This isn’t really a blog. It’s a site containing all the transportation information I’ve gained while living in and travelling around Belize. I try to keep the information up to date (disregard the dates under the titles).
Schedules and fares can change at any time; always confirm times before travel.
U.S. dollars are widely accepted at an exchange rate of US$1 = BZ$2.
The photo above is the bus terminal in Corozal.
2 August 2023 — Resumption of ADO buses to Belize
The Cancun to Belize City (spelled “Belice” on the ADO website) route has resumed, and the schedule is on the ADO website…
Buses depart from Cancun daily at 7:10 am. Fare: 1128 pesos.
The trip is stated to be 10h 25min with stops at Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Chetumal, Corozal, and Orange Walk. Arrival time at BC is shown as 5:35 pm.
Departure time from Chetumal is 2:00 pm, and the fare is 494 pesos to BC.
Information about the return trip from BC to Cancun…
ADO buses depart from the Belize City bus terminal daily at 7:00 pm.
Tickets can be purchased at the Belize City Bus Terminal from the ADO ticket agent. For further information or to reserve a seat, phone +501-625-5900. Passports are required for boarding. This bus may not be used to travel to other destinations within Belize.
One-way fares from Belize City to:
Chetumal – BZ$69
Bacalar – BZ$83
Tulum – BZ$119
Playa del Carmen – BZ$127
Cancun Centro – BZ$153
Cancun Airport – BZ$167
The bus stops at both Belizean and Mexican Immigration points. Departure fees for Belize amount to BZ$40 per person. The Mexican Tourist Tax of 687 (or equivalent in BZD or USD) is payable at a cashier window at the border. Passengers also take their luggage through Mexican Customs. Note that the state of Quintana Roo (same as EST) is one hour ahead of Belize (CST).
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Public & Bank Holidays 2023
Monday, September 11 — St. George’s Caye Day (in lieu of Sept. 10)
Thursday, September 21 — Independence Day
Monday, October 9 – Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day (in lieu of Oct. 12)
Monday, November 20 — Garifuna Settlement Day (in lieu of Nov. 19)
Monday, December 25 — Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 26 — Boxing Day
Bus travel is a very common mode of transportation in Belize, with many Belizeans relying on buses for daily commuting to and from work, school or shopping. Therefore, bus service along the main highways is frequent, usually hourly and sometimes half-hourly during peak travel times.
Here’s a website with bus schedules…
https://www.belmopanonline.com/belize-bus-schedules
In Belize City, Belizean and ADO buses arrive at and depart from the Belize City bus terminal (still commonly known as Novelo’s, the name of a former bus company) located on West Collet Canal. Express buses to Guatemala stop at the Marine Terminal near the Swing Bridge in Belize City. Other cities and towns have a bus terminal or a central point where buses stop.
Most of the buses are used Bluebird school buses; not very comfortable, not air-conditioned, and not well equipped to handle luggage, but they are cheap! Air-conditioned buses are used on some Express runs. Buses operate on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes on a less frequent schedule.
Bus companies provide two types of service: “Regular” buses stop for passengers anywhere along the route, and “Express” (or non-stop) buses stop only at main towns. The final destination of a bus is displayed in the front window of the bus.
When boarding a bus at a terminal, just get on and find a seat (unless a ticketing system is in place). Buses tend to be crowded, so try to get to the terminal well before the departure time to be assured of a seat. Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, or at the back of the bus, or wherever the conductor says. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within reach if possible. Once the bus gets going, a conductor will collect the fares (no fare for children under the age of two years). If you’re on a Regular bus and want to get off, move to the front of the bus and tell the driver or conductor where you want to get off.
If you’re waiting on the side of a road and want an approaching bus to stop, wave an arm up and down (the bus will not stop if it’s an Express, it’s full or the driver doesn’t feel like stopping). After taking a seat, the conductor will collect the fare.
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All bus providers have been given permits to operate within assigned zones.
1. Northern Zone – Belize City to Corozal (135 km / 84 miles)
The bus companies authorized to operate on the highway in the Northern Zone are Albion’s, Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), Cabrera’s, Chell’s, Frazer, Joshua’s, Morales, Tillett’s, T-Line and Valencia. Northbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour beginning at 5:30 am; last departure at 7:30 pm. Many of the northbound buses continue to Chetumal. Southbound buses depart from Corozal about every half hour beginning at 3:00 am; last departure at 7:15 pm. There is also bus service to the nearby villages.
The bus terminal in Corozal Town is located on the main highway, and about a 2 minute walk from the center of town. Here’s a link to a map of Corozal: http://www.northernbelize.com/map_cortwn.html
On that map, the red line is the main highway. Look for the number 1 in a circle. The bus terminal is on the upper left side of the circled number 1, on the curve in the highway. The buses to the villages wait on the other side of the market near the post office.
A Regular bus from Belize City:
to Orange Walk (87 km / 54 miles) is about 1.5 hours & BZ$5.00,
to Corozal is about 2.5 hours & BZ$9.00.
Schedules: https://www.belmopanonline.com/belize-bus-schedules
Bus service to Bermudian Landing
http://www.belizehowlermonkeys.org/bus-schedules/
http://www.howlermonkeyresort.bz/diytours.html
Bus service to Crooked Tree
Jex and Sons Bus Service provides bus service between Belize City and Crooked Tree.
Buses depart from Belize City Monday to Friday at 10:50 am and 4:45 pm; Saturday at 10:50 am; no bus on Sunday.
Buses depart from Crooked Tree at 6:30 a.m.
