How to Get to Placencia. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City is the main international airport. All international flights arrive here, clearing immigration and customs. Placencia Airport (PLJ) is a small domestic airport on the peninsula.

Flight Details

International carriers to BZE: American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska.
Domestic airlines to PLJ: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air from BZE.
Direct international flights to BZE from major US/Canadian hubs.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Flight prices to BZE are higher during the dry season (November to May) and peak during holidays. Lower prices appear during the wet season (June to October). Domestic flights to PLJ maintain stable pricing but sell out during peak times.

BZE Facilities & Transfers

BZE offers currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental desks.
Wi-Fi is available.
Transfers from BZE to Placencia: Domestic flight (30-45 min), ground shuttle (3.5-4.5 hrs), or public bus (5-7 hrs).

Save on Flights

Utilize Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts. Check Skyscanner for best prices.

Car Rentals

Find good car rental rates with DiscoverCars.com for travel within Belize.

Flight Compensation

AirHelp can assist with compensation for delayed or canceled flights (up to €600).

Land Transportation

Bus Options

Public buses ("Chicken Buses") run from Belize City to Dangriga, then to Placencia.
Frequency: Several times a day, schedules vary.
Comfort: Basic, no air conditioning, frequent stops.
Express Buses/Private Shuttles offer more comfort and direct service.

Self-Driving

Valid driver's license from home country (up to 30 days), International Driving Permit suggested.
Car rentals at BZE, Belize City, and some Placencia agencies. Book ahead.
Road Conditions: Main highways and Placencia Road are paved and good. Some rural roads are unpaved.
Safety: Night driving is not suggested due to poor lighting and wildlife.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

No large car ferries. Water taxis are the main sea transportation for short distances to nearby islands like Silk Cayes or Laughing Bird Caye for day trips.

Cruise Ports

Harvest Caye, a private island, is off the coast near Placencia. Cruise passengers take tenders to the mainland for tours, not directly to Placencia Village.

River Transportation

Monkey River Tour: A popular boat trip up the Monkey River for wildlife spotting. It functions as a guided tour, not a regular transport service.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

For international flights from BZE, departure tax and other fees (approximately $55.50 USD) are typically included in the airline ticket price. Always verify this with your airline when booking. No specific exit fees for land or sea departures for tourists.

Departure Procedures

International Flights (from BZE): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic Flights (from PLJ): Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
Ground Transfers: Confirm pick-up times well in advance, account for delays.

Airport Facilities

BZE offers check-in counters, security, duty-free shops, gift shops, cafes, and a lounge. PLJ facilities are very basic: a small check-in counter and waiting area. Plan for minimal services at PLJ.

Airport Experience

BZE amenities for waiting passengers.
PLJ has limited services.
Allow ample time for security and check-in queues at BZE.

Local Insights

Consider a Car phone mount for your rental car or golf cart for navigation. This keeps your directions visible and hands-free, promoting safety and ease of travel. This is particularly for self-driving or using golf carts on the peninsula.

Travel Planning Tip

For international visa applications, IVisa and VisaHQ offer consumer services. Insubuy gives medical and travel-related coverage.

How to Get to Placencia