Belize City To Hopkins: Exploring The Travel Options

There are several ways to get from Belize City to Hopkins, including by plane, bus, ferry, car, or shuttle. The fastest way to travel between the two destinations is by plane, which takes 48 minutes and costs $75-$150. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is the cheapest option at $6-$15, but the journey will take around 4 hours and 43 minutes. Driving is another option, which will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from Belize City to Hopkins, taking approximately 48 minutes, including transfers. There is no airfield in Hopkins, so you will need to take a connecting flight to Dangriga (DGA) and then travel onwards to Hopkins.

From Belize City to Dangriga

Firstly, you will need to fly from either the Belize City Municipal (TZA) or Belize City Goldson International (BZE) airports to Dangriga. Both Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fly this route and tickets typically cost between $59 and $75. The flight time is around 15 minutes, and there are several flights per day.

From Dangriga to Hopkins

Once you arrive in Dangriga, you have a few options to get to Hopkins:

• Shuttle: You can take a shuttle from the Dangriga Airstrip to Hopkins Bay Resort. This takes around 30 minutes.
• Bus: There are two buses a day from Dangriga to Hopkins, departing at 12 noon and 5:00 pm. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
• Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Dangriga to Hopkins. This is the most expensive option, but it is straightforward and convenient.
• Drive: If you prefer, you can rent a car and drive from Dangriga to Hopkins. This will give you more flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. The drive takes around 30 minutes.

Travel by bus

Taking the bus from Belize City to Hopkins is the most economical route, but it is also the slowest. It is a great way to rub shoulders with the locals, but the bus does tend to get crowded, and the trip can take longer due to the number of stops along the route. You will also need to switch buses at Dangriga Town to get to Hopkins Village.

The journey from Belize City to Dangriga takes about three hours, and there are two buses a day from Dangriga to Hopkins Village. The first departs at 10:30 am, and the second at 5:00 pm. The bus costs $6 to $15, and the whole journey takes approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes.

If you are catching the bus from Belize City, look out for buses headed to the coastal town of Dangriga. You can catch the bus from Belize City station, and it will arrive at Dangriga station. From there, you can get another bus to Hopkins.

Travel by car

The distance between Belize City and Hopkins is approximately 72.4 km by air and 179.8 km by road. The driving distance is around 111-112 miles, and the journey typically takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

If you're renting a car, you can expect to pay around $80-90 USD per day or $650-800 per week. The Coastal Highway route is a prominent route to southern Belize, cutting about an hour off the drive to Hopkins. Alternatively, you can take the older, more scenic route via Belmopan.

• Start on the George Price Highway (also known as the Western Highway) towards Belmopan. This leg of the journey constitutes about 52 miles.
• Transition to the Hummingbird Highway, which will lead you to Dangriga.
• From Dangriga, take the Southern Highway until you see the well-marked exit for Hopkins Village.
• Turn left at the exit, and you'll be on your way directly into Hopkins Village. It's only four miles from the exit to the village centre, but you may want to make some stops along the way for photos or to explore the surrounding areas.

This route via Belmopan and Dangriga adds about an hour to your journey compared to the Coastal Highway route, but it's a great option if you want to take in the country's most scenic highway and enjoy a captivating drive.

Travel by boat

To travel by boat from Belize City to Hopkins, you'll first need to get to Dangriga. You can do this by flying, taking a bus, or renting a car.

Flying to Dangriga

Flights from Belize City to Dangriga are very short, taking around 15 minutes. Airlines such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air operate flights on this route.

Taking a Bus to Dangriga

Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option, costing between $6 and $15. However, it will take around three hours, and you can expect some crowding and stops along the way.

Renting a Car to Dangriga

If you'd prefer to drive, the journey from Belize City to Dangriga is approximately 52 miles via Belmopan and the George Price Highway (also known as the Western Highway). From there, you'll take the Hummingbird Highway to Dangriga.

Taking a Boat from Dangriga to Hopkins

Once you're in Dangriga, you can take a boat to Hopkins. Happy Go Luckie Tours operates on this route, or you can find another operator to take you.

Additionally, the "Pride of Belize" water taxi runs from Honduras to Belize City every Monday, with a stop at Dangriga. This could be a good option if your travel dates align.

Travel by shuttle

Shuttle services are a popular way to travel from Belize City to Hopkins, with several companies offering transfers. The journey by shuttle takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers a scenic drive, passing by small villages, streams, rivers, mountains, and valleys. The road to Hopkins was upgraded in 2017 to provide a smoother ride.

William's Belize Shuttle Service is one of the well-known shuttle operators for this route. They offer private and shared shuttle services, providing comfort and convenience to travellers. William's shuttle can also accommodate stop requests along the way, such as the Inland Blue Hole and the junction to Dangriga Town. The company has received positive reviews for its affordability, responsiveness, and knowledgeable drivers who offer insights into the local culture and history.

BZ Shuttle is another popular option for travellers. They provide shuttle services from Belize City International Airport directly to Hopkins Village. Their shuttles are described as reasonably appointed, combining the convenience of public buses with the comfort and speed of driving your own vehicle.

San Ignacio Shuttle also offers transfers from Belize City and San Ignacio to Hopkins. They are known for their experienced drivers and their ability to pick up and drop off at various accommodations in Hopkins. San Ignacio Shuttle is the only private transportation company that provides a cooler with local drinks for its customers during the journey.

When considering shuttle services, it is recommended to contact the providers directly for pricing and booking information, as fuel prices may affect the cost of the trip.

Frequently asked questions