Belize Airport To Placencia: A Scenic Journey To The Peninsula

Placencia is a charming beach town located on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in Belize. It is a popular tourist destination known for its small-town charm and offers a range of activities such as snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, and fishing. The distance between Belize City and Placencia is approximately 81 miles by air and 143-160 miles by road. The travel time between the two locations can range from 30 minutes to five hours, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.

There are several options for transportation from Belize City to Placencia, including domestic flights, shuttle services, taxis, car rentals, and public buses. Domestic flights are the fastest option, taking approximately 40-47 minutes, while shuttle services and car travel can take around three to four hours. Taxis are a convenient but more expensive choice, and public buses offer a budget-friendly option with a scenic journey, taking about five hours.

Travel by plane

If you're looking for a quick way to get from Belize Airport to Placencia, flying is your best option. The flight distance from Belize Airport to Placencia Airport is just 68 miles, and there are several daily flights to choose from. The average flight time is around 40 to 47 minutes, making it a convenient option if you're short on time.

You can choose between two airlines for your journey: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both airlines offer frequent flights, with Maya Island Air providing 703 flights each month and Tropic Air offering plenty of daily options as well. These flights depart from two airports in Belize City: the Philip Goldson International Airport and the Sir Barry Bowen Airport (also known as the Belize Municipal Airport).

Keep in mind that these flights typically use small aircraft, such as nine-to-thirteen-seat Cessna planes or "puddle jumpers," which hold between five and twenty passengers. This makes for an intimate and unique flying experience. However, the convenience of a quick flight comes at a cost, with one-way tickets priced around $117 USD.

When booking your flight, consider using platforms like Expedia, which offer alerts for price drops or increases. You may be able to find cheaper flights if you book in advance or keep an eye out for last-minute deals, but prices can also increase closer to the departure date. Additionally, some airlines may offer more affordable options without compromising on speed.

Overall, flying is a fast and efficient way to get from Belize Airport to Placencia, allowing you to start your vacation in record time.

Travel by bus

If you're looking for an affordable and immersive travel experience from Belize City to Placencia, taking the public bus is a great option. Brace yourself for a scenic journey through the vibrant landscapes of Belize, as the bus makes its way from the heart of Belize City to the southern tip of the country in Placencia.

The bus ride will take you on a roughly five-hour voyage, offering a unique window into the local way of life and diverse scenery. With each passing mile, you'll gain a deeper connection to the land and its people. It's a perfect choice for those seeking an authentic and budget-friendly adventure.

The Belize City bus station is the main hub, where you can catch one of the two daily buses to Placencia. The one-way ticket costs approximately $15, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious travellers. While the cost is appealing, it's important to note that the buses tend to be busy, often filled with fellow adventurers. However, if you miss one bus, there's always another one, or you can choose to stay overnight in Belize City and explore before catching the early bus the next day.

So, if you're up for a captivating and bustling journey, the public bus ride to Placencia is a fantastic choice. It's a chance to relax, take in the sights, and connect with the local culture as you make your way to your destination.

Travel by car

The distance between Belize City and Placencia is 81 miles as the crow flies, but the road distance is 143-145 miles. The drive takes approximately three and a half to four hours.

If you're looking to travel by car from Belize City to Placencia, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, the main highways from Belize City to Placencia, including the Hummingbird Highway, are generally well-maintained. However, once you arrive in Placencia, many of the side roads are unpaved and may have potholes and washouts. Therefore, it is recommended to drive during daylight hours and at a slower speed to avoid any issues.

When planning your route, keep in mind that rental car companies may restrict driving on certain roads, such as the Coastal Highway. An alternative route suggested by some rental car companies is to go through the capital city of Belmopan and then onto the Hummingbird Highway. This route will take you through some beautiful scenery, including mountains, rivers, and small villages.

The bulk of the trip will involve driving down the George Price Highway (also known as the Western Highway) towards Belmopan, which is about a 52-mile journey. From there, you'll take the Hummingbird Highway and then the Southern Highway until you see the exit for Placencia Village. Turn left at the Placencia roundabout, and you'll be on your way to the village centre, which is just 24 miles from the exit.

While driving to Placencia, you may want to make some stops along the way to take photos or simply stretch your legs. Having a car will give you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace and make any necessary stops. However, renting a car can be more expensive than other transportation options, and it may not be necessary to have a car once you arrive in Placencia, as the town is quite walkable.

Overall, driving to Placencia can be a great way to experience the beauty of Belize and have the flexibility to stop and explore along the way. Just be sure to allow for enough time, as the journey can take upwards of three and a half hours, and be mindful of any restrictions or recommendations from your rental car company regarding the route you take.

Travel by taxi

Taxis are a convenient and readily available option for travelling from Belize International Airport to Placencia. They offer door-to-door service and can be found easily after landing at the airport. However, it is important to note that taxis come at a higher cost compared to other modes of transportation. It is recommended to negotiate the fare with the driver before embarking on the journey.

To ensure a safe and secure journey, opt for licensed taxis with distinctive green license plates, which signify their legitimacy and adherence to regulations. The distance between Belize City and Placencia is approximately 160 miles, and the drive can take around three and a half to four hours.

The Western Highway (the George Price Highway), Hummingbird Highway, and the Southern Highway are the major roadways connecting Belize City to Placencia Village. The journey offers a chance to witness the vibrant landscapes and diverse scenery that Belize has to offer.

While taxis provide a comfortable and direct travel option, they can be more expensive than other alternatives such as public buses or shared shuttles. It is essential to consider your budget and travel preferences when choosing the best mode of transportation for your Belize adventure.

Overall, travelling by taxi from Belize Airport to Placencia offers a convenient, flexible, and personalised travel experience, making it a suitable choice for those seeking comfort and expediency during their journey.

Travel by shuttle

The distance between Belize City and Placencia is approximately 81 miles, with a road distance of 143.7 miles. The drive time is around three to four hours. Shuttle services are a popular choice for this journey, offering affordability and convenience.

Barefoot Services

Barefoot Services provides shuttle services from Belize City to Placencia, catering to travellers seeking both affordability and convenience. The rate for this service is USD $49, making it an economical option. The shuttle offers a streamlined way to reach your destination, sharing the road with fellow adventurers while enjoying the comfort of a dedicated vehicle. The journey promises a pleasant and timely travel experience, with the opportunity to engage in camaraderie with other travellers.

Nelson Maya Adventures

Nelson Maya Adventures offers shuttle services from Belize City and Phillip Goldson International Airport to Placencia. They provide one-way or round-trip transfers to hotels, resorts, Airbnbs, and beachfront cabanas on the Placencia Peninsula. The drive time is approximately three hours, taking you on two of Belize's major highways, crossing rivers, hills, and valleys. The shuttle passes through the Capital City Belmopan, Cave Branch, the Inland Blue Hole, and the junction to Dangriga Town, then past the Hopkins Village Junctions. The shuttle won't take you into the town, but this can be arranged upon request.

William's Shuttle Service

William's Shuttle Service offers round-trip and one-way transfers to various areas on the Placencia Peninsula, including Rivers Dale, Maya Beach, Seine Bight Village, and a range of accommodation options in Placencia. The drive time is approximately three and a half to four hours, and William's team of drivers are knowledgeable about the highways and routes. The shuttle journey includes stops for ice cream and other local treats, and your driver will share their knowledge of Belize along the way.

Frequently asked questions