What's transportation like?Is it advisable to rent a car or not

Possibly Santa Rita

Hi
Public transportation is probably not the best way to go in Belize. Everything is spread out and depending on where you want to go a rental is a pretty good option. Driving in Belize is pretty good, just have to watch out for sleeping policemen. (Giant speed bumps). They are not always marked. If your taking a vehicle out of Belize and into Guatemala , Crystal is the only rental agency that will let you do that. They are very good but the process of renting can be painful if there is a bit of a line up. Reservations don't move you up in the line at all. Depending on where you are going you may need 4 wheel drive. This blog i find very informative and i hope it helps answer your questions.

Hello everyone,

A new thread has been created from your posts on the Belize forum so that you may better communicate and share infos.

All the best,
Bhavna

The only sites that are not on a bus route are Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, ATM, El Pilar.
Nim Li Punit can be done with a bit of a hike from the Southern. Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, are easily done using public transport. Not sure the bus runs all the way to Altun Ha. For Cockscomb you can take the bus and be let out at Maya Centre. Serpon Sugar Mill is accessible from Southern. Zoo can be done by bus so can Bermudian Landing. It is very nice to have a car, as you can access all the above. For ATM you will need a guide, but you can drive in and meet your group there. Caracol requires a military escort from Douglas DeSilva Forest Station.

While i do t live there yet i have visited numerous times.  Definitely do the rental, but take time stamped pics of all four sides of the car.  That saved us the last time!  We got a call three weeks after we returned the car claiming that we damaged the car.  The pics were our proof!

Hi there. It sounds to me like you may want to go off the beaten path. And maybe to places where a bus maybe limited in convenience. So, I'd suggest a rental. And yes, watch out for the pedestrian crossings aka speed bumps. These areas are marked, but you have to be aware of it(the sign postings). My suggestion is, if you SEE a small sign near the side of the road, slow down. You don't want to get to the sign before you slow down, because then it is too late. You will find out what I'm talking about. One or two of these bumps and you will get the picture. Sort of abruptly. 😖 Just be careful and enjoy the view. A 4 wheel drive maybe a good idea, but the best bet is to be aware and cautious, those one headlight vehicles aren't always scooters. It could be a bus or truck. Just be careful, do look for the posted signs well in advance. Have a great time. C ya. 😀

Have done both.  Flew into Belize City and then caught Tropic airlines to Punta Gorda. My wife and I bused and backpacked throughout Belize and into Guatemala to Tikal.  I have to admit it is a lot easier with a car rental .  We have done it many times driving in Belize.  However, we are so glad we bused it one of our first times in Belize.
It gave us a closer perspective to Belizeans and their culture that you don't get renting a car.  People were helpful.  I do admit though it had its challenges much of what was described in this post. 

Good luck with your Belize adventure!

Hola, I live in Progresso Heights, Belize. I own a motorcycle that can take me into the towns. I use the buses regularly. Buses run early for school children, and workers, and maybe at noon, and then again in the evening. Buses are old Bluebirds, don't expect comfort. Everyone I have been has been clean. I am usually, or should I say always the only white. I find it amusing, and love the kids. Car rentals? I had a recent promotion on a Dodge Nitro at the airport, for $56 a day. I have rented a Toyota Four Runner, four wheel, private party $75 a day. Car lot in Corozal I heard rents under fifty. No speed limit signs, in fact very few signs at all.
Taxis, are very affordable, even the ones that still have doors. Lol I hope I have helped.