Travel Guide: Getting To Hopkins, Belize From Bze Airport

Hopkins, Belize is a charming beach destination in the southeast corner of the country. Known as the cultural centre of the Garifuna, it is a great place to learn about the local culture and enjoy the beaches, coral reefs, and adventure activities. The distance between Belize City and Hopkins is 71 km and there are several ways to get there. You can take a bus, taxi, shuttle, or private vehicle. If you're flying into Belize, you'll most likely land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, just north of Belize City. From there, you can take a local flight to Dangriga and then travel to Hopkins by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive directly from Belize City to Hopkins, or book a shuttle service.

Flying into Belize City

Belize City is served by Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), which is located in Ladyville, just nine miles north of Belize City. The airport is easily accessible from many cities in North America, with direct flights available from major hubs such as Toronto, Calgary, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, LA, and Denver. From Europe, you can fly from London Heathrow with a short connection in Miami.

There are several airlines offering flights to Belize City, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Tropic Air. Round-trip prices can start from $126, while one-way flights can be as low as $86. It is recommended to book in advance and be flexible with dates to find the best prices.

Upon arrival at the airport, it is approximately an 8-mile journey to downtown Belize City. There are various transportation options available, including licensed taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services.

When flying into Belize City, it is important to be aware of the time required for clearing immigration and customs, which can take up to 90 minutes during peak season. Additionally, when packing for your trip, ensure that you comply with airport security regulations regarding carry-on items and liquids.

Belize City serves as the country's main transportation hub, offering various options for travellers continuing their journey to other parts of Belize, such as Hopkins.

Taking a connecting flight to Dangriga

Choosing an Airline:

Several airlines offer connecting flights from Belize City to Dangriga. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two main carriers servicing this route. Maya Island Air operates ten flights daily between Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City and Dangriga Airport (DGA). The first flight departs at 8:10 am, and the last flight is at 5 pm. The flight time is approximately 15 minutes, and the fare is BZ$143 each way. Maya Island Air also offers daily flights from Belize City's Municipal Airport and San Pedro, with stops at the international airport to pick up passengers.

Tropic Air, on the other hand, provides seven direct flights daily between Goldson International Airport and Dangriga. Their first flight departs at 9:40 am, and the last flight is at 5 pm. The fare for this route is BZ$192.50 each way. They also offer five daily flights between Municipal Airport and Dangriga, with the first flight departing at 8 am and the last at 4:30 pm. The fare for this route is BZ$135 each way.

It is important to note that flight schedules and availability may vary between airlines, so it is advisable to check their respective websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Booking Your Flight:

When booking your flight to Dangriga, it is recommended to arrive in Belize City by 3:45 pm to ensure a same-day connection. The last commuter flight to Dangriga typically departs at 5 pm. Additionally, if you are booking an international flight to Belize, keep in mind that the only international airport in the country is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.

Travel Time and Convenience:

The flight time from Belize City to Dangriga is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option to reach Hopkins. Once you arrive in Dangriga, you can choose from various transportation options, including taxis, buses, or personal vehicles, to complete your journey to Hopkins. The drive from Dangriga to Hopkins takes around 30 minutes.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of a connecting flight to Dangriga can vary depending on the airline and the time of year. The cheapest one-way flight is currently offered by Maya Island Air, with prices starting at $95. Tropic Air also offers competitive rates, with round-trip flights starting at $165. Keep in mind that these prices may not include additional fees or surcharges, so be sure to review the fare conditions before booking.

Driving to Hopkins

If you want to drive to Hopkins from Belize City, you can expect a journey of approximately 3 hours. The route takes you through some stunning scenery, including rolling hills and valleys, and past orange orchards.

Firstly, leave the airport and take a left onto the Northern Highway towards Ladyville. Look out for signs to the Bermudian Landing Bamboo Sanctuary or Burrell Boom Village. Take a left turn-off towards Burrell Boom and continue west for about 10 miles until you reach the Western Highway.

