A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocho Rios vs. San Fernando for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ocho Rios or San Fernando?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or San Fernando, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or San Fernando?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Which place is cheaper, San Fernando or Ocho Rios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in San Fernando is $153. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ocho Rios and San Fernando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    San Fernando $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    San Fernando $148
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and San Fernando

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or San Fernando? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ocho Rios


Hotels in San Fernando


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    San Fernando $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
  • From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Jamaica Airport Transfers: $130
  • Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios: $130
  • MBJ Airport Round trip Private transfer for Runaway Bay Hotels: $120
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Hotels to Ocho Rios: $115
  • Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
  • Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
  • Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or San Fernando?

Prices for flights to both San Fernando and Ocho Rios change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ocho Rios $17
    San Fernando $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    San Fernando $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.47
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Runaway Bay: $206
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    San Fernando $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and San Fernando, we can see that San Fernando is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Fernando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Fernando than you might in Ocho Rios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is San Fernando Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or San Fernando?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and San Fernando, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Ocho Rios or San Fernando?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Fernando in the Summer?

Both San Fernando and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Fernando. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than San Fernando during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while San Fernando receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as San Fernando. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Fernando in the Autumn?

Both San Fernando and Ocho Rios during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round.

San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than San Fernando. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than San Fernando. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Fernando receives 207 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Fernando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Fernando in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and San Fernando. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Fernando. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Fernando during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while San Fernando receives 241 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Fernando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and San Fernando averages at about 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Fernando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as San Fernando. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than San Fernando. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Fernando receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Fernando. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Fernando receives 238 hours of full sun.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as San Fernando. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and San Fernando fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for San Fernando and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios San Fernando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)