Dialing The Right Way: Calling Cancun From Belize

There are several ways to get from Cancun to Belize, including flying, driving, taking a bus, or a combination of these. Flying is the fastest option, with direct flights taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it is also the most expensive. Driving takes around 7-8 hours for the 303-mile journey and can be stressful due to the long distance and border crossing. Taking a bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $19-45, but it can take up to 12 hours with connections and overnight layovers.

Flying from Cancun to Belize

Flying is the most popular option for travelling from Cancun to Belize, as it is the fastest method and tourists often have a limited amount of time to spend during their vacations. There are several carriers that service this route, including Tropic Air, which offers a direct flight from Cancun to Belize City, which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Other airlines that fly this route include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Copa, Delta, and United.

The price of flights varies depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. For example, a one-way flight from Cancun to Belize City can range from $224 to $362. It is recommended to book your flight between 28 and 35 days in advance for domestic flights and three to four months in advance for international flights to get the best price.

If you are looking for a more scenic route, you can also travel from Cancun to Belize by bus or car. However, these options will take significantly longer, with the bus journey taking around 8.5 hours, and the drive being about 303 miles.

Driving from Cancun to Belize

The Route

The drive from Cancun to Belize City is 303 miles (487 km) and should take around 6 hours and 26 minutes in normal traffic. The route takes you through Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Bacalar, and Puerto Aventuras.

Things to Consider

• Renting a car: Make sure you rent from a company that allows you to take the rental vehicle into Belize. They can provide you with a letter of permission to take the car into Belize. Some companies may require additional documentation if you plan to drive into Guatemala.
• Gas stations: Be aware of gas pump scams where attendants may claim you gave a smaller note than you actually did. It's recommended to pay with smaller notes and count the bills out.
• Double entry stamp: Consider getting a doble entrada stamp when you arrive at the airport. This may make it so you don't need to give up your immigration form when you exit Mexico and enter Belize.
• Vehicle fumigation: Once you cross a bridgeway, you will enter a transition border zone where your vehicle will need to be fumigated for a small fee.
• Belize auto insurance: Your rental company should make it clear that you will need to buy Belize auto insurance if you take the car into Belize. This is only for third-party liability, so it is recommended to put your entire rental cost on a good credit card that provides collision coverage.
• Border crossings: Be prepared to deal with border crossings, insurance, and road conditions.
• Driving conditions: Driving in both countries is generally easy. Roads are better on Highway 307 in Mexico. Belize is a small country, but most roads have slower speeds and speed bumps in towns. Allow yourself an average of 50 kph to cover distances.
• The Hummingbird Highway: This highway in Belize is awesome. You can also drive to Caracol on the dirt roads, but a four-wheel drive is recommended for this route. The roads in the Mountain Pine Forest district are slow going. It is recommended to take the road through San Antonio on the westerly side.
• Fill your tank: Make sure to fill your tank and leave plenty of time for your journey.

Taking a bus from Cancun to Belize

The bus from Cancun to Belize is a stunning trip that serves coastal views and dense tropical forest moments as it crosses several regions in both countries. The most common bus company to use for this trip is Autobuses de Oriente (ADO). Known for its luxurious first-class and executive-class buses, ADO is one of Mexico's largest and most popular bus companies. The buses are large and modern, with air conditioning, comfortable seats, an onboard restroom, and TV screens.

The ADO bus terminal is located in downtown Cancun. There are many different and exciting activities to do when in Cancun, including snorkelling, kayaking, bungee jumping, and much more. The Cancun nightlife oozes vibrance and culture.

The first stop on your trip is Playa del Carmen, a beautiful resort town located on the Caribbean coast. It is known for its stunning beaches lined with palm trees and its colourful coral reefs. With golf courses, Mayan ruins, and dance clubs, you are guaranteed to never get bored if you hop off at Playa del Carmen.

Next, the bus stops in Tulum, a city famous for its well-preserved ancient Quintana Roo ruins of the Mayan port city. Tulum offers a jungle paradise with white-sand beaches and is also home to the world's largest natural aquarium. On top of this, you can also explore the cenote caves, visit the Biosphere Preserve, and so much more.

Further south, you're getting to Bacalar, which offers some of the most beautiful crystal clear waters in the peninsula without the crowds seen in Tulum and Cancun.

And then, there's Chetumal, which serves as your hopping point between Mexico and Belize.

The border crossing between Mexico and Belize is pretty smooth and straightforward. Once you get to the border, you will be asked to get off the bus to go through immigration for both exiting Mexico and entering Belize. While this takes some time, it is a very smooth process, and in less than an hour (or even faster if there's no queue), you'll be back on the same bus.

Shortly after crossing the border into Belize, your third stop is Corozal – yet another town full of heritage and beauty. Although there is not much to see or do here, Corozal is well-liked for its calm atmosphere and sleepy seaside scene. If you are not yet tired of exploring Mayan ruins, you can also find the remains of Cerro Maya here.

