Transportation in Belize
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- Category: Belize
- Published on Thursday, 08 September 2011 01:55
- Written by Trys
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Transportation in Belize
Belize is easily accessible from the Yucatan peninsular by land and also by plane from the United States. Only two hours by plane from Texas and Florida, Belize is easily accessible from the north. The small compact geography of Belize means that travel in Belize is fast and efficient compared to other larger nations in the Americas.
Travel by bus means that the experience of travelling Belize is always fun and a cultural experience. The locals travel by bus and friendships are easily made.
This Belize Transportation Guide gives an indication of the options available for you to get to and from Belize, as well as getting around the country. For further detailed information about transport to specific destinations, as well as getting around, visit our Belize City Transportation Guide page. The Belize Destination Guide gives information about places around the country you may be interested in.
Belize Transportation Guide
Getting to Belize
Most visitors arrive to Belize by air at the Philip S Goldson International Airport, the main international airport in Ladyville. The airport is only 30 minutes drive from the centre of Belize City. Taxi is recommended as the best mode of transport from the international airport and may cost around US $20 to Belize CIty.
Direct flights are best served from the United States. The airport is served by American Airlines from Fort Worth, Dallas and Miami. Continental Airlines have a service from Houston and Newark. In addition US Airways provide a direct service from Charlotte and Delta Connection from Atlanta. From Houston, Miami or New Orleans, Belize City is only 2 hours by plane.
There are some connections from Central America to Belize. Taca Airlines have a service to the main international airport in Belize flying from Houston, San Pedro, Sul and San Salvador. Atlantic Airlines de Honduras offers a direct service from nearby Honduras flying from Tegucigalpa, La Ceiba, Roatan, San Pedro Sula. Starting from May 2009 Maya Island Air will offer a service from Cancun, Mexico and to Guatemala City in Guatemala.
Getting Around Belize
By Air
Flying within Belize is a great experience looking down at the beautiful and varied landscape. There is finally a good domestic air service offered within Belize by the two major national airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Most of the services are from the main international airport Philip S. W. Goldson but some services may operate out of the smaller Belize City Municipal Airport, only 1 mile from the city. Both airlines have services to Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Dangriga, San Pedro Sula, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Pedro and Savanah. Both Tropic Air and Maya Island Air typical fly with a small single-engine plane on their domestic services.
Troipc Air
In the US or Canada call: 1-800-422-3435
In Belize call: 011-501 – 226-2012
Fax: 011-501-226-2338
http://www.tropicair.com/
P.O. Box 20
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Belize
Maya Island Air
Address:
Maya Island Air Regional
Municipal Airstrip
Building #1, 2nd floor
Telephone: (501) 223.1140 or (501) 223.1362
Fax: (501) 223.1722
http://www.mayaregional.com
By Bus
There are several competing bus lines on the main north to south road in Belize from Punta Gorda to Belmopan and Belize City. The distances between cities in Belize are generally small. From Punta Gorda to Belize City is only 5 hours by bus. The two major companies are Novelo's or Southern Transport. These two companies offer the best service. Fares may typically range from US $2.50 to US $11 depending on the distance travelled. Most buses in Belize have a conductor with a driver. The conductor will come to your seat to collect the fare. Travelling by bus represents one of the best pleasures of Belize. Not only will you see the country furthermore the locals tend to travel by bus. So you can expect a cultural experience! Express buses tend to be faster than normal buses and may save 30 minutes on an intercity bus journey.
Buses can be caught at the main bus terminals in Belize's major cities such as Belize City. Tickets can be pre-bought and expect to arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you find yourself on the north to south road highway, it is still possible to hail down a bus. Wave to the bus and then tell the bus driver where you would like to go. The type of buses in Belize can be compared to out-of-commission Greyhounds and US school busses. There are newer buses on the northern and western highways but expect to pay a few more dollars for the privilege. Young children may bring snacks and food onto the bus during stops which may be an opportunity for refreshment.
By Car
Car rental begins at around $40 and the Philip S Goldson International Airport has the major international car rental companies such as Hertz and Avis. An international drivers licence and passport is required. Expect to pay a large insurance deposit for rental. Insurance is also mandatory. Although a former British colony, driving is on the right in Belize. Petrol is cheap with a gallon of unleaded fuel costing $4.25-$4.40. Some of the roads are in poor condition.
By Shuttle Van
A shuttle van can be rented for US $36 per trip which can take you directly to many cities throughout the country. Using a shuttle van is good value for money when shared amongst fellow passengers. Discovery Expeditions is just of the major companies offering this service.
