Belize City To Tikal: A Journey Through History And Nature

Belize City to Tikal is a popular route for tourists, thanks to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey can be done by air, bus, shuttle, car, or tour bus.

Flights from Belize City to Tikal are available from Tropic Air, with prices ranging from $150-200 each way. The flight takes about an hour.

For those on a budget, there are buses and shuttles available, with prices starting at $5 for a regular bus service to Benque Viejo Town, the closest point to the Guatemalan border by public bus. From there, travellers can take a taxi to the border and then a public taxi to Santa Elena in Guatemala for around $13.

There are also organised shuttle services and tour buses that provide land transport to Flores, with prices starting at $25.

For those who prefer a more flexible option, renting a car is also possible, with prices starting at $65 per day. However, it is important to note that only one rental car company in Belize allows vehicles to be taken across the border, and additional insurance may be required.

The journey from Belize City to Tikal involves crossing the border between Belize and Guatemala, so travellers should be prepared for border control procedures and have their passports ready.

Travel by air

The closest airport to Tikal is in Flores, Guatemala. Tropic Air is the only airline that flies from Belize City's Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to Flores' airport. The flight is approximately one hour long, and the airline offers daily flights, usually departing Belize City around 4:30 pm and returning from Flores around 8 am. The cost is approximately $150-200 US each way, or $304 for a round trip. You can purchase tickets on the Tropic Air website.

When you arrive at Flores airport, you can take a vehicle to Tikal, but it is recommended that you reserve a reliable driver or tour operator in advance.

If you are travelling from the Belize border, remember to bring your passport, exit tax (US$15), and the PACT conservation fee (US$3.75).

Travel by bus

There are no direct buses from Belize City to Tikal. However, there are several options for travelling between the two by bus.

From the W Collet Canal St/King St Bus Terminal in Belize City, you can take a bus to Benque Viejo Town. This is the closest point to the Guatemalan border by public bus. The bus costs $5 for regular service, or $5.50 for express service. From the Benque Viejo Town terminal, a taxi to the border will cost between $2.50 and $5.00.

After crossing the border, you can take a public taxi to Santa Elena in Guatemala, which will cost about $13. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Flores for about $2.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio, and then drive from San Ignacio to Tikal.

Another option is to take the bus to Flores, get off at the crossroads in Ixlu, and then wait for another bus heading north to El Remate or Tikal. However, the wait could be long as the schedules are not published.

There are also several tour companies that offer buses directly to Flores and Tikal from Belize City, such as S&L Travel Tours and Atlanta Tour Express Bus Service. The journey to the border takes about 4.5 hours.

When travelling by bus, make sure to bring your passport, exit tax ($15), and the PACT conservation fee ($3.75).

Travel by shuttle

Shuttle services are a popular way to travel from Belize City to Tikal, with many tour agencies and shuttle companies offering organised transport to Flores, Belize, and Mexico. The journey typically takes around 5 hours and costs between $25-30.

Shuttle Companies

Mondo Maya Travels is a reliable shuttle company that will get you to your final destination, even if the shuttle breaks down. They also honour your travel plans and will get you to your destination if anything happens during your journey.

Other companies, such as Mundo Maya Travel Office, will sell you tickets for shuttle services. They offer a one-way ticket from Belize City to Flores for a lower price than a round-trip ticket. You can then purchase a return ticket from Flores for around $17.

Shuttle Locations

Most offices for shuttle companies are located in the same centre where you can catch the express water taxi to San Pedro, a popular backpacker centre on Belize's Ambergris Caye.

Border Crossing

When travelling from Belize City to Tikal, you will need to cross the border into Guatemala. Make sure you bring your passport, exit tax (US$15), and the PACT conservation fee (US$3.75).

The bus ride from Belize City to the Guatemalan border takes approximately 2-3 hours. After getting off the bus, proceed to the green Belize Immigration building and look for the "Departure" sign on the left. You will need to pay the Border Departure Fee and the Environmental Fee, which can only be paid in Belizean or US dollars.

After getting your passport stamped, you will exit the building and encounter locals trying to sell you things and offering services. Neither Belizean nor Guatemalan Immigration requires any further payment after the official immigration counter, so politely decline any offers.

Proceed to Guatemalan Immigration, located in a big open shed structure on the left, and go to the "Entrada" line for document check.

Travel by car

The drive from Belize City to Tikal takes around 4 hours and covers a distance of 142 miles. It is possible to rent a car in Belize City for around $65-70 per day. Crystal Auto Rental is one of the only companies that allow you to take a rental vehicle into Guatemala, but be sure to check with the company about insurance as it may cost extra.

When driving from Belize City to Tikal, you will need to cross the border into Guatemala. Have your passport, exit tax ($15), and the PACT conservation fee ($3.75) ready. You will also need to pay the Border Departure Fee and the Environmental Fee when leaving Belize—these fees must be paid in Belizean or US dollars as credit cards are not accepted.

After crossing the border, you will need to proceed to Guatemalan Immigration to get your passport stamped. There will be many locals trying to sell you things or offering rides, but you can politely decline as you have already arranged transportation.

Once you are through the border, follow the directions to Tikal, keeping in mind that driving in Guatemala can be a unique experience. Be prepared to drive on whichever side of the road has fewer potholes and keep an eye out for animals and people.

When you arrive at Tikal, there is an on-site restaurant where you can relax and replenish your energy. The site is part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Border crossing

When travelling from Belize City to Tikal, you will need to cross the border from Belize into Guatemala. The closest point to the Guatemalan border by public bus is Benque Viejo Town. From the W Collet Canal St/King St Bus Terminal in Belize City, you can catch a bus to Benque Viejo Town for $5 for regular service or $5.50 for express service. From the Benque Viejo Town terminal, a taxi to the border will cost between $2.50 and $5.00.

After getting off the bus, proceed to the green Belize Immigration building and look for the 'Departure' sign on the left. Here, you will have to pay the Border Departure Fee and the Environmental Fee. These fees must be paid in Belizean or US dollars, as credit cards are not accepted. After getting your passport stamped, you will exit the building and find yourself in a no-man's land area with vendors trying to sell you things. Ignore them and proceed to Guatemalan Immigration in a big open shed structure on your left.

At Guatemalan Immigration, go to the ''Entrada' line for document check and to get your Guatemalan stamp. Once you have your stamp, you can rejoin your group or return to your vehicle.

If you are driving a rental car, you will need a special permit to cross the border. Crystal Car Rental is one company that can provide this permit for about $20 USD. You will also need to purchase insurance for the vehicle as you cross the border.

When approaching the border, be prepared for locals trying to sell you things or offering you rides. Politely decline these offers and proceed on your own or with your pre-arranged driver/tour guide.

The entire border crossing process can take up to 45 minutes, and you will need to pay various fees along the way. Have your passport and necessary funds readily available to facilitate a smooth crossing.

Frequently asked questions