Travel Guide: Belize City To Guatemala City

Belize City and Guatemala City are two Central American destinations that are frequently visited together. The distance between the two cities is approximately 405.6 kilometres by road, and there are several ways to travel between them. Here's an overview of the different transportation options available and what you need to know about each one.

Travel by plane

The quickest way to travel from Belize City to Guatemala City is by plane. The flight time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and there are two airlines that operate direct flights between the two cities: TAG Airlines and Maya Island Air. The distance covered by the flight is 252 miles.

When flying from Belize City to Guatemala City, you will depart from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA). TAG Airlines offers the most frequent service on this route, with 30 flights per month.

The price of flights can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking. Typically, one-way flights start at $172, and round-trip flights can range from $383 to $461. However, it is worth noting that prices may change, and additional terms may apply.

To find the best deals, it is recommended to book your flight in advance and compare prices across different airlines. Additionally, consider using services like Orbitz, which offers rewards and flexible change policies.

When booking your flight, keep in mind that Monday and Tuesday are usually the cheapest days to fly, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. February is often the cheapest month for flights, while July and December are the most expensive months.

Travel by bus

There is no direct public bus from Guatemala City to Belize City. However, there are a few bus options you can take to travel between the two cities. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get from Guatemala City to Belize City by bus:

• Option 1: Via Melchor de Mencos and Benque Viejo del Carmen: Take a bus from Guatemala City to Melchor de Mencos. From there, take another bus to Benque Viejo del Carmen. Finally, take a bus from Benque Viejo del Carmen to Belize City. This journey will take approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes to 9 hours and 48 minutes. The cost of this trip ranges from $35 to $103.
• Option 2: Via Flores: Take a bus from Guatemala City to Flores. From Flores, you can take a bus to Belize City. This journey will take approximately 12 hours and 29 minutes to 13 hours and 4 minutes. The cost of this trip ranges from $75 to $110.
• Option 3: Via Puerto Barrios and Punta Gorda: Take a bus from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios. From Puerto Barrios, take a ferry to Punta Gorda. Once in Punta Gorda, take a bus to Belize City. This journey will take approximately 15 hours. The cost of this trip ranges from $60 to $75.

Please note that the bus schedules and prices may vary, so it is recommended to check the latest information before planning your trip. Additionally, some bus companies may offer online bookings, which can be convenient for securing your seat in advance.

Travel by car

The distance between Belize City and Guatemala City is approximately 425 miles by road, and the drive will take around 9 hours and 54 minutes to 9 hours and 56 minutes. The prices for renting a car for this trip range from $140 to $210, depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle chosen.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the Belize-Guatemala border is the only land border crossing between the two countries. This crossing is located at Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala and Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize. The border is typically open from 6 am to 10 pm, and you will need to complete two immigration forms before entering Belize.

In terms of road conditions, you can expect a mix of well-maintained highways and more rural roads. The CA-13 highway, also known as the George Price Highway, is a major route connecting Belize City to the western border with Guatemala. This highway is generally in good condition and provides a direct route to the border. However, once you cross into Guatemala, the road conditions can vary, with some areas being well-paved and others having potholes or unpaved sections. It's always a good idea to check for road updates and plan your route accordingly.

Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of Central America, including lush forests and charming villages. This road trip allows you to explore hidden gems and experience the diverse landscapes and cultural offerings of both countries.

Remember to plan ahead for a smooth border crossing and make the most of your cross-country adventure by immersing yourself in the rich history, vibrant markets, and delectable cuisine that Guatemala City has to offer.

Travel by ferry

One option for travelling from Belize City to Guatemala City is to take a combination of buses and a ferry. This journey will take approximately 15 hours and 2 minutes, or 15 hours and 24 minutes, depending on the source. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1:

Take the bus from Guatemala to Puerto Barrios.

Step 2:

Take the ferry from Puerto Barrios to Punta Gorda Municipal Pier. This ferry ride is provided by Memo's Boat (Asugena Ferry) and Transportes El Chato.

Step 3:

Take the bus from Punta Gorda to Belize City.

Additional Steps:

Some sources also suggest the following steps:

• Take the bus from Guatemala Zona 1 to Santa Elena, Guatemala City Zona 1.
• Take the bus from Flores to Belize City.

Cost:

The cost of this journey varies depending on the source, with prices quoted between $60 and $100, or $85 and $100. The price of the ferry alone can range from $55 to $130.

Travel by shuttle

If you're looking to travel from Belize City to Guatemala City by shuttle, there are a few options available to you. The cheapest way to travel between the two cities is by shuttle, which costs between $50 and $90 and takes approximately 17 hours and 20 minutes.

One shuttle service travels from Belize City to Flores, Guatemala, with tickets available from adrenalinatours.com. This shuttle service must be reserved 48 hours in advance and tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed. Only one large bag and one handbag are allowed, with extra bags costing $5 each. This is a door-to-door service, with pick-up in front of the "I Love Peten" letters at the entrance of Flores and drop-off at the water taxis terminal in Belize City.

Another option is to take a shuttle from Belize City to Guatemala City, operated by Getaway Travels. This shuttle can be booked through Rome2rio, which provides a travel planner with step-by-step directions and transport options.

When travelling by shuttle, it's important to keep in mind that there might be transfers involved and that the journey can take a significant amount of time. If you're looking for a quicker option, flying is the fastest way to get between the two cities, with a direct flight taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions