The Adventure Route: Navigating From Cancun To Belize

There are several ways to get to Belize from Cancun, including flying, driving, taking a bus, or a combination of these. Flying is the fastest option, with a direct flight from Cancun to Belize City taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, flights are not cheap. Driving is another option, with the distance between the two cities being around 525 km. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is the cheapest option, with tickets costing between €19 and €48. The bus journey takes much longer, around 10 to 12 hours, and there are no direct buses, so you will have to make connections. There are also overnight buses available, which can save you time but may not be as comfortable as flying or driving.

Flying from Cancun to Belize City

Flying is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Belize City, with the quickest flight taking just 1 hour and 10 minutes. The distance between the two cities is 432 km, but the flight path is usually longer, at around 259 miles.

Airlines

Maya Island Air, Tropic Air, and United all offer flights from Cancun to Belize City. Tropic Air is the only airline that flies non-stop between the two cities, with a direct flight time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Copa, Delta, and Hahn Air Systems also provide flights with one or more stops.

Prices

Prices for flights from Cancun to Belize City vary. A one-way flight can cost as little as $200, while round-trip flights typically range from $445 to $614. It is recommended to book your flight in advance, as tickets tend to sell out quickly during the high tourism season, which includes December, January, February, March, and April.

When to Fly

To get the best deal on your flight, consider flying on a Monday, as this is typically the cheapest day to fly from Cancun to Belize City. Friday is usually the most expensive day to fly. Booking your flight 4 to 21 days in advance can also help you find lower prices.

Taking the ADO bus from Cancun to Belize City

Buying Tickets

The ADO Bus Company operates the sole Cancun-Belize City route with an express service that runs twice daily. Unfortunately, you cannot book tickets online for buses departing from Belize City. To get a bus ticket in Belize City, you need to buy it directly from the sole vendor, Gilberto, who can be contacted at 600-8100. Tickets for buses departing from Cancun can be booked online through the ADO website or bought in person at the Cancun bus terminal. It is recommended to arrive early, preferably before 3 pm, as there is only one trip per day, and tickets cannot be booked in advance.

Boarding the Bus

The ADO bus departs from the main Cancun Bus Terminal, also known as "Terminal de Autobuses ADO Cancun," at either 7:30 am or 10:15 pm. Make sure to be ready to board at least 15 minutes before the bus leaves. Passengers must present valid passports before boarding, as the bus crosses an international border.

On the Bus

The bus makes several stops along the way, including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Corozal Town, and Orange Walk Town before arriving at the central bus terminal in Belize City. The total transit time is approximately eight hours. The vehicles used by ADO for this route are large, modern buses equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, an onboard restroom, and video screens. It is recommended to bring warm clothing, as the air conditioning can be very powerful.

Arrival in Belize City

The ADO bus arrives at the central bus terminal in Belize City, also known as "Novello's Bus Depot" or "Novelo's," around 6:30 am or 8:30 am, depending on the departure time from Cancun. The bus terminal is located on West Collet Canal in Belize City.

Driving from Cancun to Belize

The drive from Cancun, Mexico, to Belize City, Belize, covers a distance of approximately 300 to 330 miles (480 to 530 kilometres). The drive time is estimated to be around 7 hours, although it can take up to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Things to Consider

• Fuel Cost: Fuel cost will depend on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and the current fuel price. In Cancun, gas prices are around $3 per gallon.
• Border Crossing: When driving between two countries, you will need to go through customs and border control. This may add some time to your journey.
• Vehicle Rental: If you plan to rent a car, be aware that most companies do not allow their vehicles to cross the border. You may need to scout around for a rare company that permits this and buy additional insurance at the border.
• Vehicle Security: Extreme care should be taken to secure your vehicle, especially when left unattended, as auto theft can be a concern.
• Fumigation: At the border, you will need to have your vehicle fumigated, which costs around $5.
• Road Conditions: The drive can be long and boring, and road closures or conditions may impact your journey time.

