Belize Bus Travel: Do Seats Fill Fast?

Belize has a well-developed bus network, with buses being the primary mode of transportation for most Belizeans. Routes run on regular schedules and buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers. However, buses tend to be crowded, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat.

There are two types of bus services: Regular buses, which stop anywhere along the route, and Express buses, which only stop at main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window. While Express buses are generally more comfortable and reliable, they do not usually stop to pick up passengers on the road.

The bus system in Belize is mostly based on old American school buses, with the Blue Bird Bus being the most popular brand. However, newer companies like Floriala are introducing modern, luxury diesel buses to the country.

Overall, while bus travel in Belize can be a cheap and convenient way to get around, it is important to be prepared for crowds and potential delays.

Belize's bus system explained

Bus travel is the primary mode of transportation for Belizeans, with routes running on regular schedules throughout the country. Buses are usually very crowded, so it's best to arrive at least an hour before your intended departure time.

Bus Types

There are two types of bus services in Belize: "Regular" and "Express". Regular buses will stop for passengers anywhere along the route, whereas Express buses only stop at main towns and do not usually pick up passengers on the road. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window.

Bus Operators

Belize's bus system is mostly based on old American school buses, with the Blue Bird Bus being the most popular brand. However, a new company called Floriala has introduced a modern fleet of diesel-powered luxury coach buses, with comfortable seating, air conditioning, visual entertainment, USB chargers, bathrooms, and cupholders.

Tickets and Fares

Some buses sell tickets, but most do not. The usual practice is to arrive early and get on the bus that is about to leave. The conductor will then collect the fare after the journey has started.

Luggage

Belize buses have little space for luggage, so it's best to keep your luggage with you or within view at all times. Passengers and conductors often use the emergency back door to enter and exit the bus, so never put your luggage at the back of the bus.

Schedules

Bus schedules in Belize can be unpredictable, with little organisation or structure, and they tend to shift by the month. However, buses usually start their runs early in the morning (around 5 am) and continue until the evening (up to 9 pm).

Zones

Belize's bus providers operate within assigned zones. The Northern Zone covers Belize City to Corozal, the Western Zone covers Belize City to Benque Viejo Del Carmen, and the Southern Zone covers Belize City to Punta Gorda.

Pros and cons of taking the bus in Belize

Pros

• Buses are the primary mode of transportation in Belize, with routes running on regular schedules throughout the country.
• They are the cheapest and most efficient way to travel in Belize, with nearly all towns connected by bus routes.
• They are safe and colourful.
• They are cheap—the longest trip in the country, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, costs only BZ$25.
• They are well-suited for social travellers, as they stop to pick up and drop off passengers at most locations along the way.
• They are convenient for commuters, as they run on workdays from 5 am to 9 pm.
• They are environmentally friendly.

Cons

• Buses tend to be crowded, so it is recommended to arrive an hour before the intended departure time to secure a seat.
• They are not always reliable, as bus schedules can shift by the month due to a wild system of issuing licenses based on political patronage.
• They are not always comfortable, especially the "Regular" buses, which are usually ancient American school buses with thin foam seats that will make you feel every pothole on the road.
• They are not well-equipped to handle luggage, and passengers must keep their luggage within view at all times to avoid theft.
• They can be slow, especially for villages off the main highways, which may have only one bus a day running Monday to Saturday.

Other transport options in Belize

Belize has a range of transport options beyond its bus network. Here is some information on alternative ways to get around the country.

Taxi

Taxis in Belize usually have green licence plates and no markings. They are typically sedan-type cars with a maximum capacity of four passengers, but van-type vehicles with more seats are also available. A standard fare for short trips in most towns and cities is between BZ$5 and BZ$7 per taxi, not per passenger. Fares for longer distances can sometimes be negotiated.

In some towns, shared taxi vans (sometimes called colectivos) provide transportation to smaller villages. These vans usually wait near bus terminals and don't depart until they are nearly full. Fares depend on the distance travelled and are cheaper than regular taxi fares.

