Getting Around Belize
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use local buses and taxis in Belize City. Rural: Rent a car for Cayo District exploration. Islands: Water taxis and ferries for cayes. For convenience, book airport transfers from Philip Goldson International to your destination.
Bus Travel
Express Bus Network
Reliable buses connect major towns like Belize City to San Ignacio and Placencia with air-conditioned options.
Cost: Belize City to San Ignacio BZD 5-10 (USD 2.50-5), journeys 2-3 hours between most destinations.
Tickets: Buy at bus terminals or from drivers. No advance booking needed for most routes.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings and weekends for less crowding and faster travel.
Bus Passes
Informal multi-ride options or shuttle services for tourists, around BZD 100 (USD 50) for a week of regional travel.
Best For: Multiple stops in the mainland over several days, savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus stations in Belize City or through tour operators with flexible scheduling.
Shuttle Services
Private shuttles connect to popular spots like the cayes and ruins, often with hotel pickups.
Booking: Reserve in advance via apps or agencies for best prices, discounts for groups up to 30%.
Main Hubs: Water Taxi Terminal in Belize City for island routes, buses from central market.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring jungles and beaches independently. Compare rental prices from USD 40-60/day at Philip Goldson Airport and Belize City.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, often extra USD 15-20/day.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 45 mph urban, 55 mph rural, 70 mph highways.
Tolls: Minimal, mostly on Hummingbird Highway; no vignettes required.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, watch for potholes and animals.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid lots USD 2-5/day in tourist zones like San Pedro.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available along main roads at BZD 10-12/gallon (USD 5-6) for regular unleaded.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Light overall, but congestion in Belize City and during rainy season flooding.
Urban Transport
Belize City Taxis
Collective taxis and private cabs cover the city, single ride BZD 5-10 (USD 2.50-5), day pass BZD 20.
Validation: Agree on fare before boarding, no meters; fixed rates for short trips.
Apps: Limited, but services like San Pedro Express app for water taxi bookings.
Bike Rentals
Bike shares in San Ignacio and cayes, USD 5-10/day with racks at hotels and shops.
Routes: Flat coastal paths ideal, especially around Caye Caulker for eco-tours.
Tours: Guided bike excursions to ruins and beaches, including snorkel stops.
Water Taxis & Ferries
San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry link Belize City to cayes, BZD 20-50 round-trip.
Tickets: BZD 10-25 one-way, buy at terminals or online for peak times.
Caye Routes: Frequent services to Ambergris Caye and Placencia, 45-90 minutes.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in towns for easy access, beachfront on cayes for relaxation.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and events like La Ruta Maya.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for hurricane season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G in urban areas and cayes, 3G in rural Belize with improving 5G in Belize City.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from USD 5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicell and Smart offer prepaid SIMs from BZD 10-20 (USD 5-10) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for BZD 20, 10GB for BZD 50, unlimited for BZD 100/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, resorts, and cafes, especially on cayes and in tourist areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and main squares offer free access in Belize City.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban spots, suitable for browsing but spotty in jungles.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Philip Goldson International (BZE) 16km from Belize City, shuttle USD 10 (20 min), taxi USD 25, or book private transfer for USD 20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals (BZD 5-10/day) and airport lockers.
- Accessibility: Buses and ferries have ramps, but rural roads and ruins may limit access.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (extra fee BZD 5), check resort policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for BZD 5, free on ferries if space allows.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Belize
Philip Goldson International (BZE) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Philip Goldson International (BZE): Primary hub 16km south of Belize City with shuttle connections.
San Pedro Airport (SPR): Domestic flights to Ambergris Caye, 10-min flight from BZE USD 50.
Placencia Airport (PLJ): Small airstrip for southern routes, served by local carriers.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Cancun and busing to Belize for potential savings.
Domestic Airlines
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer short hops to cayes and inland spots.
Important: Factor in baggage fees (USD 2/lb over 25lb) and short flight times when comparing.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, arrive early for small aircraft security.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities and tourist areas, fee BZD 5-10, use bank machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at resorts, less so in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing, Apple Pay and Google Pay at larger hotels and shops.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small vendors, keep USD 50-100 in small bills (BZD pegged 2:1).
- Tipping: Not mandatory, add 10-15% at restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.