Comparison · Barbados vs Montego Bay · Barbados / Jamaica
Barbados vs Montego Bay
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: The original uploader was ROxBo at English Wikipedia ., Public domain
Quick answer
Choose Barbados for Rum and Oistins Fish Fry; choose Montego Bay for Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip. Montego Bay is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,048 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,048 km
- Less expensive
- Montego Bay
- Best time for Barbados
- December–April
- Best time for Montego Bay
- December–April
Side by side
| Barbados | Montego Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Barbados | Jamaica |
| Known for | Rum, Oistins Fish Fry and Crop Over festival | Doctor's Cave Beach, Hip Strip and Jerk cooking |
| Best time to visit | December–April | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $220–$380 | $180–$350 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | May, 31°C (88°F) | August, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 29°C (84°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 5 |
| Beaches | Carlisle Bay | Doctor's Cave Beach |
| Airports | BGI | MBJ, KIN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Barbados for…
Rum and Oistins Fish Fry. Barbados is a coral island about 34 km long, the most easterly in the Caribbean chain. Its calm, turquoise west coast — the 'Platinum Coast' around Holetown and Speightstown — has the upscale hotels and villas, while the livelier south coast around St…
Choose Montego Bay for…
Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip. Montego Bay, on Jamaica's northwest coast, is where most visitors to the island arrive, through Sangster International Airport on the edge of town. The Hip Strip along Gloucester Avenue has Doctor's Cave Beach, bars and jerk stands; the historic downtown…
Top sights compared
| # | Barbados | Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison | Doctor's Cave Beach |
| 2 | Carlisle Bay | Hip Strip |
| 3 | Harrison's Cave | Rose Hall Great House |
| 4 | Oistins Fish Fry | Greenwood Great House |
| 5 | Bathsheba and the Soup Bowl | Sam Sharpe Square |
Food compared
| Barbados | Montego Bay |
|---|---|
| Flying fish and cou-cou | Jerk chicken and pork |
| Macaroni pie | Ackee and saltfish |
| Fish cakes and bakes | Curry goat |
| Cutters | Escovitch fish |
Which is cheaper?
Montego Bay is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$350 per person there, against $220–$380 in Barbados (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Montego Bay on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,048 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 15 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Barbados or Montego Bay cheaper?
Montego Bay is usually less expensive: about $180–$350 a day mid-range against $220–$380 (estimates).
+Is Barbados or Montego Bay better for a first trip?
Pick Barbados for Rum and Oistins Fish Fry, or Montego Bay for Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip.
+How far is Barbados from Montego Bay?
About 2,048 km in a straight line.