Damon Mcknight
The bus from Belize City to Flores, Guatemala, is approximately 120 miles or 192 kilometres. The journey takes between 4 hours 30 minutes and 7 hours, depending on the bus company and the number of stops. The fastest way to travel from Belize City to Flores is by minivan, which takes approximately 4 hours. The cheapest way to get from Belize City to Flores is by bus, which costs between $20 and $25.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 120 miles or 192 kilometres |
| Average Duration | 5 to 6 hours |
| Cheapest Price | USD 10 |
| Fastest Way | Driving (3 hours 18 minutes) |
What You'll Learn
The bus from Belize City to Flores takes 5-6 hours
There are direct and indirect bus services available. Direct buses are the cheapest option, costing around $20, whereas indirect buses with additional taxis cost between $10 and $23.
The Marlin Espadas bus service is a good option, as it picks you up on Flores Island and takes around 5 hours. This service costs $25 per person.
If you're looking for a faster option, you can take a shuttle or drive. Shuttles take around 5 hours and cost between $35 and $60. Driving takes around 3 hours and costs between $45 and $70.
Flores is the capital of the Petén Department, Guatemala's landlocked, northernmost department. Belize City, on the other hand, is the largest city in Belize and its principal port and financial hub.
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The Marlin Espadas bus service is the most convenient option
The Marlin Espadas bus service is also a more economical choice than shuttle buses, which are considered overpriced for offering no additional benefits over direct bus routes. The shuttle buses from Flores to Belize City cost between $35 and $60 USD per person, depending on the agency.
In addition to the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the Marlin Espadas bus service, it is worth noting that Marlin Espadas is a well-established company that provides transfer services in multiple locations, including Belize City and Flores. They offer both bus and minivan options, catering to various group sizes and preferences.
When planning your trip from Flores to Belize City, the Marlin Espadas bus service stands out as the most convenient, cost-effective, and reliable choice among the available options.
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The cheapest option is to use local buses
Step 1: Get to the Santa Elena Bus Terminal
Firstly, you need to get to the Santa Elena Bus Terminal from wherever you are staying in Flores. You can walk, take a tuk-tuk, or take a taxi. A tuk-tuk will likely cost 10-20 Quetzales, and a taxi may cost a little more.
Step 2: Take the bus to Melchor de Mencos
From Santa Elena Bus Terminal, take a bus to Melchor de Mencos. Buses leave every 15-30 minutes and cost 40 Quetzales (around $5 USD). The journey takes at least 2 hours, depending on how many stops the bus makes.
Step 3: Cross the border on foot
After arriving at Melchor de Mencos, you will need to cross the border on foot. The border is just a couple of hundred metres away from the bus drop-off point, across the river. First, pass through Guatemalan immigration, which is on the right-hand side of the road. Then, walk for another 100 metres or so to Belize immigration. Here, you will need to collect your entry stamp before heading out of the building and into Belize.
Step 4: Get to Benque Viejo Del Carmen
Once you have crossed the border, you will need to get to Benque Viejo Del Carmen. There are no buses that run directly from the border, so you have two options: walk or take a taxi. The distance is around 3 km, and taxis can be expensive due to the lack of alternative options. Expect to pay between $3 and $10 USD for a taxi. If you choose to walk, be prepared for the tropical heat.
Step 5: Take a bus to Belize City
From Benque Viejo Del Carmen, you can take a bus directly to Belize City. Buses run from the early hours until mid-afternoon, and tickets cost $5 USD.
Additional Information:
The whole journey will take around 7 hours, and the cost (excluding any transport to the Santa Elena Bus Terminal at the start of your journey) will be between $10 and $23 USD. This is a significant saving compared to other options, such as taking a shuttle or flying.
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The Fuentes del Norte bus has reclining seats
Fuentes del Norte is a well-known bus company that operates in Central America, providing shuttle services across the region. Their buses are typically equipped with reclining seats, offering a comfortable journey for passengers. This particular route, from Belize City to Flores, covers a distance of approximately 120 to 140 miles, with some variations depending on the specific departure and arrival points.
