby Landmarks

Seven Mile Beach Rick's Café Royal Palm Reserve Negril Lighthouse

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $80-100 (private)
Time 75-90 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At Sangster Airport, book a JUTA taxi to Negril at the transportation desk (US$80-100)
2. Or arrange a hotel/resort transfer in advance (many all-inclusives include this)
3. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes via the A1 coastal highway
4. Route taxis depart from the Montego Bay transport centre (take a taxi there first)
5. Route taxis cost JMD 800-1000 but are crowded and stop frequently
6. Knutsford Express luxury coach also runs Montego Bay to Negril (book online)

Knutsford Express

Cost $25
Time 90 min

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $80-100 (private) 75-90 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Bus/Shuttle $25 90 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Most transfers between MBJ airport and Negril are pre-arranged through hotels or licensed transfer companies. JUTA taxis charge US$80-100 one way for up to 4 passengers. Route taxis run the Montego Bay-Negril corridor during daylight but are not recommended at night. Many all-inclusive resorts include airport transfers. For late flights, some travelers stay in Montego Bay overnight and head to Negril the next morning.

Luggage Tips

Hotel transfer vehicles and JUTA taxis can handle standard luggage for the Negril trip. If taking a route taxi, luggage space is very limited. For dive equipment or large sports gear, arrange a larger vehicle in advance. Seven Mile Beach hotels typically have luggage storage and many offer early check-in. Rick's Café and most West End restaurants have no luggage storage — visit from your hotel.

Accessibility

The road to Negril is paved but narrow in sections. Seven Mile Beach has sand access that can be challenging for wheelchair users, though some resorts have beach wheelchair programs and accessible beachfront paths. West End cliff properties often have stairs and uneven terrain that present significant barriers. All-inclusive resorts generally offer the best accessibility features. JUTA vehicles can accommodate folding wheelchairs.