Take the first right at the roundabout in Hattieville and stay on the Western Highway towards Belmopan City. In Belmopan, turn left onto the Hummingbird Highway and stay on this road, past the Citrus Groves and Maya Mountains, until you reach an intersection. Turn right onto the Southern Highway.

After about 10 miles on the Southern Highway, look out for a green-signed turn-off on your left. This road will lead you into Hopkins Village. Take the third left after entering the village and continue to the end of the village, where you will find the resort.

If you are renting a car, it is recommended to use a company that offers air-conditioned and regularly serviced vehicles, such as Budget Car Rentals. Driving in Belize can be challenging due to congested and potholed roads, so it is important to be cautious and familiar with the local traffic rules.

An alternative route to Hopkins is via the newly rebuilt Coastal Highway, which has reduced the travel time by about an hour. This route is recommended by some digital maps and offers a more direct path to southern Belize.

For those seeking a more scenic drive, there is an older 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, the Southern Highway will guide you to the Hopkins Road exit, taking you directly into the village. This route is celebrated as one of the country's most scenic drives.

Taking a bus to Hopkins

Belize has a well-established and affordable inter-city bus system, making it easy to travel to Hopkins by bus. The country's bus network runs seven days a week from sunrise to around 9 pm, and you can travel the entire length of the country for approximately $20 USD.

To get to Hopkins from Belize City, you can take a bus to the southeastern coastal town of Dangriga. Buses to Dangriga depart from the Belize City bus terminal roughly every half-hour from 5 am to 7 pm. The journey to Dangriga takes about three hours, with intermittent stops along the way.

Once you arrive in Dangriga, you'll need to switch buses for the final leg of your journey to Hopkins. There are two daily bus departures from Dangriga to Hopkins: at 12 noon and 5 pm. The bus ride from Dangriga to Hopkins takes about 30 minutes.

If you miss the direct bus to Hopkins, you can take any southbound bus and ask to be dropped off at the Hopkins junction. From there, it's a straightforward 4-mile (or 25-minute) ride to Hopkins. Hitchhiking is common and safe in this area.

It's important to note that there is no bus service from the Philip Goldson International Airport to Belize City. A taxi from the airport to the Belize City bus terminal will cost around $40 USD. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the bus terminal within Belize City for a local fare of BZ$5.00 to BZ$10.00 for 1-4 people.

Booking a shuttle to Hopkins

Shuttle Companies

One reputable company is BZ Shuttle Service, which has been operating in Belize for over 30 years. They offer shared and private shuttle services to various destinations in the country, including Hopkins. Their vehicles operate 24/7, so early or late pickups are not a problem. You can book with confidence, as they allow you to reserve now and pay later. They also provide live chat and email support for any immediate questions.

Another option is to use the services of Barefoot Services Belize, which can arrange shuttle or private transfer services from Belize City to Hopkins, tailored to your preferences.

Additionally, Belize Shuttle offers shuttles from Belize International Airport to Hopkins Village. They provide reasonably appointed shuttles, combining the convenience of public buses with the comfort and speed of driving yourself.

Booking Process

When booking your shuttle, be sure to specify whether you prefer a shared or private shuttle service. Also, provide your pickup location and hotel/resort details. Some companies, like BZ Shuttle Service, offer the option to have drinks waiting for you in the vehicle upon request.

It is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons. Most shuttle companies will require payment in US dollars or Belize dollars, and they may not accept torn or marked bills. Credit card payments may also be available through secure payment gateways.

Other Transportation Options

While shuttles are a convenient option, there are also other ways to get to Hopkins. You can travel by bus, taxi, rental car, or even combine your journey with a tour. Additionally, some resorts offer ground transfer services from the airport to Hopkins, which can be arranged in advance. These transfers usually take around 2.5 to 3 hours and may include sightseeing along the way.

Frequently asked questions