Placencia To Dangriga: Transport Options

There are several ways to travel between Placencia and Dangriga in Belize. The quickest way is to fly, which takes around 28 minutes and costs $50-$80. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive. The bus costs $3-$5 and takes 1 hour and 16 minutes, while driving takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also shuttle services and taxis available.

Direct bus from Dangriga to Placencia

There is a direct bus service from Dangriga to Placencia, Belize. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 16 minutes and costs between $3 and $5. The distance between the two locations is around 33 miles, with a road distance of 51.9 miles.

The bus from Dangriga to Placencia is operated by Dalmon Ritchie and Bryant Williams. There are three services per day, and buses depart from Dangriga station.

If you are arriving at the Riverside Cafe Dock in Dangriga, the bus terminal is around 1.5km away, and you can expect to pay around $5-$6 for a taxi to the terminal.

It is also possible to fly or drive from Dangriga to Placencia.

Fly with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air

Flying is the quickest way to get from Dangriga to Placencia, Belize, and there are two airlines to choose from: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Both offer multiple daily flights between the two destinations, with the journey taking around 15 minutes.

Tropic Air provides regional services, connecting you from Roatan (Honduras), Flores/Tikal (Guatemala), or Cancun (Mexico) to Dangriga, or from Dangriga to anywhere in the country. You can contact Tropic Air directly for current schedules and fares.

Maya Island Air can also fly you from Dangriga to Placencia, or anywhere else in Belize, with multiple daily departures from different cities. The flight from Belize City to Placencia takes less than 30 minutes. You can contact Maya Island Air directly for current schedules and fares.

While flying is the quickest option, it does involve getting a taxi to and from the airstrip at either end. The Dangriga and Placencia airports are very small, so they are easy to navigate, and drivers are usually waiting outside to shuttle passengers to their accommodation.

The alternative to flying is to take a bus or drive. The bus costs between $3 and $5 and takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes. Driving yourself takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Private shuttle or taxi

Another option is William's Shuttle Service, which offers round-trip and one-way transfers to and from Placencia, including destinations such as Rivers Dale, Maya Beach, and Seine Bight Village. William and his team of drivers are knowledgeable about the area and can make the journey memorable.

If you prefer a taxi, you can find one on your own or ask your hotel to call one for you. Just make sure the license plate is green, indicating a legal and licensed taxi in Belize.

The drive time between Placencia and Dangriga is approximately 3 to 4 hours by ground transportation, and the route offers a scenic journey through the diverse landscapes of Belize. The Western Highway (the George Price Highway), Hummingbird Highway, and the Southern Highway are the major roadways connecting these two destinations.

Driving yourself via Hummingbird and Southern Highways

Driving yourself from Placencia to Dangriga, Belize, via the Hummingbird and Southern Highways is a great option if you want to take in some of the country's most beautiful scenery and enjoy a relatively smooth ride. Here's a guide to help you plan your journey:

Hummingbird Highway:

The Hummingbird Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Belize, connecting Belmopan and Dangriga. It's known for its exotic wildlife, lush green canopies, and gorgeous blossoms. The highway dips and swoops through the country's diverse landscapes, from lowland savannah to limestone hills and rainforests. At around 53 miles long, it's a drive you'll want to take your time on.

Stops Along the Way:

• St. Herman's National Park: Hike through the rainforest and experience the breathtaking flora and fauna of Belize.
• Lamanai Chocolate: Enjoy a coffee and chocolate experience at this unique spot. Take a walk on the Medicine Trail and learn about the medicinal properties of local plants.
• Bertha's Tamales: Try some delicious chicken tamales at this simple open-air restaurant.
• Sleeping Giant Lodge: This fancy lodge offers amazing views and delicious food. Take a stroll on their walking paths and enjoy the surroundings.

Southern Highway:

The Southern Highway starts at the cutoff just before reaching Dangriga and continues towards the border with Guatemala. It's fully paved and offers a long but pleasurable journey.

Stops Along the Way:

• Mayflower Bocawina National Park: Hike the trails, enjoy the waterfalls and vistas, and try out zip-lining and rappelling.
• Hopkins: Pop into this fun and lively beach town for a slice of pizza or a cold treat.
• Ya'axkin Butterfly Farm: At the entrance to the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, this family-run butterfly house is a charming stop to learn about the life cycle of butterflies.
• Mayan Sky Adventure Park: Strike a pose at the fake Mayan temple entrance for a fun photo op.

Driving Tips:

When driving in Belize, it's important to be cautious, especially at night. Avoid driving after dark if possible, as even locals tend to avoid it due to pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on the highways. Many road signs are vandalised or not well maintained, so stay alert and watch your speed, especially in populated areas. The speed limit is generally 55 miles per hour.

Overall:

Driving via the Hummingbird and Southern Highways is a great way to experience the beauty of Belize and have the flexibility to make stops along the way. With improved road conditions and scenic detours, your journey from Placencia to Dangriga is sure to be memorable.

Boat and bus combo

To get from Placencia to Dangriga, Belize, by boat and bus, you can take the Hokey Pokey Water Taxi from Placencia to Mango Creek. This journey takes about 15 minutes and costs $5 one way. From Mango Creek, you can take a taxi to the bus depot by Rosa's Restaurant. The taxi to the bus depot costs $0.50. From there, you can take a bus to Dangriga.

The Hokey Pokey Water Taxi leaves Placencia at 6:45 am, 10 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm daily, and 6 pm Monday through Saturday. The last bus to Dangriga leaves at 5:30 pm.

You can also take the bus from Placencia to Dangriga. Ritchie's Bus Service operates this route, and buses depart Placencia at 7 am, 12:45 pm, and 2:30 pm Monday through Saturday, and 7 am, 12:45 pm, and 2:30 pm on Sunday. The bus costs $5 and takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes.

If you are starting from Dangriga, you can take a bus to Placencia. Buses depart Dangriga at 11 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6:15 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am and 6:15 pm on Sunday. The journey takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes and costs $3 to $5.

There are also flights between Placencia and Dangriga, but this option is more expensive and may not be faster when you consider the time it takes to get to and from the airports and go through the necessary procedures.

Frequently asked questions