Alternative Transport Options

• Flying: The quickest way to travel between Cancun and Belize is by air. The flight time is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and there are direct flights available.
• Bus: Taking the bus is one of the most efficient ways to travel between the two locations, but there are no direct routes. Connections and the two-country customs circuit can add around 3 hours to your journey.
• Shuttle Services: Some resorts and hotels offer private shuttle services between Cancun and Belize. This can be a comfortable and convenient option, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Taking a water taxi from Chetumal to San Pedro or Caye Caulker

If you're heading directly to San Pedro or Caye Caulker from Cancun, you can take the ADO bus to Chetumal and then take a water taxi to the Cayes. There are two water taxi companies that depart daily at 10:00 AM from Chetumal's Muelle Fiscal (Municipal Pier). It is recommended that you arrive a couple of hours before departure to secure a spot on the boat. The water taxi ride takes approximately 1:30 hrs to San Pedro and 3:15 hrs to Caye Caulker and costs around $30.00.

Mexican officials are at the pier to process your documents, and they will charge you a $5.00 port fee and a $25.00 departure fee. If the boat to the Cayes is overbooked, you can catch a taxi to the Mexico/Belize border and, after clearing customs and immigration, take a $2.00 collectivo taxi to the bus station in Corozal. Local buses leave every half hour to Belize City.

International Islander Ferries and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited are two companies that provide water taxi services from Chetumal to San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Both companies offer round-trip tickets for MXN $1,850 to San Pedro and MXN $1,950 to Caye Caulker. The boats are equipped with two side exits, life vests for all passengers, and fire extinguishers in case of an emergency. First aid kits are also available on board.

Flying from Cancun to San Pedro

There are several options for flying from Cancun to San Pedro, Belize, with a combination of flights, buses, and ferries. The fastest option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and costs between $350 and $900. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:

The distance between Cancun and San Pedro is approximately 230 to 241 miles. While there are no direct flights between Cancun and San Pedro, you can take connecting flights with a stop or two along the way. Here are the steps to fly from Cancun to San Pedro:

• Book your flight: Start by searching for flights from Cancun (CUN) to San Pedro (SPR). You can use online platforms like Expedia to find and compare flight options and prices. Tropic Air is a popular choice for this route and offers daily flights except on Saturdays.
• Arrive at the airport: Make your way to Cancun International Airport (CUN). It is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and security procedures.
• Check-in and boarding: Proceed to the check-in counters for your chosen airline. Have your travel documents ready and follow the instructions provided by the airline staff. After check-in, make your way to the designated gate and board your flight to San Pedro.
• In-flight experience: The flight duration will vary depending on the number of stops and the layover times. During the flight, you can enjoy the in-flight services provided by your airline, such as meals, entertainment, or Wi-Fi (if available).
• Arrival at San Pedro: Upon arrival at San Pedro Airport (SPR), collect your baggage and proceed through customs and immigration. Follow the airport signage to exit the arrivals area, where you can continue your journey to your final destination in San Pedro.

Alternative Travel Options

In addition to flying, there are other travel options to get from Cancun to San Pedro, although they may take longer and involve multiple modes of transportation:

• Bus and Ferry: You can take a combination of buses and ferries to get from Cancun to San Pedro. This option typically takes around 11 to 12 hours and involves multiple bus trips and a ferry ride. The cheapest option is around $60 to $110.
• Driving: If you prefer a road trip, you can drive from Cancun to San Pedro, Belize. The driving distance is approximately 524.6 km (326 miles), and the journey will take around 7 to 8 hours. Keep in mind that you will need to cross international borders, so ensure you have the necessary documentation and vehicle permits.
• Bus: There is also the option to take a direct bus from Cancun to Belize City, which takes around 9 to 12 hours. From Belize City, you can take a water taxi or ferry to San Pedro. This option is the cheapest, with bus tickets costing around €19 to €35.

When planning your trip, it is always a good idea to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines, especially when crossing international borders. Additionally, it is recommended to book your flights and accommodations in advance to secure your preferred options and take advantage of any early bird discounts.

Frequently asked questions