Belize Airport To Bus Station: Easy Travel Guide

Belize City is served by the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, which has no public bus service. A taxi to Belize City costs BZ$50.00 (US$25) and takes 15-25 minutes. A cheaper option is to walk or take a taxi to the Philip Goldson Highway (2.5 km away) and wait for a bus. The bus fare to Belize City is BZ$2.

Taxi to the bus station

If you're looking to get from Belize Airport to the bus station, one option is to take a taxi. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA)

This is the only international airport in Belize, so if you're flying into the country, this will be your point of entry.

Step 2: Find a Taxi

There are no public buses operating from the airport, so your best bet is to take a taxi to the bus station. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and you may be able to share a ride with other passengers to split the cost. The standard fare for a taxi from the airport to Belize City, where the main bus terminal is located, is BZ$50.00 (approximately US$25.00). The ride should take around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Step 3: Navigate the Taxi Ride

During the taxi ride, you'll travel along the Philip Goldson Highway, which is the main route between the airport and Belize City. This highway is also known as the Northern Highway. It's a distance of about 16 kilometres from the airport to the city, and the road conditions can vary.

Step 4: Reach the Bus Station in Belize City

Your taxi will take you directly to the Belize City bus terminal, also known as Novelo's. This is the main hub for bus transportation in Belize. From here, you can catch buses to various destinations within the country. The bus station is located on West Collet Canal in Belize City.

Step 5: Purchase Bus Tickets

Once you arrive at the bus station, you can purchase tickets for your desired destination. Bus schedules and fares may vary, so it's a good idea to check the latest information before your trip. Bus travel in Belize is affordable but can be slow and crowded.

Step 6: Explore Belize by Bus

Belize has an extensive network of buses that connect different parts of the country. You can travel to towns such as Orange Walk, Corozal, Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Benque Viejo del Carmen. The buses operate on a regular basis, usually departing every half hour or hour.

Additionally, you can use the bus system to visit popular tourist destinations like Old Belize and the Belize Zoo. The bus system also connects to water taxi terminals, making it easy to access the cayes (small islands).

Tips:

• If you're travelling on a budget, consider walking or taking a taxi from the airport to the Philip Goldson Highway (about 2.5 km). From there, you can wave down local buses headed to the bus station in Belize City. This option is significantly cheaper, but it may take longer.
• When taking a taxi, be aware that some drivers may try to overcharge you if they realise you are a tourist. It's a good idea to discuss the fare before getting into the taxi.
• The bus system in Belize can be a bit unpredictable, so always allow for some flexibility in your travel plans.

Walk to the highway

If you're looking for a cheaper option than a $25 taxi to get from Belize Airport to the bus station in Belize City, you can walk to the highway and flag down a bus from there. It's about a 2.5km walk from the airport terminal to the Philip Goldson Highway.

From the airport, head for the junction with the Northern Highway. When you reach the T-intersection with the highway, wait on the side of the road with Belize City to your right. The bus fare to the Belize bus terminal will be BZ$1-2.

Be aware that there are no public buses from the airport itself, and that the walk is around 35 minutes. If you have luggage, it may be more convenient to take a taxi.

Hitch to the highway

Hitching to the highway is a cheap option to get from Belize International Airport to the bus station.

From the airport terminal, it's about a 2.5km walk to the Philip Goldson Highway. From there, you can flag down a bus headed to the bus station in Belize City.

If you're heading to Orange Walk or Corozal, you can cross to the other side of the highway and wait for a bus going in that direction.

If you're travelling light, the walk to the highway is an easy option. However, if you have a lot of luggage, you might prefer to take a taxi to the highway.

Once you reach the highway, you can wave down a bus. Make sure you're standing on the correct side of the road and use an up-and-down arm motion to flag down the bus. Express buses won't stop, but regular buses will.

The bus fare to Belize City is BZ$2, and the bus will take you to the bus terminal, where you can change to another bus if you're heading elsewhere.

Domestic flight

If you are travelling to Belize by plane, you will be landing at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. This is the only international airport in Belize, located in Ladyville, about 10 miles outside Belize City.

From the airport, you can take a connecting flight to other parts of Belize. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two domestic airlines in Belize, and they operate from the international airport.

If you are travelling to the bus station in Belize City, you have a few options. The most straightforward option is to take a taxi, which will cost around BZ$50 (US$25) and take 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are travelling with others, you can split the fare.

If you are travelling alone and want a cheaper option, you can walk or take a taxi from the airport terminal to the Philip Goldson Highway (about 2.5 km). From there, you can wait for a bus. Belize City will be to your right at the T-intersection with the highway. The bus fare to Belize City is BZ$1-2, and the bus will take you to the bus terminal, where you can change to another bus to your final destination.

If you are travelling to the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City, a taxi from the international airport will cost around BZ$50, and the ride will take about 20 minutes.

For a cheaper option to get from the international airport to the bus station in Belize City, you can take a bus going to Orange Walk or Corozal and ask the conductor to stop at the airport turn-off in Ladyville. The bus fare is BZ$2. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to the terminal. The taxi fare shouldn't be more than BZ$20.

Shuttle to the bus station

There are no public buses from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) to the bus station in Belize City. However, there are a few shuttle companies that can take you there.

Shuttle Companies

BZ Shuttle Service has been operating in Belize since 2013 and offers private, group, and shared transportation options. They provide comfortable vehicles for up to 16 people and are known for their customer service and timely transfers.

Belize Airport Shuttle Service (BASS) also offers shuttles to the bus station in Belize City and can take you to any hotel within the city. They can also pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the water taxi terminals.

William's Belize Shuttle is another recommended option. They offer private, combined, or shared shuttle services and have been certified for the Gold Standard in COVID-19 safety by the Belize Tourism Board. Their drivers are vaccinated, and they provide timely and professional service.

Cost

The cost of a taxi from the airport to the bus station in Belize City is around BZ$50.00 (US$25). Shuttle prices vary depending on the company and the type of service requested (private, shared, etc.), but they typically offer competitive rates.

Tips

• If you are travelling solo, consider finding another person at the airport to share a taxi and split the cost.
• Shuttle companies often have websites where you can book in advance and view customer reviews.
• Some shuttle companies also offer tours and transfers to other destinations in Belize, so you can use their services for your entire trip.

Frequently asked questions