Trip time: about 1.25 hours
Fare: BZ$3.50
Here’s an update from a reader (8 January 2016)…
“Here is some info on buses to and from Crooked Tree. Jex & Sons bus service leaves Crooked Tree Mon – Fri at 5am, 6am and 6:30 am. Leaves Belize City at 10:50 am from Bolton Bridge, Regent Street West next to Mike’s Club. Leaves 4:50 pm from Magazine Road close to the Atlantic Bank. Leaves 5:20pm from Pound Yard. On Saturdays: Leaves Crooked Tree at 6:30 am returning at 10:50 am from Bolton Bridge Regent St .West. No runs on Sunday.”
Bus service to Orange Walk
S&B Bus Line provides daily service between Belize City and Orange Walk, and between BC and Chetumal on Sundays. https://www.facebook.com/SB-Bus-Line-106995752066147/
Bus service to Sarteneja
Here’s some information I received from a resident of Sarteneja on 24 June 2010:
Buses depart from the Swing Bridge (NOT the bus terminal) in Belize City on Monday to Friday at 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm. On Saturdays, buses depart at 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm. No bus on Sundays.
Same bus passes through Orange Walk, stopping across from the St. Christopher Hotel (NOT the bus terminal). Departure time from Orange Walk is about 1.5 hours after departure time from Belize City.
Buses depart Sarteneja on Monday to Friday at 3:30 am, 4:30 am, 5:30 am, 6:30 am. It is a good idea to check at the bus depot the day before to confirm how many buses are leaving the next day.
On Saturday and sometimes during the week and sometimes on Sunday, there is a bus to Chetumal which departs Sarteneja about 6:00 am and returns through Orange Walk (2:30 pm) at 4:30pm.
Bus service to Benque
A Valencia bus departs from Corozal Town daily at 3:00 am and goes to Orange Walk, Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque (bypassing Belize City). The bus departs from Benque in the afternoon (I don’t have the exact time).
New Bus Run Between Benque & Northern Border (May 2013)
Operated by J&J Bus Line.
Departs from Benque daily at 4:00 am with stops at San Ignacio (4:30 am), Belmopan (5:20 am), Belize City (6:30 am), Orange Walk (8:15 am), Corozal (9:05 am) and Santa Elena border at 9:20 am.
Departs from Santa Elena border daily at 3:30 pm with stops at Corozal (3:45 pm), Orange Walk (4:45 pm), Belize City (6:15 pm), Belmopan (7:25 pm), San Ignacio (8:15 pm) and Benque at 8:45 pm.
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2. Western Zone – Belize City to Benque Viejo Del Carmen (130 km / 81 miles)
The bus companies authorized to operate on the highway in the Western Zone are BBOC, D and E, Guerra’s Bus Service, Middleton’s, Shaw Bus Service and Westline. Westbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour beginning at 5am; last departure at 9:30 pm. There is also bus service to the rural areas. There is a main bus terminal in the central part of Belmopan. In San Ignacio, the buses stop in the central part of town.
A Regular bus from Belize City:
to Belize Zoo (29 miles) is about 45 minutes & BZ$4.00,
to Belmopan (50 miles) is about 1.5 hours & BZ$6.00,
to San Ignacio (73 miles) is about 2 hours & BZ$9.00,
to Benque is about BZ$10.00.
Express bus fares are BZ$1 more than Regular bus fares.
Schedules: https://www.belmopanonline.com/belize-bus-schedules
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3. Southern Zone – Belize City to Dangriga (169 km / 105 miles) / Placencia (257 km / 160 miles) / Punta Gorda (338 km / 210 miles)
The bus companies authorized to operate on the highway in the Southern Zone are James Bus Line, G-Line Service, Ritchie’s Bus Service and Usher Bus Line. Buses authorized to operate in the rural areas of the Southern Zone are Chen Bus Line, Yascal Bus Line, Smith Bus Line, Richie Bus Line, Martinez Bus Line, Williams Bus Line, Radiance Ritchie Bus Line, and Polanco Bus Line.
A Regular bus from Belize City to Dangriga is about 3 hours & BZ$15.00.
A Regular bus from Dangriga to Placencia, is about 2 hours and BZ$5.00.
Schedules: https://www.belmopanonline.com/belize-bus-schedules
James Bus Line runs between Belize City, Belmopan, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Schedules can be found on several sources (some no longer connect):
Hickatee site: https://www.hickatee.com/transportation-timetable
PGBelize: http://www.puntagordabelize.com/pg/maps.htm
Floralia Bus Line runs between Belize City and Punta Gorda.
https://www.floralia.bz/Ritchie’s Bus Service runs between Belize City and Placencia.
https://www.facebook.com/Ritchies-bus-service-1916246992021808/?ref=br_rs
Bebb Bus Line runs between Dangriga and Placencia with a stop at Hopkins.
Departs Dangriga at 5:30 am and 8:30 am. Trip time to Placencia: 1.5 hours.
Departs Placencia at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. Trip time to Dangriga: 1.5 hours.
Buses between Dangriga and Hopkins (updated Oct 2016)
Buses depart from Dangriga Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am and 5:15 pm. On Sunday, only at 5:15 pm.
Buses depart from Hopkins Monday through Saturday at 7 am and 2 pm. On Sunday, only at 2 pm.
