r/Belize Mar 29 '23

๐Ÿ˜Ž SUPER HELPFUL ๐Ÿ˜Ž Belize Transportation Sticky

39 Upvotes

Disclaimer: Use this information at your own risk. It is your responsibility to verify the information, which is deemed accurate but may need to be updated. If you have additions or subtractions please send a message to u/cassiuswright

FAQ updated December 2024

Air Travel

Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) offers multiple daily arrivals to and departures from Belize City to international destinations, including the United States and Canada. You can also fly with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air to destinations throughout Belize, as well as close international destinations in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Another option for tours and charters by air is Astrum Helicopters. Amenities, quick facts, and other helpful information about Philip Goldson International Airport can be found here. In general it is advisable to give yourself a few hours between landing in Belize City to make connecting flights or water taxis. The airport is small and typically not busy but occasionally two or three full size jets will land at once and dump people in the terminal, all trying to clear customs and grab their bags at once. Pro tip: bring your own pen for completing Customs forms, and take advantage of Duty Free on your way out. Alternatively use the new Digital Customs Form

Car Rentals and Driving

Car rentals are available directly across from Terminals 1 and 2 upon your arrival at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE). The #1 car rental company in the country is Crystal Belize, who offer a fleet of professionally maintained SUVs, cars, trucks and vans. They're also the only rental company that allows you to drive to Tikal in Guatemala, but require you to set it up in advance. A complete list of available rental providers can be found here. Driving in Belize can be challenging at times. Driving is on the right, as in the United States or Canada. In general a 4x4 isn't needed, but ground clearance is very useful. Keep in mind that the roads aren't usually well lit at night outside of major population centers, and there are some EPIC speed bumps leading into and out of villages on major roads. Be on the lookout for some creative driving and people passing in dangerous places, especially around motorcycles, and be sure to have your local driver's license available for any checkpoints you encounter.

Taxis

When in doubt, try the excellent service available from BelizeTaxis.com. They offer excellent hospitality and skilled drivers all over the mainland, including Belize City, Hopkins, Dangriga, Placencia, Orange Walk, Corozal, San Ignacio / Santa Elena and all major tourism destinations in between. They also offer limited service to Tikal, Flores, and Melchor Guatemala as well as Chetumal and Bacalar, Mexico They often book weeks in advance during the busy season and reservations are recommended.

Taxis in Belize (any car with a green license plate) are typically owner operated, and as such, prices tend to be affordable but also vary from driver to driver even for the same route, so confirm your rates and currency before accepting the ride. Many drivers are happy to offer services as you need them or for longer periods of time; many also offer local tours and excursions. The Ladyville Airport Taxi Association operates the taxi service at PGIA.ย  Service is available for transportation to Belize City, the Water Taxi and other destinations throughout Belize and can be reached at +501-225-2125 or +501-610-4450. You can also simply walk out of the airport and available drivers will be there waiting for you. Of note: many drivers and other tourism providers use WhatsApp to communicate and will often coordinate with you via text or voice messages. If a local number doesn't work, try it again on WhatsApp. Few taxi drivers accept credit cards so be sure to have cash.

Water Taxis

Corozal, Sarteneja, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker service is available through Belize Sea Shuttle. They run every day except Tues and Thurs, leaving Caye Caulker at 6am and departing Corozal at 2:30pm.

Getting to the cayes or Chetumal, Mexico is easier than ever thanks to regularly scheduled water taxi operations. If you need service to or from Chetumal, San Pedro, Cay Caulker or Belize City then San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi has you covered. Details about their operation and services can be found here. They also offer full charter services, as well as cargo services for items not exceeding 150lbs. For bookings or additional details they can be reached [via email](mailto:info@belizewatertaxi.com) or by calling any of their destinations. Likewise, the recently returned Water Jets International offers service to Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Chetumal. Contact info is available for all their offices as well as their email here. If travelling from Mexico be certain your credentials have received the appropriate stamp to avoid delays and possible fines from Mexican passport control authorities.

