Belize offers an incredible mix of Caribbean beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. From diving the Great Blue Hole to exploring jungle temples, this small Central American nation packs adventure, culture, and natural beauty into every corner.
- Public
- Chicken buses (retired US school buses) connect major towns cheaply. Water taxis serve the cayes. No metro or modern bus system.
- Taxi
- Taxis are unmetered — always negotiate the fare before entering. Golf carts replace taxis on the cayes.
- Rental
- Car rental recommended for Cayo District, Mountain Pine Ridge, and southern Belize. 4WD essential for remote areas.
- Walking
- Cayes (San Pedro, Caye Caulker) and village centers are very walkable. Belize City requires caution after dark.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi: $30 USD (25 min to Belize City)
- Shuttle
- Shuttle: $15 USD per person
- Bus
- Water taxi connection: Taxi to Marine Terminal $30, then water taxi to cayes $20-30
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public 'chicken buses' (retired US school buses) run between towns. Belize City to San Ignacio $4-6 BZD, to Dangriga $10 BZD. Frequent service but basic comfort. Cash only.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, water_taxi, golf_cart, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters - agree on price before departure. Belize City: $5-10 BZD short trips. San Pedro/Caye Caulker: Golf cart taxis $5-15 BZD. Always negotiate or confirm fare first.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Major routes: Belize City-San Ignacio (2.5 hrs, $6 BZD), Belize City-Dangriga (2 hrs, $10 BZD), Belize City-Punta Gorda (6 hrs, $20 BZD). Express and regular service available. Main companies: James Bus Line, National Transport Service.
Flights
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air connect Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, Punta Gorda. Flights $70-150 USD one-way, 15-45 min duration. Book advance for best rates.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport
From centre: 16 km to Belize City
Options: Taxi: $30 USD (25 min to Belize City); Shuttle: $15 USD per person; Water taxi connection: Taxi to Marine Terminal $30, then water taxi to cayes $20-30
San Pedro Airport
From centre: 2 km to San Pedro town center
Options: Golf cart taxi: $5-10 USD; Walk: 25 minutes to town; Hotel pickup: Usually complimentary or $5-15
Placencia Airport
From centre: 3 km to Placencia Village
Options: Taxi: $10-15 USD; Hotel shuttle: Usually complimentary or $10; Walk: 30-40 minutes along beach road
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Tropic Air (website/app)
Book domestic flights between Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda
San Pedro Water Taxi (website)
Book water taxi tickets between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro Ambergris Caye online
WhatsApp local taxi groups
San Pedro and Placencia have WhatsApp-based local taxi services — ask your hotel to connect you to a reliable driver
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
The Belize Dollar is pegged 2:1 to USD — confirm whether taxi quotes are in BZD or USD before agreeing to a fare
Water taxis between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro run from the Marine Terminal on North Front Street — buy tickets at the terminal
Golf carts are the main vehicle on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker — rentals from $50-75 USD per day, valid driver's license required
Domestic flights with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air are often worth the cost for long routes like Belize City to Punta Gorda ($100-150, 45 min vs. 6 hrs by bus)
Book shuttle buses between tourist destinations through your hotel or tour operator — James Bus Line and National Transport run the public chicken buses
Never drive in Belize City at night — parking is difficult, crime risk is elevated, and roads are poorly lit