Exploring Belize: How Far To Travel?

Belize is located on the northeast coast of Central America, south of the Yucatán Peninsula, and is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country is about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide, with a total land boundary length of 516 km (321 mi). The land area of the country extends about 280 km (170 mi) north to south and about 100 km (62 mi) east to west. The flight time from Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth to Belize is about two hours.

Flying to Belize from the US

The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. The airport is located 8 miles from downtown Belize City. There are five major US airlines and five other airlines that fly into Belize.

American Airlines:

Via Miami, Florida or Dallas, Texas

United Airlines:

Via Houston, Texas

Delta Airlines:

Via Atlanta, Georgia and weekly from Los Angeles, California

US Airways:

Via Charlotte, North Carolina

Southwest Airlines:

Via Houston, Texas or Denver, Colorado

The cheapest flights to Belize City start at $86 for a one-way trip and $126 for a round trip. Round-trip prices range from $126 to $302, and one-way flights to Belize City can be as low as $86.

United Airlines offers round-trip flights to Belize City from $299.

Driving to Belize from the US

Planning Your Route

Firstly, you should be aware that there are only two entry points into Belize by road: the Northern Highway from Mexico and the Western Highway from Guatemala. If you are driving from the US, you will likely be entering via Mexico, so ensure you research the requirements for crossing the US-Mexico border and the Mexico-Belize border.

Crossing the US-Mexico Border

When crossing from the US into Mexico, you should be prepared for potential delays. The US side of customs may not provide accurate information about wait times or procedures on the Mexican side. It is also important to note that the Mexican border may be closed on certain days, such as New Year's Eve, so check in advance to avoid unexpected closures.

Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico can be challenging due to language barriers, unfamiliar road conditions, and the presence of drug cartels in certain areas. It is strongly advised to learn some basic Spanish before your trip, as English speakers may be limited, especially at official border crossings and during police checkpoints.

When driving in Mexico, be prepared for unpredictable road conditions, including unmarked speed bumps ("topes"), slow drivers, and vehicles without lights. It is recommended to avoid driving at night to reduce the risk of accidents. Plan your trip to drive during daylight hours, and be prepared for the journey to take longer than expected.

Border Crossing into Belize

When crossing the border from Mexico into Belize, there are several procedures to follow. First, you will need to get your vehicle fumigated, which costs $11 Belizean dollars and takes about 5 minutes. You will then proceed to immigration, where you will get your passport stamped and declare any vehicles you are bringing into the country. You will need to present your original vehicle title and registration documents.

After clearing immigration, you will be issued a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, valid for 30 days, which can be extended for up to 90 days. You will also need to purchase mandatory vehicle insurance from a Belizean insurance company, as you will likely be stopped at police checkpoints to check your insurance and registration.

Driving in Belize

Belize has a well-planned highway and road system, and most destinations can be reached by car. However, it is important to ensure your vehicle is in good condition, with functioning lights, horn, tires, and suspension. Car parts may not be readily available in Belize, so bring extra filters, wiper blades, spark plugs, and belts if possible.

In conclusion, driving to Belize from the US is a challenging journey that requires careful planning and preparation. Be sure to research the border-crossing procedures, learn some basic Spanish, and allow for unexpected delays. By following the guidelines provided, you can navigate the journey safely and successfully.

Getting to Belize from Europe

Belize is located in Central America, on the northeastern coast, and shares a water boundary with Honduras. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The country is about two hours by air from Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth.

There are no non-stop flights from Europe to Belize. However, there are several options for European travellers to get to Belize with just one stop.

Via London, England

American Airlines offers direct flights from London's Heathrow Airport that stop in Miami, Florida, before continuing on to Belize. These flights depart four times a week and have a short layover in Miami.

Via the United States

European travellers can also fly to major cities on the US East Coast, such as Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami, which offer multiple options for non-stop flights to Belize.

Via Toronto, Canada

Both Air Canada and WestJet offer non-stop flights from Toronto to Belize City.

Via Mexico

European travellers can fly to top destinations in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Cancun, Merida, and Playa del Carmen, with airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic. From Cancun, there are domestic flights to Belize City, which usually take about 90 minutes. Alternatively, there are buses from Cancun and Playa del Carmen to Chetumal, where you can cross the border into Belize.

Via Guatemala

Iberia Airlines offers non-stop flights from Madrid to Guatemala City, and from there, you can travel overland or take a short-haul flight to Belize. Many travellers choose to spend some time in Guatemala before continuing on to Belize.

Getting around Belize by plane, bus, taxi, car, kayak, etc

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. There are several ways to get around the country, including plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car, or even kayak.

Plane

Belize has two domestic airlines: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Flying is a memorable way to get around Belize, reducing travel time and offering incredible views of the jungle canopy, sweeping savannahs, and the coastline. Many flights depart from the international airport in Belize City, making it easy to get to your next destination.

Bus

Belize's bus system is a great way to save money and experience the local culture. The buses are typically retired Bluebird school buses painted in Caribbean colours. They are inexpensive and reliable, with major centres and destinations served several times a day. The longest bus ride is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, a seven-hour trip that costs around $13.

Water Taxi and Boat

Belize has nearly 200 miles of Caribbean coastline, and water taxis and boats are a common way to get around. Water taxis are the best way to access the numerous cayes, with regular services from Belize City to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Tickets cost between $21 and $31 one way.

Car

Renting a car in Belize is a great option for self-guided travel. The country has a well-planned highway and road system, and all of the mainland cities, towns, and popular attractions can be reached by car. However, some roads can be rustic and challenging to navigate due to rainy weather, so consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Taxi

Taxis in Belize are affordable and convenient, especially for shorter distances. They are easy to identify by their green license plates and can be flagged down in cities and larger towns. Taxi rates are inexpensive and should be negotiated with the driver before getting into the vehicle.

Kayak

For those feeling adventurous, it is possible to explore the Belize Barrier Reef by renting a kayak and navigating the waters yourself.

Belize's closest international airports

Belize's closest international airport is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE/PGIA), located in Ladyville, a village approximately 9-10 miles outside of Belize City. The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001. It is the only international airport in Belize and can accommodate full-size aircraft with its 9,700-foot runway.

Several international airlines operate from this airport, offering scheduled flights to the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Mexico. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Avianca Airlines are among the carriers providing non-stop services to various destinations within the United States. Air Canada and WestJet are two Canadian airlines that fly non-stop to Belize.

In addition to international flights, the Philip Goldson International Airport also serves as a hub for domestic flights within Belize. Local airlines such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer connections to various domestic airports scattered across the country.

Belize City also has its own municipal airport, known as the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (TZA), which handles some domestic flights to and from the country's largest city.

Overall, with its convenient location just outside Belize City and a range of international and domestic flight options, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport serves as the main gateway for travellers visiting Belize.

Frequently asked questions