Water taxi

Water taxis are boats that provide transportation for up to 100 passengers, depending on the vessel's size. They are a popular way to get to the cayes from the mainland. Belize City has water taxis to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St George's Caye. Dangriga has chartered boats to Tobacco Caye, Glover's Reef, and other Southern Cayes. Resorts on remote islands have their own private boats.

There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, both with daily departures: San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Ocean Ferry Belize. You can also take water taxis in Placencia and Dangriga to reach popular secluded cayes.

Plane

Local airlines fly small Cessna aircraft (puddle-jumpers) to the major towns in Belize's six districts. This is a fast and convenient way to get around, although it can be expensive. Some airlines also offer regional flights to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The two domestic airlines are Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

Private ground transfers

An easy and comfortable way to get around Belize is by renting a car or taking a private transfer. While this option is not cheap, it is less expensive than local flights. A benefit of this option is that you can arrange stops to see certain attractions along your journey.

Private air transportation – helicopters

Astrum Helicopters pioneered helicopter tours and transportation in Belize, offering flyby and hovering tours of notable landmarks and sites. Astrum also caters to day trips across the country and will land anywhere with an airstrip or helipad.

How to get to Belize

Belize is located in Central America, just south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. While it is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the United States, it can be expensive due to limited transportation options.

By Air

The most popular way to get to Belize is by air, with all international flights landing at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, just outside Belize City. This is the only international airport in Belize. The main carriers are United, Delta, and American Airlines, with flights departing from New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, and sometimes from Los Angeles and Chicago.

If you're travelling from Canada, West Jet and Air Canada offer direct flights to Belize during the country's high tourism season (November to April). Otherwise, you'll need to fly via the US.

For those travelling from Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, flight connections are necessary. From Central and South America, passengers can fly with Avianca, usually stopping in El Salvador.

By Land

Belize can also be reached by land, with two land border crossings: one from Chetumal, Mexico, to Santa Elena, and one from Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, to Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Taking a bus from Mexico to Belize is a common option. The ADO company offers overnight buses from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Belize City. From Guatemala, you can take the Maya De Oro bus line from Guatemala City to Melchor de Menchos, a town on the Belizean border. Alternatively, if you're in Flores, Peten, you can catch collectivos (small private vans).

By Sea

Belize also has several sea routes. Daily skiffs travel to and from Punta Gorda in the south to Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. Dangriga and Placencia, on the southern coast, are served by at least one weekly skiff from Puerto Cortes in Honduras.

Belize also receives over a million cruise visitors per year, with major cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International stopping in the country.

Border crossings into Mexico and Guatemala

Border Crossing into Mexico

There is one main border crossing between Belize and Mexico, located at Subteniente López, about 12km from the centre of Chetumal, Mexico, and Santa Elena, about 12km from Corozal, Belize.

From Belize, you can take a bus to the border, and then continue to Chetumal by taxi or minivan taxi (colectivo). Alternatively, you can take a bus to Corozal and then a taxi to the border.

From Chetumal, you can take a local bus or taxi to the border. After crossing the border, you can take a Belizean minivan taxi or regular taxi to Corozal.

Border Crossing into Guatemala

There is one main highway border crossing between Belize and Guatemala, at Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District, Belize, and Melchor de Mencos, Peten, Guatemala.

From Belize, you can take a bus to Benque Viejo del Carmen, and then a taxi to the border.

From Guatemala, you can take a shuttle from the tourist town of Flores to the border town of Melchor de Mencos.

Bus Travel in Belize

Buses are the primary mode of transportation in Belize, and routes run on regular schedules throughout the country. Buses tend to be crowded, so it is recommended to arrive early.

There are two types of bus services: "Regular" buses, which stop anywhere along the route, and "Express" buses, which only stop at main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in the front window.

Border Crossings by Bus

It is possible to cross the border into Guatemala by bus, but information on specific bus companies and schedules was not readily available.

For the border crossing into Mexico, the ADO bus company provides daily express bus service from Merida and Cancun, Mexico, to Belize City, Belize.

Frequently asked questions