Exploring Placencia, Belize: Is It Accessible By Car?

Belize is a small Central American country, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. It is inhabited by approximately 400,000 people of primarily mixed Mestizo, Creole, Mayan, and European descent. Belize City is the country's international airport, and while there isn't much to do in the city, it serves as a quick stop for tourists on their way to other destinations, such as Placencia. There are several ways to get from Belize City to Placencia, including flying, taking a bus, renting a car, or even taking a water taxi.

Driving from Belize City to Placencia

The drive from Belize City to Placencia is approximately 143 miles and takes around 3 hours. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the journey:

Route Overview

The route from Belize City to Placencia is straightforward and easy to navigate. You will be driving on well-maintained, paved roads for most of the journey. Here is a summary of the route:

• Begin your journey by heading west out of Belize City on the George Price Highway (formerly known as the Western Highway). This stretch of road is fairly boring, but it will be a new experience if it's your first time.
• After around 50 miles, you will reach the turn-off for Belmopan and the Hummingbird Highway. You can take a brief detour to explore Belmopan if you wish, but to get to Placencia, follow the signs to the Hummingbird Highway.
• The Hummingbird Highway offers a scenic drive through lush rainforest. Take your time and enjoy the views as you drive for about an hour to the Dangriga turn-off.
• At the Dangriga turn-off, follow the curve to the right, which will put you on the Southern Highway. If you want to visit Dangriga, you can turn left instead.
• Continue on the Southern Highway, following the signs to Placencia. Along the way, you will pass the turn-off for Hopkins, which is worth a visit if you have the time.

Additional Driving Tips:

• The drive to Placencia is straightforward, but it's recommended to have a map or use a navigation app for your trip. The car rental company will likely provide a map, but you can also use Google Maps or Google Earth to familiarise yourself with the route in advance.
• All the main highways in Belize are paved, two-lane roads with signage. However, be cautious of unmarked speed bumps near towns and villages.
• Driving at night can be challenging due to a lack of street lights and poor road lighting. It is recommended to avoid driving after dark if possible.
• Be cautious of other drivers, as there are some unsafe passing manoeuvres. Also, watch out for pedestrians and cyclists on the highway, especially at night, as they may not use lights or reflectors.
• The roads can become very slippery in wet conditions due to the nature of the paving material. Drive slowly and cautiously if the roads are wet.
• If you want to take a shorter route, there is the Coastal Highway, which runs from the George Price Highway to the Hummingbird Highway near Dangriga. However, this is a gravel road through the bush with no services, and it may be impassable in very wet conditions. Some rental companies do not allow their vehicles on this road.

Renting a car in Placencia

When renting a car in Placencia, you can choose from a diverse range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. There are well-known international rental companies like Crystal and local options like AQ Belize Car Rental, which offers 24-hour road service, $1 million in liability insurance coverage, and a fleet of over 200 vehicles.

The cost of renting a car in Placencia varies depending on the vehicle type and rental company. On average, a rental car in Placencia costs $99 per day, but prices can be as low as $37 per day. Standard cars, such as the Nissan X-Trail, are the most frequently booked type and typically cost around $95 per day.

When driving in Belize, be aware that insurance is mandatory. While some rental companies include insurance, others may charge extra for it. Additionally, driving in Belize requires caution due to unmarked speed bumps, pedestrians and cyclists on the highway, and speeding buses. It is recommended to avoid driving at night due to poor road lighting and the lack of lights on pedestrians and cyclists.

Overall, renting a car in Placencia can be a cost-effective and convenient option for those who want to explore Belize at their own pace and make the most of their travel days.

Flying from Belize City to Placencia

If you're looking for a quick way to get from Belize City to Placencia, flying is a great option. The flight time between the two destinations is only around 40 minutes on average, and you can choose from several airlines, including Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, which offer multiple flights per day.

Booking in advance can help you find cheaper flights, with prices as low as $47 one-way and $95 round-trip. However, prices can fluctuate, and last-minute bookings may be more expensive. Generally, Monday and Tuesday are the cheapest days to fly, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive.

When booking your flight, keep in mind that there are two airports in Belize City: the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and the Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA). Flights to Placencia typically depart from the international airport, but it's always good to double-check your ticket to ensure you head to the correct airport.

Flying is a convenient option if you're short on time or prefer to relax and enjoy beach activities in Placencia rather than spending a few hours driving. The drive from Belize City to Placencia is approximately 143 miles, and while it offers beautiful scenery, it can be challenging to navigate in the dark due to limited street lighting.

Whether you choose to fly or drive, Placencia awaits with its stunning beaches, friendly people, and abundance of activities, making it the perfect destination for your Belizean adventure.

Taking a bus from Belize City to Placencia

Bus Schedule and Duration

The bus journey from Belize City to Placencia takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours. There are two daily buses departing from Belize City to Placencia, operated by Dalmon Ritchie. The bus leaves the Belize City Bus Terminal at 3:30 PM and makes brief stops in Belmopan and Dangriga before arriving in Placencia.

Bus Fare

The one-way bus ticket costs approximately $7 to $15, making it a budget-friendly option for travellers.

Getting to the Bus Terminal

If you're arriving at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, you'll need to take a taxi to the Belize City Bus Terminal. The taxi ride will cost around BZ$50, and it's important to negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand. Licensed taxis have distinctive green license plates, so be sure to look out for that to ensure a safe journey.

Alternative Options

While the bus is a great option, there are other ways to get from Belize City to Placencia. You can also fly, drive, or take a shuttle van or taxi.

Flying is the fastest option, with a travel time of around 47 minutes, but it is more expensive, costing between $100 and $250. Driving offers flexibility and the chance to explore the countryside, but it's a 3-hour drive, and renting a car can be costly. Shuttle vans and taxis are also available, offering convenience and comfort for a higher price.

So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly and scenic journey to Placencia, taking the bus from Belize City is a great choice!

Taking a water taxi to Placencia

There are three popular water taxi services in Belize: Nautilus Water Taxi, San Pedro Water Taxi, and Ocean Ferry Belize Water Taxi. The journey from Placencia to Belize City by shuttle and water taxi takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours one way. You will travel north on the Southern Highway, then turn onto the Hummingbird Highway at the capital city, Belmopan, before taking the Western Highway into Belize City. The drive is scenic, especially when travelling through the hills on the Hummingbird Highway.

When booking your shuttle, you can request a uniformed driver to meet you at your pickup point. The shuttle service will ensure that you arrive at the water taxi terminal before your departure time. There are no stops along the way, except for restroom breaks upon request.

Water taxis depart frequently, so if you miss your scheduled water taxi, you can simply hop on the next one. This hassle-free option allows you to enjoy the beauty of Belize from both land and sea as you make your way to Placencia.

Frequently asked questions