Belize Airport Ferry Service: A Smooth Sail To Placencia?

There is no ferry from Belize Airport to Placencia. However, there are various ways to get to Placencia from the airport. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, a bus, or a private car. If you're looking for a quick option, you can take a domestic flight from Belize City to Placencia, which takes about 40-47 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Placencia, which takes around 3-4 hours.

Travel by plane

Flying is a convenient way to get to Placencia from Belize City, especially if you're looking for a quick transfer. The flight time is approximately 35 to 50 minutes, depending on whether there are any intermediate stops.

Two airlines dominate the route: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, the country's leading domestic carriers. Maya Island Air operates ten daily flights between Goldson International Airport in Belize City and Placencia, with the first flight departing at 8:10 am and the last at 5 pm. These flights include a brief stop in Dangriga, and the fare is around BZ$320 each way. Maya Island Air also offers seven daily flights between Belize City's Municipal Airport and Placencia, with the first flight departing at 8 am and the last at 4:30 pm. These flights make a few more stops, including at the international airport and in Dangriga, hence the longer travel time.

Tropic Air provides a similar service, with 11 daily flights between Goldson International Airport and Placencia, with the first flight leaving at 8:15 am, and the last flight is at 5 pm. The fare is about BZ$266 each way. They also offer five daily flights between Municipal Airport and Placencia, departing at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:50 pm. The fare is BZ$236 each way.

Both airlines offer flights in the opposite direction, from Placencia to Belize City, with the first flights departing Placencia in the early morning and the last flights in the late afternoon or early evening. These flights also include stops at Dangriga and the international airport.

The planes used by these airlines are typically Cessna aircraft, sometimes called "puddle jumpers," accommodating between 5 and 20 passengers.

One-way tickets for these flights typically cost around $117 USD, and you can book directly with the airlines or through online travel agencies.

It's worth noting that flight schedules can vary between the high and low seasons, so it's always a good idea to check in advance.

Travel by bus

If you're seeking an affordable and immersive travel experience, taking the bus from Belize City to Placencia is a great option. Brace yourself for a scenic journey that will give you a deeper connection to the land and its people. The bus ride takes about five hours and costs around $15 USD each way, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious travellers.

The main bus station in Belize City is the starting point for this adventure, and from there, you'll travel through vibrant landscapes on your way to Placencia. While the cost is undoubtedly appealing, be prepared for a busy atmosphere as public buses tend to be quite crowded.

If you're heading to Placencia Village, you can walk the entire length of the sidewalk in about 10 to 15 minutes. The village is tiny, so it's easy to get around by foot. However, if you need a taxi, there are a few local companies that can help.

For those who want to explore more of the area, renting a car or golf cart is an option. Barefoot Rentals and Caribbean Tours offer golf cart rentals, while several hotels and operators in the area provide scooter rentals. Bicycles are also available for rent, and with flat terrain, they can be a decent way to get around.

Travel by car

If you want to travel by car from Belize City to Placencia, you're looking at a journey of around 160 miles. The drive time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the route:

• From Belize City, head west on Cemetery Road, which eventually becomes the George Price Highway.
• Continue on the George Price Highway until you reach Belmopan.
• In Belmopan, switch to the Hummingbird Highway, which you'll take south.
• After travelling 10 kilometres (6 1/3 miles) on the Hummingbird Highway, you'll reach a junction with the Southern Highway. Take the Southern Highway towards Placencia and Punta Gorda.
• Stay on the Southern Highway for 37 kilometres (23 miles), then turn left onto the road to Riversdale and Placencia.
• From this turnoff, continue for another 32 kilometres (20 miles) until you reach Placencia.

The road along the peninsula to Placencia is mostly hard-packed red dirt, sand, and gravel. It can often be bumpy and dusty, so be prepared for a bit of a rough ride. However, the road is paved from the airstrip into the centre of Placencia Village.

If you're looking to rent a car, you can find rental companies at both Belize airports and in Placencia. Keep in mind that car rentals can be expensive, with average daily rates around $75 USD. The selection of vehicles may also be limited.

Travel by taxi

Taxis are a convenient and readily available option for getting from Belize Airport to Placencia. They offer door-to-door service and can be found easily after landing at the airport. However, it is important to note that this convenience comes at a cost, and taxi fares can be relatively high. To ensure a safe journey, always opt for a licensed taxi, which can be identified by their distinctive green license plates. Before embarking on your ride, negotiate the fare with the driver to avoid any misunderstandings.

The drive from Belize Airport to Placencia covers a distance of approximately 160 miles and takes around three to four hours. The route involves taking the Western Highway (the George Price Highway), the Hummingbird Highway, and the Southern Highway. The road conditions along the peninsula vary, with some sections paved and others consisting of hard-packed red dirt, sand, and gravel, which can be bumpy and dusty.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, you can also hire a private car or van to take you directly from the airport to your lodgings in Placencia. This option offers added comfort and privacy but comes with a higher price tag, typically ranging from $260 to $300 USD for one to four passengers.

For those who prefer the convenience of a taxi but are travelling on a budget, consider sharing the ride with other passengers to split the cost. Additionally, some resorts in Placencia, such as Chabil Mar, offer transportation services for their guests, so it may be worth checking with your accommodation to see if they provide airport transfers.

Overall, travelling by taxi from Belize Airport to Placencia offers a balance between convenience and cost. With stunning scenery along the way and the opportunity to negotiate fares, it can be a great choice for those who want a direct and comfortable journey to their destination.

Travel by shuttle

There are several ways to get from Belize Airport to Placencia Village, including by shuttle, bus, taxi, car, and plane. Here is some information on travelling by shuttle:

Shuttle services are a popular choice for travellers heading from Belize City to Placencia. Barefoot Services provides shuttle services that are both affordable and convenient. With rates starting at USD $49, travellers can enjoy a comfortable and dedicated vehicle service that bridges the gap between Belize City and Placencia. The three-hour drive offers beautiful scenery, allowing travellers to relax and enjoy the journey to their destination.

Barefoot Services regularly updates their shuttle schedules and pricing details on their Facebook page, making it easy for travellers to stay informed. Opting for a shuttle service is a great way to connect with fellow adventurers and forge new connections along the way. These shuttles are curated to provide a timely and pleasant travel experience, ensuring travellers arrive at their destination with ease.

The shuttle is a cost-effective option, with rates that are typically more affordable than private transfers or taxis. It's important to note that the shuttle services are not door-to-door, but they do offer a streamlined and hassle-free way to get from Belize City to Placencia.

Frequently asked questions