Exploring Belize: Do You Need A Car?

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. However, the best way to get around depends on your budget and your comfort level with driving in a new country.

Local buses are a good-value way to get to most major towns and villages. They are made up of retired Bluebird buses, painted to evoke Caribbean colours. They run on a schedule that is mostly adhered to, and the cost varies by distance, though often it's only a few dollars. The longest bus ride is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, a seven-hour trip that costs BZ$27 (around US$13).

Water taxis are another affordable option for travelling to popular destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

Taxis and shuttle services are also available, and can be flagged down or called ahead. Taxis are best for shorter rides, while shuttles are clean, well-maintained, and often come with Wi-Fi.

Renting a car is another option, though it can be expensive. It's also a good idea to rent a 4WD vehicle, as many of the best tourist sites require driving on unpaved roads.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, you can book tours or vacation packages at all-inclusive resorts that include private shuttle services.

Renting a car in Belize

Where to Rent a Car in Belize

Several car rental companies operate out of the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City, including global brands such as Budget and local companies like Crystal Auto Rental. Crystal Auto Rental is the largest car rental company in Belize and has been in business since 1989. They have the largest and newest fleet of vehicles and are one of the only companies that allow you to take their rental cars into Guatemala.

Cost of Renting a Car in Belize

Driving in Belize

Belize is a small country, and it's easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. That being said, there are some unique driving conditions in Belize that can make for a challenging and memorable experience. For example, jaywalking is common on the major roads passing through residential districts, and you may encounter overlapping traffic during rush hour.

Belize drives on the right-hand side of the road, and all road signs are in English. The country uses the imperial system, so speed limits and distances are measured in miles. The speed limit is generally 55 mph on highways and 25 mph in towns and villages. It's worth noting that there are a lot of speed bumps, and you'll also encounter roundabouts and potholes.

While roads connecting major cities are paved and well-maintained, some rural roads are unpaved and bumpy and can become impassable after rain. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore forest reserves or other off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Gas in Belize

Gas is relatively expensive and not always readily available in Belize. You can expect to pay a couple of dollars more per gallon than in the United States. There are also fewer gas stations compared to the US, so it's important to fill up when you have the chance.

Other Things to Know

• You do not need an international driver's license to drive in Belize. Your driver's license from your home country and your passport are sufficient.
• While driving in Belize is generally safe, it's best to avoid driving at night, especially in Belize City, which has a high crime rate.
• It's important to declare your intention to drive into Guatemala 48 hours before picking up your rental car so that the necessary paperwork can be prepared.
• Most rental car companies restrict drivers from taking their cars across borders. If you plan to cross the border into Guatemala, you will likely need to leave your car at the border and coordinate with a sister rental company in Guatemala.
• If you are travelling with children, note that Belize doesn't have specific laws for child safety in cars. It is your responsibility to ensure your child is safely seated, and you may need to rent a child safety seat from the rental company.

Driving in Belize

Belize is a small country, and renting a car is a great way to see it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the road.

Driving Laws and Requirements

Belize drives on the right-hand side of the road, and you can use your home country driver's license or an international driving permit. The speed limit on highways is 55 mph, and 25-40 mph in towns and cities. You must wear a seatbelt if you're sitting in the front of the car, but this isn't required for passengers in the back. It's illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving, and the blood alcohol limit is 80mg.

Road Conditions

Many roads in Belize have been resurfaced in recent years, but some city streets can be tricky to navigate due to narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and pedestrians. There are also plenty of speed bumps, which are often unmarked, so keep your speed down. Highways and main roads connecting cities are generally in good condition, but some rural roads are unpaved and bumpy, especially in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Driving in Belize also means keeping an eye out for pedestrians and animals, and being prepared for the occasional police checkpoint.

Renting a Car

Most car rentals happen at the airport, where you'll find global brands and local companies like Crystal Auto Rental. Expect to pay at least $60 a day, and be aware that gas is expensive in Belize, costing around $6 a gallon. If you're heading off-road or visiting during the rainy season, it's worth paying extra for a 4WD vehicle.

Driving Tips

Public transport in Belize

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one place to another within a few hours. However, the best way to get around depends on your budget, where you want to go, and your personal needs regarding comfort and luxury.

By Bus

Belize's public transport system mostly consists of buses, which are the primary form of transportation for most Belizeans. These buses are typically retired Bluebird school buses, painted in Caribbean colours, and operated by private companies. They traverse the major highways on the mainland, including the Northern, Southern, Western, and Hummingbird highways, going through major towns and villages, including Belize City, San Ignacio, and Dangriga, all the way down to Punta Gorda. The major bus terminals are in the larger towns and cities, while smaller places have bus stops. However, you can also flag down a bus on the road.

The buses run on a schedule that is mostly adhered to, and the cost varies by distance, usually only a few dollars. For example, the longest bus ride, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, is a seven-hour trip that costs around $13. There are no municipal bus services in Belize City, but private bus companies operate there.

