🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Belize
✈️ Flying to Belize
Main Airport
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) — Belize's only international airport, located 16km (10 miles) north of Belize City in Ladyville. Well-organised and quick to clear. Most visitors are through immigration in under 30 minutes. Airport information →
Airlines flying direct to BZE (mainly from North America):
- American Airlines — Miami, Dallas, Charlotte, Los Angeles (multiple daily)
- United Airlines — Houston, Denver, Chicago, Newark, San Francisco
- Delta — Atlanta, Minneapolis
- Southwest Airlines — Denver, Houston, Baltimore
- WestJet — Calgary, Toronto (seasonal/charter)
- Air Canada — Toronto, Montreal
- JetBlue — New York
- COPA Airlines — Panama City (useful for South American connections)
From Europe: No direct flights. Connect via Miami, Houston, Dallas, or Panama City. Miami is the most common connection — flights from London Heathrow to Miami run ~9 hours, then 2 hours to Belize. Total journey from Western Europe is typically 14–18 hours.
💡 Insider Tip
Miami is the best hub for connections to Belize — American Airlines runs multiple daily flights and the connection times are manageable. Book Miami to BZE separately if you find a better fare on the transatlantic leg.
🚐 From the Airport to Your Destination
To Belize City (16km)
Taxi: BZ$50–60 (about US$25–30) to central Belize City. Fixed-price taxis are available at the arrivals exit. Journey: 25 minutes.
To Ambergris Caye / Caye Caulker (by water taxi)
The most common route. Take a taxi from BZE to the Belize Marine Terminal in Belize City (25 min, BZ$50), then a San Pedro Belize Express water taxi to Caye Caulker (45 min, BZ$25) or San Pedro on Ambergris Caye (75 min, BZ$35). Water taxis run frequently — roughly every 1.5 hours during daytime.
To the Cayes (by domestic flight — faster)
The domestic terminal is at BZE airport — no taxi needed. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air both fly San Pedro in 15 minutes (BZ$120–150 one way). Worth it to skip the boat if you're tired from a long flight.
To San Ignacio / Cayo District (west)
Chicken buses run hourly from Belize City along the George Price Highway (Western Highway) to San Ignacio — around 2.5 hours, BZ$8. Shuttle transfers from BZE airport direct to San Ignacio cost BZ$70–100 per person with shared shuttles. Fastest overland option.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Belize is very traveller-friendly for visas. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, and most other nations can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, extendable to 6 months at the Immigration Department in Belize City.
Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD), fixed at exactly 2:1 to the US dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere — no need to change money. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Check visa requirements for Belize →Belize E-Form (Mandatory Pre-Arrival)
Belize now requires all travellers to complete a digital Embarkation/Disembarkation (E/D) form before arrival. Fill it in online at travelbelize.org/getting-here — the process takes under 5 minutes. Print or screenshot your confirmation.
🚗 Getting Around Belize
Domestic Flights (Most Practical)
Belize is small but the road infrastructure makes driving slow. Domestic flights are surprisingly affordable and save hours. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air connect Belize City to San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga/Hopkins, Punta Gorda, and Corozal. Flights take 15–45 minutes. Book in advance — planes are small (12 seats).
Water Taxis (Cayes)
The essential transport for island-hopping. San Pedro Belize Express runs Belize City–Caye Caulker–San Pedro multiple times daily. BZ$25–35 one way. The boat trip itself is part of the experience — warm wind, turquoise water. Check the current schedule and book online →
Buses (Budget Option)
Chicken buses (repurposed US school buses) run the main highways — George Price Highway (west to San Ignacio) and Philip Goldson Highway (north). Very cheap at BZ$4–15 but slow and often crowded. Fine for short hops. Not comfortable for long journeys with luggage.
Car Rental (Western Belize / Self-Drive)
Worth considering for the Cayo District where road access to ruins like Caracol requires a vehicle. Roads are passable but can be rough — a 4WD is recommended in the wet season (June–November). Drive on the right. Roads are generally safe by Central American standards.
🎫 Getting Around Tip
The most efficient Belize itinerary combines fly + boat: Fly BZE to San Pedro (15 min), spend time on the cayes, then take a water taxi back to Belize City and a bus or shuttle west to San Ignacio. Belize is small — this circuit takes just 2 hours of transport each leg.
🛵 Getting Around the Islands
Ambergris Caye
Golf carts are the island's primary transport. Rent one for BZ$60–100/day from numerous operators in San Pedro town. North of the bridge requires a golf cart or boat — no water taxis. Most hotels include a shuttle or bike. The town itself is walkable.
Caye Caulker
Walk or bicycle everywhere. The island is 8km long but the village section is compact. No cars. Bicycles rent for BZ$15/day. Everything is within 15 minutes on foot.
🚙 Renting a Car
Useful for exploring western Belize (Cayo District, Mountain Pine Ridge, Caracol). International rental companies operate at BZE airport. Rates start around US$40–70/day for a small 4WD.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- 4WD strongly recommended for Mountain Pine Ridge and Caracol road
- Petrol stations are in Belize City, San Ignacio, and Belmopan — fill up before heading into jungle areas
- Speed limits: 40 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways
- Watch for speed bumps (known as "sleeping policemen") at town entrances — they are aggressive
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Belize
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book domestic flights early: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fill up — especially during winter and at holiday weekends
- Water taxi over domestic flight for the cayes: The boat from Belize City to San Pedro costs BZ$35 vs BZ$140 to fly — if you're not exhausted, take the boat
- US dollars work everywhere: No need to use an ATM or exchange money — bring cash in USD and spend directly
- Chicken buses for day trips: Buses from San Ignacio to Belize City cost BZ$8 — use them if you have time and light luggage
- Shared shuttles: Cheaper than private taxis for airport transfers — book through your accommodation in advance