Fare: BZ$5 (taxi fare is about BZ$80)
Bus Service to Bocawina
Here’s a link to information about bus service to Bocawina:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g635532-i13461-k9086941-Getting_around_from_Bocawina_Resort-Hopkins_Stann_Creek.html
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4. Belize City
The bus service providers authorized to operate in Belize City, and the zones in which they are authorized to operate (the routes include the downtown area) are:
Arrow Line or Arrowline — West Landivar area.
Belize Intransit/Metro Bus Service — West Landivar, Fabers Road, Kings Park areas.
Haylock Bus Service — Belama area.
Lemott Bus Service — Port Loyola Area.
Lopez Bus/Shuttle Service — Lake Independence Area.
Some buses are old Bluebird school buses, but some buses are modern, new looking, 25 to 30 seat mini-bus type vehicles, and appear to be in good condition. The Arrow buses are air-conditioned.
Fares are usually BZ$1 for adults and BZ$0.50 for children and students in school uniform. The fares for Arrow are twice those fares because the buses are air-conditioned.
Here are the links to two news reports with photos of the buses:
http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/47043
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=18752
Taxi
Taxis in Belize usually don’t have any markings, and don’t have meters. They can be identified by a green license plate that displays, in white, the letter “D” followed by four digits. Most are sedan type cars with a maximum capacity of 4 passengers, but there are some van type vehicles with seating for more passengers. The standard fare for short trips in most cities and towns is BZ$5.00 to $7.00 per taxi (not per passenger). Fares for longer distances are sometimes negotiable.
Taxi License Plate
In some towns, shared taxi vans (sometimes called colectivos in other countries) provide transportation to smaller villages. These vans usually wait near bus terminals, and don’t depart until they are nearly full. Fares depend on distance, and are cheaper than taxi fares.
Shared taxi van – this one can can carry 6 passengers.
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Water Taxi
A water taxi is a boat that provides transportation across water. Seating capacity can be up to 100 passengers depending on the size of the boat. Water taxi trips are sometimes cancelled in rough sea conditions. See websites for schedules & fares.
1. Water taxi between Belize City, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye
a) Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi
In Belize City, this service operates from a terminal on North Front Street beside the Swing Bridge.
https://www.facebook.com/caribbeansprinter/
b) San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
In Belize City, this service operates from the Brown Sugar Market at 111 North Front Street, a few hundred metres from the Swing Bridge.
http://www.belizewatertaxi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BelizeWaterTaxi
c) Nautilus Express Water Taxi
Nautilus Express is a private water taxi service for people going to Ambergris Caye. A representative meets visitors at the airport and takes them for a 5 minute shuttle ride to the marina. The trip includes snacks.
http://www.nautiluswatertaxi.com/
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2. Water taxi between Corozal and Ambergris Caye
a) “Thunderbolt” Water Taxi
Corozal departure: daily at 7:00 am from the municipal pier near the Corozal House of Culture in Corozal.
San Pedro departure: daily at 3:00 pm from the International water taxi terminal.
The boat stops at Sarteneja on each trip.
Trip duration: 2 hours.
Fare Corozal–SP: BZ$52 adult/one-way & BZ$92 return; BZ$27 child(5-8 years)/one-way & BZ$47 return.
Tickets are purchased at the pier before departure. Try to confirm if the boat is operating. I’ve observed that on some Sundays, it hasn’t made the trip, and departures have been cancelled in the low tourist season.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068071369897
Thunderbolt Water Taxi
Thunderbolt Information – Nov. 2014
(click on image to enlarge)
b) Belize Sea Shuttle
Schedule, fares and other details are on the Facebook profile…
https://www.facebook.com/Belize-Sea-Shuttle-106712747598472/
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3. Water taxi service between Independence and Placencia
The “Hokey Pokey” operates between Independence (Kingfisher Landing) and Placencia (MnM Hardware/Fuel Dock). Here’s the schedule as published in the Placencia Breeze tourist publication…
Departures from Placencia: 06:45, 07:45, 10:00, 12:30, 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00. Last departure on Sundays at 5pm.
Departures from Independence: 06:30, 07:30, 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:30, 4:30, 5:30 pm. Last departure on Sundays at 4:30.
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4. Water taxi service in Stann Creek
Happy Go Luckie Tours in Hopkins offers water taxi service from Hopkins to Dangriga, Tobacco Caye, Placencia, South Water Caye and Glover’s Reef. It’s not a regular schedule; passengers must prearrange trips.
http://www.hgltours.com/
Examples of one-way fares in 2017:
Dangriga: 2 pax = $90 BZ pp…3-6 pax = $60 pp
Tobacco Caye: 2 pax = $90 BZ pp…3-6 pax = $60 pp
Southwater Caye: 2 pax = $90 BZ pp…3-6 pax = $60 pp
Placencia: 2 pax $120 BZ pp…3-6 pax = $80 pp
Glover’s Reef: 2 pax = $300 BZ pp. 3-6 pax = $200 pp
Contact HGL Tours about other destinations and fares for larger groups.
