Travel

Cheapest Flight Deals to Jamaica

Jamaica has a fantastic combination of stunning beaches, a rich cultural history, plenty of music and delicious food and a laid back atmosphere. We think it's pretty close to paradise, so are you sure you want to book a return flight? You might not want to leave!

Popular attractions include Dunn's River Falls, which is a rocky waterfall you can climb if you're feeling hardy, the Luminous Lagoon which glows with movement and Port Royal, once named the most wicked city on earth when it was a debauched pirate stronghold. Jamaica is also the birthplace of Bob Marley, and you can see where he grew up in Nine Mile, or visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.

You can find great value flights to Jamaica (both one way and return!) using our search tool at the top of the page.

Flights to Jamaica

Most of the flights to Jamaica from the UK will arrive into Donald Sangster Airport in Montego Bay. Direct flights are available from airports across the UK, and take between nine and 10 hours to arrive. If you're booking an indirect Jamaica flight then it's definitely worth checking how much money this saves you, as some of the cheapest deals are direct. If you are saving money by going indirect, be sure to pay attention to the length of the stopovers along the way.

Donald Sangster Airport is the most popular with tourists because it's conveniently located for the resorts in Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, which are the three main resort areas. As an alternative, you can look for flights to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston - just make sure you plan your onward travel.

Booking a package holiday is a great way to have all the worries of transfers and finding your hotel taken away from you, and this has traditionally been the best way of getting a cheap Jamaica deal too. But we're expecting a rise in more independent travel in 2013 and 2014 so booking your hotel and flight to Jamaica separately is a viable option.

Neither Montego Airport nor Kingston Airport is served by any public transport, so your options are to hire a car or hop in a taxi. The only ones at the airport will usually be the more expensive tourist taxis, but elsewhere it's worth looking for the red license plates of the route taxis to save money. Just don't expect to have it to yourself! The roads are not exactly visit-friendly here so we advise getting a taxi to your accommodation - and leaving the vehicle hire at least until you get your bearings. Hiring a scooter can be a great way of exploring for the day without having a car for the duration of your stay.

Once you're all settled, there are also local buses, which operate a reasonably large network. You can use these to see new beaches, explore the towns and go to attractions as well.

Where to go in Jamaica

Cornwall County is on the west of the island, and it's easy to see why many visitor never make it any further. Montego Bay is here, as well as the other popular resorts of Ochos Rios and Negril. There are also plenty of pretty nature reserves if you want to experience the island's natural beauty. For a taste of the colonial life see Fort Charlotte at Lucea or the Rose Hall Great House.

Middlesex County in the centre is predominantly made up of plantations - so you could tour a coffee, rum or chocolate factory. Other sights include Dunn's River Falls, Dolphin Cove and the Ochos Rios Marine Park - so this is the county for adventures! You can also visit Nine Mile where Bob Marley grew up.

Over in the East, Sussex County boasts plenty of unspoilt beaches as well as the island's capital of Kingston. Port Royal and the Blue Mountains are also well worth spending time at, and you can also enjoy white water rafting on the Rio Grande.

Wherever you go make sure that you sample some of the delicious local dishes - Jerk Chicken and roasted breadfruit are some street favourites, and ackee and saltfish and curried goat are quintessential Jamaican dishes. Want more tips? Then our Jamaica guide is where you need to go next!

When to go to Jamaica

Jamaica's temperature is pretty constant all year round, with minimal rain outside the rainy months - which are May and August to October, although even then it certainly doesn't rain every day or all day long. If you want the best prices on cheap flights to Jamaica then head over during the UK summer, but expect the hottest of the weather. The peak season for travel to Jamaica is from December to February. Expect hot days but slightly cooler evenings and mornings - take a warmer top or two, but it'll still be a lovely hot break from the cold UK winter.

If you want to make your holiday a little extra special, then try to go to one of the events that are popular with the Jamaican locals. February is reggae month, so why not treat yourself in 2014 to flights and a few tickets. If you're looking for a Jamaica flight outside the peak season then try Reggae Sumfest in July. It's even possible to celebrate Oktoberfest here!