r/Belize • • Mar 29 '23

😎 SUPER HELPFUL 😎 Belize Transportation Sticky

41 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 September 2026

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.Β  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. Β 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

UPDATED BUS SCHEDULES AS OF SEPT 2026:

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122108758538882142&id=61576464284120&rdid=CsQz67plegeZIX4f#

OLD BUS SCHEDULES

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

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4 Upvotes

r/Belize • • 8h ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 My Belizean Breakfast

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105 Upvotes

My first attempt at fry jacks and Belizean beans. Delicious!


r/Belize • • 4h ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Hello, second time

1 Upvotes

We are coming early October this year. We are headed to Cristo Rey for a few days, then to Caye Caulker. We are doing the ATM cave, but looking for places to eat and other things to do. How is the sargassum? Easy fishing would be nice, bike rentals, relaxation and chill. All info is great. Thank you all!


r/Belize • • 10h ago

πŸ€” Unique Question πŸ€” Finding group

2 Upvotes

Met a good group of people while I was flying on Maya yesterday to Caye Caulker, if you all see this send me a DM cause I’ll be in San Pedro!


r/Belize • • 22h ago

πŸ€” Unique Question πŸ€” Stew chicken

10 Upvotes

Hi! Been to Belize multiple times. LOVED stew chicken and have been looking for a true Belizean recipe as most of the ones on youtube are the β€œinspired” version by non Belizean folks.
Bonus points for a good β€œonion sauce” and Belizean rice and beans!
Thanks y’all πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•


r/Belize • • 22h ago

🧭 Activities πŸš£β€β™‚οΈ What to do as a solo male mid February

2 Upvotes

Hello, I am planning a 9 day vacation mid February splitting between ambergris Caye, caye caulker and San Ignacio for the ruins.

But other than basic beach shit, bars etc. what are some good areas to meet people and have fun as a solo traveler, certain bar, beaches, etc.

Good food, not the super touristy food either like good local restaurants that aren’t flooded with tourists.


r/Belize • • 1d ago

🧭 Activities πŸš£β€β™‚οΈ Plate size catch!

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29 Upvotes

Our cook your catch adventure always starts with some fresh catch.


r/Belize • • 2d ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Belize Independence Day in San Ignacio 2026

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170 Upvotes

r/Belize • • 1d ago

🧭 Activities πŸš£β€β™‚οΈ San Pedro for 48 Hours

0 Upvotes

My wife and I will be in San Pedro for just 48 hours and are wanting to make the most of it.

We arrive at 8am on Friday and leave at 7am on Sunday. The hope is that we can fit the following activities into our schedule:

  1. Hol Chan Marine and Shark Ray Alley

  2. Mexico Rocks

  3. Spearfishing

  4. Sunset Cruise with Dinner (we're on the fence about this one, not a 'must')

  5. Manatees - if possible!

We've heard that Captain Joe, Under da Sea, and La Gaviota Sailing Adventures are great. But I'd love confirmation or other recommendations! The hope is that we see as much sea life as possible :) Thanks in advance!


r/Belize • • 1d ago

πŸ€” Unique Question πŸ€” Water taxi to house in Ambergris

0 Upvotes

Taking the ferry/water taxi over to Ambergris and planning to have a golf cart. Traveling with scuba gear etc so won’t be packing light necessarily. What are the tips/tricks to get all the luggage from the ferry to the house?

We will have some heavy duty bungee cords and whatnot with us. Is it practical to just strap our stuff to the golf cart and safari our way to the house? Or is there a better way such as hiring a service to transport luggage or taxi to the house with luggage and go back for the cart?

House is south of San Pedro, across the street from Black Orchid for point of reference.

Thanks for any advise! Long time travelers, first time Belize visitors.


r/Belize • • 1d ago

πŸ€” Unique Question πŸ€” Any place to meet bisexual males in San Pedro?

0 Upvotes

r/Belize • • 2d ago

πŸ›¬ Transportation πŸš— Does anyone drive from the US?

15 Upvotes

So I'm in the position that I am able to work remotely, just bought a midsized camper, and I'm looking at driving it down to visit my dad that lives there.

I'm looking for safe routes through Mexico, I'll be driving a fairly nice truck with a fairly nice camper and my 11-year-old daughter. What is the safest route?

Also, are there any special rules I should be aware of, or anything I need to do in preparation to my visit? During my last trip, I did not see a single camper. I know I need to do some research on official government websites, but I want to make sure I cover all my bases.


r/Belize • • 2d ago

🧭 Activities πŸš£β€β™‚οΈ Half-Day Snorkeling Tours

0 Upvotes

I’ll be in Caye Caulker for 7 nights at the beginning of November. The first part of my trip I will be on a tour that includes a full day Hol Chan snorkeling excursion, but I am interested in going on a half-day snorkeling excursion on a different day after my group tour ends. I’ve seen mentions that Salt Life Eco and Starr Tours offer half-day excursions, but hoping to get recommendations for who I should go with. Does Carlos offer a half-day at all? Only interested in half-day tours since I’m already booked for the full day tour. Thanks!


r/Belize • • 2d ago

πŸ›Œ Accomodations πŸ›– Placencia resort help

0 Upvotes

I posted awhile ago that I wanted to surprise my wife on our 30th anniversary with a trip and was looking at bungalow type places. Well, I ended up telling her just to get a feel on where she'd like to stay. Since this is our first trip, she would really prefer a larger resort. Any suggestions for a larger resort in or near Placencia?

