It’s your first time in Belize and you’d like to explore the towns and go to different restaurants or landmarks. Okay, to make your life so much easier, here is a comprehensive list of ways to get around in Belize. I promise you, after checking out this Belize transportation guide, your visit to Belize will be much more enjoyable.
Is there Uber in Belize? No Belize does not have Uber! Your Uber, Lyft, or similar ride sharing app will not work in Belize. However, there are several transportation options available, including local taxis that are available in most areas. Sometimes you will find that everything is close enough that you won't even need a car. If you really need some wheels (or wings), below is a comprehensive guide on Belize transportation services that are rather easy to access.
There are several transportation options when it comes to getting around in Belize. Your options include:
1. Private and Shared Shuttle
Shuttles are great modes of transportation in Belize, especially for getting directly to a specific destination from the airport. Depending on where you would like to go, you can book private shuttles or shared shuttles. Popular destinations for shuttle service on the mainland include the BZE International Airport, TZA Municipal Airport, Belize City (including the Water Taxi Terminal), San Ignacio Town, Hopkins, Dangriga, Placencia, Belmopan, Orange Walk Town, and Corozal Town.
A private shuttle will offer transporation between any two locations in Belize. Most shuttle companies only offer private shuttle for door to door service, which is very convenient and less costly than a rental car.
Should you book your shuttle service in advance? Yes, you should book your belize airport shuttle in advance of your travel date for two reasons:
- There is limited availability, so you want to confirm your seats and not get stuck at the airport.
- Shuttle companies are not allowed to take on the spot bookings at the airport, since this is airport taxi territory (which tends to be much more expensive).
Tip: Belizing.com has the
largest selection of shuttles for transportation between all major destinations in Belize, including airport shuttle service. Airport shuttles must always be booked in advance.
Private Shuttles
You can select and book a private shuttle or car service for yourself or your group to your desired location. Most shuttle operators offer "private" shuttle options by default. However, you can also contact them about sharing options if you're looking for a discounted belize shuttle service. They will usually try to fit you in if they already have a scheduled run that conincides with your travel dates and destinations. This is a great tip, especially if you are a solo traveler to Belize.
Popular Shuttle Companies
View and book your private shuttle
here on Belizing.com and never pay a booking fee. Some well known shuttle companies in Belize are
Belize Ground Shuttle,
Ron’s Belize Shuttle,
G&W Enterprise,
Valdez Taxi, William Belize Shuttle, San Ignacio Shuttles, ROAM Belize Shuttle, Discounted Belize Shuttles, Teddy Bear Shuttles, BZ Shuttles,
Julian Transfers,
Premium Rentals, and
Get To Know Belize Adventures. Compare prices on Belizing.com before booking your ride.
Hotel/Resort Shuttle
Note that most hotels also offer private shuttle service, but they are generally more expensive and you end up getting the same service. If you hotel is in a remote location, then it may make sense to take their private shuttle service. You can always contact a provider on Belizing.com to compare prices.
Tip: Some shuttle providers on Belizing.com will give you a discount for multiple bookings or multiple passengers. Don't hesitate to contact them using the message button on their Belizing.com listing to send a direct message to the company representative.The most popular private shuttle routes are the following:
*Other routes are available, including custom itineraries. You can contact various shuttle companies directly through Belizing.com
Tip: Use the Filter options when searching Belizing.com to find shuttle service between your specific destinations.
Airport shuttle service and transfers in Belize is available for all airlines that fly into the BZE Interntional Airport. Currently, regular flights into Belize are available from the following airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier, Southwest Airlines, Copa Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and WestJet.
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Premier Provider
Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor. Belize Ground Shuttle is a professional shuttle company operating daily shared shuttle service for travelers between San Ignacio and the Belize International ... moreAirport (BZE). Ride in style and comfort in our brand new vans. We offer regularly scheduled shuttle runs to and from the airport for all international travelers. Spaces are limited on each shuttle run, so book early. All shuttles feature free WiFi, water, air conditioning, and a professional driver.
We are a Gold Standard compliant transportation provider, having implemented and exceeded all the requirements of the Belize Tourism Board's gold standard program for health and safety.
Account Type:
Transportation
Shared Belize Airport Transportation
If you would like to travel between the International Airport or Belize City and San Ignacio town, but don’t want to pay the private shuttle price, then you can reserve your seat with
Belize Ground Shuttle, the only truly shared shuttle service in Belize.
They offer scheduled daily runs between San Ignacio and the Philip Goldson International Airport at an affordable price starting at $35. Note that service directly to your hotel is an additional fee. Sometimes it's worth the extra, and sometimes you can get off at their downtown drop off and walk to your hotel.
Check out their schedule
here. You may need to wait a while at the airport, but you'll save a few dollars in the process. Unlike most shuttle services in Belize, they have brand new comfortable and spacious vans as shown in the pictures below.
2. Public Bus
Buses in Belize run on a daily basis. The schedule and price varies depending on whether it is a regular or express bus, to and from where you’re going, and the day of the week.
