Exploring Belize City: Transportation And Travel Options

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one place to another in just a few hours. There are several ways to get around Belize City, including by plane, taxi, shuttle, rental car, bus, or boat. The best options for hassle-free travel around Belize City are taxis and rental cars. Cabs and rental cars are also the most convenient way to get to and from the city's two airports. Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's cayes and the most affordable way to travel to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Buses are the cheapest way to get around Belize, but they are often slow and crowded.

Travel by bus

Buses are the cheapest way to get around Belize, with the longest trip in the country (Belize City to Punta Gorda) costing only BZ$25 and taking 5-7 hours. They are also a great way to save money and experience the local culture. However, they tend to be slow and jam-packed.

The main towns are served by fast and comfortable express buses, which stop only at the towns' terminals. For villages off the main highways, you'll have to rely on slower local services, often with just one bus a day running Monday to Saturday. These buses are brightly painted, recycled North American school buses, which will pick up and drop off anywhere along the roadside. The most frequent services operate along the Western and Northern highways, usually from very early in the morning to mid-evening. The Hummingbird and Southern highways, to Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda, are not quite so well provided for, though services are improving.

There is no standard bus system in Belize City, and prices vary depending on distance, company, and type of service. Autotransportes De Oriente (ADO) provides transport from Belize City to nearby Mexican destinations, including Cancún and Playa del Carmen. James Bus is another reliable company, offering daily transportation between Belize City, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda.

Tickets are purchased on the bus from the conductor and usually cost only a few dollars. Schedules can be found online, but for the most up-to-date information, it is best to ask at the bus station. At the station, you can ask the staff which gate to wait at and what time to line up. It is also a good idea to ask them to give you a heads-up when the bus arrives.

If the station is busy, be prepared for a push to get on the bus as there are no rules about who gets on first. Alternatively, you can try to find a staff member who might be willing to get on the bus for you and save you a seat (usually for a small fee). It is also a good idea to use the bathroom before getting on the bus, as there are no bathrooms on board, and you don't want to lose your seat during a break.

These buses are retired US school buses, so don't expect air conditioning or a smooth ride. The windows will be open, and the wind and dust will be whipping in. Food and drinks are usually sold at major bus stations and some smaller ones, so you don't need to worry about packing your own.

When taking the bus, it is essential to be easy-going. The buses can be uncomfortable, and you might have to squeeze in or stand in the aisle if they get too full. Additionally, the driver might make extra stops or play loud music. It is also important to keep your bag with you, either in the overhead storage or packed in the belly of the bus if you're getting on at a major station.

Travel by water taxi

Water taxis are a popular way to get to and from Belize City, especially to reach the islands of Caye Caulker and San Pedro. The water taxi terminal in Belize City is located in the centre of Central Park in San Pedro, and the journey from the city to the islands takes around 1.5 hours.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online, or at the terminal. It is recommended to buy round-trip tickets, as these are discounted. The average fare for a ride from Belize City Airport to the water taxi terminal is about €35 (BZD 76.90) for 4 passengers. However, there are different prices for locals and tourists, with locals paying around $50bzd round trip and tourists paying around $70bzd.

Luggage

Water taxi companies will often provide a luggage transfer service, collecting your luggage from your taxi or shuttle and transporting it to the boat. You will be given a luggage tag, and your luggage will be unloaded at your destination, so you can collect it upon arrival.

Timings

The water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes 45 minutes, and then a further 30 minutes to San Pedro. The last water taxi to the islands is at 5:30 pm, so it is important to plan accordingly if you are arriving late in the afternoon.

Alternative Options

If you are looking for a quicker way to travel, you can take a plane from Belize City to the islands. This option is faster and more convenient but can be more expensive. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shared shuttle from the airport to the water taxi terminal.

Travel by plane

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by plane, with all international flights landing just outside of Belize City, at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville. This is the only international airport in Belize.

From the airport, you can either take a domestic flight to your destination within Belize or catch ground transportation, such as a taxi, shuttle, or rental car. Local airlines fly small Cessna aircraft, known as puddle-jumpers, to the major towns in the six districts of Belize. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Belize, although it can be a bit expensive.