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Flight
Here are links to the two Belizean airlines, a private charter company, and a helicopter service:
a) Maya Island Air, http://www.mayaislandair.com/
b) Tropic Air, http://www.tropicair.com/
c) Javier’s Flying Service, http://www.javiersflyingservice.com/
d) Astrum Helicopters, http://www.astrumhelicopters.com/
Here are links to two airlines operating in Central America:
a) Avianca Airlines, http://www.avianca.com/en-co/
b) Copa Airlines, http://www.copaair.com
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Transfer Service
A good option for travelling to some destinations is a transfer service. Here are some companies that offer a transfer/shuttle service:
a) Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours,
http://www.discountedbelizeshuttlesandtours.com/
b) Belize VIP Transfer Service,
http://www.belizetransfers.com
c) George & Esther Moralez Travel Service,
http://www.gettransfers.com
d) William’s Belize Shuttle,
http://www.williamshuttlebelize.com/index.html
e) Teddy Bear Shuttle, http://www.teddybearshuttle.com/
f) BZ Shuttle Service, https://www.belizeshuttle.com/routes/placencia-shuttle/
g) Ron’s Belize Shuttle Service
http://www.ronsbelizetraveladvisory.com/
h) Live Belize Private Transfer Service
i) Breathe Belize Shuttles
https://breathebelizeshuttles.com/
j) Julian Shuttles & Transfers
https://belizing.com/Julian-Transfers/
k) Mayan Heart World
https://www.mayanheartworld.net/
Some tour companies can provide a transfer service:
l) Cayo Adventure Tours, http://www.cayoadventure.com/
m) Mayawalk Tours, http://mayawalk.com/
n) Pacz Tours, http://www.pacztours.net/
Advantages of a transfer service:
— pick up from almost anywhere, even Cancun airport
— transport directly to destination
— make stops along the way for food, toilet, sightseeing
— comfort; the ones I’ve seen have new looking vans with a/c
— easy; no waiting for buses or negotiating with taxi drivers
— the drivers I’ve seen are courteous and professional
— assistance with the border/immigration procedures
— safety; I’ve never heard of any negative incidents
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Car Rental
Check under Automobile Renting in the Yellow Pages of the online Belize telephone directory:
https://www.findyello.com/Belize
Motorcycle Rental
http://www.alternateadventures.com/
Driving in Belize
All the main highways are paved, two-lane and well signposted (visitors might disagree about the signposting). A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary unless you plan to get way off the highways. Insurance is mandatory. If entering from a neighbouring country, insurance can be purchased at the border during office hours. If coming from Mexico or Guatemala, it might be a good idea to fill up before entering Belize.
The Philip Goldson Highway (formerly called the Northern Highway) is the main highway from Belize City to Orange Walk, Corozal and the northern border. The maximum speed limit is 50 mph (80 kph).
The George Price Highway (formerly called the Western Highway) is the highway from Belize City to Belmopan, San Ignacio, Benque and the western border. The maximum speed limit is 50 mph (80 kph).
The Burrell Boom Road is a highway that connects the Philip Goldson Highway to the George Price Highway. It’s often used as a shorter route to go from the airport to Cayo District.
The Hummingbird Highway is the main highway from Belmopan to Dangriga. The maximum speed limit is 50 mph (80 kph), but with many curves and some one-lane bridges, it’s not safe to drive the maximum speed limit on much of this highway. This is a very scenic route.
The Southern Highway is the highway from the Dangriga turn-off to Punta Gorda. The maximum speed limit is 50 mph (80 kph). The highway is sometimes blocked due to flooding at the Kendall Bridge. The road to Placencia is now paved. The road to Hopkins is also paved.
The Coastal Highway runs from the George Price Highway (about halfway between Belmopan & Belize City) to the Hummingbird Highway near Dangriga. It is now paved and officially opened in July 2023. If travelling from Belize City to Dangriga and farther south, this is a shorter distance than going via the Hummingbird Highway.
Some general safety tips…
– On the highways, be aware of unmarked speed bumps near towns and villages.
– Wet pavement can be VERY slippery due to the type of paving material.
– Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists walking & riding ON THE HIGHWAY, not on the shoulder. Be careful of that especially at night because lights and reflectors are seldom used.
– When turning left off a highway, drivers must give way to both lanes of traffic meaning the driver should pull over to the right side shoulder, wait for clear traffic in both lanes, and then turn.
– If driving at night, take more care because road lighting is poor (non-existent).
– The highways have white posts that act as mile markers.
– And there are some bad drivers in Belize — watch out for speeding buses.
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Cruise Ship
Here are links to cruise ship schedules. These are included as information for visitors who want to avoid tourist destinations on the days when cruise ships are here:
http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/Belize/62-Belize_City/January_2013/
http://www.cruiseportinsider.com/belize.html#.UQBYTfK8559
http://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-belize-city-belize.html
1. From the Airport to Belize City
There are no public buses from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). A taxi to Belize City costs BZ$50.00 (or US$25) per taxi (not per passenger), and takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. If travelling solo, before exiting the airport, try to find another person to share a taxi and split the fare.
The cheap option is to walk, hitch or taxi from the airport terminal to the Philip Goldson Highway (about 2.5 km) and wait for a bus. Upon reaching the T-intersection with the highway, Belize City is to the right, so wait anywhere on the side of the highway. Orange Walk, Corozal and Mexico are to the left – if going there, cross to the other side of the highway and wait. When a bus approaches, wave an arm up and down to get it to stop. Express buses will not stop. The fare to Belize City is BZ$2, and the bus terminates at the bus terminal where you can change to a bus to another destination. The water taxi terminal is 1 km from the bus terminal, and an easy walk on sidewalks along main streets through the City. The Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport is about 3 km from the bus terminal; a taxi is advisable. Taxis wait in front of the bus terminal.
For a cheap way to get from Belize City to the airport, get on a bus going to Orange Walk or Corozal, and ask the conductor to stop at the airport turnoff in Ladyville; bus fare is BZ$2. After getting off the bus, either walk the 2.5 km to the terminal, or look around for a taxi. Taxi fare shouldn’t be more than BZ$20.