Note: Express buses cost more than regular buses and they do not stop until they have arrived at the destination.
According to the Belize Department of Transport in Belmopan, Belize’s bus schedules are split into these categories:
Tip: You can identify where the bus is heading by a sign that is placed in the windshield of the bus.
If you would like to contact a bus company in Belize, here are the local phone numbers for some of the belize bus lines:
Westline Bus Co. Ltd.: (+501)8242620
James Bus Line: (+501)6709652
Valencia's Bus Line: (+501)6212581
3. Rentals/Charters
Rentals offer the most flexibility, but are often also the most costly. It certainly makes sense if you are traveling as a group. If you are traveling in a large group, you can also charter buses or boats/water taxis. There are several options for rentals/charters depending on where you are and what your preference is.
Can you use your drivers license in Belize? Yes, you are allowed to use a foreign driver license in Belize for up to three months. Don't forget your drivers license. You'll need it to get your rental, and you'll also need it for the various check points you may encounter along the road.
Tip: Book from a non-airport provider and ask them you meet you at the airport with the vehicle. You may be able to save a few dollars by doing this.
Here are the different rental categories:
Vehicles
Depending on the size of your group, you have options from large passenger vans to SUVs. Crytal Auto Rentals are the most well known and most reliable vehicle rental company. You can also find the brand name chains at the airport such as Budget rentals, AVIS, Hertz, Dollar / Thrifty, and other.
If you rent a vehicle from the airport, you will pick up your vehicle in the rental services building in the parking lot just across the arrivals exit door. You can also rent vehicles in each major town from local rental providers. Don't expect brand new shiny vehicles for your rentals. Most rentals will be older used vehicles, so it's not uncommon to have your rental break down....keep the rental company's phone number handy.
If you want to drive your vehicle into Guatemala to visit Tikal, you will need some additional paperwork. Check with your rental company first if this will be allowed. One of the few companies that we know to allow this is
Crystal Auto Rentals.
In San Ignacio, check out
Cayo Auto Rentals or
Premium Rentals. Local rental companies are sometimes cheaper than airport rentals, and for a small fee they will deliver or pick up your rental anywhere in the country. Most bookings for local rentals are done via email by filling out a contact form on their website.
What is it like driving in Belize?
Watch this video from our friends at One Chance Travel about their experience driving in Belize. Road conditions are sub-par and you should drive with extreme caution. Road signage and markings are scarce to non-existent, and lighting is very poor at night. There are only a handful of traffic lights throughout the country. Nevertheless, as long as you are an experienced driver, you will get by just fine.
Driving from the Airport
If you will be driving a rental car in Belize, we recommend downloading an offline map to your phone. Google Maps works well in Belize but you may not have a data connection on your phone.
A new Airport Link Road, officially known as the John Smith Road, was recently opened in September 2020. Use this new road as you exit the airport if you are traveling to inland destinations in western Belize or southern Belize, including San Ignacio, Belmopan, Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga. This new road is the recommended route as you exit the airport. As you drive along the narrow roads in Belize, look out for speed bumps and pedestrian crossings. If you are traveling to southern Belize, try to avoid the coastal highway. You must instead drive through Belmopan onto the Hummingbird highway.
Golf Carts
If you are in Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, then renting a golf cart to get around the island is your best option. Check out the
golf cart rental options here.
Tip:
Book your golf cart rental before you arrival to ensure your cart is reserved for you. Ask them to meet you with the cart at the airstrip or boat dock as you arrive.Motorcycles
On the mainland, if you are a solo traveler or traveling with a partner and would prefer getting around in motorcycles, you can do so as well. In San Ignacio, check out
Sidewalk Sage Rentals.
Bikes
For backpackers, there are bike rentals available in Belize. For getting around town or the village, is an affordable option for yourself or your group.
Note: Be on the lookout for potholes, speed bumps, pedestrian crossings, roundabouts. Roadways in Belize are notorious for speed bumps (without sufficient road signage). Many of the roads are also unpaved. You must always stay on the right-hand side of the road. Drive safely and cautiously.
Here are the different charter options:
Boat Charters
To charter a boat, you and your group will be taken to your destination by a designated driver. You can charter a water taxi from San Pedro Belize Express, Ocean Ferry or other companies in Belize.
Bus Charters
Similarly to chartering a boat, chartering a bus is the same, except on land. You can contact bus companies such as Westline, BBOC, Valencia’s, Morales, or other bus companies.
You can easily find and book your
rentals/charters on Belizing.com. We have a wide range of options for you to choose from.
4. Domestic Flights
Domestic flights, sometimes called hopper planes or puddle jumpers, are popular modes of transportation, especially for traveling between the international airport and the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. In Belize, domestic flights are offered by
Tropic Air.
Ticket prices vary depending on the route. Prices are also usually cheaper in the summer months. Most things are cheaper in Belize during the summer months when demand is low.
