Belize Taxi Fares: Per-Person Rates Explained

Taxis are a popular choice for travel in Belize, with ridesharing being a common practice. The fare calculation is based on the destination and distance travelled, with some taxi operators charging per passenger, and others charging a set fare for the entire group. The base rate for taxis in Belize is around $3.80 USD, with a price of approximately $4 USD per kilometre. Taxis in Belize are typically ordinary cars with green license plates, and can be hailed from the street or found at taxi ranks near popular tourist destinations.

Taxi fares and affordability

Taxis in Belize are considered affordable, with taxi fares in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro, typically ranging from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). The base rate for taxis in Belize is around $3.80, with a price of approximately $4 per kilometre. Additionally, a waiting charge is usually applied at $15 per hour. It is recommended to agree on a price before getting into the taxi, as regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or consistent look.

There are plenty of taxis available in Belize City, the country's largest city, making it a popular choice for transportation among locals and tourists. However, it is important to note that ride-sharing services like Uber are not available in Belize. Therefore, your options for transportation are limited to taxis and public buses.

When travelling to the airport, a 5-kilometre taxi ride during the day with one piece of luggage will cost around $23.80. The cost of a 2-hour taxi ride to San Ignacio ranges from $70 to $80.

Compared to other modes of transportation in Belize, such as rental cars and commuter buses, taxis offer a hassle-free and convenient way to get around, especially when travelling to and from the country's airports.

How to hail a taxi

Hailing a taxi in Belize is easy. Taxis are one of the best ways to get around the country, and they're affordable and easy to flag down in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro.

Spotting a Taxi

First, you need to be able to spot a taxi. In Belize, taxis are usually ordinary cars, and the only distinguishing feature is their green license plate.

Finding an Available Taxi

If you're standing by the side of the road, taxis with room for a passenger will often indicate that they're free by honking their horn or flashing their lights. You can also find taxis lined up near busy locations like tourist attractions and the port, or at taxi ranks near popular locations.

Getting the Taxi to Stop

If you see or hear a taxi that you want to get into, wave at the driver, and they will stop for you.

Asking About the Fare

Before you get into the taxi, ask the driver what the fare will be to your destination. This is important because there is no fixed-rate system for taxis in Belize, and you don't want to be overcharged. The fare is usually a set fee per person, so don't try to negotiate based on the number of passengers.

Paying the Fare

It's best to have small bills with you, and be ready to hand the exact amount to the driver when you reach your destination. The driver may not have change for large bills, and you don't want to end up paying extra because you didn't have the right amount.

Other Things to Know

• It's considered polite to greet everyone in the taxi with a friendly "Good Morning" or "Buenos Dias" when you get in.
• Taxis are shared, so the driver may pick up additional passengers during your trip.
• The driver will usually go in the order that passengers got into the taxi, but if a later passenger's destination is before yours, the driver may take them first.
• In some places, like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, taxis are golf carts, so the ride can be bumpy.
• Taxis can be hard to catch after dark, so plan ahead if you think you'll need one in the evening.
• Tipping the driver is not expected, but you can round up the fare if you're pleased with the service.

Taxi courtesy and sharing

Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Belize, and they are quite affordable and easy to flag down in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro. The official taxis have green license plates, and they don't have set rates or fixed fares, so it's important to ask the driver about the cost before getting in.

When it comes to taxi courtesy, it is considered polite to greet everyone already in the taxi with a friendly "Good Morning" or "Buenos Dias." It is also important to be mindful of personal space, as taxis can get quite cramped with three adults in the back seat.

Taxi sharing is common in Belize, and it's not unusual for a driver to pick up additional passengers during your trip. This is done on a first-come, first-served basis, but the driver may alter the order depending on the destinations of the passengers. For example, if a passenger who got in later is going before your stop, the driver will likely take them first. This practice can add some time to your journey, so it's a good idea to keep that in mind and plan accordingly.

