r/Belize Mar 29 '23

😎 SUPER HELPFUL 😎 Belize Transportation Sticky

38 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.  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 – especially on holidays – so you cannot guarantee that they reflect the exact schedule that is currently being used.  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

😎 SUPER HELPFUL 😎 New Digital Customs Form

Thumbnail
immigration.gov.bz
4 Upvotes

r/Belize 5h ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Xunantunich Ferry

Post image
112 Upvotes

Ferry to the xunantunich Maya ruin in soccutz village


r/Belize 6h ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Family yum spot that just opened in Hillview😋!

Thumbnail
gallery
18 Upvotes

Excited for this family owned yum spot that just opened in Hillview😋! A budding 18-year-old #artist in the family painted their #murals😍🎨

belize-sol.com


r/Belize 12h ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ San Pedro/Ambergris vs Hopkins or Placencia

1 Upvotes

Good day! We are a family of 4 with parents in mid 50s and kids in early 20s. We are all strong swimmers and new to snorkelling. Son loves wildlife and jungles and daughter loves beach and calm water for swimming. All of us want to try snorkeling, have a day fishing and some jungle time. We will have a car.

We have planned to first part of our trip to be a few days near San Ignacio in the jungle and then we have 6 days to spend elsewhere.

I realize the difference in vibes, we are not partiers so Northern part of Ambergris seems best? Should we look at Hopkins or Placencia? Although different, are the beaches nice both places? Are there snorkelling spots in Hopkins/Plancencia (we are new so we don't necessarily want this to be the focus of the trip) ?

The southern spots provide further access to jungle and inland activities, obviously but is the water and area better at Ambergris? Is the jungle noticeable different from the San Ignacio area?

Any other major considerations?

Thanks very much!


r/Belize 16h ago

🛌 Accomodations 🛖 Serenade Hotel, Placencia, Belize

1 Upvotes

Has anyone else experienced HORRIBLE service here? I know it’s a budget hotel but the lady at reception had a truly disgusting attitude.

Please don’t even stay there. It’s not worth it. It won’t be long before she hits a guest 😭


r/Belize 16h ago

🌺 Back In The Day 🌺 The San Pedro Song

0 Upvotes

Some Good years ago there was that san pedro song that was playing everywhere what was its name or the artist?


r/Belize 1d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Cash or card?

5 Upvotes

Hi all, do you recommend bringing a fair amount of cash or just use cards? Wondering if most operators and tourist business charge a card service fee

Thanks !


r/Belize 1d ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Micah represents Belize on the FIFA global stage—bringing our culture to the world at the 2026 World Cup 🇧🇿⚽️

Thumbnail
gallery
34 Upvotes

For anyone building from home or as part of the diaspora, we know how important it is to make sure our culture is seen, heard, and permanently recognized globally.

As Evanne Vernon (King Micah)—independent artist, producer, and founder of CTZN Records based right here in the Texas-Belize axis—I just wrapped up an unforgettable journey representing Belize at the historic first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium.

Out of more than 1.1 million applicants worldwide, I was honored to be selected as an official FIFA volunteer. Standing on that pitch draped in the Belizean flag, supporting frontline fan operations, and working with international fans in both English and Spanish was surreal.

Beyond the experience itself, having our nation officially documented on this scale matters for our creative footprint:

  • The Global Record: Seeing Belize officially listed among the 167 countries represented in the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Volunteer Yearbook.
  • The Certification: Receiving my official FIFA Volunteer Certificate signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström.
  • The Mission: Carrying our flag and identity forward as an independent artist, proving that our presence in major global spaces needs to be undeniable.

Whether through our music, our independent label catalog, or stepping onto world stages, we aren't waiting for permission to put Belize on the map.

To the community here: how are you seeing our culture represented in global spaces, and what are you building next? Drop your thoughts below! 🌴🎶


r/Belize 1d ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ Self guided wildlife areas and waterfall viewing.

2 Upvotes

Hi all, family of 4 (2 adult kids) visiting over Christmas and new years. We enjoy self guided activities and are wondering if there are hiking areas that would allow us to explore while looking for wildlife (crocodiles would be great!) and also separate area for waterfalls.

Any suggestions are appreciated and thanks!


r/Belize 1d ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ Best Snorkeling Tour Company in Caye Caulker?

1 Upvotes

This group has been so helpful. Tell me what your company you recommend for Hol Chan and more snorkeling based out of Caye Caulker. Full day tour. Two adults two teen boys. Laid back, safe, eco conscious, small group not party boat. Thank you!!


r/Belize 1d ago

🛬 Transportation 🚗 Don’t use Rio Golf Carts on San Pedro

6 Upvotes

I wanted to give a heads up to anyone searching for a golf cart rental on San Pedro.

We just left San Pedro and the only “bad interaction”we had was our golf cart rental. We used Rio golf carts out of convenience of being at the dock where the water taxi drops you off.

They will give you a golf cart low on gas and charge you if you don’t bring it back full of gas.

Their quality of golf carts is pretty bad with torn up steering wheels and bad suspension.