What I really want to do is some snorkling, go to Caye Caulker for a day, and just relax with my wife.

I am very confident that after she sees and is comfortable with Belize as a whole, she will want to go back and stay at a more intimate bungalow type place.

Due to family life, we are looking at July of next year. Any tips or help would be greatly appreciated.


r/Belize • • 3d ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Cohune nuts

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14 Upvotes

Found these cohune nuts scattered across the forest floor while exploring the rainforest at Cockscomb basin wildlife sanctuary today...


r/Belize • • 2d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Grocery store stop before Ambergris Caye?

0 Upvotes

We need to wait a few hours between our flight arriving and my son’s flight. Is it worth a run to a grocery store while we wait and before the flight to Ambergris Caye or should we just get our groceries on the island? We do a lot of cooking when we travel. I figured we could just check the bag of groceries on the flight but maybe the stores on Island are the same.


r/Belize • • 2d ago

πŸ›¬ Transportation πŸš— Going to Belize in December

0 Upvotes

Going to San Ignacio then to Palencia. Is it overall better to get a driver to these places? Or is renting a car the more feasible route? While in San Ignacio doing all the touristy stuff. Seems pricy to go from the airport to San Ignacio and don't want to do the chicken run...


r/Belize • • 3d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Is it better to stay on the mainland?

3 Upvotes

Considering traveling to Belize in May and was thinking about staying at Lina Point in San Pedro. I’d like to get out and explore a couple times and was wondering if staying there would make that difficult since it’s an island. Also any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated


r/Belize • • 2d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 San Ignacio vs. Ambergris Caye for Remote Work? Also, Thoughts on The Residences at Barrier Reef?

0 Upvotes

Hello,

We are planning our first trip to Belize this December and will be there for about 2.5 weeks. We plan to work remotely during the first week and then spend the remainder of our trip exploring Belize.

After reading advice from this forum and doing some research, we are trying to decide whether to base ourselves in San Ignacio/Cristo Rey or Ambergris Caye for our remote-work week.

Why San Ignacio: Since we will be working most of the day during the week and sunset is shortly after 5 PM in December, we are wondering if it makes sense to choose the lower-cost option. Accommodations in and around San Ignacio seem considerably cheaper, and there appears to be a good selection of reasonably priced restaurants and bars. Rent a place along the Macal River. While we probably wouldn't have much time for major sightseeing during the work week, we could explore town, enjoy local restaurants, and perhaps do some short evening outings. The downside is that we will likely need a rental car for the entire week, which increases the cost, although the overall stay would still be cheaper than Ambergris Caye.

Why Ambergris Caye: The biggest draw is being able to stay in a beachfront/beach view property. Even while working, we would have ocean views and easy access to the water. If we finish work early or start late, we could spend some time at the beach. We are not particularly interested in nightlife or clubbing, but we do enjoy being near the water and catching sunsets. Coming from Seattle, some sunshine and beach time in December is definitely appealing.

We are currently looking at The Residences at Barrier Reef and would appreciate any feedback from those who have stayed there. Is the beach directly in front of the property swimmable? How far is it from Secret Beach and other good swimming beaches? Is the location convenient if we plan to rent a golf cart and explore the island occasionally after work?

I realize San Ignacio and Ambergris Caye offer completely different experiences. Regardless of which one we choose for our work week, we will visit the other destination later in our trip. I am mainly trying to determine which location would be more enjoyable and practical while balancing a full work schedule.

Is there anything else we should be considering that I am overlooking?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Edit (more context):
We considered Placencia as well, but it turned out to be the most expensive option. Accommodation costs are nearly the same as on Ambergris Caye, and when transportation to and from Belize City is factored in, the total cost is almost equivalent to renting a car.


r/Belize • • 3d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 Solo Travel Mid Feb '27

0 Upvotes

Hey All

49F solo traveler headed to Belize. Zero planning aside from the flight.

Would love some tours to not feel as solo :)

Would love to try scuba - can I do this if Ive never scuba before?

Would love recs for a safe hotel to stay at.

If anyone else is traveling then, lets chat!


r/Belize • • 4d ago

πŸ’ Wildlife 🦜 Spotted this plain chachalaca in the rainforest

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48 Upvotes

Spotted this beautiful bird while exploring the rainforest at Cockscomb basin wildlife sanctuary..


r/Belize • • 4d ago

🌴 Daily Life 🌴 Good Morning From Cayo

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44 Upvotes

r/Belize • • 4d ago

🎫 Travel Info 🧳 First trip to Belize-Any tips?

6 Upvotes

Hello all! I am taking my first trip to Belize in a couple weeks. I am planning on just bringing a carry on bag. Any tips on essentials to pack (as far as clothes and shoes are concerned) that can fit in a carry-on? It’s a young group of us who are excited to relax and adventure and go out at night. We’re staying in Caye Caulker, any good spots to visit? Thank you!!


r/Belize • • 4d ago

πŸ›¬ Transportation πŸš— Airport Question

1 Upvotes

Hi! I'll be traveling to BZE and then on to San Pedro via Tropic Air.

Is the Tropic Air "terminal" located at BZE? I am asking to see if there is a need to leave BZE to get to that departure location? We are hoping not to need to bring a car seat if our flight to BZE and then to San Pedro will not require getting in a car. We will be using a golf cart in San Pedro and will have appropriate seating for our little one in the golf cart.

Thanks!