When it comes to payment, it's always a good idea to have small bills, as taxi drivers rarely have change for large denominations. The fare is usually set, and each passenger pays for themselves. For instance, a ride from San Ignacio to the Guatemala border typically costs about $10.00 BZ per person, regardless of the number of passengers.

In Belize City, you can hail a taxi from the street or look for a taxi rank near popular tourist spots. You can also call one of the local operators for an on-demand taxi service. Additionally, water taxis are a fun and practical option for coastal destinations or nearby islands. These can be accessed in Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker.

Overall, taking a taxi in Belize is a great way to get around, offering convenience, affordability, and a chance to interact with locals and fellow passengers.

Availability and booking

Taxis are readily available in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro. Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). However, regular taxis have no fixed meter rate or consistent look, so it is important to agree on a price before getting into the taxi.

There are several highly-rated taxi and shuttle services in Belize, including:

• Abe Gutierrez Taxi Service: Known for arriving early, with a spotlessly clean vehicle, and offering invaluable local information.
• Elias Guerra Transfers Service: Elias is described as trustworthy, funny, accommodating, and very knowledgeable about Belize.
• Belize Shuttles and Transfers: Drivers wear masks and are reported to be very helpful.
• Belize Shuttle by William: Known for punctuality and well-maintained vehicles.
• Belize Ground Shuttle: Jared is knowledgeable about Belizean culture and is described as friendly.
• Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours: Drivers offer witty and informative tours during transfers.
• Belize VIP Transfer Services: Known for providing knowledgeable drivers and affordable rates.
• Teddy Bear Shuttle Service: Teddy is described as prompt, flexible, courteous, and reliable.
• Drive Around Shuttles Belize: Kiki is reported to be helpful with travel arrangements and communication.
• Belize Travelcation Shuttle and Transfer: Benjamin offers friendly conversation and information about Belize.
• Muy'Ono Explorer: Drivers are described as patient, knowledgeable, and caring.

In addition to traditional taxis, water taxis are also available in Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is one such service, offering daily shuttle services between these locations for one-way tickets costing between $21 and $31.

Payment and pricing

Taxis in Belize are a common mode of transportation, and the pricing structure is quite straightforward. Here's what you need to know about payment and pricing:

Fixed Fares:

The taxi fares in Belize are usually fixed and set by the local taxi associations. For example, the fare from the international airport to Belize City is US$25 for the taxi, not per person. This fixed fare is maintained by the airport taxi association, and using a different taxi service may result in a slightly different fare, typically around 30-40 Belize dollars for a taxi to the city.

Shared Rides:

It is important to note that taxis in Belize are often shared rides. The driver may pick up additional passengers along the way, and the fare remains the same per person, regardless of the number of passengers. For instance, the ride from San Ignacio to the Guatemala border typically costs around $10.00 Belize dollars per person, regardless of the number of passengers in the taxi.

Payment in Local Currency:

While the fares may be quoted in US dollars, it is always a good idea to have local currency (Belize dollars) on hand for payment. This is because some taxi drivers may not accept US dollars or may offer a less favourable exchange rate.

Exact Change:

Taxi drivers in Belize rarely carry change, and it is considered courteous to have the exact fare ready when paying for your ride. They may not be able to break large bills, so it is best to carry smaller denominations.

Knowing the Fare in Advance:

Before getting into a taxi, it is advisable to ask a local or the driver about the standard fare for your intended trip. This helps prevent overcharging or paying a "tourist tax." Knowing the correct fare in advance allows you to have the exact amount ready when it's time to pay.

Golf Cart Taxis:

On the Cayes, such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, taxis are often golf carts. The fares for these golf cart taxis may differ from those of standard taxis, and the rides can be a bit bumpy due to the nature of golf carts.

Availability and Booking:

Taxis can be challenging to find after dark in many areas of Belize, as drivers often stop running their services around 6 pm. If you anticipate needing a taxi after this time, it is advisable to plan ahead. Many hotels can arrange a taxi for you, or you can obtain a driver's cell phone number and contact them directly for a pickup.

Frequently asked questions