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How to Get to Belize City

How to Get to Belize City

Belize City Belize Travel Guide

Flights & Airport

Major Airport & Airlines

The main international airport for A Caribbean port city is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). It sits about 16 kilometers (10 miles) to the northwest of the city.

Air Travel Information

  • BZE handles all international flights and domestic connections.
  • Airlines: American, United, Delta, Southwest, Copa, Sun Country, WestJet.
  • Routes: Direct flights mainly from US/Canadian hubs (Miami, Houston, Toronto).

Seasonal Prices & Facilities

Flight prices to BZE change a lot with the seasons. High season (Dec-May) brings highest prices; low season (Jun-Nov) offers lower fares.

Airport Amenities

  • Facilities: Duty-free, gift shops, restaurants, vehicle rental desks.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi access may be limited. Think about a local SIM.
  • International connections from Europe/Asia usually go through US/Central American hubs.

Taxi Transfers

Taxis are easy to find outside arrivals. Fixed fare to Belize City: BZD 50-60 (USD 25-30).

Shuttle Services

Private shuttles offer pre-booked, comfy transport to your hotel or other spots like San Ignacio.

Budget Bus

Cheapest option: walk 25-30 mins from airport to highway, then flag down a "chicken bus" (BZD 2-3).

Flight Planning Tools

Find Deals

  • Dollar Flight Club for cheap flight alerts.
  • Use Skyscanner to compare costs across airlines.
  • Book 3-6 months ahead for high season.
  • Low season (June-Nov) often has better fares.

Post-Flight Assistance

  • If your flight is delayed or canceled, AirHelp can assist with compensation.
  • Check if exit fees are in your ticket price.
  • Have transit visa plans if connecting through the US.
  • Airport has ATMs and currency exchange.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Connects to Mexico (Chetumal via Santa Elena) and Guatemala (Flores via Benque Viejo del Carmen). Expect immigration/customs checks; departure fee may apply.

Bus Options

"Chicken buses" (repurposed US school buses) are the main intercity transport. Very cheap. Some express buses like ADO are from Chetumal. Main terminal is on West Collet Canal Street.

Train Services

Belize does not have a public railway system. Train travel is not a option for getting to or from Belize City.

Self-Driving

Rental & Road Conditions

Renting a car provides freedom but comes with specific points.

Driving Basics

  • Rentals: Major companies like Budget, Avis, Hertz are at BZE and in Belize City. Also local companies. DiscoverCars.com for bookings.
  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) is a good choice.
  • Roads: Main highways are paved. Secondary roads can be unpaved, rough; worse in wet season.

Safety & Insurance

Road conditions and local driving practices may be different from what you know.

Driving Safely

  • Insurance: Get full coverage for your rental car. CDW often very welcome.
  • Safety: Limited road signs. Unmarked speed bumps ("sleeping policemen") are common.
  • Night operating a vehicle is not a good idea due to poor lighting and road hazards.

Sea/River Arrivals

The Gateway to the cayes’s coastal spot makes sea travel a common way to arrive, especially for cruise passengers and those coming from the cayes.

Marine Terminal

  • Water Taxis: Main transport to Caye Caulker & Ambergris Caye.
  • Marine Terminal: Near Swing Bridge, easy to get to hotels and bus terminal.
  • Travel Time: Caye Caulker ~45 mins, San Pedro ~1.5 hours.

Cruise & River Transport

A Caribbean port city is a major stop for cruise ships.

Waterway Travel

  • Cruise Port: Fort Street Tourism Village, disembark by tender.
  • Immigration for cruise passengers: Often handled onboard or simplified.
  • River Tours: Private boat tours for wildlife or Lamanai Mayan site can be organized.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: Departure tax/environmental fees (BZD 75-80 / USD 37.50-40).
  • Air Travel: Fees usually in ticket price. Confirm with airline.
  • Land/Sea: May need cash payment at border/port if not pre-paid.
  • Airport (BZE): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
  • Land Borders: Allow ample time for immigration/customs.
  • Water Taxi: Get THERE 30 mins before scheduled departure.

Departure Facilities

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport BZE

BZE has duty-free shopping, several restaurants and cafes, and passenger lounges for those leaving. These facilities allow you to relax and acquire last-minute items.

Airport Amenities

  • Duty-free shopping.
  • Restaurants and cafes.
  • Passenger lounges.

Bus & Marine Terminals

The main bus terminal has rudimentary waiting spots, but amenities are limited. The Marine Terminal is nicer.

Terminal Features

  • Bus Terminal: Basic waiting areas, some food vendors.
  • Marine Terminal: Comfy waiting areas, ticket counters, nearby food.
  • Convenient location for transfers between water taxis and land transport.

Smooth Exit

Check for pre-paid fees to avoid surprises. Plan travel times well.

Time Savings

Arrive early for international flights to allow for checks.

Terminal Comfort

Utilize airport facilities for a relaxed wait before departure.

Connecting to Destinations

Domestic Flights

Belize City (BZE) serves as the hub for domestic flights to various destinations throughout Belize.

Local Air Travel

  • Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are the main domestic airlines.
  • Connect to popular isles such as Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) and Caye Caulker.
  • Flights also go to inland towns like Placencia and Dangriga.

Convenient Hub

BZE acts as a simple transfer point for travelers looking to explore beyond the city limits.

Seamless Transitions

  • Many international flights arrive just before connecting domestic flights.
  • Book domestic flights in advance, especially during high season.
  • Check baggage allowances for smaller domestic planes.

Onward Journey

Island Hopping

Fast and scenic flights to Caye Caulker or San Pedro.

Jungle & Ruins

Access to inland resorts and Mayan sites from the vicinity airfields.

Southern Belize

Direct flights to Placencia and Dangriga for shores and culture.

Travel Insight

Belize City is your gateway. Many tour operators coordinate airport transfers with your chosen activities beyond the city.

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