Belize's Hopkins Airport: Gateway To Paradise

Hopkins, Belize is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District, known for its vibrant community and hospitality. The nearest airport to Hopkins is Dangriga Airport (DGA), which is 9 miles away. However, there is no airfield in Hopkins, so visitors usually fly into Belize City and then travel onwards to Hopkins. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City is the only international airport in Belize and is a short non-stop flight from many cities in the US, Canada, and Central America. From Belize City, there are several options for travelling to Hopkins, including taxi, bus, car, and domestic flights.

The closest airport to Hopkins, Belize, is Dangriga Airport

Getting to Hopkins, Belize

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its friendly people and rustic charm. The village is surrounded by the Maya Mountain Range and the Caribbean Sea.

Travel Options from Dangriga to Hopkins

Shuttle

Untame Belize offers a comfortable and affordable shuttle service from Dangriga Airstrip to Hopkins. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Bus

Belize's inter-city bus system is well-established and offers a budget-friendly option for travelling from Dangriga to Hopkins. The bus fare is just a few dollars, but the journey will take around 1 hour and 49 minutes, with multiple stops along the way.

Taxi

Licensed taxis can be easily identified by their green license plates. They are a convenient option but tend to be pricier. Taxis are readily available in Dangriga and can take you directly to Hopkins.

Private Vehicle

If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car at Dangriga Airport or in Belize City and drive to Hopkins. The drive from Dangriga to Hopkins takes approximately 30 minutes. The roads in Hopkins are mostly gravel, so be prepared for a mini safari experience!

You can fly to Belize City and take a 15-minute connecting flight to Dangriga

If you're planning a trip to Hopkins, Belize, you'll be pleased to know that getting there is relatively straightforward. The closest airport to Hopkins is actually in Dangriga, about 9 miles away. However, there are no direct international flights to Dangriga. So, the best way to get to Hopkins is to fly to Belize City first and then take a connecting flight to Dangriga.

Belize City is a major transportation hub, with its international airport, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, located just 9 miles north in Ladyville. Several major airlines offer daily flights to Belize City from various international destinations, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other Central American countries.

Once you arrive in Belize City, you have a few options to get to Hopkins. The quickest and most convenient option is to take a connecting flight to Dangriga. This flight takes only 15 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and lush rainforests. From Dangriga, you can then take a shuttle, bus, or taxi to Hopkins, which is about a 30-minute drive away.

There are several local airlines that offer flights from Belize City to Dangriga, and some resorts in Hopkins may even arrange this connecting flight for you as part of your package. It is recommended that you arrive in Belize City by 3:45 pm, as the last flight to Dangriga typically departs at 5:00 pm.

In addition to the time efficiency, taking a connecting flight from Belize City to Dangriga offers a seamless and exhilarating travel experience. You'll get to enjoy the stunning aerial views of the region and easily connect to your final destination in Hopkins without the hassle of navigating a longer ground journey.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and scenic way to get to Hopkins, Belize, flying into Belize City and taking a connecting flight to Dangriga is an excellent option. With its ease of access and proximity to Hopkins, you'll be enjoying the coastal charm and vibrant culture of this beautiful destination in no time!

From Dangriga, it's a 30-minute drive to Hopkins

Hopkins, Belize is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its friendly and welcoming community. While Hopkins lacks an airfield, the nearest airport is Dangriga (DGA) Airport, which is only 9 miles away.

From Dangriga, it is a 30-minute drive to Hopkins. There are several options for making this journey. One option is to take a shuttle or bus. Belize has a well-established inter-city bus system, and buses from Dangriga to Hopkins depart twice daily, at 12 noon and 5:00 pm. Tickets are affordable, costing only $3, but the journey is longer and can be crowded, with multiple stops along the way.

Another option is to take a taxi. Licensed taxis can be easily identified by their green license plates, and they offer a convenient and straightforward way to get to Hopkins. However, this option can be more expensive.