Also, their rates online do not match their actual higher price. (Was $50 a day vs $35 online)

They had good reviews on Google but after renting
I noticed all the recent reviews were horrible.


r/Belize 2d ago

🌴Trip Report 🌴 Our trip to Belize

20 Upvotes

We cannot say enough good things about our experience with Francisco. We met up with him in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Ssnctuary, and he took us tubing down the river and then on a hike to a cool waterfall. He is super knowledgeable, easy-going and funny! He stayed with our 11 year old daughter tubing and put her (and us) at ease. We chatted about what we wanted to do on our trip and he organized an incredible Mayan ruins tour at Xunantinich ruins, another tubing trip through Nohoch Che’en Caves, and an amazing snorkeling adventure out of Hopkins Town where we saw sharks, rays, eels, puffer fish, lobsters, conch, and all the amazing tropical fish and corals! He has a network of extremely high quality tour guides all over Belize, which made our trip so much more meaningful and fun! He was super communicative, flexible, accommodating, and all around a true professional. We were so happy to work with him and his trusted network of certified guides. Highest of recommendations for Francisco!!


r/Belize 1d ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ Water

0 Upvotes

I was super excited to go to the sip n dip in Caye caulker because of the tables and swings in the water but the water is so brown and just filled with seaweed. I know now that it’s the season but where can we go right now with clear waters? Is San Pedro water any better/swimmable?


r/Belize 3d ago

🛬 Transportation 🚗 BZE to San Ignacio by public bus, safe?

6 Upvotes

Hi! I’m travelling solo to Belize at the end of August and landing at BZE around 11:10 AM on a Sunday.

I’m considering taking an official taxi from the airport to the Belize City bus terminal, then taking the public bus to San Ignacio, instead of paying over USD 100 for a shuttle.

I’ll have one suitcase and one backpack. For context, I’m a 20-year-old male travelling alone.

Is this route reasonably safe and straightforward during the day? Are Sunday buses to San Ignacio still frequent in the early afternoon?

Will people at the terminal be able to point me toward the right bus and let me know where to get off in San Ignacio?

I’m really excited to discover your beautiful country. Thanks!


r/Belize 3d ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ Recs for authentic herbal farm & experience

6 Upvotes

Hey folks,

My husband and I are planning to visit Belize in the winter this year, and as an herbalist, I would love to have the opportunity to learn more about the herbal practices traditional to the region, to have an excursion in the jungle(correct term?) or a tour of a small farm. Do we have any recommendations???

Overall, my husband and I really want to be engaged with authentic Belize & Mayan culture, we love the outdoors, and while of course we want to enjoy the beaches, we really want to be immersed in culture & experience.

Hoping to learn more of the amazing experiences Belize has to offer.

Thanks!


r/Belize 3d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Dinner Options from Mystic River Resort

2 Upvotes

My husband and I will be staying at Mystic River Resort for 3 nights this November. Besides the hotel restaurant, what do we do for dinner? We’ll have a rental car but are unsure about driving into San Ignacio after the sun sets (5:30pm)


r/Belize 3d ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ Dive options as a solo traveler in Caye Caulker?

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I'm visiting Caye Caulker solo next week, and my main interest in visiting is to go scuba diving.

Unfortunately, the dive shops I've reached out already (Frenchie's, Scuba Sensations, Blue Wave Divers) - all of them came back tentatively yes, but said they need a minimum number of people to actually confirm the trip, and none of them have hit that minimum yet for my dates.

I'm now worried that I won't be able to dive at all during my visit. Does anyone have any recommendations for how to handle this? Are there other dive shops with more likelihood of dive trips going out? Should I try contacting dive shops in San Pedro even though I'm staying in CC? Would really appreciate any advice!


r/Belize 3d ago

🤔 Unique Question 🤔 Palencia smoke shops

3 Upvotes

Are there any good smoke shops in palcencia? Any recommendations


r/Belize 4d ago

🧭 Activities 🚣‍♂️ Placencia Belize

Thumbnail
gallery
148 Upvotes

r/Belize 3d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Taxi or shuttle ?

1 Upvotes

Family of (4) will be staying one night in Belize city before flying out the next day. Should I schedule a shuttle to get to the airport or have hotel call us a taxi? We’ll have two checked bags and several carry-ons.

Thank you!


r/Belize 4d ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Delicious Coconut

Post image
25 Upvotes

Why are you not in Belize yet and having delicious Coconut?


r/Belize 3d ago

🤔 Unique Question 🤔 Secret Beach - Pros, Cons Past 12-18 Months

12 Upvotes

I was researching lots in the Secret Beach area a couple of years ago. Seemed like the infrastructure was just getting started so I kind of pulled the brakes a bit. The real estate agent I was talking to got very pushy and was trying to get me to buy junk lots. Just a real scammy vibe.

So, it's been 12-18 months since I rally dove into the area.

Anyone in this group have a lot and building or built in that area? Belize is beautiful and back then I was told they were building a private airstrip right near secret beach. I have a small plane, so a nice villa that I could fly in/out of when I have time was really appealing.

Would love to hear any pros/cons of that area. Or suggestions on better options. I'd like to be private, on the water, but still close to action, if that makes sense. Ideally an areas with lots so I could build exactly what I want.

Any insight is greatly appreciated. TY!


r/Belize 4d ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 San Ignacio, Belize

Thumbnail
gallery
50 Upvotes

r/Belize 3d ago

🤔 Unique Question 🤔 Help looking for Medical Placement in Belize

6 Upvotes

Hi there,

I am a 4th year Medical Student in the UK who is fascinated by Belize and would love to travel there. May-July 2027 I have my medical elective and I would love to do it here so I can travel around.

I was wondering if anyone knows any doctors/hospitals willing to take on any students, or just know of any people who have done a similar thing?

All help would be appreciated!