Exploring Belize: Hopkins To Placencia Travel Guide

There are several ways to get from Hopkins, Belize to Placencia. You can take a bus, car, or plane. The bus is the cheapest option, costing $3 and taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. The plane is the fastest option, taking 55 minutes and costing $60-$170. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, you can book a private shuttle transfer for $100 USD for 1 to 3 people.

Travel by bus for the cheapest option

The public bus from Hopkins to Placencia is the cheapest way to travel between the two, with bus fare costing $3. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, it's not the most convenient option, as you'll need to figure out the bus schedule, get to the terminal on time, and find the terminal in the first place. The buses can also be crowded, which is a serious issue if you're travelling with luggage.

Getting from Hopkins to Placencia by Bus

To get from Hopkins to Placencia by bus, you'll first need to take a bus from the centre of town in Hopkins to the highway outside of town. This bus costs $2 BZD and leaves at 11 am and 2 pm, taking around 10 minutes. Then, you'll need to wait across the highway for the bus to Placencia, which costs $6 BZD and leaves Dangriga at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4:30 pm. It's recommended to take the 2 pm bus from Hopkins, as you'll only have to wait a few minutes for the connecting bus from Dangriga.

Getting from Placencia to Hopkins by Bus

There is also a direct bus that goes from Placencia to Hopkins. This bus costs $3 and the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus is operated by Bryant Williams and departs twice daily.

Hopkins Travel by Bus

If you're starting your journey in Belize City, you can take a bus to the southeastern coastal town of Dangriga. This option is budget-friendly but will be crowded and make intermittent stops. The journey takes around three hours, and once you arrive in Dangriga, you can switch to one of the two daily buses to Hopkins, which depart at 12 noon and 5 pm.

Travel by plane for the quickest option

To get from Hopkins, Belize, to Placencia by plane, you'll need to fly from Dangriga Airport (DGA) to Placencia Airport (PLJ). The flight time is just 15 minutes, but you'll need to factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airports. Dangriga Airport is a half-mile drive from Hopkins town centre, so you'll need to arrange transport to get there.

The flight from Dangriga to Placencia is served by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Typically, there are 85 flights per week, although schedules can vary at weekends and on holidays, so it's worth checking in advance.

The cost of the flight is between $60 and $170, making it a more expensive option than travelling by bus or car. However, it is the quickest way to get from Hopkins to Placencia, and the journey will take around 55 minutes in total, including transport to and from the airports.

Hitchhike to Placencia

Hitchhiking from Hopkins Village, Belize to Placencia is very common. Here are some tips to help you get there:

Getting to the Highway

Take the bus from the centre of town in Hopkins to the highway outside of town. The bus costs $2 BZD and leaves at 11 am and 2 pm, taking around 10 minutes. Once you're at the highway, wait on the side away from Hopkins.

Hitchhiking to Dangriga

From the highway, you can hitchhike to Dangriga, which is around 5 miles away. From there, you can take a bus to Placencia.

Taking the Bus to Placencia

Buses from Dangriga to Placencia leave at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4:30 pm and cost $6 BZD. It works well to catch the 2 pm bus from Hopkins to the highway, then wait a few minutes for the 2 pm bus from Dangriga to Placencia.

Alternative Options

If you don't want to hitchhike, you can also consider taking a shuttle or taxi. Shuttles can be expensive, and taxis from Dangriga to Hopkins cost around $40-50 USD for up to 4 people.

Book a shuttle transfer

Shuttle transfers are available between Placencia and Hopkins Village. Julian Transfers offers private shuttle transfers from Hopkins to Placencia hotels or resorts, and vice versa. The shuttle transfers are scheduled at your desired pickup time, and the journey is approximately three hours long.

The shuttle service offers a door-to-door transfer to Placencia with comfortable rides. The shuttle costs $100 USD for 1 to 3 persons, with each additional person after 3 costing $15 USD.

To book a shuttle with Julian Transfers, you need to pay a 50% deposit to confirm your booking, and the full payment must be made within 15 days before the transfer date. The company has a flexible cancellation policy, with varying refund amounts depending on how early the cancellation is made. They accept VISA and MASTER CARD for payments.

You can also book a shuttle transfer to any of the resorts in Placencia from the Belize Airport, Belize City, and San Ignacio.

Travel by car

The distance between Hopkins and Placencia is around 25 miles, but the driving distance is about 40 miles. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes.

There are a few different routes you can take to get from Hopkins to Placencia by car. One option is to take the Coastal Highway route, which is a more direct route to southern Belize. This route was rebuilt in 2023 and now saves about an hour of driving time compared to the alternative route.

Another option is to take the older, more scenic route via Belmopan. Start by taking the George Price Highway, also known as the Western Highway, and then transition to the Hummingbird Highway, which leads to Dangriga. From there, take the Southern Highway to the Hopkins Road exit, which will take you directly into the village. This route adds about an hour of driving time compared to the Coastal Highway route, but it is known for its captivating scenery.

Keep in mind that Belize's roads are mostly two-lane, and some sections can be challenging to navigate during stormy weather.

Frequently asked questions