There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Tropic Air flies to 11 domestic destinations, including Corozal, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Dangriga. Maya Island Air serves 11 destinations, including Caye Caulker, Corozal, Dangriga, and Placencia. These airlines also offer regional flights to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Flight schedules are coordinated with the arrival and departure of international flights, making it even more convenient for travellers. Commuter airlines make travelling throughout Belize hassle-free, and the flights offer incredible views of the jungle canopy, sweeping savannahs, and colourful coastlines.

Flying is a memorable way to get around Belize, reducing travel time and providing a unique perspective of the country.

Travel by shuttle

Shuttle services are a great way to get around Belize. They offer a guided experience and can be booked as part of a tour or vacation package. This is a popular choice, as it includes ground transfers and is often provided by hotels or tour operators.

Belizing is a well-known shuttle service provider with a range of mainland routes, particularly to and from San Ignacio. Shuttle vans are clean, well-maintained, and even offer Wi-Fi. The cost of a shuttle can be as low as US$35 per person, making it a more affordable option than a taxi ride, which could cost upwards of US$150 for the same route.

When booking a shuttle, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable company. While most companies provide reliable and safe services, there have been reports of late departures, overbooking, and vehicle breakdowns. Reading reviews and choosing a company that responds promptly to inquiries is essential.

Shuttle services are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between the airport and your accommodation or the ferry terminal. They are also a great option for getting around the mainland, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of renting a car and navigating the roads yourself.

In addition to Belizing, other shuttle companies in Belize include Belize Shuttles and Transfers, which offers transfers from the airport to Belize City and San Ignacio, and Elias Guerra Transfers Service. These companies provide transportation to and from the airport, as well as tours and transfers to popular destinations within Belize.

Travel by taxi

Taxis are a great way to get around Belize City. They are plentiful, affordable, and easy to flag down. Here are some tips to help you navigate Belize City by taxi:

Finding a Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Belize City and can be found near busy locations such as tourist attractions, the port, and hotels. You can hail a taxi from the street, look for taxi ranks near popular locations, or call one of the local operators for an on-demand taxi service. Licensed taxis have green license plates, and some may have roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors.

Water Taxis

Belize City also offers water taxi services, a fun and practical option for reaching coastal destinations or nearby islands. Water taxis are a great way to access popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye.

Fares and Payment

Belize City taxis do not have meters or standardised rates. It is essential to agree on a price with the driver before getting into the taxi. The average in-city fare is around BZD 10 (approximately €5), but fares can vary depending on the distance and the number of passengers. Some taxi operators charge per passenger, while others charge a set fare for the whole group. It is always a good idea to carry small bills in local currency to ensure you have the exact fare, as taxi drivers rarely have change for large bills.

Sharing Rides

It is common for taxis in Belize City to be shared rides. Don't be surprised if the driver stops to pick up additional passengers during your trip. Fares are usually set per person, regardless of the number of passengers in the taxi.

Tipping

Tipping your taxi driver is not expected but is appreciated, especially for rides outside the city limits. You can round up the total fare if you are pleased with the service.

Accessibility

Belize City, like most of the country, is not very wheelchair-friendly. Standard taxis can accommodate foldable wheelchairs in the trunk, but there are no taxis equipped with ramps for non-foldable wheelchairs. If you require accessible transportation, it is best to organise your trip through a travel agency that provides these services.

Safety and Complaints

While taxis in Belize City are regulated by the state, it is still important to agree on a fare before your ride to avoid any surprises. If you encounter any issues with pricing or driver behaviour, you can contact the Belize City Council at +501 280 2308 to report the incident. Be sure to take note of the driver's name, registration number, license plate, and the company they work for, if applicable.

Pre-Booking a Taxi

If you prefer a stress-free arrival at the airport or want to ensure a smooth travel experience, you can pre-book a personalised private transfer with companies like Welcome Pickups. Pre-booking can save you the hassle of carrying cash and negotiating fares, as these transfers are pre-paid at a fixed rate.

Frequently asked questions