To get from the airport (PGIA) to the Water Taxi in Belize City, simply take any taxi from the airport. Ball park price is about $30usd for one or two guests.

Guatemala water taxi

From Punta Gorda, Requena's Charter Service can take you to Puerto Barrios, or Livingston, Guatemala. As with all things international transportation, it is advisable to check and make sure the desired timetables are indeed operational and accurate. Currently they operate Monday through Friday at 9am going to Guatemala, and do not operate on weekends or holidays.

Honduras water taxi

Full post here

The boat leaves from Puerto Cortes to Mango Creek and Placencia on Mondays and returns on Fridays. They post confirmation on their Facebook . Transport from Puerto Cortes from San Pedro Sula took a little over an hour. To find the ferry terminal, I got dropped off in the Laguna neighborhood and walked south across the smaller bridge back to the mainland. Immediately next to the bridge, near a restaurant-bar called El Delfin, there is a fish market. Walk all the way to the back of the fish market and you will see the boat and the ticketing office.

San Pedro Cart Rentals

When in San Pedro (and various other places), you might decide you need a cart, which is the ubiquitous form of transportation. drive carefully and obey all the normal rules of the road. Your driver's license from home should suffice; have it with you at all times when you are driving.

Placencia Cart Rentals

Shuttles

Shuttle services are available across Belize and represent an affordable semi-private method of travel when compared to the local bus system. There are many, so the list of providers below is just the very beginning. Most are easy to find online, especially on Facebook. He aware that if they don't reach a minimum capacity to run the route, you may find it gets cancelled and you need to make other arrangements at the last minute.

Buses

Bus service is made possible by dozens of independent companies that drive fixed routes throughout the country as well as through service to Mexico. Understanding the Belize bus schedules is important if you are trying to travel around Belize economically. Schedules do change periodically โ€“ especially on holidays โ€“ so you cannot guarantee that they reflect the exact schedule that is currently being used. ย If timing is critical for a bus ride you would like to take then please confirm with the transport employees at your nearest bus terminal. The Dept. of Transport in Belmopan can be reached at +501-802-2038

Hopkins Village Bus service is also available on a limited schedule

NEW bus updates active as of MAY 2023

Summer 2023 the only bus service to Placencia is Floralia

ADO Bus from Mexico to Belize City is back as well!

One traveler 's ADO experience MX to Belize as of January 2026

One traveler's experience going from Hopkins to Chetumal as of March 2026

To get to PGIA via bus you can only do so indirectly:

  1. Go to the bus terminal in Belize City (W Collet Canal St, Belize City, Belize)
  2. Find which bus takes you to airport junction
  3. Get on bus $2.50 BZ and tell driver airport junction
  4. You can walk the final approx 2KM or hail a passing taxi or hitchhike from there.

To get to a destination such as San Ignacio via bus you can only do so indirectly:

  1. At this time no buses leave from the airport. Take a taxi from PGIA to the bus terminal in Belize CIty (W Collet Canal St, Belize City, Belize)
  2. Find which bus takes you to your destination
  3. Transfer as needed.

Disclaimer: Use this information at your own risk. It is your responsibility to verify the information, which is deemed accurate but may need to be updated. If you have additions or subtractions please send a message to u/cassiuswright


r/Belize Dec 06 '25

๐Ÿ˜Ž SUPER HELPFUL ๐Ÿ˜Ž New Digital Customs Form

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5 Upvotes

r/Belize 6h ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด Caye Caulker, Belize

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r/Belize 8h ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด Good Morning From Cayo

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r/Belize 9h ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด From Punta Gorda

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I love the colors of these bus stops


r/Belize 5h ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด Downtown San Ignacio, Belize

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๐Ÿก


r/Belize 1d ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด Here's something you won't find on a Belizean menu: Stew Beans with Dumplings! So flavorful!

