Belize City To San Ignacio: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

There are several ways to get from Belize City to San Ignacio, including by plane, bus, car, taxi, shuttle, or a combination of these. The best option for you will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and your personal preferences.

Travel by bus

There are several bus options to get from Belize City to San Ignacio. The local buses are generally less comfortable, without air conditioning or designated luggage storage areas. The trip takes about 2.5 hours, with multiple stops along the way.

There are also a few express buses that run between the two cities, although these are less frequent. These buses are the same as the regular buses but do not stop to pick up or let off passengers along the route. The fare for the express bus is about BZ$2 more than the regular bus fare, which is around BZ$7.

To get to the bus terminal in Belize City from the airport, you can take a taxi for BZ$50.00, or walk or take a taxi to the Northern Highway (about 2.5 km) and wait for a bus there. The bus fare to the bus terminal is BZ$1-2.

In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a westbound bus to Benque. Buses depart every half hour. The trip to San Ignacio takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the number of stops.

The cheapest way to get from Belize City to San Ignacio is by bus, with tickets costing between $4 and $18. The bus is also the best option for those without a car, as the journey takes only 2 hours and 45 minutes, including transfers, and departs hourly.

Silva's Bus Line operates a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio every 3-4 hours. Tickets cost $5-18 and the journey takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are four other bus operators that service this route as well.

Rent a car

Renting a car is a great option for travelling from Belize City to San Ignacio. The drive is approximately 69 miles and takes around 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Car Rental Companies

There are several car rental companies in Belize City, including Crystal Car Rental, which offers GPS for around $9 USD per day. Another option is to rent a car from the airport, as one family did and then drove straight to San Ignacio.

Driving Directions

To get from Belize City to San Ignacio, you will take the George Price Highway, formerly called the Western Highway. The speed limit on this highway is 50 mph (80 kph). Along the way, you will pass through Belmopan.

Road Conditions and Safety

All the main highways in Belize are paved and well-signposted. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary unless you plan to go off the main roads. Insurance is mandatory, and gasoline prices are around BZ$9 (US$4.50) per gallon. Be aware of unmarked speed bumps near towns and villages, and be extra cautious in wet conditions as the pavement can become extremely slippery. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists on the highway, especially at night, as lights and reflectors are rarely used. There are also some bad drivers in Belize, so watch out for speeding buses. If driving at night, take extra care due to poor road lighting.

Alternative Transport Options

If you would prefer not to drive, there are other transport options available, such as shuttle services or buses. Shuttle services, such as William's Belize Shuttle or Teddy Bear Shuttle, offer reliable and hassle-free travel from Belize City to San Ignacio. The bus is the cheapest option, costing between $4 and $18 for a one-way trip, but it is also the slowest, taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Take a shuttle

Taking a shuttle from Belize City to San Ignacio is a popular option for travellers. Shuttle services offer a convenient and comfortable way to get between the two cities.

Shuttle Services

There are several shuttle services that operate between Belize City and San Ignacio. These include William Shuttle Service, Belize Shuttle, and San Ignacio Shuttle Service. These companies offer private transfers and can provide door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. They also offer transportation from the airport, which is especially useful for travellers arriving by plane.

Cost

The cost of a shuttle varies depending on the company and the number of passengers. For example, the shuttle service offered by San Ignacio Shuttle Service is approximately $120 USD for two people, and the price decreases for larger groups.

Travel Time

The travel time from Belize City to San Ignacio is generally around 2.5 to 3 hours. However, this can vary depending on traffic and any requested stops along the way.

Advantages of Shuttle Services

Taking a shuttle can be a more comfortable and efficient option compared to other forms of transportation, such as buses or taxis. Shuttle services offer the convenience of door-to-door service and can accommodate specific travel requests. They are also a good choice for groups, as the cost can be shared among multiple passengers.

Booking

It is recommended to book shuttle services in advance, especially if you require transportation from the airport or have specific time constraints. You can contact the shuttle companies directly to inquire about availability, rates, and booking procedures.

Taking a shuttle from Belize City to San Ignacio is a convenient and reliable option for travellers. With experienced drivers and comfortable vehicles, shuttle services offer a stress-free way to get between these two destinations in Belize.

Travel by plane

Flying from Belize City to San Ignacio is a convenient and quick option, taking around 35 minutes. Domestic flights are offered by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, with daily flights starting in the early morning and continuing through the early evening. All flights are operated using 9-13 Cessna aircraft.

When arriving at Belize International Airport, you can easily find taxis available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. The taxi ride to San Ignacio will cost around €200 (BZD 440) for up to four passengers, but it is recommended to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey. The total travel time from the airport to your destination in San Ignacio will be approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can pre-book a private airport transfer for a more personalised door-to-door service. This option ensures a stress-free experience, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or young children. While the cost may seem high, it is worth considering for a fast and comfortable journey.

For those travelling in a group or with family, taking a taxi can offer more privacy and a faster service without any intermediate stops. However, if you are travelling alone, the bus or a shared shuttle may be more budget-friendly options.

Take a taxi

Taking a taxi is the most expensive way to travel from Belize City to San Ignacio, but it is also the most convenient and fastest option. After you go through customs at the Belize City Airport and collect your luggage, you will find plenty of taxis outside the terminal.

Taxis are available at Belize International Airport 24/7. The taxi rank is located in front of the main terminal, as you exit the arrivals hall. The journey from the airport to San Ignacio takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The cost of a taxi will be high, ranging from $120 to $160 USD, but this can be split between a group of friends or family.

When taking a taxi in Belize, it is important to check that the driver has a proper license. Legal taxis have a green license plate, and you can ask the driver to see their paperwork. Taxis also display the name of the company on the front or side of the vehicle. It is advised not to take unlicensed taxis for safety reasons.

Belize City taxis do not use taximeters, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before getting into the taxi. Most taxis in Belize do not accept card payments, so it is important to carry cash in the local currency. Tipping your driver is not expected but is always appreciated for longer routes. A 10% tip is considered a decent amount if you are happy with the service.

If you are travelling in a group, it is worth noting that sharing taxi rides with other passengers is common in Belize City. You could consider splitting the cost with other travellers heading to San Ignacio.

Frequently asked questions