Getting around Belize involves a mix of travel methods, each suited to the country's varied terrain, infrastructure, and relaxed pace of life. While buses remain the most common and affordable option, car rentals offer flexibility, especially for off-the-grid adventures. In coastal areas and island towns, golf carts, bicycles, and boats are the norm, reflecting a laid-back lifestyle. Air travel connects major destinations quickly, and water taxis link the mainland to the cayes. Whether you're commuting daily, exploring remote ruins, or relocating long-term, understanding the strengths and quirks of Belize's transportation options is essential for planning a smooth journey.
Car commutes in Belize
If you're planning to travel across Belize, your most practical modes of transport are by air or bus. With fuel prices hovering around $12 BZD per gallon, long-distance car travel becomes a less economical choice, though still viable, especially for accessing remote locales beyond the reach of the national bus grid. Diesel fuel is generally sold at a lower price, followed by unleaded and premium. Owning a car can be advantageous, but unless you reside in a city or a rapidly growing town, you might find it idle more often than not. By now, you know there are only two cities - Belize City and Belmopan.
Belize City is cramped in terms of traffic due to narrow streets and more cars than parking spaces in multiple areas across the city. Belmopan is spacious, but has rush hour bottlenecks due to the location of key services and schools around the city. With the expansion of both cities, owning a car is the best option for anyone who lives away from commercial areas, doesn't want to bike on streets with few bike lanes, or be at the mercy of taxis who may not work after sunset or on Sundays. Public transportation within the cities only serves specific areas with buses that may pass you during rush hour when they're overcrowded.
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Belize has earned a reputation for its abundant use of speed bumps and pedestrian ramps, which serve as traffic-calming devices across the country. While some are mild nuisances, others can be downright punishing, especially if approached at full speed. Many are marked with signage, though not all, and the warnings can vary in placement. Signs may appear just before the bump, directly at it, or not at all. Until you've memorized the layout of a particular route, it's safest to slow down any time you see a sign, or even suspect one might be coming.
Renting a car in Belize
Renting a car in Belize offers the freedom to explore the country on your own terms, especially destinations that buses and public transport simply don't reach. Whether you're planning to discover hidden waterfalls, venture into remote archaeological sites, or cruise through the countryside at your own pace, having your own vehicle opens up a wider array of experiences. However, there are a few requirements and caveats.
To rent a car, you must be at least 25 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and have a credit card to cover the rental and any additional charges. Daily rental rates are relatively high by regional standards, averaging $100 BZD to $140 per day, or $700 to $1,100 BZD per week, excluding the cost of fuel. Damage insurance is mandatory and must be kept with you, as police checkpoints throughout the country may request proof of coverage.
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Not all car rental companies permit cross-border travel, particularly due to tax and insurance complexities associated with taking a Belizean-registered car into neighboring countries. Moreover, many rental agencies have restrictions on unpaved roads, which are common across Belize. If you intend to travel on rural or gravel roads, it's essential to confirm with the rental company in advance. Doing so will allow them to advise you about which car is better suited for the areas you will traverse and to avoid unexpected penalties or coverage voids.
In addition to traditional vehicles, golf carts and scooters are widely available for rent, especially on islands and in beach towns like San Pedro or Placencia. These are often a more practical and cost-effective choice for short distances and relaxed environments.
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Buying a car in Belize
If you plan to stay long-term, buying a car may be more economical over time. The process is straightforward and often informal. Many sales happen through word of mouth, so asking around your local community can be more effective than browsing classified ads. In the informal scenario, all you need is cash in hand after inspecting the car then agreeing on the price. Get a police report or a copy of the old plate from the previous owner and a bill of sale. The next step is to get the vehicle insured, if it isn't already, then go to the nearest Traffic Department to complete the documentation for the change of ownership and registration. The traffic officer would then inspect the vehicle for safety and compliance. In the formal scenario, you would go to different car dealers/importers to learn about options. Payment would be in cash or through a bank loan. Dealerships prefer loans from the top three banks.
Vehicles in Belize come at a premium, and there are no leasing options. There are active Facebook buy-and-sell groups where both locals and expats list vehicles for sale. Whether imported or purchased locally, expect to pay significantly more than you would in other countries. Import duties range from 40% to 50%, and these taxes are usually built into the final sale price. If you plan to bring a vehicle into Belize, these duties still apply unless you're participating in the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), which offers duty exemptions for retirees meeting specific criteria. There are additional fees of $100 for importing or replacing a vehicle on Ambergris Caye.
August prices of 2020-2025 new vehicles obtained in August 2025 in Belize City of some popular brands are as follows:
- Ford Everest 7-passenger, diesel automatic, 150K BZD
- Ford Explorer 7-passenger, automatic, All Wheel Drive, 170K BZD
- Ford Escape 100-125K BZD
- Ford Edge 5-passenger 125-150K BZD
- Ford Ranger 5-passenger, diesel automatic, 98K BZD
- Kia Sonnet 4-passenger, leather 2-wheel drive 70K BZD
- Kia Seltos 5-passenger, diesel automatic 2-wheel 78K BZD
- Kia Sportage 5-passenger, automatic, 105K BZD
- Kia Sorento 5-passenger, diesel All Wheel Drive, 115K BZD
Regular or premium fuel unless otherwise specified. Servicing varies by the dealership and is done after a number of miles are logged based on the terms of the contract.
In contrast, 2010-2020 used vehicles range between 18-40K BZD, based on factors such as mileage, interior, wheels and aesthetics.
