Navigating Belize for the ultimate adventure

Belize is a compact country, making it easy to travel between locations in just a few hours.

You can explore most of Belize’s main attractions in a single trip if you're aware of the various transport options. Often, this means creatively combining flights with boats, or buses with car services. While a larger budget simplifies the journey, every trip in Belize promises an adventure.

Here are the top methods for getting around Belize.

Immerse yourself in local culture by riding the bus

For those who cherish the charm of 1950s American vehicles, Belize’s public transport will be a treat: it consists of retired Bluebird buses. Various private companies operate these buses, all painted in vibrant Caribbean colors.

Using local commuter buses is an excellent way to travel along the main highways of mainland Belize, including the Northern, Southern, Western, and Hummingbird highways.

These buses pass through key towns and villages such as Belize City, San Ignacio, Dangriga, and extend all the way to Punta Gorda, with major connections available at the bus station in Belmopan.

The buses generally follow a reliable schedule, especially the express ones, and fares depend on the distance traveled, usually costing just a few dollars.

The longest journey is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, taking about seven hours and costing BZ$27 (approximately US$13). While there are no municipal buses in Belize City, private bus services are available.

Local tips for bus travel: Belize’s culture is relaxed and friendly, making the bus experience casual. Although there are designated bus stops, you can usually hail a non-express bus anywhere along their routes. You can also request the driver to stop at a convenient spot. Remember to carry cash, as there are no passes or digital payment options.

Explore Belize’s stunning coastline by boat

Belize’s mainland boasts nearly 200 miles of Caribbean shoreline, and for many locals, these waters serve as their daily commute.

Visitors often use boat transportation to explore various cayes during tours or to reach resorts that have their own vessels. The most popular option for getting on a boat is taking the water taxi to and from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi terminal is situated in Belize City near the tourism village, about a 25-minute taxi ride from the international airport.

Operating like a ferry, the water taxi runs on a regular schedule, transporting passengers from Belize City to Caye Caulker in 45 minutes, then on to San Pedro, which takes an additional half hour. The return trip follows the same route back to Belize City.

There’s also a daily connection to Chetumal, Mexico—one service from Belize City and another from San Pedro, with the journey from San Pedro to Chetumal taking about 90 minutes.

You can purchase tickets online in advance, which includes a small discount for roundtrip fares. There's also an onsite ticket office for in-person purchases. Although you’ll need to select a specific departure time, if you miss your boat, you can board the next one unless it’s the last boat of the day!

Opt for a guided experience by booking a shuttle service or taxi.

Hiring drivers on an as-needed basis is a convenient way to navigate around. In Belize City and larger towns like San Pedro, San Ignacio, and Placencia, you can easily flag down taxi drivers or have your hotel arrange one for you.

Many drivers will give you their phone numbers for future rides. Taxis are ideal for short trips within a specific town or area.

Shuttle services are also an option. Belizing is a well-known shuttle provider with various mainland routes, particularly to and from San Ignacio. A taxi from the airport could cost around US$150, while the shuttle fare can be as low as US$35 per person. The shuttle vans are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with wi-fi.

Create your own adventure by renting a car.

Driving in Belize is quite manageable if you're okay with navigating potholes, sudden rain showers, and the occasional Mennonite horse cart.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Mountain Pine Ridge. It also allows you to visit multiple places in one trip without stressing too much about logistics and timing. Plus, you can make great roadside stops at fruit stands or Ms. Bertha’s Tamales on the Hummingbird Highway—just look for the red-and-white shack surrounded by parked cars.

Car rentals are primarily available at the airport, where you'll find several international brands as well as a local favorite, Crystal Auto Rental.

While most rental cars in Belize may not be in pristine condition, there are various options available, including 4WDs necessary for reaching the country's more adventurous spots. If you find yourself in San Ignacio and decide you want to drive, Matus Car Rental has you covered.

Driving tips: Belize’s roads and landmarks may not be clearly marked, so feel free to stop and ask locals for directions. There's no harm in admitting you're lost—Belizeans are typically friendly and happy to guide you, often going the extra mile to connect you with someone who can provide more details.

Embrace the island vibe and rent a golf cart.

Cars aren't the only way to get around in Belize, and on Ambergris Caye, they're actually not an option. Renting a golf cart is the best choice in San Pedro for both tourists and locals. The narrow roads can barely accommodate the few trucks and cars present, making golf carts the primary mode of transport. This adds a charming ambiance to Ambergris Caye, where the pace is just too leisurely for a typical mainland commute.

Golf carts are available for rent all around the island. You’ll find dedicated rental shops near San Pedro airport, various services throughout town, and many upscale hotels offer their own fleet for guests at an extra cost. Be sure to remember which cart is yours, as the options are quite limited.

Tips for driving a golf cart: While golf carts may not appear very powerful, you'll definitely notice if you hit a speed bump—referred to as a “sleeping policeman” by locals—at too high a speed. And you’ll encounter plenty of speed bumps everywhere you go.

These bumps can be made of asphalt, thick ropes that seem to melt into the ground, and sometimes there are no signs warning you of their presence. You certainly don't want to launch your cart into the air, not just because it's painful to land, but you'll also be responsible for any repair costs—or a complete replacement.

Experience breathtaking aerial views when you travel by plane.

Belize is served by two domestic airlines: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. While flying has a greater environmental footprint compared to other transport options, it greatly cuts down travel time between locations such as Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda, as well as both municipal and international airports in Belize City.

San Ignacio has a landing strip that has been inactive since the pandemic, but stay tuned for its potential reopening.

Flying offers a unique and memorable way to navigate Belize. Not only are flights relatively affordable, but they also save you time and provide spectacular views of the country.

From above, you can take in the lush jungle canopy, vast savannahs, and vibrant coastline simply by traveling to your next stop. It’s a view typically reserved for much pricier aerial tours.

Flying tips: Many travelers expect rigid schedules when flying. However, if your incoming flight is delayed, domestic airlines are likely to place you on one of the next available flights, which depart frequently from the international airport.

Transportation options in Belize are limited.

Overall, Belize is not the most accessible destination. This applies to both transportation and experiences. The Belize Zoo is recognized as the only nature experience that is accessible. It has recently reopened after recovery from Hurricane Lisa.

For the best chances of arranging accessible transportation, consider working with a tour guide who has local knowledge of available services. Visit our accessible travel resource page for more details on traveling with disabilities.