San Ignacio's Air Access: Exploring Belize's Airport Options

San Ignacio is the cultural and economic hub of the Cayo District and one of the most popular destinations in Belize. The closest airport is the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, just a few miles north of Belize City. From there, it takes around 2.5 hours to get to San Ignacio by bus, and around 1 hour and 40 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

There are three main ways to get to San Ignacio from the airport: taxi, bus, or shared shuttle. Taking a taxi is the most expensive but also the most convenient option, with taxis available at the airport 24/7. The bus is the cheapest option but there is no direct connection, so the journey will be much longer. A shared shuttle is a good budget-friendly alternative, with several companies offering pre-booked or on-demand services.

If you're looking for a faster and more comfortable option, you can also consider flying from Belize City to the airport outside of San Ignacio (Maya Flats). However, the planes are small and the ticket prices are steep.

Travel from Belize Airport to San Ignacio by taxi

San Ignacio is located about 110 kilometres southwest of Belize International Airport, close to the border with Guatemala. The best way to get to San Ignacio from the airport is by taxi, bus, or shared shuttle.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the most convenient and fastest option, especially if you are travelling with children or lots of luggage. The journey from Belize City Airport to San Ignacio takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes in light traffic.

Taxis are available at the airport 24/7 and you can find the rank located in front of the main terminal as soon as you exit the arrivals hall. The average fare is about €200 (BZD 440) for up to 4 passengers, but it is best to ask the driver before you start the ride as the price can vary depending on the provider, distance, and number of passengers.

Belize City taxis do not use taximeters, so be sure to ask how much the ride will cost before you get in. It is also important to note that most taxis in Belize do not accept card payments, so it is recommended to carry cash in the local currency. While tipping your driver is not expected, it is always appreciated for longer routes.

Bus

Taking the bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around €5 (BZD 10) per traveller. However, there is no direct connection between the airport and San Ignacio, so you will first need to take a taxi or shuttle to Belize City. From there, you will need to take the western route that connects Belize City to Benque Viejo. The bus passes through San Ignacio and the trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on whether it is a regular or express line.

Buses in Belize tend to get very crowded and can be uncomfortable, so this option may not be ideal if you are travelling with young children or a lot of luggage. Additionally, the total trip from the airport to San Ignacio can take over 3 hours when you factor in waiting times.

Shared Shuttle

A shared shuttle is a more budget-friendly option, especially for solo travellers who can split the cost with other passengers. Several companies offer pre-arranged or on-demand shared rides, with the average fare being about €54 (BZD 119) per passenger. The more passengers on board, the lower the fare per person.

Keep in mind that with on-demand services, you may have to wait a long time for a spot, and it is not guaranteed that there will be a vehicle available at your preferred time. For larger groups, pre-booking a private transfer may be a better option as it will cost about the same and provide more privacy.

While taking a taxi is the most expensive option, it is the quickest and most comfortable way to get from Belize Airport to San Ignacio. The bus is the cheapest choice, but it involves a longer trip and a transfer in Belize City. A shared shuttle can be a good middle ground in terms of cost and convenience, but it may involve some waiting time.

Travel from Belize Airport to San Ignacio by bus

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City is the closest airport to San Ignacio, Belize. It is about 110 kilometres away and serves as the main international airport for the country.

There is no direct bus line from Belize Airport to San Ignacio. However, you can take a bus to San Ignacio from Belize City. First, you need to get from the airport to Belize City centre. You can do this by taxi or shared shuttle. A taxi from the airport to Belize City will cost around $30 USD and take 15-25 minutes.

Once in Belize City, you can take a bus to San Ignacio. The bus from Belize City to San Ignacio departs from the bus terminal on West Collet Canal. The bus costs around €5 (BZD 10) and the journey takes 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on whether it is a regular or express line. The bus runs from 05:00 to 21:00, Monday to Sunday.

The total trip from Belize Airport to San Ignacio by bus can take over 3 hours, including waiting times. Buses in Belize tend to get very crowded, so it may not be the best option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or with young children.

Other Ways to Get from Belize Airport to San Ignacio

There are several other ways to get from Belize Airport to San Ignacio. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a taxi or pre-book a private transfer. A taxi will cost around €200 (BZD 440) for up to 4 passengers and will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Another option is to take a shared shuttle. This is a more budget-friendly choice, especially for solo travellers. Several companies offer shared shuttle services, which cost around €54 (BZD 119) per passenger.

