Exploring Central America: Driving From Belize To Honduras

It is possible to drive from Belize to Honduras, but it is a long journey. The driving distance between the two countries is 536 miles, and it takes approximately 12 hours to complete the trip. There are also alternative ways to travel between the two countries, such as by plane, bus, taxi, or ferry.

Travel by ferry from Placencia to Puerto Cortes

There is a direct ferry service from Placencia, Belize, to Puerto Cortes, Honduras. The ferry is operated by D-Express (Pride of Belize) and departs once a week on Fridays. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and costs $78.

The boat leaves Placencia at 9:30 am, stopping at Mango Creek/Independence at 11:00 am, and arriving in Puerto Cortes around 2:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day of travel, and there is also an exit fee of 7.5 Belize Dollars (or approximately $3.75 USD) payable when leaving Belize.

The ferry journey can be quite fast and rocky, and there is no bar or food available on board. However, the town of Placencia offers plenty of accommodation and dining options, and it is recommended to arrive early to purchase tickets and board the boat.

Upon arrival in Puerto Cortes, there may be a delay at immigration, and it is advisable to change money and organise onward transport. Taxi drivers may offer rides, but it is possible to walk to the town centre and find cheaper transportation options.

Travel by bus from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa

There are two ways to travel by bus from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa. The first option is to take a bus directly to Tegucigalpa, which takes around 5 hours and costs $24-$45. The other option is to take a bus to La Ceiba and then fly to Tegucigalpa. This option takes around 4 hours in total and costs $100-$150.

There are 30 to 38 daily bus departures from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa, depending on the source. The earliest departure is at either 11:45 or 13:00. The journey covers a distance of 111 to 154 miles.

The bus companies operating this route include Transporte Rey Express, Transportes Cristina, Hedman Alas, and Mayan Caribbean Travel. The latter offers the cheapest ticket option, at USD 30.08.

Travel by plane from San Pedro Sula to Belize City

If you're looking to travel from San Pedro Sula to Belize City, flying is the quickest option. The flight time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are a few airlines to choose from, including Tropic Air, Hahn Air Systems, CM Airlines, and TAG Airlines.

Step 1: Getting to the Airport in San Pedro Sula

The first step is to get to Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP), which is about 7 miles from the city centre. You can drive yourself or take a taxi. It's a good idea to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure to allow enough time for check-in and security.

Step 2: Flying to Belize City

When you're ready to fly, you'll be departing from San Pedro Sula (SAP) and arriving at Belize City's Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). The flight time is typically around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are a few airlines that offer direct flights, including Tropic Air and Hahn Air Systems. Keep in mind that flight schedules can vary, so it's always good to check the latest information before booking.

Step 3: Arriving in Belize City

Once you land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, you'll be just a short distance from the city. The airport is located about 14 miles from the city centre. You can get to the city by arranging for an airport shuttle, taking a taxi, or renting a car.

Step 4: Exploring Belize City

Now that you've arrived, it's time to explore! Belize City has a lot to offer, including historical sites and natural attractions. Here are some places you may want to visit during your stay:

• Baron Bliss Lighthouse: This lighthouse was established in 1885 and is named after Baron Bliss, one of Belize's greatest benefactors.
• Government House: Also known as the House of Culture Museum, it is said to be the finest colonial structure in Belize City.
• Battlefield Park: This park is a popular meeting place and has been a significant site for political and social movements.
• English Caye Light: Another active lighthouse located on a small island in Belize, offering a unique view.

Additional Tips:

• Booking in advance: It's generally recommended to book your flights a few weeks in advance to find the best deals. According to Orbitz, Monday and Tuesday are typically the cheapest days to fly, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive.
• Flexible dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can use tools like price alerts and flexible date searches on booking websites to find the lowest fares.
• Direct flights: If you want a quicker journey, look for direct flights, as they will save you time and often provide a more comfortable travel experience.

Travel by bus from Belize City to San Salvador

Yes, it is possible to travel by bus from Belize City to San Salvador. The distance between the two cities is around 475 miles by road, and the bus journey takes approximately 15 hours. The bus is also the cheapest way to travel between the two cities, with tickets costing between $110 and $160.

There are a few different bus companies that operate this route, including Mundo Maya Travels (MayanOz) and Transportes KING Quality, S.A. The buses depart from San Salvador station and arrive at Belize City station. The buses typically run once a week, on Fridays, and there may be multiple departures throughout the day.

In addition to the bus, there are other ways to travel between Belize City and San Salvador. Flying is the fastest option, taking around 1 hour for the flight, plus any time needed for transfers and airport transportation. Driving is another option, with a distance of around 475 miles and a drive time of about 10 hours and 50 minutes.

Travel by taxi from Puerto Cortes to San Pedro Sula

Yes, it is possible to drive from Belize to Honduras. The distance between the two countries is around 209.8 to 535.8 miles, and the journey takes approximately 12 hours.

If you are travelling from Puerto Cortes to San Pedro Sula by taxi, the distance is approximately 33.7 to 34.5 miles. The taxi journey will take around 47 to 48 minutes and will cost in the range of $130 to $160.

There are no direct buses from Puerto Cortes to San Pedro Sula, so taking a taxi is a faster option. The taxi ride will also allow you to avoid transfers and waiting times at bus stations.

Several taxi companies operate in the area, including Radio Taxis Galacticos and Radio Taxis del Valle. You can contact them via phone or WhatsApp to book your ride.

Border Crossing from Belize to Honduras:

When crossing the border from Belize to Honduras, it is important to be aware of the current travel advisories. Both the Smart Traveller Australian government website and the U.S. State Department have issued warnings about increased caution when travelling to Honduras, especially in urban areas and along the borders.

Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be border closures and travel restrictions in place. It is recommended to check the official websites for the latest updates on coronavirus-related restrictions before planning your trip.

Alternative Transport Options:

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can consider taking a bus from Puerto Cortes to San Pedro Sula. The bus fare is significantly cheaper at $2 to $3, but the journey will take around 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Another option is to drive your own car, which will give you more flexibility during your trip. The driving distance between Puerto Cortes and San Pedro Sula is around 33.9 to 34.5 miles, and the drive will take approximately 47 to 48 minutes.

Popular Destinations in Honduras:

Honduras is known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and beaches. If you are an adventure traveller, you may be interested in visiting Roatan, a popular diving destination known for its clear waters and abundant marine life.

Copan is also a popular destination for those interested in exploring Mayan ruins. The Copan Ruins can be reached by bus or taxi from Puerto Cortes, with bus tickets ranging from $20 to $35 USD.

Frequently asked questions