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2. From International Airport to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker
There are a few options for travelling from BZE to the cayes.
The quickest and easiest way is by flight with one of the two domestic airlines: Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. After completing Immigration & Customs, walk about 20 metres to the domestic check-in counters. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival, but it’s a good idea to reserve in advance to avoid waiting. Flight time to the cayes is about 15 minutes.
If you buy tickets in advance, aim for a domestic departure time approximately 1 to 1.5 hours after your scheduled landing time at BZE. It has never taken more than about 45 minutes for me to get through Immigration, baggage claim and Customs, but depending on how many planes land at the same time, it could take longer, and I’ve heard that Saturdays are busier days. The domestic airlines are fairly flexible about putting passengers earlier or later flights depending on their arrival time, so don’t worry too much.
For your return flight from Belize, airlines request that passengers check-in at International 3 hours before departure time.
Another flight option is from the smaller Sir Barry Bowen Municipal airport (code: TZA) in Belize City. Flights from Municipal are cheaper, but a taxi is required to travel from BZE to Municipal. Taxi fare is BZ$50, and the taxi ride is about 20 minutes.
Check schedules & fares on the websites of the two domestic airlines…
Maya Island Air, http://www.mayaislandair.com/
Tropic Air, https://www.tropicair.com/
The cheap way to the cayes is by water taxi. From BZE, get a taxi (BZ$50 and about 20 minutes) to one of the two water taxi terminals in Belize City. The water taxi trip is about 50 minutes to CC, and about 1.5 hours to AC. Check the websites for schedules & fares.
a) Ocean Ferry
In Belize City, this service operates from a terminal on North Front Street beside the Swing Bridge.
http://www.oceanferrybelize.com/
b) San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
In Belize City, this service operates from the Brown Sugar Market at 111 North Front Street, a few hundred metres from the Swing Bridge.
http://www.belizewatertaxi.com/
Another option is a private water taxi (see links in previous section).
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3. To Old Belize or the Belize Zoo
In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a westbound Regular (not Express) bus; the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus, but you could take one with a final destination of BELMOPAN. Buses depart half-hourly. Just board the bus, and put luggage in the overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within reach if possible. Let the driver and/or the conductor know where you want to get off. The conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets going. Old Belize is at about Mile 5 (BZ$2.00 and about 10 minutes from BC), and the zoo is at Mile 29 (BZ$4.00 and 45 to 50 minutes from BC). Watch the white mile marker posts along the highway to see how close you’re getting.
After visiting Old Belize or the zoo, walk back to the highway and wait on the appropriate side of the highway for a bus to your next destination. When a bus approaches, wave an arm up and down to get it to stop. Express buses will not stop. If going back to Belize City, the bus will return to the bus terminal.
More information can be found at:
www.oldbelize.com
www.belizezoo.org
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4. To Belmopan, San Ignacio or Benque Viejo del Carmen
In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a westbound bus (ask around and find out if there’s an Express bus); the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus. Buses depart half-hourly. Just board the bus, and put luggage in the overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within reach if possible. The conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets going (BZ$9.00 to San Ignacio). A scheduled stop is made at Belmopan.
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5. To Orange Walk or Corozal
In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a northbound bus; the final destination of COROZAL or CHETUMAL will be displayed in the front window of the bus (some buses only go as far as Orange Walk). Buses depart hourly and sometimes half hourly. Just board the bus, and put luggage in the overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within reach if possible. The conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets going.
If starting from the airport, it isn’t necessary to go back to Belize City to get a northbound bus. You could just go out to the highway and wait for a bus coming from Belize City.
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6. To Placencia
From the Belize City bus terminal, there are a few options.
Option 1. The Ritchie’s Bus runs between Belize City and Placencia. They don’t have a website anymore, but you can check their information on Facebook. The last time I checked, the bus departed from Belize City Monday through Saturday at 3:30 pm. Trip time is 4 hours and the fare is about BZ$20.
Option 2. Get a James Bus Line bus (the final destination of Punta Gorda is displayed in the front window of the bus). This bus goes to Belmopan, Dangriga, then to Independence / Mango Creek (so it doesn’t actually go to Placencia). That part of the trip is about 3.5 hours and costs BZ$10 to $15. Get off at Independence / Mango Creek and get the Hokey Pokey ferry to cross the lagoon to Placencia. On a good map of Belize or Google Earth, the location of Independence can be seen south-west of Placencia. Be sure to reach Independence before the departure of the last ferry. Links to James Bus and the ferry are in previous sections.
Option 3. Get any other westbound bus (the final destination of Benque is displayed in the front window of the bus). After about 1.5 hours, the bus arrives at the Belmopan bus terminal where it’s necessary to change to a southbound bus. There are frequent southbound departures by other bus lines, but I’m not up to date on the recent schedule changes, so the best thing to do is to get to Belmopan as early as possible and ask the bus terminal staff for the best option to continue.
The non-bus options are flight, transfer service, taxi and rental car.
1. Express Bus
a) ADO Bus
b) Marlin Espadas Ltd.
http://marlinespadas.net/?fbclid=IwAR3M_-u_ejb120dy3eePP2qG6EovaDna91AGAb4BLGult25AmFlgbxZc1Dg
https://www.facebook.com/Marlin-Espadas-M%C3%A9xico-SA-de-CV-911522482202854/
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2. Regular Buses Between Corozal and Chetumal
Several Belizean bus companies provide Regular bus service between Corozal and Chetumal. The buses are mostly used Bluebird school buses; not very comfortable, not air-conditioned and are not well equipped to handle luggage, but they are cheap!