Buses are classified as either Regular runs (usual prices) or Express runs (slightly higher prices for a faster service). The express buses tend to be newer. In some locations, such as small towns, buses may only run once a day.

By Boat

Belize's mainland has nearly 200 miles of Caribbean coastline, and many Belizeans navigate these waters in their daily lives. Visitors typically use boats to visit the cayes or stay at resorts. The most common boat transport is the water taxi to and from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi station is located in Belize City, and from there, it's a 45-minute shuttle to Caye Caulker and another 30 minutes to San Pedro. There is also a daily service to Chetumal, Mexico.

By Plane

There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. While the environmental impact of flying is greater than other forms of transport, it does significantly reduce travel time to places like Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. Flights are not particularly expensive, and you get incredible views of the country.

By Taxi or Shuttle Service

Taxis and shuttle services are also available in Belize. You can flag down taxis in Belize City and larger towns like San Pedro, San Ignacio, and Placencia, or ask your hotel to call one for you. Shuttle services, such as Belizing, offer a range of mainland routes at more affordable prices than taxis.

By Car

Renting a car can be a good option if you want to visit harder-to-reach destinations or have the freedom to visit multiple destinations without worrying about logistics and timing. However, car rental is not cheap in Belize, and neither is gas. Most rentals take place at the airport, where you'll find global brands and local favourites like Crystal Auto Rental.

By Golf Cart

On Ambergris Caye, driving is mostly restricted to golf carts, which you can rent from dedicated stores, rental services, or higher-end hotels.

By Bicycle

Bicycles are a popular method of transportation on both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, with many properties offering complimentary bikes to guests.

Water taxis in Belize

Water taxis are a popular mode of transport in Belize, especially for visitors to the cayes (pronounced 'keys'), including Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. The water taxis work like a ferry service, shuttling guests on a regular schedule from Belize City to Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and on to Chetumal in Mexico. The trip from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes around 45 minutes, and from there to San Pedro takes a further 30 minutes. The route is served by several companies, including San Pedro Belize Express, San Pedro Water Jets Express, Coastal Xpress, and Caribbean Sprinter.

The water taxi terminal in Belize City is located near the tourism village, about a 25-minute drive from the international airport. A taxi to the terminal from the airport costs a fixed rate of $25. The water taxi terminal is situated next to the famous Swing Bridge, in the heart of downtown Belize City. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the terminal. While you will be asked to select a departure time, if you miss that boat, you can simply catch the next one.

The boats are typically open-top with outboard motors and seat around 20-35 passengers. On a calm day, the journey offers a pleasant introduction to Belize, but on a windy or rainy day, the trip can be wet and rough. The boats usually stop briefly at Caye Caulker and also at Caye Chapel on demand.

Water taxis are a convenient way to get to San Pedro, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage. However, it is worth noting that the journey can be bumpy, and on a rainy day, you may get wet. If you are prone to seasickness, there are a few seats available on the top decks of certain vessels, near the helm, with open air and a clear view of the horizon.

Flying in Belize

Belize is a small country, and it is easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. However, if you are short on time, flying is a great way to get around. There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Both airlines have check-in counters at the Belize International Airport, making it easy to connect to a domestic flight.

Tropic Air

Tropic Air flies to 11 domestic destinations within Belize, including Belize City Municipal, Ambergris Caye, Belmopan, Caye Caulker, Corozal, Dangriga, Orange Walk, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Ignacio, and San Pedro Sula in Honduras. Tropic Air also offers flights to neighbouring countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. The airline operates a fleet of Cessna 182, Cessna 208 Caravan, and Beechcraft 1900D aircraft.

Maya Island Air

Maya Island Air serves 11 destinations in Belize, including Belize City, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Pedro Town, Savannah Station, Kanantik, and Tower Hill. The airline operates a fleet of regional Britten-Norman BN2A Islander, Cessna 182S, Cessna 208B Caravan, and Gippsland GA-8 Airvan aircraft. Maya Island Air only offers domestic flights within Belize.

Domestic Flight Tips

• If you know your travel dates in advance, you can take advantage of promotional fares offered by the airlines.
• Check with the airlines for the recommended time between connecting flights, especially if you are connecting to an international flight.
• Have your camera ready! The views of the Caribbean Sea and the coastline are breathtaking as you fly over the cayes and Maya Mountains.
• There is typically no assigned seating on these small planes, so you may want to ask to sit in the co-pilot seat for the best views.

Airports in Belize

Belize has several international and domestic airports, with the largest being the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Other domestic airports include the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, Hector Silva Airstrip, Caye Caulker Airport, Belize City Municipal Airport, and John Greif II Airport.

So, if you are looking for a quick and convenient way to get around Belize, flying is a great option! You can easily book flights with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, and take in the beautiful scenery as you travel to your destination.

Frequently asked questions