Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) sits on the Palisadoes strip, with Kingston Harbour on one side and open sea on the other — a scenic landing, and about 20-30 minutes from the arrivals hall to New Kingston depending on traffic. Here's exactly how pickup works with Kennedy Car Rental, what you'll need, and what it costs to skip the shuttle-and-transfer routine entirely.
How Pickup Works at Norman Manley
What You'll Need
A valid driver's licence, a passport or government ID, and a payment card for the rental and security deposit. If your licence isn't in English, bring an International Driving Permit — most car rental companies in Kingston, Jamaica will ask for one, and it avoids any back-and-forth at pickup.
Getting to New Kingston, Half Way Tree, and Beyond
Norman Manley sits closer to downtown than to New Kingston's business district, so budget the full 20-30 minutes rather than treating it like a quick hop. Traffic on Marcus Garvey Drive and around Half Way Tree gets genuinely heavy on weekday mornings and evenings — if your flight lands mid-afternoon, you'll likely clear the city before the worst of it. For what to actually do once you're settled, see our full Kingston guide.
Local tip: If you're heading straight to a hotel in New Kingston or Half Way Tree, tell your driver at pickup — some routes avoid the worst downtown congestion depending on time of day.
Every Kennedy rental from the Kingston branch includes free Norman Manley pickup, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 roadside support — no separate shuttle fee added to your rate, which is where a lot of Kingston airport car rental options quietly cost more than they first look. Browse our Kingston fleet to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Explore Jamaica at Your Own Pace?
Kennedy Car Rental offers flexible daily rates, airport pickup from Sangster International, automatic transmission vehicles, and zero hidden fees.