Travel Guide: Belize City To San Ignacio

There are several ways to get to San Ignacio from Belize City, with the most popular transportation hubs being Belize City, Belmopan, and destinations in neighbouring Guatemala. The town of San Ignacio is accessible by domestic flights, bus, car, or shuttle. The fastest way to get to San Ignacio is by car, taking 1 hour and 41 minutes, whereas the cheapest way is by bus, costing $4-$18 and taking 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Travel by shuttle

Shuttle services are a popular way to travel between Belize City and San Ignacio. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and any requested stops along the way.

Several companies offer shuttle services between these two locations, including William Shuttle Service, San Ignacio Shuttle, and Mundo Maya Travels. These companies provide comfortable and safe transportation with experienced drivers. They also offer flexible booking options, including one-way, round-trip, and multiple-leg journeys.

When booking a shuttle, you can expect convenient features such as door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, as well as transportation to and from various hotels, resorts, and Airbnb locations in the area. Shuttle services are known for their reliability and can be a great choice if you want to avoid the potential crowds of public buses or the expense of renting a private car.

It is recommended to book your shuttle in advance, especially if you have specific requirements or are part of a larger group. By booking ahead, you can also take advantage of discounted group rates offered by some shuttle companies.

Travel by bus

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get from Belize City to San Ignacio, but it will take longer than travelling by car or shuttle. A one-way bus ticket costs between $4 and $18, and the journey takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Buses run hourly and there are several bus companies that operate this route, including Silva's Bus Line.

To get to the bus station in Belize City from the airport, you can take a taxi, which costs $25, or walk to the Northern Highway and take a bus from there for $1. From the airport, head west for about 2 kilometres until you reach the highway. Then, wait for a bus heading towards the city and pay the driver $1 or $2. The bus will take you to the bus terminal in Belize City, where you can buy your ticket to San Ignacio.

At the bus terminal, look for a westbound bus with "Benque" displayed in the front window. These buses depart every half hour. The trip to San Ignacio takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on whether it's an express or regular bus. The express bus fare is about $2 more than the regular bus fare.

If you're travelling with a lot of luggage or young children, it might be more comfortable to take a private shuttle or taxi instead of the bus.

Travel by car

The drive from Belize City to San Ignacio takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Take the Western Highway (The George Price Highway) to get to San Ignacio from Belize City. This is a well-maintained, two-lane road with several gas stations, roadside stands, and small stores.

When driving to San Ignacio, watch out for pedestrians and cyclists on the side of the road. If it rains, slow down as the road can get slippery.

The highway to San Ignacio is busy but rarely sees heavy traffic. However, it is always good to be cautious and follow the posted speed limit.

• Adjust your expectations – Don't expect to find gas stations and stores everywhere, and keep your tank full as services are limited throughout Belize.
• Drive with caution – Especially in rural areas where roads are rough. Download offline maps, as the GPS signal may be weak in remote areas.
• Limit your trips to the daytime – Road signs are not always present, and lighting is poor along the roads in many parts of Belize, including the highway to San Ignacio.
• Watch out for speed bumps – Many villages along the highway have speed bumps, so lower your speed when approaching a town.

Gas prices in Belize are high and can range from 9 to 12 Belizean Dollars per gallon (over USD 5 per gallon). Therefore, transportation in Belize can be costly.

If you want to rent a car in Belize, you will need a valid driver's license, which you must present at the car rental office and carry with you when driving.

The best place to rent a car is at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where several car rental companies are available. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Belize City, but you will need to take a taxi from the airport, adding to your expenses.

When renting a car, use a platform like DiscoverCars.com to find the best options and prices.

Travel by plane

To get to San Ignacio from Belize City by plane, you will need to fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), which is the main international airport in Belize, located about 30 minutes' drive from the city centre. From there, you can take a domestic flight to San Ignacio. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer daily flights from Belize International Airport to San Ignacio, with travel time at around 35 minutes.

Once you arrive at the airport in Belize City, you can get a taxi to the domestic airport, or you can arrange a shuttle service to San Ignacio. The shuttle service is a good option if you prefer a more direct transfer without having to worry about connecting transportation.

When travelling from the international airport to the domestic airport or to the shuttle meeting point, you can take a taxi, which is readily available at the airport. The taxi ride will cost around $60 BZD ($30 USD) to the city centre, and from there, you can take a public bus or another taxi to the domestic airport.

Alternatively, you can walk or hitchhike from the international airport terminal to the Philip Goldson Highway (about 2.5 km), and then take a public bus to the city centre. This option will save you some money, but it may take longer, depending on the traffic and bus schedules.

Arranging your transportation in advance is recommended, especially if you are visiting during peak season or have specific travel preferences.

Travel by taxi

Taking a taxi from Belize City to San Ignacio is a fast and comfortable option. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The distance between the two locations is around 100 kilometres by road, with the route mostly following the Western Highway (also known as George Price Highway).

There are several taxi companies that provide transportation from Belize City to San Ignacio, and you can book your taxi online or by phone in advance or on the day of travel. The taxi fare can vary depending on the company and availability, ranging from $100 to $150 one-way. It is recommended to shop around for the best price.

When taking a taxi in Belize, it is important to note that Belize City taxis do not use taximeters. Therefore, it is essential to agree on the fare with the driver before getting into the taxi. Additionally, most taxis in Belize do not accept card payments, so it is advisable to carry cash in the local currency. While tipping is not expected, it is always appreciated for longer routes, and a 10% tip is considered decent if you are satisfied with the service.

If you are travelling alone, consider sharing the taxi ride with other passengers to split the cost. This practice is common in Belize City, and you may be able to find fellow travellers heading to San Ignacio who are willing to share the fare.

For those arriving at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and planning to go directly to San Ignacio, taxi services are available at the entrance of the airport. The cost of a taxi from the airport to Belize City is typically around $30 USD, and the drive takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. These taxis can also take you to the water taxi terminal on Fort Street if needed.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more personalised door-to-door service, you can pre-book your private airport transfer to San Ignacio. This option offers a quick and comfortable ride directly to your accommodation, saving you the hassle of checking bus timetables or waiting for shuttle services. The average fare for a shuttle from Belize City Airport to San Ignacio is about €200 (BZD 440) for up to four passengers, but it is advisable to confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.

Frequently asked questions