Corozal to Chetumal: buses depart from Corozal bus terminal at 7:30, 8:00, 9:00, 9:25 & 10:40 am. Most of the buses that go to Chetumal originate from Belize City. Smaller mini-buses and taxi vans (colectivos) also travel between Corozal and the border — they wait near the bus terminal.
Chetumal to Corozal: buses depart from the Nuevo Mercado Lázaro Cárdenas (New Market) at Chetumal beginning at 10:30 am. Last bus departs at 2:30 pm.
Duration and cost: about 45 minutes (mainly due to the time it takes for a bus load of people to get through two immigration points), and about BZ$3.00.
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3. Water Taxi Between Ambergris Caye and Chetumal
Two water taxi companies provide transportation between San Pedro and Chetumal, and both have connecting services to Caye Caulker. Check the websites for schedules and fares. Trip time: 90 minutes.
a) San Pedro Water Jets International:
https://www.sanpedrowatertaxi.com/
b) San Pedro – Belize Express:
http://www.belizewatertaxi.com/
In Chetumal, water taxis use the main pier, Muelle Fiscal, which is close to the big Government building, Palacio Gobierno, at the waterfront (visible on Google Earth).
If arriving in Chetumal at the ADO bus terminal, it might be possible to buy a water taxi ticket at the bus terminal, but then you might get pushed into an overpriced taxi. I’d just go outside to get a taxi and go directly to the pier. It’s about 4 km from the ADO terminal to the pier. A taxi takes about 10 minutes, and costs 50 pesos from the bus terminal (if you walk out to the main road and get a taxi, the fare is 30 pesos). The taxi driver might not know about the water taxi, but he/she will know the pier. Write it down if you can’t pronounce it.
Entrance to the Pier in Chetumal (click on image to enlarge)
Water Taxi Offices beside the entrance to the pier (click on image to enlarge)
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4. Flights Between Belize and Mexico
Tropic Air flies between Belize City Philip Goldson International Airport and Cancún Airport. Check the Tropic Air website for schedule & fare.
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5. Renting a Car in Mexico and Driving to Belize
I have no personal experience with this, but here are the names of two car rental companies that have allowed vehicles into Belize:
a) Cancún Rent a Car: http://www.cancunrentacar.com/
b) Europcar: http://www.europcar.com.mx/
Cancún Rent a Car also operates as America Rent a Car and Caribbean Rent a Car. In Chetumal, the Europcar Central office is located at or near Sam’s Club, and I think they have an office at the airport. They have one or two cars that are allowed into Belize.
In a travel forum, a traveller reported that Avant Rent a Car in Mexico allows cars into Belize. I haven’t confirmed this.
In Belize, drivers must have insurance. Insurance can be purchased at the border.
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6. Chetumal Bus or Taxi then Belizean Bus or Taxi
It is possible to travel from Chetumal to the border with a Chetumal local bus or taxi. It should be noted that there are now two border crossing points; in 2014, a new crossing was opened a few hundred metres west of the original crossing.
Local buses depart about every 30 minutes from a small bus terminal near the library (a few blocks from the Museum of Maya Culture) and cost MX$12 (in 2014). They terminate at the original crossing point, about 100 metres from the Immigration booth.
A taxi from Chetumal to the border takes about 15 minutes, and you might have to tell the taxi driver which crossing you want to go to. The fare was MX$70 in 2013 (when I did it), but I’ve heard it’s now over MX$200 (in 2023). The taxi drops passengers at Immigration and probably won’t drive across the bridge into Belize, so after completing immigration, it’s a short walk over the bridge (not possible at the new crossing because there’s no provision for pedestrians).
On the Belize side of the border, it should be easy to find a Belizean minivan taxi (colectivo) or regular taxi to continue to Corozal (not so easy at night). The minivans wait in front of the casino and usually wait for a few passengers before departing. The fare to Corozal is BZ$2, but the drivers I’ve had all start by quoting a fare of about BZ$20 expecting me to “charter” the van, i.e. not picking up any other passengers. Tell the driver you don’t want to charter the taxi — if you give him BZ$5, he might leave quicker without waiting for more passengers. The fare for a regular taxi to Corozal is about BZ$25 (but possible to negotiate a lower fare).
Chetumal City Bus — this one goes to Calderitas (click on image to enlarge)
The use of the FMM immigration form is being phased out, and it has already been discontinued at airports at Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Cabo, La Paz, Merida, Cancún and Cozumel.
Visitors now have their passport stamped with the date of entry, with a handwritten date indicating the final day the visitor is allowed to stay, and the total number of days allowed to stay. And remember the date format here is dd/mm/yyyy. When you leave Mexico, just show your passport.
If arriving by air, a Customs form must also be completed at Terminal 2, but a Customs form is not required at Terminals 3 & 4. The form is usually handed out on the plane; if not, forms are available inside Cancún airport. One form per family travelling together.
The Customs form can also be completed on-line, and then printed so it can be carried with you. Here’s the link…
https://siat.sat.gob.mx/PTSC/DPE/
It can be completed online within 3 days of your arrival date in Mexico. Print it and bring it with you. One form per family travelling together. There is no fee to get or complete the form online.
If arriving in Mexico at a land border, your passport will be stamped indicating the amount of time allowed to stay.
