Exploring Belize: Driving From City To San Pedro

If you're looking to travel from Belize City to San Pedro, you can't drive or take an Uber. However, you can take a ferry or a flight. The ferry takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are two operators to choose from. The flight takes around 15 minutes, and there are two airlines that fly this route.

Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from Belize City to San Pedro, with the flight time taking as little as 13 to 20 minutes. There are two airports in Belize City: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (TZA). Both offer direct flights to San Pedro Airport (SPR) with Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. The average flight time is 14 minutes, and flights start from $93 for a one-way ticket and $174 for a round trip.

The San Pedro airport is located in the heart of the town, making many destinations within walking distance. Upon arrival, you can easily find a taxi or arrange for your hotel or lodging to pick you up.

Booking tickets in advance online is recommended, as it can save you time at the airport. However, it's important to note that there is no price difference between booking in advance and paying by cash at the airport.

If you're looking for a scenic experience, consider sitting next to the pilot, often offered to female or smaller passengers for weight distribution purposes. This way, you can enjoy incredible views of the terrain, the cayes, and the barrier reef from the plane's small windows.

When flying out from Belize City, you'll follow the path of the Belize River as it empties into the sea. Keep an eye out for manatees, which are often spotted from the sky!

Airlines

Both Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer direct flights from Belize City to San Pedro. Maya Island Air offers more flights per month, with 638 flights from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport to San Pedro each month. Tropic Air offers a similar service, with 421 flights per month.

Pros and Cons of Flying

Pros:

• Quick and easy
• Beautiful scenery
• Frequent flights, with departures every hour or more

Cons:

Can be pricey, especially for larger groups (round-trip tickets currently around $175 USD)

Travel by ferry

Ferry travel is a popular way to get from Belize City to San Pedro, and there are several companies that operate this route. The journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the number of stops the ferry makes.

The main ferry operators are San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Caribbean Sprinter. Both companies have terminals in Belize City, around 12 miles from the international airport, and in the centre of San Pedro. Fares for these ferries are around $20 USD one-way, with discounts sometimes available for children. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the terminal before boarding.

Another option is the Ocean Ferry Belize, which also travels from Belize City to San Pedro, stopping at Caye Caulker along the way. This ferry departs from a different terminal, located on North-Front Street at the Haulover Creek mouth in Belize City.

When taking any of these ferries, it is recommended to arrive early to secure preferred seating, especially if travelling with a group. The ferries can get crowded, and it is advised to check-in luggage before boarding. The boats are generally open with outboard motors, and the ride can be bumpy and wet, depending on the weather.

For a more personalised and direct service, Nautilus Water Taxi Service offers shuttle rides from the airport to a marina on the river, and then by boat directly to your chosen location in San Pedro. This option is more expensive, with one-way tickets priced at $100 USD.

Overall, ferry travel is a convenient and economical way to get from Belize City to San Pedro, offering beautiful views along the way.

Travel by water taxi

Water taxis are a popular way to get from Belize City to San Pedro, and there are several companies that operate this route. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and you can expect to pay around $50 BZE for a return ticket.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

This is the lead provider of water transportation in Belize, with an impressive fleet of boats. They offer daily trips to San Pedro, as well as Caye Caulker and Chetumal, Mexico. The company has two terminals in Belize City, one on North Front Street and one on Belize Marine Terminal.

Nautilus Water Taxi Service

Nautilus Water Taxi Service offers a direct service from a marina next to the international airport to your chosen location in San Pedro. The journey takes about an hour and costs $100US one-way or $150US for a return ticket.

Caribbean Sprinter

Caribbean Sprinter is another company that offers a water taxi service between Belize City and San Pedro.

What to Expect

The water taxi is a popular option for travellers, but it can get very busy, so it's a good idea to get in line early to secure your preferred seat. The boats are generally covered, but there is usually an open-air seating area on the top level. The back of the boat tends to provide a smoother ride, while the front can be bumpier.

Water taxis are a good option if you're travelling on a budget or if you want to take in the scenery as you travel. However, it can be a time-consuming option, especially if you have to factor in travel to and from the airport.

Travel by bus

Although it is not possible to drive from Belize City to San Pedro, you can take a bus to get from one place to another. The distance between the two cities is 32-35.7 miles (54-57.5 km).

The bus is one of the best ways to travel from Belize City to San Pedro, as it has one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. It is also a great way to meet locals and learn about the area. The bus drivers are usually very knowledgeable about the area and can recommend the best places to visit and things to do. You can also ask them which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views along the way.

The bus is also a great option if you want to sightsee along the way. If you're travelling at night, you can even stargaze from the comfort of your seat!

To book your bus trip, you can use Busbud, which offers easy booking and dedicated customer service. They serve over 2 million bus and train routes in more than 80 countries and have partnerships with trustworthy bus partners worldwide.

So, if you're looking for a sustainable, informative, and comfortable way to travel from Belize City to San Pedro, taking the bus is a great option!

Travel by golf cart

Golf carts are the most popular mode of transport for getting around Ambergris Caye. You can rent a golf cart from several companies, including Advanced Golf Cart Rental, Aviz Golf Cart Rental, and Carts Belize.

Advanced Golf Cart Rental has two convenient locations near the San Pedro Airport and the Water Taxi. Their rates start at $30USD for a 4-seater golf cart for 24 hours and $60USD for a 6-seater golf cart for 24 hours.

Aviz Golf Cart Rental offers free delivery of your rental golf cart to any San Pedro hotel, resort, or vacation rental. They also offer free pick-up and drop-off services. Their rates start at $25USD for 4 hours, $35USD for 8 hours, and $45USD for 24 hours.

Carts Belize offers door-to-door delivery service and has two convenient locations in San Pedro for pick-up and drop-off. They also provide a complimentary printable map with each rental. Their rates are not listed, but they advertise having the "lowest prices on the island."

When renting a golf cart in San Pedro, it is important to note that there are no refunds for any unused time on the rental. Additionally, golf carts must be returned on time to avoid extra charges.

Frequently asked questions