Destinations include at least one airstrip in each district of Belize. Two of the most popular places that people book flights to are
San Pedro and
Caye Caulker – it only takes about 10-15 minutes from
Belize City! Other destinations for domestic flights are the Placencia airstrip, Maya Flats airstrip near San Ignacio, and the Dangriga Airstrip.
Tip: If you're going to Hopkins village from the International Airport, you can take a flight to Dangriga and book a private shuttle with Julian Transfers for your 20-minute drive to your Hopkins area resort.5. Water Taxi
Water taxis travel from the mainland to the islands. The main departure is from Belize City, near the Fort Street Tourism Village. The main water taxi operators are San Pedro Belize Express (Belize Water Taxi) and Ocean Ferry. Prices and schedules are similar. The terminals are located within walking distance of each other in the Fort George Tourism Center, so it usually comes down to who has a boat leaving next. Sometimes one or both companies will be running specials on one way or round trip tickets.
San Pedro Belize Express
They are the largest water taxi operator in Belize, offering regularly scheduled boat rides to Caye Caulker and San Pedro from Belize City and vice versa.
⛴️ Water Taxi Tickets Belize International Airport to San Pedro and/or Caye Caulker available via
San Pedro Belize Express.
Tip: They also offer rides to Chetumal from Caye Caulker and San Pedro and from Chetumal to Caye Caulker and San Pedro.
Watch this
YouTube Video to see what the experience is like.
Ocean Ferry Belize
Ocean Ferry is the second largest water taxi operator in the country. They also offer boat rides to Caye Caulker and San Pedro from Belize City and vice versa. You can
contact them here.
Thunderbolt Water Taxi
This water taxi company offers boat rides to San Pedro from Corozal and Corozal to San Pedro.
Find them on facebook to ask about price and availability.
Nautilus Express Water Taxi
Nautilus Water Taxi offer exclusive meet-and-greets and pick-ups from the Philip Goldson International Airport to your desired island.
Coastal Express
6. Taxi Cabs
Taxi cabs are convenient modes of transportation in Belize, especially within town or city limits. However, don't expect a brand new car or a smooth ride...or even A/C all the time. Taxi rides are also shared, so don't be surprised if your driver stops along the way to pick up more passengers. It's a fun way to meet new people in Belize.
How much does taxi cost? Taxi fares vary depending on the distance of the trip and the taxi association. The fare schedules are typically set by the taxi association in each jurisdiction. Ask for the fare before getting in....there are no fare meters. For instance, in Belize City, the average price for a taxi ride is about $10 BZD while in the Twin Towns of
San Ignacio and
Santa Elena in the Cayo District, the average price would be $5 BZD.
Note: Some taxi organizations charge per passenger, usually $2 to $4 BZD, while others charge a set price per drop or group. For example, a taxi fare from the International Airport to Belize City is a per-group charge of USD$25.
You can find taxi cabs parked at specific areas of the town or city – usually there would be a sign marking the taxi association, and you'll notice the cars lined up with green license plates. You can also catch a taxi that’s passing by on the side of the road. In the towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, there are over 900 licensed taxis.
Tip: All taxi cabs have green license plates.
7. Good O’l Fashion Walking
One of the perks of being in Belize is that almost everything is in walking distance, especially in the towns or villages. You can get to grocery stores, restaurants, cafes or farmers’ markets easily from your Airbnb rental, hotel, hostel, or guesthouse.
Uber ride sharing in Belize?
Belize does not have Uber, Lyft or any similar ride sharing service. Your exisiting ride sharing apps will not work. Don't worry, we have multiple cost-effective transportation options available throughout the country.
Summary: This is your comprehensive guide to transportation in Belize. In general, ground transporation options for travel between towns and major destinations in the mainland consist of Public Bus, Private or Shared Shuttle, and Rental Cars. The cheapest option is to take the public bus (aka chicken bus), which is an adventure all on its own.
The most expensive option is renting a car, but it's also the most convenient and flexible option. Booking a shuttle is a good compromise between cost and convenience. Besides, once you get to your destination you can use local taxi service or just walk to where you need to go. In many cases, you'll find that a rental car is overkill.
While you're in town, taxi cabs are easily accessible. Almost all the locals have their favorite taxi driver phone number handy. Keep in mind that all official taxi cabs have green license plates. Don't get in if it does not have a green plate, and only get in after you have clarified what the fare will be.
Lastly, you should know that fuel prices in Belize are usually high. Keep that in mind if you go for a rental. On average, expect to pay between $9 to $12 Belize dollars per gallon, or a little over $5 US dollars per gallon. This is one of the main reasons why you will find that some transportation options are a bit expensive, especially if you need to travel a long distance.
As you now know, although Uber, Lyft, or other ride sharing apps have not made it into Belize yet, we have plenty of other options to get around. We hope that getting out and about in Belize is easier with knowledge of the different options. You can choose and refuse from the various transportation options for your next Belize Trip. #letsgobelizing