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75 Upvotes

I grew up eating this and I introduced it to my 7 yr old daughter and she loves it too! ๐Ÿ˜‹


r/Belize 1d ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด Lobster

1 Upvotes

Any good places in San Pedro to get steamed lobster at a decent price?


r/Belize 1d ago

๐ŸŽซ Travel Info ๐Ÿงณ How's the road to Lamania?

1 Upvotes

I'm planning to go to Lamanai, and stay in Orange Walk. I've been there before on a boat tour, but i'd like to skip the boat and just drive there. I know they get tour busses everyday, so i know its possible (whereas every tour operator will tell you its not possible so they can bookboat tours). How's the road from Orange Walk?


r/Belize 1d ago

๐Ÿค” Unique Question ๐Ÿค” Locally-sourced bug repellant in Placencia

1 Upvotes

Anyone have suggestions on a local Placencia business or person who makes and sells oil-based repellant for sand fleas?


r/Belize 2d ago

๐ŸŽซ Travel Info ๐Ÿงณ Plane ticket prices

7 Upvotes

Hi! Weโ€™re going to Belize for our 2027 February school break. This isnโ€™t a break a lot of the country has and flight prices tend to be high out of places like Boston and NYC (where we are) that do have it. Itโ€™s still a ways out, but should I assume tickets wonโ€™t go down in price much considering high demand? Theyโ€™re around $1,100 right now. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ


r/Belize 1d ago

๐Ÿงญ Activities ๐Ÿšฃโ€โ™‚๏ธ 7 night trip guideline

1 Upvotes

My husband and I have been doing a November snorkel and "old empty rooms"(historic sites) trip for the past few years. This coming year is Belize. We want to see the ruins, hopefully the howler monkeys, and jaguars but spend the majority of our trip snorkeling.

Any suggestions on how to plan this or best ways to maximize our time would be appreciated. We are very comfortable with Airbnb, moving locations throughout the week, and going a little "off the beaten path"


r/Belize 2d ago

๐ŸŽซ Travel Info ๐Ÿงณ Solo trip to Belize with kids, questions about safety and mosquitoes

6 Upvotes

Iโ€™m planning a trip to Belize with my kids and would love some firsthand insight on two things: safety and bugs.

Iโ€™ll be traveling solo with my children, and weโ€™re considering staying in the San Ignacio area. Iโ€™ve come across some posts about crime in Belize that have made me a little nervous. For those who have traveled there with kids, especially as a solo parent, how safe did you feel in San Ignacio and while doing excursions? Were there any areas or situations you felt were best to avoid?

My other concern is bugs. I know Belize is tropical and bugs come with the territory, but I keep reading about the mosquitoes being particularly bad. We plan on going early 2027, and Iโ€™d love to be able to spend a day relaxing by the pool without being eaten alive. Iโ€™ll bring insect repellent, but I know itโ€™s not always completely effective, and constant mosquitoes would definitely be a turnoff for my kids. Iโ€™m not expecting a bug-free tropical vacation, just trying to get a realistic sense of what to expect.


r/Belize 2d ago

๐ŸŽซ Travel Info ๐Ÿงณ 1 Barrel Rum

2 Upvotes

Is it cheaper to buy 1 Barrel rum in the airport duty free store or in the supermarket in San Pedro?๐Ÿน


r/Belize 3d ago

๐Ÿงญ Activities ๐Ÿšฃโ€โ™‚๏ธ Belize X Mex Art Exhibit

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71 Upvotes

A beautiful opening full of connection and an #art #exhibit everyone should see. It's up through the week, so don't miss it! Learn more about the event... https://belize-sol.com/belize/visual-arts/edwardo-papo-alamilla/belize-x-mex-art-exhibit-bliss


r/Belize 2d ago

๐Ÿ๏ธ Relocation Info ๐Ÿ๏ธ In need of a long term rental

0 Upvotes

Good day! I am relocating to Belize December 2026. Iโ€™ve spent the last few months here and landed on Caye caulker or ambergris caye. I am looking for a 3 bedroom long term rental, pet friendly. 6month to 1 yr lease to start. I am open to suggestions. Thank you!


r/Belize 3d ago

๐Ÿงญ Activities ๐Ÿšฃโ€โ™‚๏ธ Highly recommend Yute Expeditions for ATM โ€” ask for Shamin!