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Payment of the DNI Fee (Tourist Tax)
A fee known as Derecho de No Inmigrante (DNI) or Non-Immigrant Right is associated with the FMM, and in some circumstances it must be paid before leaving Mexico. It’s also known as the Mexican Tourist Tax. The tax is currently 638 pesos or approximately US$32 (from January 2022).
According to the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, all foreign nationals who enter Mexico must pay the DNI fee in three different cases:
1. Visitors who enter Mexico and stay more than seven consecutive days.
2. Visitors who enter Mexico and transit through to a third country regardless of the number of days in Mexico.
3. Visitors who enter Mexico with a Forma Migratoria de Visitante Local (FMVL) border card and stay more than three consecutive days.
Visitors who are exempt from paying the fee include:
1. Visitors who enter Mexico, stay for seven days or less, and return to the country of origin.
2. FMVL border card holders who stay less than 3 days.
3. Residence holders (formerly known as FM2 and FM3).
Most visitors who fly to Mexico don’t have to be concerned about the tax because it is collected by the airline and included with the airfare (so nothing to pay at any airport). For proof of payment, get an itemized receipt from the airline and look for the Mexican Tourist Tax listed with all the other fees & taxes (airport fees, security fees, sales tax, baggage fees, fuel surcharges, etc.). The Tourist Tax is identified with a “UK” code reference. The list of fees & taxes should also show the Mexican International Airport Departure Tax.
Currently, when entering Mexico from Belize at the land or maritime border, the DNI is paid upon entry to Mexico. It can be paid in pesos, USD or BZD.
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CROSSING THE BORDER FROM MEXICO TO BELIZE
On the Mexican side of the border, the crossing location known as Subteniente López is located about 12 km from the centre of Chetumal, and there are now two crossing points each with its own Immigration/Customs buildings and bridge.
Visitors leaving Mexico must first stop at Immigration. Bus passengers get off the bus, without luggage, and present their passports to the immigration officer. The Officer will stamp and return the passport.
Whenever I have crossed, the Immigration officer has always asked for money. Years ago, it was only 100 pesos or about US$10, but now it’s 600+ pesos. Beware! This is a scam. If you know that you have already paid the DNI fee, then there is nothing to pay at the border, and here’s where you have to show the receipt from the airline or bank. THERE IS NO DEPARTURE/EXIT FEE — this has been confirmed by the Embassy of Mexico and the Mexican Honorary Consul in Corozal. Visitors who know that the DNI fee has been paid but can’t prove it, can try arguing (sometimes it works), but I just get back on the bus and continue to Belize. For a laugh, try asking for a receipt. Visitors who have not already paid the tax, will have to pay it at the border.
Proceed across the bridge to Belize. Stop at the Immigration building, and with luggage, enter the Immigration & Customs building. Citizens of Canada, USA and many other countries do not pay any fees when entering Belize, and their passports are stamped allowing a maximum stay of 30 days. Citizens of some countries require a visa which sometimes can be arranged at the border. If not, it must be obtained before entering Belize. Continue to Customs, and then exit the building. Turn right to find buses waiting in the parking area. If you need to change money, several money changers wait near the Immigration Building.
Visitors who want to stay in Belize for more than 30 days can get an extension in Belize. On the last working day before the 30 days is up, go to the nearest immigration office (there’s at least one in each District of Belize) and ask for another 30 days. The passport will be stamped again, allowing a stay for another 30 days. There is a fee for new stamps, and from 1 May 2020, the fee is BZ$100 (US$50) per stamp. Some visitors have been asked to show a return or onward ticket. After 12 months, you might be told to leave the country, or asked if you intend to apply for permanent residency. Note that each stamp requires a half page of the passport.
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CROSSING THE BORDER FROM BELIZE TO MEXICO
On the Belize side of the border, the crossing location known as Santa Elena is located about 12 km from Corozal. Buses stop in front of the entrance of the Immigration Building. Visitors leaving Belize enter the Immigration building, without their luggage, and present their passports to Belize Immigration. Visitors who have been in Belize for more than 24 hours must pay a fee of BZ$40.00 (US$20.00), payable in BZ$ or US$ (it`s actually the total of 3 separate fees). This website explains the departure fees:
http://www.bmabz.com/
Exit the building, turn right and look for the bus in the parking area. Visitors not returning to Belize should get rid of their Belizean currency because it is difficult to exchange outside Belize — look for the money changers near the parking area. Passengers re-board the bus and proceed across the bridge over the Hondo River.
The next stop is Mexican Immigration. Visitors get off the bus with their luggage, and have their passport stamped. Visitors who intend to stay in Mexico for 8 days or more must pay the DNI/Tourist Tax at a separate cashier window. Exit the Immigration building, and walk ahead to Customs. After Customs, re-board the bus.
For various reasons, many travellers choose to fly to Cancún and then continue to Belize. Some travellers find cheaper airfares to Cancún while others want to include Mexico as part of the holiday. For travellers without a lot of time, this might not be the best option because of the amount of time required to travel between Cancún and Belize. Border crossing fees also must be considered.
The quickest and easiest way to continue to Belize is by the Tropic Air flight from Cancún Airport to Belize International Airport. Check the Tropic Air website for schedule & fare. Ground travel can be done by bus, rental car or transfer service (private shuttle).
I’ve done the trip by bus, but currently (December 2022), the ADO hasn’t resumed the route to Belize City.
It is possible to get an ADO bus to Chetumal and continue to Belize by Belizean bus or water taxi.
Updated: 12 May 2023
1. Express Buses
Check the Mayan Oz Travel website for buses to Guatemala.
