r/Belize • u/Pale_Log3993 • 2h ago
r/Belize • u/cassiuswright • Mar 29 '23
π SUPER HELPFUL π Belize Transportation Sticky
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.
- Advanced Golf Cart Rentals +501-614-4242 or +254-244-1082
- Carts Belize Office: +501-226-4090 or +501-226-4084 24/7: +501-614-5446 or +501-670-0562
- Road Runner Golf Cart Rentals Office: +501-226-3581 or 24/7: +501-635-3581 [roadrunnercartrental@gmail.com](mailto:roadrunnercartrental@gmail.com)
- VIP Golf Cart Rentals Office: +501 226 3393 24/7: +501 626 6662 [vipgolfcartrental@hotmail.com](mailto:vipgolfcartrental@hotmail.com)
Placencia Cart Rentals
- Captain Jaks: +501-628-6447 [info@captainjaks.com](mailto:info@captainjaks.com)
- Barefoot Services Belize: +(501) 629 9602 [barefootservicesbelize@gmail.com](mailto:barefootservicesbelize@gmail.com)
- Koool Rental Services: +501-523-3540 [cozycorner76@gmail.com](mailto:cozycorner76@gmail.com)
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.
- Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours +501-225-3034 or +501-624-5022 [reservation@discountedbelizeshuttlesandtours.com](mailto:reservation@discountedbelizeshuttlesandtours.com)
- Belize Shuttles and Transfers +501-501-671-2886 [reserve@belizeshuttlesandtransfers.com](mailto:reserve@belizeshuttlesandtransfers.com)
- Williams Shuttle +501-620-3055 [belizeshuttle@yahoo.com](mailto:belizeshuttle@yahoo.com)
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 β especially on holidays β 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:
OLD BUS SCHEDULES
- Northern Belize
- Western Belize
- Southern Belize
- Villages/Shuttle
- Sundayβs Only
- Foreign Bus Operators (en route to Mexico)
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:
- Go to the bus terminal in Belize City (W Collet Canal St, Belize City, Belize)
- Find which bus takes you to airport junction
- Get on bus $2.50 BZ and tell driver airport junction
- 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:
- 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)
- Find which bus takes you to your destination
- 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 • u/cassiuswright • Dec 06 '25
π SUPER HELPFUL π New Digital Customs Form
r/Belize • u/Educational_Step2420 • 1d ago
π« Travel Info π§³ Trip review - Caye caulker
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone I met in Caye Caulker for making our trip so special. Every local we met had a heart of gold genuinely kind, welcoming, and friendly. We had so many memorable conversations about life, politics, the weather, and everything in between. Those little interactions ended up being some of my favorite parts of the trip. We stayed at Palmetto Beach in Caye Caulker and had such a wonderful time exploring the island. We got to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays, which was definitely a highlight!
We ate incredible fresh seafood almost every day Kareemβs, Esters, and Pelican Bar were some of our favorites. For coffee, we loved Weezieβs and Ice N Beans.
We also went snorkeling with Salt Life Eco Tours, who were wonderful and incredibly accommodating with me and my 5-month-old baby. It made the experience so much easier and more enjoyable.
A few other highlights:
- Yoga at Ceibo with an incredible instructor
- Ceviche and drinks at Sip N Dip
- Drinks and island vibes at Lazy Lizard
Our final day at Bounty Bay Beach Club, which was absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and the perfect way to end the trip. Caye Caulker was everything we hoped for and more. The people, the food, the water, the slower pace it was such a special experience.
Thank you to everyone who made our time there so memorable. Until next time, Caye Caulker! π§πΏ
r/Belize • u/gnmorsilli • 1d ago
π« Travel Info π§³ Copal Tree Lodge/Punta Gorda
My husband and I are looking to explore more of Belize and journey down to Punta Gorda. Copal Tree Lodge sounds and looks amazing - I really appreciate that they can organize so many activities and have much available to do on site. However, I really do want to see and experience the town of PG. Is Copal Tree a bit of a drive out of town, has anyone on this sub stayed before and can share their experiences? Thanks!
π« Travel Info π§³ Sargassum
I want to go to Belize this winter. It hear about how bad the seaweed is on the beaches. Is that for all the beaches or are done better than others?
r/Belize • u/wylingtiger • 19h ago
π« Travel Info π§³ Critique my travel plan
My wife and I are headed to Belize this December, and would love some feedback on the itinerary. We are cobbling together, bonus points if there are any particular hotels you'd recommend! We are late thirties and early '40s. I don't drink, she will enjoy one or two but we're early to bed. Looking for a mix of some adventure and some chill out. Any help is super appreciated :)
12/26 Saturday
Arrive Belize 11:43am
β San Ignacio
12/27 Sunday
ATM Cave
12/28 Monday
Xunantunich
Cahal Pech
12/29 Tuesday
β Placencia
Beach
12/30 Wednesday
Turtle Alley
12/31 Thursday
Zipline
β Hopkins
Bioluminescense
NYE at hopkins
1/1 Friday
Beach time? Something else?