The journey time for the bus from Belize City to Flores is estimated to be around 5 to 7 hours. The duration can vary depending on factors such as traffic conditions, border crossings, and the number of stops made along the way. It's important to note that there is no direct bus service for this route, and passengers will need to make a transfer at San Ignacio or Benque Viejo el Carmen.
When travelling on the Fuentes del Norte bus, passengers can expect a comfortable and relaxing journey. The reclining seats allow for a restful trip, especially on longer routes. The buses also typically make stops upon request for toilet breaks, ensuring a convenient experience. Additionally, passengers are allowed a luggage allowance of 25 kg, along with a handbag or carry-on item.
It's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your seat on the Fuentes del Norte bus. Tickets can be purchased online through the company's website or authorised travel agencies. Prices may vary depending on the departure and arrival points, but generally range from $18.75 to $60 for this route.
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The Marlin Espadas bus picks you up on Flores Island
The Marlin Espadas bus is a convenient and affordable way to travel from Flores, Guatemala, to Belize City. Here's everything you need to know about this bus service:
Departure and Arrival Points
The Marlin Espadas bus conveniently picks up passengers directly from Flores Island, saving you the trouble of getting to the Santa Elena Bus Terminal. The pick-up point is in front of the Green Monkey Hostel, near the southwest tip of the island.
The bus arrives at the San Pedro Water Taxi Terminal in Belize City, which is perfect if you're planning to catch a boat to Caye Caulker or San Pedro.
Schedule and Duration
The Marlin Espadas bus departs daily at 7 am from Flores Island and arrives in Belize City around 5 hours later at midday. However, the journey may take longer if there are delays at the border.
Border Crossing
On this route, you'll cross the Guatemala-Belize border at Melchor de Mencos. You'll need to get off the bus to go through both Guatemalan and Belizean immigration on foot.
At Guatemalan immigration, you'll obtain your exit stamp, and then you'll walk over to the Belize side to complete entry formalities. You may be asked about your itinerary and the duration of your stay. Some nationalities do not automatically receive a 30-day stamp, so be sure to request the duration you need.
Once you have your entry stamp, you'll head out of the building and get back on the bus to continue your journey to Belize City.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets for the Marlin Espadas bus cost $25 USD per person for the trip from Flores Island to Belize City. It's best to book directly through the Marlin Espadas website to get the lowest price, as other agencies may charge a higher price to include a commission.
Advantages of the Marlin Espadas Bus
The Marlin Espadas bus is considered one of the best options for travelling from Flores to Belize City because of its convenience and affordability. By picking you up directly from Flores Island, it saves you the hassle of getting to the Santa Elena Bus Terminal early in the morning.
Additionally, the Marlin Espadas bus offers a direct route, so you don't have to worry about making multiple connections. The bus also drops you off at a convenient location in Belize City, making it easy to continue your journey by water taxi if needed.
Other Travel Options
While the Marlin Espadas bus is a great option, there are other ways to travel between Flores and Belize City. These include flying, taking a shuttle, or using local bus connections.
Flying is the most expensive option, and there are currently no direct flights between Flores Airport and Belize City. The only available route is via Guatemala City with TAG Airlines, costing over $220 USD for a one-way trip.
Shuttle buses are another choice, but they are often more expensive and don't offer any additional benefits over the direct bus routes.
If you're on a tight budget, you can also use local bus connections to get from Flores to Belize City. This option involves taking two buses and either walking or taking a taxi in between. This method can be more time-consuming and complicated but can be a good option if you're looking to save money.
Final Thoughts
The Marlin Espadas bus is an excellent choice for travelling from Flores Island to Belize City. With its convenient pick-up location, direct route, and affordable pricing, it offers a hassle-free and comfortable journey.
Remember to book your ticket in advance, especially if you're travelling during a busy period, to secure your seat on the Marlin Espadas bus!
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Frequently asked questions
The bus from Belize City to Flores takes between 4 hours and 7 hours, depending on the route and whether you change at San Ignacio.
The bus ranges in price from $10 to $25.
The fastest way to travel from Belize City to Flores is by driving, which takes around 3 hours.
