Getting Around Belize: Boats, Buses, Flights, Taxis & Private Transfers

Belize is compact, tropical, and far easier to navigate than many travellers expect — but how you move around will shape your trip.

From the Caribbean cayes to the inland Maya ruins, from reef atolls to jungle lodges, transport in Belize is a mix of water taxis, small aircraft, public buses, shuttles and private drivers.

This guide explains how to get around Belize — with realistic travel times, costs, and practical context.

Transport in Belize at a Glance

Most travellers combine several options:

• Water taxis to reach the islands

• Small domestic flights to save time

• Public buses for budget inland travel

• Shared shuttles & private transfers for comfort and flexibility

• Golf carts & taxis for short distances

Where you are — mainland, cayes, reef or jungle — makes a real difference.

Water Taxis (Belize City to the Cayes)

Water taxis are the main way to reach Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye from Belize City.

Main Routes:

• Belize City → Caye Caulker: ~45 minutes

• Belize City → Ambergris Caye (San Pedro): ~1.5 hours

• Caye Caulker → Ambergris Caye: ~30 minutes

Typical Costs:

• US$20–35 one way

Major Operators:

• San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi – sanpedrowatertaxi.com

• Caribbean Sprinter – caribbeansprinter.com

Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal. Boats run multiple times daily.

Tip: If arriving at the international airport, allow 30–45 minutes to reach the water taxi terminal by taxi.

Domestic Flights (Fastest Option)

Belize has two main domestic airlines operating small propeller aircraft:

• Maya Island Air – mayaislandair.com

• Tropic Air – tropicair.com

Flights depart from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and municipal airstrips.

Common Flight Times:

• Belize City → San Pedro: ~15 minutes

• Belize City → Caye Caulker: ~10 minutes

• Belize City → Placencia: ~35 minutes

Typical Costs:

• US$70–150 one way

Flights save significant time and offer spectacular reef views, but cost more than water taxis or buses.

Public Buses in Belize (Budget Mainland Travel)

Buses are the backbone of mainland transport. They’re inexpensive but basic.

What to expect:

• Repurposed school buses

• Frequent stops

• No air conditioning

• Luggage stored inside

Typical Routes & Costs:

• Belize City → San Ignacio: ~2.5–3 hours | US$5–10

• Belize City → Placencia: ~4–5 hours | US$10–15

• San Ignacio → Dangriga: ~3 hours | US$10–15

Buses run frequently during the day but are limited in the evening.

Safety note: Generally safe during daylight. Avoid very late services where possible.

Shuttles & Shared Transfers (Comfort & Convenience)

Shared shuttles are popular for:

• Airport pickups

• Border crossings

• Direct hotel-to-hotel transport

• Popular tourist routes

Common routes:

• Belize City → San Ignacio

• San Ignacio → Placencia

• Placencia → Hopkins

• Belize → Guatemala border (Melchor de Mencos / Flores)

Typical Costs:

• US$25–60 depending on distance

Shuttles are air-conditioned and significantly more comfortable than public buses.

Private Drivers in Belize (Flexible & Time-Saving)

Private transfers are widely available and relatively affordable compared to many countries.

Especially useful for:

• Visiting multiple Maya sites in one day

• Remote jungle lodges

• Early morning airport departures

• Families or small groups

Typical Costs:

• Belize City → San Ignacio: US$100–160 per vehicle

• Placencia → Belize City: US$200–300 per vehicle

Hotels can arrange drivers, or you can book via local transport providers.

Getting Around the Cayes (Golf Carts Rule)

On Caye Caulker, there are no cars — you walk or cycle.

On Ambergris Caye, golf carts are the main transport.

Typical Costs:

• Golf cart rental: US$40–70 per day

Taxis are available but less common than golf carts.

Placencia Peninsula Transport

The Placencia Peninsula is long and narrow.

• Bicycles work well in Placencia Village

• Taxis operate between resorts

• Domestic flights arrive at Placencia Airstrip

• Buses run along the peninsula but are limited in frequency

Many resorts offer transport from the airstrip.

Reaching the Reef & Marine Reserves

Snorkelling and diving trips depart daily from:

• Caye Caulker

• San Pedro

• Placencia

Popular marine areas include:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve

• Shark Ray Alley

• Laughing Bird Caye

• The Belize Barrier Reef

Access is by licensed tour boat only.

Cross-Border Travel: Belize to Guatemala

The most common land crossing:

• San Ignacio → Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala)

Travel time:

• San Ignacio → Border: ~20 minutes

• Border → Flores / Tikal region: ~2–3 hours

Shared shuttles are the easiest option.

Always check visa requirements in advance.

Safety & Practical Notes

• Transport is generally relaxed but not fast

• Build buffer time between connections

• Roads outside towns can be uneven

• Weather (especially in rainy season) can affect travel times

• Cash (Belize dollars or USD) is widely accepted

Belize runs on “island time.” Expect flexibility rather than rigid schedules.

Final Thoughts

Getting around Belize isn’t complicated — it’s varied.

Combine water taxis, domestic flights, buses, shuttles, golf carts and boats, and you can explore everything from Caribbean cayes to jungle rivers, Maya temples, and the reef.

Distances are short, but infrastructure is simple.

Move slowly, allow extra time, and let the journey feel part of the adventure.

N.B. Prices shown are indicative and reflect typical costs in Belize as at February 2026.