For those seeking a more scenic route, renting a car and driving from Dangriga to Hopkins is also possible. The drive offers a picturesque journey through small ethnic villages and citrus orchards. Most of the road is paved, but as you enter Hopkins, you will encounter gravel roads. This option provides the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

In addition to these options, some resorts in Hopkins offer their own transportation services from Dangriga to their guests. These shuttle services provide a comfortable and hassle-free journey to their respective resorts.

Overall, the 30-minute drive from Dangriga to Hopkins offers a variety of transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether by shuttle, bus, taxi, or rental car, each option provides a unique experience and contributes to the adventure of visiting Hopkins, Belize.

You can also take a bus or taxi from Dangriga to Hopkins

Hopkins, Belize is a tranquil coastal village, easily accessible from the country's main transportation hub, Belize City. While Hopkins does not have an airport, you can conveniently travel there via the nearby town of Dangriga. Here's a detailed guide on how you can get from Dangriga to Hopkins by bus or taxi:

Bus Options:

The bus is a budget-friendly option to get from Dangriga to Hopkins. From the Dangriga bus terminal, there are usually two buses that depart directly to Hopkins at noon and 5:00 PM. This bus ride typically takes around 20- to 25-minute ride. However, it's important to note that there are no buses into Hopkins on Sundays or holidays.

If you happen to miss the direct buses, there's another option. You can take any bus heading south (towards Placencia or Punta Gorda) and get off at the Hopkins Junction. This junction is about a 20- to 25-minute ride from Dangriga. From the junction, it's easy and safe to hitchhike the remaining 4 to 5 miles into Hopkins.

The bus system in Belize is well-established and runs countrywide, seven days a week, from sunrise to around 9 PM. The buses from Dangriga to Hopkins are part of a wider network, so you can also connect to Hopkins from other parts of the country. For example, buses from Punta Gorda, Independence, and Placencia will pass through the Hopkins Junction.

Taxi Options:

If you prefer a more direct option, taxis are readily available from Dangriga to Hopkins. The taxi ride will cost you around $40 to $55 USD for up to four people. This option is more expensive than the bus but offers a quicker and more comfortable journey.

Additional Considerations:

When planning your trip to Hopkins, it's important to consider the time of your arrival at the airport. If your plane lands after 4 PM in Belize City, it is not recommended to drive all the way to Hopkins due to safety concerns. Instead, consider staying the night near the city or taking a "puddle jumper" flight to your destination.

Additionally, if you're travelling from Belize City International Airport, keep in mind that there is no bus terminal at the airport. You will need to take a taxi to the Belize City Bus Terminal to catch your bus to Dangriga. This taxi ride will cost around $5 USD.

Lastly, if you're looking for a scenic journey, consider taking the older route via Belmopan. This route includes driving on the Hummingbird Highway, celebrated as one of the country's most scenic drives.

Alternatively, you can fly to Belize City and drive to Hopkins

The closest airport to Hopkins, Belize, is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, just nine miles north of Belize City.

Directions:

• Take a left onto the Northern Highway into the town of Ladyville.
• Turn left off the highway towards Burrell Boom and proceed westward on the Burrell Boom Road for about 10 miles until you exit onto the Western Highway.
• Take the first right at the roundabout in Hattieville and continue on the Western Highway towards Belmopan City.
• Turn left into Belmopan City and proceed onto the Hummingbird Highway. Stay on this highway, past citrus groves and the Maya Mountains, until you reach an intersection.
• Turn right onto the Southern Highway and remain on this highway for about 10 miles until you see the green-signed turnoff on your left. You will remain on this road for about four miles.
• Upon entering the village, take the third left and drive until you reach the end of the village.

Rental Car Options:

Budget Car Rentals is recommended by Hopkins Bay Belize.

Scenery:

The drive takes you through small villages, rolling hills, and valleys, and past orange orchards. The Hummingbird Highway, in particular, is known for its scenic views.

Shuttle Services:

If you would prefer not to drive yourself, shuttle services are available. William's Belize Shuttle Service offers transfers from Belize City to Hopkins, passing through the Capital City of Belmopan, Caves Branch, the Inland Blue Hole, and the junction to Dangriga Town. Barefoot Services also provides shuttle and private transfer services from Belize City to Hopkins, allowing you to choose your preferred route.

Frequently asked questions