Website: https://travelmundomaya.com/transport-service
The Fuente del Norte bus was expected to resume in April 2023.
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2. Regular Bus to Guatemala
Get a Belizean bus to Benque Viejo del Carmen, the last town before the border. Buses don’t go all the way to the border crossing point, so complete the remaining 2 km by taxi (shouldn’t be more than BZ$10), or mini-bus/colectivo (shouldn’t be more than BZ$2) or walking.
Proceed to Belize Immigration. Visitors who have been in Belize for more than 24 hours must pay a fee of BZ$40.00 (US$20.00), payable in BZ$ or US$. Cross the border and proceed through Guatemala Immigration and Customs. A colectivo to Flores is about 30 quetzals.
The return trip is similar, and there is no exit fee for Guatemala and no entry fee for Belize. After Immigration and Customs, get to Benque where you can get a bus to San Ignacio, Belmopan or Belize City.
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3.Rental Car
I have no personal experience with this, but Crystal Auto Rentals allows vehicles to go to Guatemala. Give them prior notice so they can prepare the paper-work. Also try Thrifty.
https://www.crystal-belize.com/
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4. Flights Between Belize City and Guatemala
Check the website of Tropic Air for schedules and fares. Also check Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos (TAG).
https://www.tropicair.com/
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5. Water Taxis Between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios
Requeña’s Charter Service operates a water taxi, “Mariestela”, between Punta Gorda, Livingston and Puerto Barrios.
Departs from PG Monday through Friday at 9:30 am from the Municipal pier near the Customs & Immigration Office.
Departs from Puerto Barrios Mon-Fri at 2:00 pm from the pier near the Shell gas station.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cost: BZ$80.00 one way (from 1 March 2023)
Tickets can be purchased in advance from Requeña’s Punta Gorda office at 12 Front Street (half a block north of the pier).
Tel: (501) 722-2070.
Email: watertaxipg@gmail.com
http://puntagordabelize.com/pg/requena/index.htm
https://www.facebook.com/requenascharterservice
Boats also operate between PG and Livingston. I don’t have a lot of details, but a boat leaves PG at 2:30 pm. There’s probably another departure from PG because there are 2 departures from Livingston – 8am and 11am.
In pre-pandemic days, a couple of other water taxis operated between PG, Livingston and Guatemala, but I haven’t got information about the resumption of those services. The Hickatee website will probably update the schedules when they resume.
https://www.hickatee.com/transportation-timetable
Updated: 12 May 2023
1. Water Taxi Between Placencia and Puerto Cortes
The Pride of Belize departs from Placencia on Fridays at 9:00 am. The boat arrives at Big Creek at 10 am and leaves at 11 am. Arrives at Puerto Cortes, Honduras about 2:00 p.m.
Return trip: Departs Puerto Cortes, Honduras on Mondays at 11:00 am (be early for immigration processing). Arrives at Big Creek about 1 pm. Arrives at Placencia about 2 pm.
Fare: BZ$150.00 (US$75.00) each way plus any exit fees.
Tel. Belize: (501) 624-6509 Honduras: (504) 2665 0726 or 9918 9847
Email: prideofbelize825@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063679711207
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2. Bus
In pre-pandemic days, an express bus ran from Belize City to San Pedro Sula. Watch the Mayan Oz Travel website for a resumption of service.
Website: https://travelmundomaya.com/transport-service
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3. Flight
Check the Tropic Air website for schedule and fares for flights from Belize to San Pedro Sula and Roatan.
https://www.tropicair.com/
Updated: 12 May 2023
In pre-pandemic days, an express bus ran from Belize City to San Savador. Watch the Mayan Oz Travel website for a resumption of service.
Website: https://travelmundomaya.com/transport-service
Distances by road:
Along the Philip Goldson (Northern) Highway:
Belize City to Maskall Village: 63 km / 39 miles
Belize City to Orange Walk Town: 87 km / 54 miles
Belize City to Corozal Town: 135 km / 84 miles
Belize City to Santa Elena, Corozal: 150 km / 93 miles
Belize City to Sarteneja: 177 km / 110 miles
Belize City to Chetumal, Mexico: 100 km / 161 miles
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Along the George Price (Western) Highway:
Belize City to Belize Zoo: 47 km / 29 miles
Belize City to Belmopan: 80 km / 50 miles
Belize City to San Ignacio: 117 km / 73 miles
Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen: 130 km / 81 miles
Belmopan to San Ignacio: 37 km / 23 miles
Belmopan to Benque Viejo del Carmen: 50 km / 31 miles
Belmopan to Flores, Guatemala: 235 km / 146 miles
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Belmopan to Dangriga: 89 km / 55 miles
Dangriga to Placencia: 89 km / 55 miles
Dangriga to Punta Gorda: 172 km / 107 miles
Map of Belize City (click on image to enlarge)
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Requirements for Permanent Residence in Belize (click on image to enlarge)
Here are some other websites related to travel in Belize & Mexico.
General Tourism
https://www.travelbelize.org/
Accommodation
http://www.travelbelize.org/
http://www.belizehotels.org/
Maps
https://ambergriscaye.com/maps/index.html
Newspapers, Radio & TV
http://belizenews.com/
Weather & Climate
http://www.nms.gov.bz/
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?atlc
Travel Forums
http://ambergriscaye.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forum_summary.html
Other forums are on the websites of Fodor’s and TripAdvisor, but many people use Facebook groups now.
Belize Bus and Travel Guide 