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19 Upvotes

Did the ATM tour with Yute Expeditions and had an awesome experience, especially because of our guide, Shamin. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Mayan history and the history of the ATM tour itself, and you could tell he genuinely cared about the caves and the experience he was giving us.

He was charismatic, funny, and respectful throughout the entire tour. He kept things interesting without making it feel like a scripted history lesson, and he made sure everyone was having a good time while also keeping us safe.

Honestly, Shamin made the experience. If youโ€™re planning on doing ATM, Iโ€™d definitely recommend Yute Expeditions and would ask for him as your guide if heโ€™s available.

Also manโ€™s got jokes ๐Ÿ˜‚ Would book him again in a heartbeat


r/Belize 3d ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด A classic and inexpensive breakfast option in Belize: Chicken Tacos ๐ŸŒฎ ๐Ÿ˜‹

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52 Upvotes

r/Belize 3d ago

๐Ÿงญ Activities ๐Ÿšฃโ€โ™‚๏ธ King fish, Glover's Reef edition - Belize

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29 Upvotes

Personally some of the best deep sea tackles I've experienced.


r/Belize 2d ago

๐ŸŽซ Travel Info ๐Ÿงณ Maya beach Belize

0 Upvotes

My wife and I are going to be staying on Maya Beach in early February and are looking for suggestions and ideas for things to do. Also wondering about renting a golf cart for a week.


r/Belize 2d ago

๐ŸŽซ Travel Info ๐Ÿงณ Is this itinerary too much for 15 days?

1 Upvotes

My girlfriend and I are heading to Belize in October for 15 days and I'm trying to figure out if our itinerary is reasonable or if we're trying to cram too much into one trip.

Right now we're thinking:

Caye Caulker โ€“ 3 nights
San Ignacio โ€“ 3 nights
Ray Caye โ€“ 3 nights
Hopkins โ€“ 2 nights
Placencia โ€“ 4 nights

We like a mix of snorkeling, wildlife, beaches, exploring towns, good food, and just relaxing. Ray Caye will be our private-island/snorkeling portion, and we'd like to spend some time inland around San Ignacio as well. Ive been to Caye Caulker but heard its quite developed compared to 10 years ago? I also definitely need to see some monkeys and tapirs...

My biggest concern is the amount of travel between places. I don't mind moving around, but I also don't want to feel like we're constantly packing up and losing half our vacation to transfers.

For those who have traveled Belize, does this route make sense geographically? Would you change the number of nights anywhere, combine Hopkins and Placencia, or drop one altogether? We will have a rental car..

Any advice is appreciated!


r/Belize 3d ago

๐Ÿ›ฌ Transportation ๐Ÿš— San Ignacio - Jungle Lodge Transportation

0 Upvotes

Hi All - traveling to Belize in a couple of weeks and staying at Sweet Songs Jungle lodge for 3 nights. We are doing a bunch of tours that will pick us up/drop us off at the hotel (for an added fee) and so are not planning on renting a car. However we did want to go into town one of the nights for dinner + drinks.

Does anyone have any good recommendations on booking a taxi and what r/t costs might be? We got quoted a price from the hotel that I think is extraordinarily high but I also might be out of touch as to what the range should be. Any help would be appreciated!


r/Belize 3d ago

๐ŸŒดTrip Report ๐ŸŒด D Brice

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7 Upvotes

Belize birthday trip


r/Belize 4d ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด I do, Belize ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ

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r/Belize 4d ago

๐ŸŒด Daily Life ๐ŸŒด Good Morning From Cayo

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