Finally, you could also consider a door-to-door shuttle service offered by hotels and resorts in Belize, such as the Cahal Pech Village Resort.

Travel from Belize Airport to San Ignacio by shuttle

Yes, there is an airport near San Ignacio, Belize. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is the main international airport in Belize and is located about 110 kilometres from San Ignacio.

There are several shuttle companies that offer transportation from Belize Airport to San Ignacio. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and any requested stops along the way.

San Ignacio Shuttles

San Ignacio Shuttles is a private transportation company that provides transfers from Belize Airport to San Ignacio. They offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services and are Gold Standard Safety Certified. The rate for a shuttle from Belize City to San Ignacio is about $120 USD for 2 people, with a reduced rate for additional passengers. They also provide tours and activities along the way upon request.

William Shuttle Service

William Shuttle Service is another reliable transportation company that offers private transfers from Belize City to San Ignacio. They provide door-to-door service and can accommodate pick-ups from various airports, including LAX and Denver International Airport. The travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, or longer if a stop is requested. They offer high-quality service at low prices and have excellent reviews from previous customers.

Shared Shuttles

In addition to private shuttles, there are also shared shuttle options available from Belize Airport to San Ignacio. These are typically more budget-friendly, especially for solo travellers who can split the cost with other passengers. The average fare for a shared shuttle is about €54 (BZD 119) per passenger, and the price per person decreases as the number of passengers increases. Several companies offer both pre-arranged and on-demand shared rides, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.

Driving directions from Belize City to San Ignacio

Driving from Belize City to San Ignacio is a relatively straightforward journey. The two towns are connected by the George Price Highway (also known as the Western Highway), a modern, two-lane road with gas stations and restaurants along the route. The drive is approximately 69 miles, and will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes in light traffic.

Directions from Belize City to San Ignacio

Assuming you are starting from the airport, exit the airport and follow signs to the George Price Highway. This road will take you straight to San Ignacio.

When you arrive in San Ignacio, you will need to cross a wooden bridge with just one lane. Turn right and head downhill to cross the bridge into San Ignacio. If you miss the turn, don't worry—Belizeans are known for their friendliness and will be happy to give you directions.

When leaving San Ignacio to head back to Belize City, you will need to take a different bridge, the Hawksworth Bridge, which is the only suspension bridge in the country.

Alternative Transport Options

If you are not driving, there are several other ways to get from Belize City to San Ignacio:

• By taxi: A taxi from the airport to San Ignacio is the most expensive but also the most convenient option. The journey will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on your drop-off location.
• By bus: The bus is the cheapest option, costing around $4-18, but there is no direct connection, so the journey will be much longer. You will need to take a bus from the airport to Belize City, and then take the western route to Benque Viejo, which passes through San Ignacio. The total journey will take around 3 hours, including waiting times.
• By shuttle: A shared shuttle is a budget-friendly option, especially for solo travellers. Several companies offer pre-arranged or on-demand shuttle services, with prices starting at around $54 per passenger.

Domestic flights to San Ignacio

San Ignacio is located in the Cayo District of Belize, about 110 kilometres southwest of Belize International Airport. While there is an airstrip located about 15 minutes from San Ignacio, known as Mayan Flats Airstrip, flights to and from San Ignacio are limited to only one flight from Belize City and San Pedro.

If you are looking to travel domestically to San Ignacio from Belize City by air, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can book a flight with Tropic Air, which offers convenient scenic flights directly from Belize International Airport to Maya Flats. Alternatively, you can consider booking with Maya Island Air, which offers daily scheduled flights to various destinations within Belize, including San Pedro, Dangriga (Hopkins), and Placencia.

When travelling from Belize International Airport to San Ignacio, you have several transportation options, including taxi, bus, or shared shuttle services. Taking a taxi is the most expensive option, but it offers a quick and comfortable ride directly to your accommodation. The bus is the cheapest option, but there is no direct connection, and you will need to depart from Belize City, which will make the trip much longer. Shared shuttle services are also available and can be a more budget-friendly choice, especially if you are travelling in a group.

Frequently asked questions