The Road Trip: Cancun To Belize Drive

The drive from Cancun, Mexico to Belize City, Belize is approximately 326 miles or 525 kilometres. The journey takes about 7 hours, although some sources suggest it can be done in under 7 hours. The flight distance between the two cities is 266 miles or 429 kilometres, with a flight time of 1 hour and 2 minutes.

There are several ways to get from Cancun to Belize City, including flying, driving, taking a bus, or a combination of these. The fastest way is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes, while the cheapest option is to take a bus, which costs between €19 and €35 and takes around 9 to 12 hours.

Driving from Cancun to Belize can be a long and boring journey, and there are some challenges to consider, such as border crossings and finding a rental company that allows cross-border travel. However, some people prefer the flexibility and convenience of having their own vehicle.

The drive is around 300-326 miles long

The drive from Cancun to Belize is approximately 300-326 miles long. This equates to a road distance of 432-525km or 524.6km. The drive will take around 6 hours and 56 minutes to complete without stopping, but it is recommended that you add a buffer for rest stops, food, and fuel.

The journey from Cancun to Belize is a popular route for tourists, with many choosing to drive themselves. However, it is important to note that there are additional costs to consider when driving, such as fuel and insurance. Driving yourself also means you will need to navigate the border crossing, which can add time to your journey.

If you are looking for a more relaxing way to travel between the two locations, flying is another option. The flight distance is approximately 266 miles, and the flight time is around 1 hour and 2 minutes. There are several carriers that service this route, and flying is often the preferred choice for those with limited vacation time.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cancun to Belize, which is the cheapest option, costing between €19 and €35. However, the journey will take around 9-12 hours, and there are no direct bus routes, so you will need to make connections.

There are several other factors to consider when planning your trip from Cancun to Belize, including the purpose of your trip, your budget, and how much time you have available. Each travel option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh your priorities before making a decision.

It takes 6-8 hours to drive non-stop

The drive from Cancun to Belize is approximately 326 miles or 525 kilometres. This equates to a non-stop driving time of 6 hours and 56 minutes. However, it is important to note that this duration does not account for rest stops, refuelling, or meals. Therefore, it is advisable to allocate additional time for these practical considerations.

The journey from Cancun to Belize can be undertaken through various means, including driving, flying, or taking a bus. Each mode of transportation offers distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of time, cost, and convenience.

Driving from Cancun to Belize provides the flexibility to make stops along the way and customise your itinerary. This can be a fun road trip with interesting stops like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. However, the overall travel time can extend to 7.5 hours or more, depending on the number and duration of stops.

Flying between the two locations is significantly faster, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 2 minutes. However, when you factor in the time required to reach the airport, go through security, and wait for boarding, the total travel time can increase to approximately 4 hours.

Taking a bus between Cancun and Belize is the most economical option, with tickets priced between €19 and €35. However, the journey can be lengthy, taking up to 12 hours or more, depending on transfers and connections.

When planning your trip from Cancun to Belize, it is essential to consider your priorities regarding time, budget, and convenience. Each travel option presents a unique set of trade-offs, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there are border crossing considerations when driving between Mexico and Belize. Some rental car companies may have restrictions on taking their vehicles across the border, so it is advisable to check with multiple agencies to find one that accommodates your needs. There may also be additional insurance requirements and bureaucratic procedures when crossing the border, so be sure to research these details in advance to ensure a smooth transition.

It's cheaper to fly or take a bus

The drive from Cancun to Belize is approximately 303 miles or 525 kilometres. The drive time is around 7 hours. Flying is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Belize, taking 1 hour and 2 minutes. However, when deciding between flying and taking a bus, there are a few things to consider in terms of cost, convenience, and comfort.

Cost

Flying is generally more expensive than taking the bus. The flight between Cancun and Belize City can cost anywhere from €200 to €490, depending on the carrier and the time of booking. In contrast, taking the bus is much cheaper, with tickets ranging from €19 to €35. If you are on a tight budget, taking the bus is the more cost-effective option.

Convenience

Flying is undoubtedly the most convenient option, especially if you are short on time. A direct flight from Cancun to Belize City takes around 3 hours and 44 minutes, including transfers. On the other hand, taking the bus can be quite time-consuming due to the lack of direct bus routes. The bus journey can take up to 12 hours, including transfers and layovers. If you are connecting flights or making multiple bus transfers, the time adds up quickly.

Comfort

Flying can be more comfortable, especially if you choose a reputable carrier that offers ample legroom and in-flight entertainment. However, bus travel has its advantages too. The ADO bus, for example, offers luxurious first-class and executive-class buses with comfortable seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and TV screens. The bus journey also provides stunning coastal and tropical forest views, making it a visually appealing option.

In conclusion, while flying is faster and more convenient, taking the bus is significantly cheaper. The decision ultimately depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences for comfort and scenery.

You can take a bus and shuttle in 10 hours

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to travel from Cancun to Belize, taking a bus and shuttle is a good option. The journey will take around 10 hours, and you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of €35-€120.

There are no direct buses from Cancun to Belize City, so you will have to take a few different buses and perhaps even stay overnight in Mexico. The first bus will take you from Cancun to Bacalar. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to Belize City. This route will take you around 10 hours and 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cancun to Tulum, and then on to Bacalar, before taking the shuttle to Belize City. This route will take a little longer, at 12 hours and 11 minutes.

If you want to break up the journey, you can take a bus from Cancun to Corozal, and then on to Belize City. This route includes a flight from Cancun to Dangriga, and will take around 7 hours and 40 minutes.

It's important to note that when taking buses across borders, you may need to go through customs and change buses. This can add a few hours to your journey, so it's worth keeping that in mind when planning your trip.

One traveller who took the bus from Belize City to Cancun shared their experience:

> "There are a lot of stops and waiting in line between about 10:30 pm & 1:30 am: 1. Exiting Belize (where non-Belizeans pay BZ$37.50); 2. Entering Mexico (where you will fill out a form & be given a card to keep with your passport until you leave the country); 3. Mexican customs; 4. Purchasing the remaining portion of your ADO bus ticket (have cash available—USD, BZ$, & Mexican pesos were all accepted, even a combination of currencies). There is a pharmacy right next door to where we paid for the tickets which was open when we were there and also sold snacks."

So, if you're planning to take the bus and shuttle from Cancun to Belize, be prepared for a long journey with multiple stops and potential overnight stays. But, it's a cost-effective way to travel between these two destinations.

Flying takes 1-3 hours

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Cancún to Belize, with the flight time itself taking between one and three hours. The exact duration of your flight will depend on the airline, the weather, and your exact origin and destination airports.

For example, the quickest flight from Cancún Airport to Belize City Goldson International Airport is a direct flight that takes one hour and ten minutes. However, if you're flying from Cancún to Belize City with a layover, your total travel time could be closer to three hours and forty-four minutes.

Keep in mind that the total travel time for a flight also includes getting to and from the airport, checking in, security, boarding, taxiing on the runway, and claiming your baggage at your destination. These additional steps can add a few hours to your overall travel time.

When deciding whether to fly or drive from Cancún to Belize, it's worth considering the distance and your preferred mode of transportation. The flight distance between Cancún and Belize City is approximately 266 miles or 429 kilometres. In comparison, the driving distance is about 303 to 326 miles (524.6 to 525 kilometres).

While flying is significantly faster than driving, it may be more expensive, and you'll need to factor in the time and cost of travelling to and from the airport. On the other hand, driving gives you more flexibility and control over your journey, but it can be more tiring and time-consuming, especially if you're making rest stops along the way.

Ultimately, the decision to fly or drive depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints.

Frequently asked questions