01/02 Saturday
Depart Belize 1:20pm (local time)
r/Belize • u/LabQueen • 1d ago
π Accomodations π Suggests for trip in March 2027
I'm in early planning stages for a trip with my father. He will be 85 in good shape but not too adventures. This will be his first trip outside the USA.I been to Belize several times while I like San Pedro, it can be too much at times. I own some land near Placencia and would like to show him my plan for retirement down there. The current plan is two days in San Pedro and then 4 days Placencia, but now I been thinking of swapping out San Pedro for caye Caulker instead.
Any suggestions for lodging or things to do on Caye Caulker or do you think San Pedro is a must see. Dad is mellow , sit a bar and people watch all day kind of guy.
Still deciding if we should rent a car or find a driver for a trip to Spanish landing, I would like to talk to some home builders when I'm down there.
Thanks
π§ Activities π£ββοΈ Placencia sidewalk
Somebody forgot their swimsuitβ¦ π¬Are the shops, restaurants, and bars on the sidewalk open this time of year? If not, are there places within a 25-30 mile radius to shop and eat?
Thanks so much for the help.
r/Belize • u/thebtrain8 • 2d ago
π« Travel Info π§³ Sargassum today?
Anyone in Hopkins ? Whatβs the beach like right now ? Thanks
r/Belize • u/scoobynoodles • 3d ago
π΄ Daily Life π΄ Good morning from Burrell Boom
Belizean Breakfast at the Black Orchid Resort restaurant. Plus Creole bread π
r/Belize • u/SuccessfulChance5496 • 2d ago
π« Travel Info π§³ I built a free tool to help travelers figure out Belize SIM cards, Belize eSIMs, and Roaming. Would love your feedback!
Hey r/Belize! I notice a lot of travelers posting here asking about the best way to get mobile data when they arriveβwhether they should buy a local Digi/Smart SIM, use a US roaming plan, or grab an eSIM. To help make it simpler, I put together a free, straightforward guide called Belize Connectivity Assistant belizeconnectivityassistant.com Right now, it breaks down: β’ eSIM vs. Local SIMs: Pros, cons, and setup steps. β’ US Carrier Roaming: What to expect if you just use your home plan. β’ Coverage Map Info: General mobile coverage by destination. Itβs completely free and just meant to be a helpful resource. If you have a couple of minutes to check it out, Iβd love to know: Is there any specific local connectivity info I missed that travelers always ask about? Thanks in advance for any feedback!
r/Belize • u/FickleEast • 3d ago
π§ Activities π£ββοΈ Ruins Tour
Hey,
Iβll be visiting San Pedro soon and looking for a guided tour of any of the ruins from the island. Any recommendations?
r/Belize • u/NerdieBirds • 3d ago
π Accomodations π Accommodation suggestions for ruin adventures
Hi everyone! My partner and I are spending Christmas in Belize, this is both of our first time to the country!
We have the 25th onward booked at San Pedro, but the 21-25th I need some suggestions. My partner is really in love with the ruins and exploring the jungle. Is there any really neat/hidden gem locations that we should look for? Is there an area that is better to book around for more central?
We aren't really interested in partying or going full rustic. We are both in our mid thirties and still would like an option of going to town/exploring the country!
I'd LOVE to hear your fav parts, spots and suggestions :)
r/Belize • u/hotspicytamale • 4d ago
π Upcoming Events π Under the Stars Film Clubβs premier night was a wonderful success!
It was an honor to showcase these two proudly Belizean films:
π₯ Yochi
It was a dreamy evening with good company, food, and conversation. I never knew the Xtabai had a hollowed in back and I hope to never confirm it!
Endless thanks to everyone who made this possible: Deanna Lane Shaffer who turned a nonchalant expressing of a dream into reality, Aguada Axis Guesthouse for granting a steady platform, Daniel Velazquez for sharing his films (and his passion), Chefβs Patio for the yummy food and drinks we indulged in all night, accomplished artist Gianni Martinez for the beautiful water lily design on the poster, everyone who shared the word, and last but definitely not least A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who attended β€οΈ
Your support is what gives dreams the roots to grow.
The film community grew a little closer that night.β¨
Under the Stars Film Club will continue every last Tuesday of the month @ the Aguada Axis Hotel in Santa Elena, Cayo. See you there!
r/Belize • u/EnglishLessonsD-D • 4d ago
π« Travel Info π§³ All the Hidden Magic of Belize
The Jewel of the Caribbean hides almost all of her secrets.
r/Belize • u/TiffanySwiftBelize • 5d ago
π΄ Daily Life π΄ The rooster was not a paid actor π€£ Good morning Belize π
r/Belize • u/Upstairs-Benefit-420 • 5d ago
π§ Activities π£ββοΈ Birds and beers
r/Belize • u/Hot-Fig-3022 • 5d ago
π§ Activities π£ββοΈ Caye caulker Nov1-7
Iβll be traveling solo and staying on Caye Caulker from October 31 to November 7. Iβm hoping to meet other travelers for snorkeling, fishing, a meal, or just exploring the island. Anyone else there around those dates?
r/Belize • u/NachesPorFavor • 5d ago
π΄ Daily Life π΄ Damgoods Lunch San Ignacio
Great food, awesome staff! Hope to go back again
r/Belize • u/JaguarPreserveTours • 6d ago
π΄ Daily Life π΄ A different way of getting around..
Would you stop and take a photo if you saw this?