The Distance Between Utila And Belize: A Quick Guide

Utila is a popular destination for travellers from Belize. The distance between Isla de Utila and Belize City is 129 miles. There are several ways to travel between the two places, including by plane, ferry, car, and bus. The fastest way to get from Isla de Utila to Belize City is to take a ferry to Roatan, then fly to Belize City Goldson International Airport. This journey takes 4 hours and 22 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry, drive, and take a bus, which takes 16 hours and 52 minutes.

Travel by bus and ferry

There are a few options for travelling from Belize to Utila by bus and ferry. One option is to take a bus from Belize to Punta Gorda, and then a ferry from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the border, and then another bus to Omoa or Puerto Cortes in Honduras. Finally, you can take a bus to La Ceiba, where you can catch a ferry to Utila. This journey can be done in one day if you take the early ferry from Punta Gorda, or you can spend a night in Omoa or Puerto Cortes and continue to Utila the next day.

Another option is to take a water taxi from Belize City to Puerto Cortes in Honduras. From Puerto Cortes, you can take a bus to San Pedro Sula, and then another bus to La Ceiba to catch the ferry to Utila. This water taxi service runs once a week on Fridays.

There is also a weekly boat service from Placencia in Belize to Puerto Cortes in Honduras. For this journey, you will need to spend the night in San Pedro Sula before continuing on to La Ceiba and Utila.

It is important to note that the schedules and rates for transportation may change, so it is recommended to make inquiries prior to travel.

Travel by plane

To get from Belize to Utila by plane, you would need to fly from Belize City's Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport to Roatan's Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi to the port and then a ferry to Utila. The flight from Belize City to Roatan is approximately 1 hour, and the ferry from Roatan to Utila is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. The total time for this journey is around 3 hours and 26 minutes, including transfers.

The quickest flight from Belize City to Roatan is offered by Tropic Air. The distance between Belize City and Utila is about 129 miles. The price for a one-way flight starts at $555, and prices and availability are subject to change.

It is important to note that there is no direct connection from Belize City to Utila, and you will need to make transfers. Additionally, COVID-19 travel restrictions may apply, and it is recommended to check the latest travel status and advice before planning your trip.

Travel by water taxi

Water taxis are a popular way to travel between Belize and Utila. There are several routes you can take, and tickets can be purchased at the water taxi terminals or online.

Belize City to Utila via Puerto Cortes

One option is to take the water taxi from Belize City to Puerto Cortes in Honduras. From there, you can take a bus to La Ceiba and then another water taxi to Utila. This journey can be completed in one day, but it involves several transfers.

The "D-Express" water taxi departs from Placencia, Belize, on Fridays at 9:00 am, stopping at Big Creek at 11:00 am and arriving in Puerto Cortes at 2:00 pm. The cost is BZ$110.00 (approximately US$60.00), plus any exit fees.

Dangriga to Puerto Cortes

Another option is to take the "Nesymein Neydy" water taxi from Dangriga, Belize, to Puerto Cortes. This water taxi departs on Saturdays, and passengers should arrive at the dock by 8:30 am for immigration processing. The boat departs at 11:00 am and arrives in Puerto Cortes at 1:30 pm. The cost is US$55.00 each way, plus any exit fees.

Belize City to Utila via Roatan

It is also possible to travel from Belize City to Utila via Roatan. First, take a flight from Belize City to Roatan. From Roatan, you can take a ferry to Utila. This is the quickest option, taking approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes. However, it is also the most expensive, costing between US$260 and US$550.

Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios

If you are starting your journey in Punta Gorda, you can take a ferry to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. From there, you will need to arrange transportation to the Honduran border and then on to La Ceiba. Finally, take a water taxi from La Ceiba to Utila. This journey can be completed in one day but requires careful planning and multiple transfers.

The ferry from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios departs at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, and the ride takes about one hour. The cost is BZ$50 (approximately US$25).

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

The Starla water taxi departs from the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal in Belize City on Fridays at 9:00 am. It stops at Dangriga around 10:30 am and arrives at Puerto Cortes at 2:30 pm. The fare to Dangriga is US$50, and to Puerto Cortes, it is US$75.

Additional Tips

• It is recommended to arrive at the dock 30 minutes early to allow time for immigration processing.
• The journey by water can be rough, so it is advisable to take seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.
• When travelling by land in Honduras, it is important to take safety precautions as some areas have a reputation for being dangerous.
• Schedules and rates for transportation are subject to change, so it is essential to check the latest information before your trip.

Travel by boat

There are several options for travelling by boat from Belize to Utila. The first option is to take a ferry from Placencia, Belize, to Puerto Cortes in Honduras. This ferry service is called Hokey Pokey, and it departs Placencia at 9 am every Friday, returning from Honduras on Mondays. Tickets cost 130 BZD, and the journey takes around two hours. Keep in mind there is a 7.50 BZD exit fee for Belize, which you need to pay in cash to the immigration officer who boards the boat at Big Creek. At Puerto Cortes, you will go through Honduran immigration, which can take a long time, so it's best to be prepared for that. From Puerto Cortes, you can take a taxi to the bus terminal and then a bus to San Pedro Sula.

Another option is to take a water taxi from Belize City to Honduras. The Starla water taxi departs from the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal in Belize City on Fridays at 9 am, stopping at Dangriga around 10:30 am and arriving at Puerto Cortes, Honduras, at 2:30 pm. Fares are US$50 to Dangriga and US$75 to Puerto Cortes.

From Puerto Cortes, you can continue your journey to Utila by bus and ferry. First, take a bus from Puerto Cortes to La Ceiba. From La Ceiba, you can take the Utila Dream ferry to Utila, which departs twice daily at 9 am and 4:30 pm. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from La Ceiba to Roatan and then another ferry from Roatan to Utila. The ferry from La Ceiba to Roatan is operated by Galaxy Wave, and the ferry from Roatan to Utila is operated by Utila Dream Ferry, departing Roatan at 2 pm daily.

If you are starting your journey from Caye Caulker or Belize City, there is a more comfortable boat option to Puerto Cortes, Honduras, which is often used by expats to restamp their passports. However, this option may be pricey.

Travel by car

The distance between Utila and Belize is approximately 129 miles. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to travel from Isla de Utila to Belize City by car:

• Take the ferry from Utila to Roatan.
• Take the ferry from Roatan to La Ceiba.
• Drive from La Ceiba to Yoro.
• Take the bus from Yoro to El Progreso.
• Drive from El Progreso to Puerto Cortes.
• Take the ferry from Puerto Cortes to Belize City.

Please note that this journey will also involve taking your car onboard the ferries, so do check the relevant operator websites for information on costs and schedules.

Alternatively, you can drive from La Ceiba to San Pedro Sula, then fly from San Pedro Sula to Belize City. This option is quicker but more expensive.

Frequently asked questions