Getting Around Honduras
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use local buses and taxis for Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Rural: Rent a car for Copan Ruins exploration. Islands: Ferries and shuttles to Roatan. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tegucigalpa to your destination.
Bus Travel
Intercity Buses
Reliable network connecting major cities with frequent services via companies like Hedman Alas and Cristobal Colon.
Cost: Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula $15-25, journeys 4-6 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy at bus terminals, online via company sites, or apps. Mobile tickets increasingly available.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings and evenings for better comfort and availability.
Bus Passes
Multi-ride options from major companies offer discounted fares for frequent travelers, starting at $50 for 5 trips.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, savings for 3+ trips across regions.
Where to Buy: Bus terminals, company websites, or agents with easy activation.
Express Services
Direct buses connect to popular sites like Copan and Utila, with air-conditioned comfort on select routes.
Booking: Reserve seats in advance for holiday periods, discounts up to 20% for early bookings.
Main Terminals: Central bus stations in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula handle most connections.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring rural areas and Bay Islands access. Compare rental prices from $30-60/day at airports and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, verify inclusions with provider.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads, pay small fees at checkpoints (under $2).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, watch for pedestrians and animals.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered or guarded lots $1-3/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available at $1.00-1.20/gallon for regular, more in remote areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps for reliability.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Tegucigalpa rush hours, potholes common on secondary roads.
Urban Transport
Local Buses & Microbuses
Colorful "chicken buses" cover cities, single fare $0.50-1, day pass rare but multi-ride cards $3-5.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no tickets needed, crowds common.
Apps: Limited, but Google Maps helps track routes and stops in urban areas.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike-sharing in San Pedro Sula and eco-tours, $5-10/day with stations in tourist zones.
Routes: Flat paths in coastal areas, guided tours for Copan and nature reserves.
Tours: E-bike rentals available for longer distances, combining adventure with sightseeing.
Taxis & Ride-Shares
Yellow taxis and apps like Uber in major cities, $2-5 for short rides, negotiate fares.
Tickets: Metered or fixed rates, use apps for safer, tracked rides.
Airport Shuttles: Shared vans to city centers $5-10, frequent from main hubs.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, beachfront in Roatan for relaxation.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and festivals like Semana Santa.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather and road conditions variability.
- Amenities: Confirm AC, secure parking, and transport links before booking.
- Reviews: Focus on recent feedback (last 6 months) for safety and current road access info.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G in cities and tourist areas, 3G in rural spots with improving 5G in urban centers.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, coverage starts immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Tigo, Claro, and Hondutel provide prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, convenience stores, or official shops with ID required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $20, unlimited for $25/month available.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots, but speeds vary in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Bus terminals and plazas offer free access in major cities.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban zones, sufficient for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Tegucigalpa Airport (TON) 6km from center, taxi $10 (15 min), or book private transfer for $15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Offered at bus terminals ($2-5/day) and hotels in key cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis vary, major sites like Copan have ramps; plan for uneven terrain.
- Pet Travel: Limited on buses (small pets ok for $2), confirm with operators and accommodations.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for $3-5, easier on roof racks in rural areas.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Honduras
Tegucigalpa Airport (TON) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Tegucigalpa (TON): Primary gateway, 6km from city with taxi and shuttle options.
San Pedro Sula (SAP): Northern hub 15km from center, bus to city $5 (30 min).
Roatan (RTB): Island airport with direct flights, ideal for Bay Islands access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into San Salvador and bus to Honduras for cost savings.
Budget Airlines
Copa Airlines, Avianca, and Spirit serve main airports with regional connections.
Important: Include baggage fees and ground transport in total cost calculations.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior required, airport surcharges apply otherwise.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Common in cities, fees $3-5, prefer bank machines over tourist spots.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard ok in hotels and shops, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Growing acceptance in urban areas, but carry cash backup.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and rural spots, keep $50-100 in small bills.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, $1-2 for taxis and guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, skip airport exchanges.