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Getting Around Belize

There is several ways to get around while visiting Belize.

  1. Take tours offered by our local Belizean tour operators, such as Get-To-Know-Belize Tours. Knowledgeable certified  tour operators will take care of your transfer from the airport or any other of the many wonders Belize has to offer, whether on land or in the water.

  2. Take a bus. Experience a true Belizean form of transport while taking a bus from Hopkins to the town you want to visit. Keep in mind, this is not tourist busses - this is the primary form of transport for most Belizeans - they are inexpensive but may not necessarily stop at tourist spots.

  3. Rent a car at the airport, in town or in Dangriga. There are several different rental options available in Belize. Renting usually only require a valid drivers license and credit card. A few things to be aware of:

    • gas is about 2x more expensive than the USA.

    • it is expensive to rent a car in one location and return it to a different location.

    • If you bring the car back earlier than the initial agreement - they may not refund the unused days.

    • Rental at the airport is usually a bit less than in the towns and villages.

    • Beware of pedestrians, cyclers and motorcycles while driving.

    • Night driving in dangerous as there is a lot of wild and domesticated animals which potentially can cross the road.

    • Beware of pedestrian crossings!! These large embankments across the roads and highways are usually found around the villages and schools. Some are marked bu not all. They will decimate your car axel if you go too fast.

    • Be aware, awake and undistracted while driving. You are on vacation, if you are a few minutes late, it will all be ok!

    • Distance does not mean anything - you cannot go 50 miles in an hr, regardless if the speed limit say so.

  4. Rent a motorbike from Emma in Hopkins. Rent one of Emma’s dirt bikes - you do need a valid motorcycle license.

  5. Rent a gold cart. Rent a golf cart from us or Diversity Cafe.

Distances to places in Belize

  • Belize City to Belize Zoo 29 Miles (about 30 min)

  • Belize City to Belmopan 50 Miles (about 1 hour)

  • Belize City to San Ignacio 73 Miles (about a 1.5 hour)

  • Belmopan to San Ignacio 23 Miles (about 30 min)

  • Belmopan to Dangriga 55 Miles (about 1.25 hour)

  • Dangriga to Placencia 55 Miles (about 1.25 hour)

  • Dangriga to Punta Gorda 107 Miles (about 2.25 hour)

  • Hopkins to Dangriga 12 Miles (29 min)

  • Hopkins to Placencia 25 Miles (about 1 hour)

  • Hopkins to Belmopan 60 miles (about 1.5hrs)

  • Hopkins to Punta Gorda 90 miles ( about 2 hours)

Most main roads are either paved or in good condition. No need for a four-wheel drive vehicle.

It is Highly recommended NOT to take the Coastal (or Manatee) Highway which is a shorter route from Belize City to Dangriga; it's not paved and is not in good condition.

Times will vary but Belize City to Belmopan is usually 1 hour because you can stick to the maximum speed limit for most of the trip. From Belmopan to San Ignacio, there are more villages where you should slow down. The highway from Belmopan to Dangriga is through a hilly region region and maximum speed should not be maintained the whole trip - plan on 2 hours but it will probably be more like 1.5 hours.

From Dangriga to Placencia, you can go via the paved Southern Highway.

Wherever you travel no matter by what means, enjoy the trip and do not rush!