The next stop is Orange Walk Town, located along the New River. Although the town's citrus farming is a vital part of its growing agricultural economy, Orange Walk is locally referred to as "Sugah City" due to its sugarcane farming and the sweet smell that fills the air. With even more Mayan ruins, a lagoon, some bird-watching areas, and a distillery, this is a great spot to hop off and explore.

Finally, you will arrive at the heart of Belize, at the Belize City bus terminal. The city is centred between the Belize Barrier Reef and dense rainforests.

Once you are in Belize, be sure to explore the mystery of the Crystal Skull at the Lubaantun ruins, roam around the stunning Xunantunich Mayan ruins, and see the crystal maiden skeleton at the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves. Other activities include the Belize Zoo, the museum, St. John's Cathedral, a wildlife sanctuary, and just indulging in the Caribbean culture.

And, of course, don't miss going to the stunning islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye – especially if you like diving. These are two of the best spots in Belize. No place compares to the chill atmosphere of Caye Caulker.

The ADO bus from Cancun to Belize typically has two schedules: an overnight bus and a daytime bus. The overnight bus leaves Cancun around 10:15 pm and arrives in Belize around 6:30 the next morning. The daytime bus leaves the terminal around 6:10 am and arrives at the Belize bus station around 4:35 pm. These schedules can change, so it is recommended to check the ADO website for the latest information.

The average fare for the bus from Cancun to Belize is roughly MX$1,186 or $69. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the bus station in Cancun.

Taking a water taxi from Cancun to Belize

Flying into Cancun and then travelling onwards to Belize is a great way to save money, as flights to Cancun tend to be cheaper than those to Belize. You can then take a water taxi from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro, Belize, and then on to Caye Caulker, Belize. The boat ride takes about 2 hours, but it could be longer if the water is choppy.

There are two water taxi companies: San Pedro Belize Express ($40 USD) and San Pedro Water Jets ($50 USD). You must arrive at the Chetumal dock 30 minutes before departure, and you will need to go through customs for both countries.

To get to the water taxi departure point, you will need to take a taxi from the Chetumal bus station. It's about a 10-minute drive, and there are plenty of taxis available. It's recommended to book your ticket in advance, as there are only two companies and they depart on different days. It's also slightly cheaper to book a return ticket.

The water taxi is a large speedboat with indoor seating. It can be a bit of a rush to board, and seating may be uncomfortable, with only bench seats and no padding. There is a bathroom on board, but it's for emergencies only.

On arrival in Belize, you will need to go through immigration and have your bags checked by a dog. If you are heading to Caye Caulker, you will need to wait until everyone has gone through immigration before your next boat departs.

Alternative routes

You can fly from Cancun to San Pedro for about $400 USD, but this is not the cheapest option.

Another option is to take a couple of bus rides from Cancun to Belize. You will likely want to stay overnight in Mexico, as the trip will take about 9 hours in total. Many travellers stay in Playa del Carmen for a night or two, which offers nice hotels, shopping, and restaurants.

You can take a bus from the airport in Cancun to Playa del Carmen for $10 USD, then purchase another bus ticket to Chetumal for around $17. From there, you can take a taxi to the Corozal air strip in Belize and fly to San Pedro with Tropic Air for $60 USD each way.

Hiring a driver from Cancun to Belize

Rental car

If you want to drive yourself from Cancun to Belize, you can rent a car from companies such as Caribbean Rent a Car, Yes Rent-a-Car, and Easy Way. However, it can be challenging to find a company that allows you to cross the border with a rental car. Some companies may require you to purchase additional insurance and special documentation. Make sure to do your research beforehand and carefully read the rental agreement to avoid any problems.

Border crossing

When crossing the border, you will need to go through customs and immigration in both Mexico and Belize. Make sure to have all the necessary documentation, including your passport and any required visas. You will also need to get your vehicle fumigated before entering Belize, which will cost around $5 USD. There may be opportunists at the border who will offer to guide you through the process, but it is recommended to avoid them.

Driving conditions

The drive from Cancun to Belize is approximately 2100 kilometers. The roads are generally in better condition on Highway 307 in Mexico. In Belize, most roads have slower speeds and speed bumps in towns, so allow for extra travel time. It is not recommended to drive at night in either country due to safety concerns.

Private transfer services

If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can book a private transfer service from Cancun to Belize. Companies such as Daytrip offer door-to-door service with professional drivers who speak English and have local knowledge of the area. The journey takes approximately 7 hours, and you can also opt for sightseeing along the way.

Public transportation

Alternatively, you can take a combination of buses and taxis to get from Cancun to Belize. First, take a bus from Cancun to Chetumal, and then another bus to Corozal in Belize. From there, you can take a taxi to your final destination. This option is more affordable but may be less comfortable and convenient than the other choices.

Frequently asked questions