Travel Guide: Merida To Belize

Getting from Mérida, Mexico to Belize is a relatively straightforward journey with several options available. The most common route is via Chetumal, a city in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which borders Belize. From Mérida, you can take a bus or drive to Chetumal, and then cross the border into Belize by bus, shuttle, or taxi. Alternatively, you can fly from Mérida to Belize City, the largest city in Belize. Several airlines operate this route, including Volaris, Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, and Tropic Air Limited. The flight time is typically around 1 hour and 30 minutes. When travelling between Mérida and Belize, it is important to keep in mind the border fees and potential scams that exist, such as the Mexican exit fee or tourism tax. It is also worth noting that there are two official crossings between Mexico and Belize, the New Border and the Old Border, with the former being used for both entry and exit, and the latter only for exiting Belize.

Travel by bus

There are several bus routes from Mérida, Mexico, to Belize City, Belize. The journey takes between 8 hours 22 minutes and 11 hours and costs between $45 and $140. There is no direct bus, and travellers should expect to change at least once.

One route is to take the bus from Mérida to José María Morelos, then from José María Morelos to Chetumal, and from Corozal to Belize City. Another option is to take the bus from Mérida TAME to Chetumal, and then a shuttle bus from Chetumal to Belize City.

A third option is to take the bus from Mérida to Bacalar, and then from Bacalar to Belize City. A fourth option is to take the bus from Mérida to Chetumal, and then from Chetumal to Belize City.

The ADO bus company runs from Mérida to Belize City. Tickets can be purchased at the Belize City Bus Terminal, or at the bus terminal in Mérida. Passengers must present a valid passport before boarding. Tickets can also be purchased online or over the phone.

The bus from Mérida to Chetumal costs about $45. From Chetumal to Belize City, tickets cost $69.

It is also possible to take a bus from Mérida to Cancun, and then fly to Belize City.

Travel by plane

If you're looking to travel from Mérida, Mexico, to Belize by plane, there are a few options available to you. The closest airport to Mérida is Mérida International Airport (MID), and flights regularly depart from here to Belize.

Airlines

Flights are offered by a variety of airlines, including Volaris, Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, Tropic Air Limited, AeroMéxico, and VivaAerobus.

Airports

When booking your flight, you can choose to arrive at either of Belize's two airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport or Belize City Municipal Airport.

Booking

You can book your flight using an online platform, such as Kiwi.com or Expedia. These websites allow you to compare prices and choose the best option for your budget.

Prices

Prices for flights from Mérida to Belize City vary but generally start at around $257 for a one-way trip and $507 for a round trip. The most popular route includes 157 direct flights per week.

Border Fees

When travelling between Mexico and Belize, there are a few border fees to keep in mind. The Mexico Tourism Tax (or DNI) is $45 USD, and the Belize Exit Fee is $20 USD. To avoid the Mexico Tourism Tax, remember to print out your itemized flight ticket.

Travel by ferry

There are two ferry companies that operate between Belize and Mexico: Water Jets International and San Pedro Belize Express. They depart on alternate days from Chetumal's Fiscal Dock at 10 am, with 90 minutes to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in Belize. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Water Jets International operates every day except for Thursdays and Sundays. San Pedro Belize Express operates on the days that Water Jets International doesn't.

The cost of a one-way ticket to San Pedro, Belize is MXN $1,300 or around US$63. The price for children aged 4-9 is MXN$1,105 or US$53. From Chetumal to Caye Caulker, the fare for a one-way ticket is MXN$1,400 or US$68. Meanwhile, children aged 4-9 pay MXN$1,190 or around US$58. There is no charge for children below the age of 4.

You can also take a ferry from Corozal to San Pedro via Thunderbolt and Belize Sea Shuttle.

Border Crossing

When exiting Mexico, you will likely be asked if you have already paid the tourism tax. This is a soft scam—it’s legal and the border officials ask for the proof, so you must show them your receipt. But if you flew into the country, it was included in your airfare. Download your itemized receipt from the airline that shows this fee already paid, then screenshot it and show it to them.

Onward Travel

From Corozal, a taxi charges roughly $35 USD per taxi to San Pedro. From there, you can take a water taxi at 7 am for $50 USD or a plane at 9:30 am or 5 pm for ~$70 USD, but the latter only operates during the week.

Travel by car

The quickest way to get from Mérida, Mexico, to Belize is by car. The total driving distance is 331 miles and the journey will take approximately 7 hours and 47 minutes.

• Begin your journey in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.
• Take the Periferico highway and head east towards Cancun.
• Follow the road signs to Cancun and join the Mexico 180D highway.
• Continue on the Mexico 180D highway until you reach Valladolid.
• In Valladolid, take the exit towards Tulum/Chetumal and join the Mexico 295 highway.
• Follow the Mexico 295 highway until you reach Chetumal.
• In Chetumal, take the road towards the border with Belize (this road is also called the Chetumal-Belize Highway).
• Cross the border and continue on the same road, which becomes the George Price Highway in Belize.
• Follow the George Price Highway until you reach Belize City.

Please note that there are two official crossings between Mexico and Belize:

• The New Border: This border is used for both entering and exiting Belize.
• The Old Border: This border can only be used to exit Belize and has a shorter route. However, you are not allowed to cross this border on foot.

When crossing the border, there are a few fees to keep in mind:

• Mexico Tourism Tax (DNI): This tax is applicable if you have stayed in Mexico for more than 7 days. The fee is $45 USD.
• Belize Exit Fee: This fee is $20 USD when exiting Belize.

Additionally, be prepared for potential scams or requests for "payments" at the Mexican border. It is recommended to have some pesos on hand in case you encounter any issues.

The drive from Mérida to Belize offers a great opportunity to explore the Yucatan Peninsula and experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of Mexico and Belize. Enjoy your journey!

Travel by shuttle

Shuttles are a popular option for those travelling from Mérida, Mexico to Belize. This is a good option for those who want a more comfortable journey than the bus, but don't want to pay for a private taxi or transfer service. Shuttles are usually air-conditioned minibuses that offer a door-to-door service, picking passengers up from their hotels in Mérida and dropping them off at their hotels in Belize City.

There are several shuttle companies operating this route, including Marlin Espadas, Mayan World, and Mundo Maya Travels (MayanOz). The journey takes around 8-11 hours and costs between $36 and $60. It's recommended to book your shuttle in advance, especially during peak season, as spaces can fill up quickly.

Here's a step-by-step guide to travelling from Mérida to Belize by shuttle:

• Book your shuttle in advance online or through a local travel agency.
• On the day of your travel, pack your passport and other necessary documents.
• Arrive at the pick-up location on time, which is usually your hotel lobby or a designated meeting point in Mérida.
• The shuttle will take you to the Mexican border, where you will go through immigration and pay any necessary fees.
• After completing Mexican exit formalities, walk to the Belizean border, which is a short distance away.
• At the Belizean border, you will go through immigration and customs. Have your travel documents ready and any necessary visas or vaccinations.
• Once you have completed Belizean entry formalities, your shuttle will take you to your drop-off location in Belize City, usually your hotel or a central location.

It's important to note that some shuttle companies may only take you to the border, and you will need to arrange separate transportation on the Belizean side. Additionally, some shuttle companies may charge extra for luggage, so it's important to clarify this when booking.

For those who want a more personalised and premium experience, private transfer services are also available. These can be arranged through companies like Venancio Shuttle Service, BZ Transporter, and Get Transfer. The cost for these services is usually higher, but they offer more flexibility and comfort.

Frequently asked questions