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Electric vehicles are available in Belize, and charging stations are located in all district towns
Traveling around Belize by plane
Belize is served by a single international gateway: the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, situated in Ladyville, just north of Belize City. This is the country's primary hub for international arrivals and departures, with service from major airlines including Delta, American, Copa Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska, and United. Round-trip tickets between Belize and major U.S. cities cost between $350 and $1,500 BZD, based on seasonal cycles.
For domestic travel, a network of small airstrips connects larger towns and popular island destinations. Locations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Belmopan, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, and Big Creek are all served by Tropic Air and/or Maya Island Air. These regional carriers also operate flights to and from the international airport, offering quick transfers across the country. Tropic Air further extends its reach with limited international flights to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, providing a streamlined alternative to ground transportation in Central America.
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Travelling around Belize by bus
The most widely used form of transportation in Belize is the bus. For many Belizeans, owning a car or affording regular fuel costs is simply out of reach, making the bus a practical and essential option for both daily commutes and longer journeys. Even those who do have personal vehicles often opt for bus travel when convenient.
Catching a bus in Belize is as informal as it is accessible. Simply stand on the roadside and raise your hand as the bus approaches, no ticket booth or terminal required. Express buses, however, only stop in larger towns, villages, and cities. The majority of the fleet consists of retired American school buses, recognizable by their familiar yellow shape, though a few express services feature air conditioning, tinted windows, and the more polished appearance of a Greyhound-style coach.
Be prepared for an energetic ride. Bus drivers can be aggressive on the road, speeding along curving hills with little restraint. During peak hours or busy routes, buses often become crowded to capacity, passengers may be sitting, standing, or pressed shoulder to shoulder. Those prone to claustrophobia or discomfort on high-speed, winding roads may want to consider alternate travel options.
That said, the affordability and reliability of bus travel are unmatched. Fares are extraordinarily low, generally around 7 BZD per hour of travel, though prices can edge higher for express buses and in the south, where road conditions are poorer, reaching 9 to 12 BZD per hour. Still, a trip from Punta Gorda to Belize City can cost less than 30 BZD, a fraction of what you'd spend on fuel. There's no need to buy tickets in advance; simply pay the conductor on board. Small children ride free if seated on your lap during crowded trips.
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Fares are regulated by the government, offering protection against overcharging, and buses are known for running on time, a notable exception to the usual relaxed pace of Belizean scheduling.
Several websites offer bus schedules, though accuracy can be hit or miss, especially with minor route or timing adjustments. Bus companies frequently change or cease operations altogether, so flexibility is key. For the most up-to-date information, especially around holidays, many companies post announcements on Facebook, or you can call directly to confirm departure times.
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Traveling around Belize by boat
If you're looking to explore Belize's offshore gems, water taxis are your go-to mode of transport. These compact motorboats typically accommodate up to 40 passengers and are a popular, scenic way to hop between the mainland and nearby cayes. The most well-established routes run between Belize City and San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and even extend to Chetumal, Mexico.
There are, however, less frequented routes that remain well worth seeing. From Dangriga, water taxis serve several small islands dotting the southern coastline. You can ask around at the airstrip, bus terminal, or even your taxi driver for the latest information about departure points and times. In the Placencia area, the Hokey Pokey water taxi shuttles passengers across the lagoon to Independence and Mango Creek. It's a vital link for residents, expats, and anyone catching the James Bus Line north or south. In the far south, Punta Gorda serves as a maritime gateway to Guatemala and Honduras. The sea in that region, however, can be rough, so travelers should be prepared. A schedule is typically posted on a sign outside the Punta Gorda immigration building, though it's best to check individual company websites for fares and crossing times. Unlike Belizean buses, children on water taxis generally pay half fare.
Buying a boat in Belize
For those interested in private marine travel, boats are widely available for purchase. However, motors, particularly reliable outboard engines, tend to be expensive locally. Many choose to import their motors or negotiate directly with sellers for a better deal, often with the help of a well-connected Belizean friend.
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Ocean Ferry (Caribbean Sprinter)
Cycling around Belize
Cycling is a convenient and popular way to get around in Belize, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring rural backroads. Bikes are available for purchase or rental in nearly every urban center, and choosing the right type depends largely on the terrain you'll encounter. For flat coastal towns, a standard beach cruiser may suffice, though you may find yourself standing on the pedals when tackling any inclines. For hillier routes or off-road adventures, a mountain bike with gears is the smarter option.
In smaller villages or along the coast and cayes, a bicycle or golf cart is far more efficient. These compact vehicles suit the laid-back rhythm of island life and the narrow, unpaved roads of rural communities. They offer just the right speed for navigating daily life without the expense or hassle of a full-sized vehicle.
In contrast, riding a scooter or motorcycle in Belize is considered considerably more hazardous. The roads may be scenic, but they're also shared with vehicles whose drivers often lack awareness of two-wheeled traffic. The absence of public safety campaigns geared toward motorcyclists or the motorists around them has led to confusion on the roads and a disproportionate number of serious or fatal accidents.
Motorcyclists are required by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport to wear helmets, obtain a driver's license, and ensure their vehicle is properly registered and insured. While enforcement can vary, these regulations are in place to promote safety on roads that, while picturesque, can be unpredictable and unforgiving for two-wheeled travelers.
Buying a bicycle or scooter in Belize
Prices vary by style and condition. Children's beach cruisers typically start around 300 BZD, while adult gear bikes can range from 400 BZD and up. Haggling is often expected, particularly in smaller shops or informal vendors. It's worth shopping around, as different brands and builds are scattered across various outlets. Larger bike shops sometimes offer used models and usually have an in-house repair mechanic or technician for maintenance needs.
A commonly distributed brand of motorcycles and scooters is Yamaha. The cost of a new motorcycle is approximately 4,000 BZD and for a scooter is 5,000 BZD
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