Traveling From Belize City To Belmopan: A Bus Journey

Belize City and Belmopan are two cities in Belize, with Belmopan being the capital city. The distance between the two cities is around 50 miles, and there are a few ways to travel between them, including by bus, car, or shuttle. Taking a bus is a convenient and affordable option, with hourly services provided by James Bus Line and other operators. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes, and the fare typically ranges from $3 to $7. The first bus usually departs Belize City early in the morning, around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, and the last bus leaves in the late evening, around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The buses depart from the Belize City station and arrive at the Belmopan station, making it a direct and accessible option for travellers.

Bus route and schedule

The bus route from Belize City to Belmopan is a convenient and affordable option for travellers, with a scenic journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. The route is served by James Bus Line, with buses departing from Belize City station and arriving at Belmopan station. The buses run hourly throughout the day, every day, providing flexibility for passengers. The first bus typically departs Belize City early in the morning, around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, and the last bus leaves in the late evening, around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The cost of a bus ticket ranges from $3 to $7, depending on the bus company and specific amenities offered.

The bus journey from Belize City to Belmopan is most crowded during peak commuting hours in the morning and late afternoon when people are travelling to and from work or school. For a more comfortable journey, travellers may want to consider taking the bus during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon. The bus ride offers a comfortable and scenic experience, taking passengers through the beautiful landscapes of Belize on their way to Belmopan.

The Belize City station, where passengers can catch the James Bus Line, is located at Belize City bus terminal (commonly known as Novelo's). In Belmopan, the bus arrives at the main bus station, which is within walking distance of the city's central hub. Belmopan is a planned city with broad streets, and the bus station is located just off the Hummingbird (Southern) Highway, making it easily accessible for travellers.

For those travelling beyond Belmopan, there are frequent onward connections from Belmopan to other destinations in Belize, such as Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, and San Ignacio, as well as to the Guatemalan border. These connections can be made at the main bus station in Belmopan, where travellers can find buses to various destinations across the country.

Bus companies and tickets

The bus journey from Belize City to Belmopan is a convenient and affordable option, with tickets ranging from $3 to $7. James Bus Line is the primary operator of this route, with hourly departures from Belize City Station and a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. The first bus typically departs around 5:00 AM, and the last bus leaves around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is recommended to arrive at the station ahead of the departure time to ensure you don't miss the bus.

In addition to James Bus Line, there are at least seven other bus operators servicing this route, including Silva's Bus Line and Belize Bus Owners Cooperative. These operators provide travellers with a range of choices and flexibility in their travel plans. The buses are mostly used Bluebird school buses, which are cheap but may not be very comfortable or well-equipped for handling luggage. Air-conditioned buses are occasionally used on express routes.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus operators or their websites, and it is advisable to have the exact fare ready when boarding to ensure a smooth journey. The Belize City to Belmopan route is a popular one, and buses can get crowded, especially during peak commuting hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider travelling during off-peak hours or mid-morning/mid-afternoon departures.

Bus stations

The main bus station in Belize City is the Belize City Bus Terminal, located on West Collet Canal. This bus station is still commonly known as Novelo's, the name of a former bus company. Belize City Bus Terminal is where you will catch your bus to Belmopan.

Belize City Bus Terminal is a busy hub, with buses coming from and going to many different destinations. The station is served by several bus companies, including James Bus Line, which operates the route to Belmopan.

The Belize City Bus Terminal can be a chaotic place, especially on heavy travel days such as Friday and Sunday afternoons and holidays. It is important to be prepared for the push to get on the bus, as there are no rules when it comes to boarding. It is recommended to ask one of the station employees in khaki shirts to help you get on the bus and save you a seat, although this may come with the expectation of a small tip.

Tickets are purchased directly on the bus from the driver or money collector. You don't need to worry about having exact change, as they usually have plenty.

The Belize City Bus Terminal has basic bathroom facilities, which cost 50 cents Belizean to use. It is recommended to use the bathroom before boarding the bus, as there are no bathrooms on the buses and you don't want to lose your seat during a stop.

Belmopan, the destination for your journey, also has a main bus terminal located in the central part of the city. This bus terminal can be a good place to get off the bus and stretch your legs, as it is a scheduled stop for buses travelling between Belize City and Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Other transport options

There are several other ways to travel from Belize City to Belmopan, including:

• Taxi — In Belize, taxis usually don't have any markings, but can be identified by their green license plates. They typically carry a maximum of four passengers, but some vans can carry more. A standard taxi fare for short trips is BZ$5.00 to BZ$7.00 per taxi (not per passenger). Fares for longer distances are sometimes negotiable.
• Shared taxi van — These vans usually wait near bus terminals and don't depart until they are nearly full. Fares depend on the distance and are cheaper than regular taxi fares.
• Water taxi — A water taxi is a boat that provides transportation across the water. It can carry up to 100 passengers, depending on the size of the boat. However, water taxi trips are sometimes cancelled due to rough sea conditions.
• Flight — There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.
• Transfer service — A transfer service can be a good option for travelling to certain destinations. Some companies that offer this service include Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours, Belize VIP Transfer Service, and George & Esther Moralez Travel Service.
• Car rental — All the main highways in Belize are paved and well-signposted. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary unless you plan to go off the beaten path. Insurance is mandatory, and it can be purchased at the border during office hours.

Things to do in Belmopan

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is not a typical tourist destination. However, there are a few attractions in the city and many others in the surrounding area. Here is a list of things to do and see in and around Belmopan:

• Explore the George Price Centre for Peace and Development: This centre, established in honour of the Right Honourable George Price, houses a museum and educational centre that showcases the story of Belize and promotes its peaceful development.
• Visit the National Assembly Building: See the brutalist representation of ancient Maya Temples at the National Assembly Building.
• Nohoch Cheʼen Caves Branch: An archaeological reserve located 30 minutes southeast of Belmopan, Nohoch Cheʼen Caves Branch is a vast network of limestone caves surrounded by dense jungle. A popular activity here is cave tubing, as the Caves Branch River flows through some of the caves. You can also experience a zip-line canopy tour on-site.
• St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park: Located just 20 minutes south of Belmopan, this national park offers a blue hole cenote for swimming, a cave, and well-maintained trails for hiking or birding.
• Guanacaste National Park: Just outside the city, Guanacaste National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Belize. With over two miles of hiking trails, it's a great spot to experience the country's flora and fauna, especially for birdwatching.
• Belmopan's Outdoor Markets: Grab some local food or stock up on fresh produce at Belmopan's outdoor markets, particularly the one near the bus terminal in the downtown core and the Belmopan Market Plaza, which operates as a flea market on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Banana Bank Ranch: Experience horseback riding through the jungle at Banana Bank Ranch, which offers mounts and trails suitable for all skill levels.
• Blue Hole National Park: Explore this park, which features a visually stunning pool of water flowing from/into the St. Herman's network of caves.
• Belize Inland Adventures: Enjoy a day trip to experience the Jaguar Preserve and tubing.
• Guanacaste National Park: Go birdwatching and hike the well-maintained trails at this park, located just outside the city.
• Belize Zoo: Take a bus from Belmopan to the Belize Zoo, located about 45 minutes away.

Travelling from Belize City to Belmopan by Bus

To get from Belize City to Belmopan by bus, you have a few options:

• Take a direct bus from Belize City to Belmopan. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes, with buses departing hourly and tickets costing between $3 and $7. James Bus Line operates this route.
• From the international airport, take a taxi to the Belize City bus terminal ($25) and then take a bus to Belmopan ($5). The total travel time for this option is around 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions