Belize City Bus Station Location

Belize City's bus station, Novelo's Bus Terminal, is located on West Collet Canal Street, south of Haulover Creek. It is the main bus terminal for Belize City, with most buses leaving the city from this terminal. The terminal is served by the Blue Bird bus line, which travels to all district capitals and most important towns in the country. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal one hour before departure to ensure you get a seat.

Belize City Bus Terminal

Bus travel is a common mode of transportation in Belize, with many Belizeans relying on buses for daily commuting. Buses operate on regular schedules and routes throughout the country, with most buses stopping to pick up and drop off passengers along the way. The primary mode of transportation for Belizeans, buses are also the cheapest way to get around the country.

The bus system in Belize is mostly based on derelict American school buses, with the Blue Bird Bus being the most popular brand. However, a new company, Floriala, has introduced modern diesel-powered buses, providing greater comfort and amenities such as air conditioning and USB chargers.

There are two types of bus services in Belize: "Regular" and "Express". Regular buses stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers, while Express buses only stop at main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window. Tickets are purchased on the bus, and the conductor collects the fares.

When travelling by bus in Belize, it is important to keep an eye on your luggage, as buses have limited space and passengers often use the emergency back door to enter and exit. It is recommended to arrive early at the bus terminal to secure a seat, as buses tend to be crowded. Additionally, it is advised to use the bathroom before boarding, as there are no bathrooms on the buses, and stopping may result in losing your seat.

Belize Bus Routes

Belize has a simple highway system, with four main highways: the Northern Highway/Philip Goldson Highway, the Western Highway/George Price Highway, the Southern Highway, and the Hummingbird Highway. Buses are the primary mode of transportation for Belizeans, with routes running on regular schedules throughout the country.

In Belize City, Belizean and ADO buses arrive and depart from the Belize City bus terminal (commonly known as Novelo's) on West Collet Canal. Express buses to Guatemala stop at the Marine Terminal near the Swing Bridge.

There are two types of bus services: "Regular" and "Express". Regular buses stop for passengers anywhere along the route, while Express buses only stop at the main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window.

Buses start running at 5 am and go up to 9 pm on workdays. Schedules can be found online, but for the most up-to-date information, it is best to ask at the bus station. Tickets are purchased on the bus, and the conductor collects the fares.

• Ask questions at the bus station to find out which gate to wait at and what time to line up.
• Be prepared for a push to get on the bus, as there are no rules about who gets on first.
• Use the bathroom before you get on the bus, as there are no bathrooms on the bus and you don't want to lose your seat during a break.
• Be aware that the buses are usually old US school buses without air conditioning.
• Food and drinks are sold at major bus station stops, so you don't need to pack too much.
• Always try to get an Express bus, as it saves a lot of time.
• Be easy-going, as there may be unexpected stops or a crowded bus.

Belize Bus Companies

Belize's bus system is the primary mode of transportation for most Belizeans, with routes running on regular schedules across the country. Buses will stop to pick up or drop off passengers at most locations along the route. Every bus has a driver and a "conductor" who collects fares and assists passengers with their luggage.

There are two types of bus services: "Regular" buses and "Express" buses. Regular buses will stop for passengers anywhere along the route, while Express buses only stop at the main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window.

Bus Companies

National Transportation Services Limited (NTSL)

NTSL is a national transport carrier serving all major districts of Belize. It was established in 2006 after the collapse of the former Novelo's Bus Lines Limited, the previous monopoly company in Belizean transportation. NTSL is run by the former owners of Novelo's and operates on much the same permits as the original company.

James

James offers an express service between Belize City, Belmopan, and Punta Gorda. They also provide a regular service every hour between these locations.

Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC)

BBOC operates in the Northern Zone (Belize City to Corozal) and the Western Zone (Belize City to Benque Viejo Del Carmen).

Floriala

A new entrant in Belize's public transportation sector, Floriala began operating in 2021 and currently services southern, western, and central Belize. The company uses luxury coach inter-city buses imported from China, equipped with comfortable seating, AC, visual entertainment, USB chargers, a bathroom, and cupholders.

Other Bus Companies

Other bus companies operating in Belize include Albion's, Cabrera's, Chell's, Frazer, Joshua's, Morales, Tillett's, T-Line, Valencia, D and E, Guerra's Bus Service, Middleton's, Shaw Bus Service, Westline, G-Line Service, Ritchie's Bus Service, Usher Bus Line, Chen Bus Line, Yascal Bus Line, Smith Bus Line, Richie Bus Line, Martinez Bus Line, Williams Bus Line, Radiance Ritchie Bus Line, Polanco Bus Line, Arrow Line or Arrowline, Belize Intransit/Metro Bus Service, Haylock Bus Service, Lemott Bus Service, and Lopez Bus/Shuttle Service.

Belize Bus Tickets

Belize is a small country with a small population and a simple highway system. Buses are the primary mode of transportation for Belizeans, and routes run on regular schedules throughout the country. The bus system in Belize is mostly based on old American school buses, with the most popular brand being the Blue Bird Bus.

There are two types of buses in Belize: "Regular" buses and "Express" buses. Regular buses will stop for passengers anywhere along the route, while Express buses only stop at the main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window.

Bus tickets in Belize are usually purchased on the bus from the conductor, who also helps passengers load their baggage. Schedules and fares can change, so it is always good to confirm times before travelling. Tickets are usually cheap, costing between 5-20 BZD, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted at an exchange rate of US$1 = BZ$2. It is recommended to have small bills, as the conductor may not have much change.

• Ask questions at the bus station to get the most up-to-date information.
• Be prepared for a push to get on the bus, as there are often no rules about who gets on first.
• Use the bathroom before you get on the bus, as there are no bathrooms on the bus and you don't want to lose your seat during a stop.
• Don't expect air conditioning on the bus—these are old school buses with the windows open.
• You can buy food and drinks at the bus stops, so don't worry too much about packing your own.
• Always try to get an Express bus, as it will save a lot of time.
• Be prepared for unexpected stops and delays, and remember to be easy-going.

In Belize City, the bus terminal is located on West Collet Canal, still commonly known as Novelo's. Express buses to Guatemala leave from the Marine Terminal near the Swing Bridge.

Belize Bus Luggage

Belize's bus system is mostly made up of old American school buses, with the most popular brand being the Blue Bird Bus. However, a new entrant to the market, Floriala, has introduced a fleet of modern diesel-powered buses to the country. These buses are similar to those used in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala.

There are two types of bus services in Belize: "Regular" and "Express". Regular buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers, whereas Express buses only stop at the main towns. The final destination of each bus is displayed in its front window.

Belizean buses have little space for luggage, so it is recommended that you keep your luggage on you or within view at all times. Passengers and conductors tend to use the emergency back door to enter and exit the bus, so you should never put your luggage at the back of the bus. If you are getting on the bus at a major station, your large bag can be packed into the belly of the bus. Otherwise, bring a bag that can be squished into the overhead storage.

Frequently asked questions