Transfers, Flights, Ferries & Getting Around
You’ve booked your flight to Belize and picked the perfect beach cabana. Now, how do you actually get there? Getting around Belize can feel complex because it’s a country of two distinct worlds: lush inland jungles and breezy Caribbean coastline. In practice, mastering Belize travel logistics boils down to understanding three core options: small local flights, public ferries, and private ground shuttles. This guide breaks down your choices for getting from the airport to the islands or the jungle, comparing each by cost, time, and convenience.
You've Landed in Belize (BZE): What's Your First Move?
Your adventure begins at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), Belize's only international hub. Once you’ve cleared immigration and collected your luggage, your first decision is simple: are you heading straight for the breezy islands, or is your first stop the lush inland jungle?
If you’re dreaming of Caribbean cayes like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, your journey involves either a quick local flight or a taxi-and-ferry combination. If you're starting with Mayan ruins and rainforests near a town like San Ignacio, you'll be looking at a pre-booked shuttle or a rental car.
Path A to the Islands: The Fast Flight vs. The Scenic Ferry
Getting to the cayes from the airport presents two different adventures. Your choice boils down to this: do you want the sky-high shortcut or the classic sea-level journey? Both are excellent ways to get to hotspots like San Pedro on Ambergris Caye or the smaller Caye Caulker, but they cater to different priorities.
For the fastest route, hop on a small local flight, often called a "puddle jumper", right from the international airport (BZE). Airlines like Tropic Air and Maya Island Air operate like a well-oiled sky-taxi service, taking off frequently. The flight itself is a thrilling 15-minute experience with breathtaking aerial views of the Belize Barrier Reef. This convenience comes at a higher price, typically $80 to $150 USD one-way, but is a clear winner if you're arriving late or want to maximize vacation time.
The more budget-friendly path involves a 25-minute fixed-rate taxi ($25 USD) from the airport to a ferry terminal in Belize City. From there, companies like San Pedro Belize Express run frequent boats to the cayes. The water taxi journey takes about 90 minutes. While the total travel time is longer, the combined cost is significantly lower, making it a fantastic option if you're not in a rush and enjoy being on the water.
A Deeper Dive on Ferries: Schedules, Booking, and Choosing Your Boat
You’ll primarily be choosing between two main ferry companies: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. Both run routes to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, but for most travelers, the choice comes down to schedule and comfort.
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San Pedro Belize Express: This is the larger, more modern operator with a bigger fleet, more frequent departure times, and newer terminals. Think of them as the most convenient option.
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Ocean Ferry Belize: This company often uses slightly older boats and has fewer scheduled trips. Their tickets can sometimes be a few dollars cheaper, making them a solid choice if their schedule aligns with your arrival.
You can view schedules and book tickets in advance on their websites, which is wise during the busy season. At the terminal, porters will offer to handle your luggage, tagging your bags and ensuring they get on the right boat. It’s customary to tip them a dollar or two per bag for this service.
Path B Inland: Why a Shuttle or Private Transfer is Your Best Bet for San Ignacio
If your adventure starts inland around San Ignacio, a private transfer is the smoothest option from BZE, especially if you want maximum comfort, a flexible departure time, and a simple, door-to-door arrival (no terminals, no navigating, no guesswork). It’s also a great choice if you’re traveling with family, arriving late, or prefer a more controlled, reliable ride.
A shared shuttle can be a good value, but it often takes longer because it may stop at multiple hotels along the route for drop-offs and pickups. These shuttles typically run in air-conditioned vans that can accommodate up to 16 passengers, so expect a less private, more variable travel time compared with a dedicated transfer.
For the truly budget-conscious, there’s the public bus system. Known as “chicken buses,” these old-school American buses are the backbone of local transport. While a cheap and authentic experience, they aren't practical from the airport. You would need a taxi into Belize City, find the busy terminal, and board a bus that makes frequent stops, turning a two-hour drive into a much longer journey.
The final option is renting a car. The freedom is appealing, but a shuttle is often simpler after your flight. A rental can be great for exploring the Cayo District later, but this depends on your travel style and confidence driving in a new country.
Path C Going South: Placencia, Hopkins & Punta Gorda
Heading south from BZE is where Belize logistics can feel a little less “plug-and-play” and a little more “choose your own adventure.” The good news: it’s straightforward once you pick your priority—speed, comfort, or budget.
Option 1: Domestic flights (fastest, easiest for tight timelines)
If you want to land and be on the beach with minimal effort, a short domestic flight is the cleanest move. You can fly south to airstrips near your destination (Placencia, Dangriga for Hopkins, or Punta Gorda). This is ideal if you’re arriving late, traveling with kids, or trying to connect multiple stops without losing a day to transit.
Option 2: Private transfer (most comfortable, most flexible)
For couples, families, or anyone who values a smooth door-to-door experience, a private transfer is the “no-hassle” solution. You leave on your schedule, stop when you want (bathroom/snacks/photo break), and you go straight to your hotel—no hotel-hopping detours. It’s also the easiest way to add a smart en-route stop like the Belize Zoo (timing-dependent) without turning your day into a puzzle.
Option 3: Shared shuttle or bus (best for budget, but plan for extra time)
Shared shuttles can be a solid value, but they usually take longer due to multiple pickups/drop-offs and fixed departure windows. Public buses are the cheapest, but they’re the least convenient from the airport and can add friction with luggage, terminals, and transfers—better for travelers with flexible schedules and light packing.
Quick destination notes (so you choose the right “south”)
- Placencia: Best for a beach-forward stay with easy add-ons (snorkeling, island day trips, jungle excursions). Choose a flight for speed, or a private transfer for a simple, comfortable arrival straight down the peninsula.
- Hopkins: A great “sweet spot” for beach + culture + access to inland adventures. Many travelers pair it with Cayo; a flight to Dangriga plus a short road transfer can be very smooth.
- Punta Gorda: Most remote and time-intensive to reach by road—perfect if you’re going deep south for village life, Toledo experiences, or onward connections. Flying can save a lot of daylight here.
If you’re combining multiple destinations (for example, Cayo + Hopkins or Placencia + the islands), the key is coordinating the handoff between flights and ground legs—especially around daylight hours and check-in times. This is exactly where having transfers and domestic segments pre-arranged keeps the trip feeling effortless.
Should You Rent a Car in Belize? 3 Critical Questions to Ask First
Renting a car in Belize offers freedom but requires attention. Main arteries like the George Price Highway are paved but are typically two-lane roads with frequent speed bumps (called "topes"). Driving is straightforward but an active, engaged experience.
The single most important piece of advice is to avoid driving at night. Poor lighting, unmarked hazards (like "speed humps" in the middle of highways), and people or animals on the road make it risky. A beautiful route like the Hummingbird Highway is not a road you want to navigate after dark. Plan all drives to be completed well before sunset.
Ultimately, your decision depends on the last mile to your hotel. Many of Belize’s most incredible jungle lodges are located down long, unpaved, and sometimes rugged dirt roads. Before booking a standard sedan, check with your lodge and ask directly: "Is a 4WD vehicle necessary to reach you?" Their answer will tell you everything you need to know.
From Jungle to Island: A 3-Step Plan for Connecting Your Itinerary
Connecting your jungle adventure in San Ignacio with a stay on the cayes is a classic Belize experience. The journey starts with a pre-booked shuttle for a scenic, two-hour drive from the Cayo District directly into Belize City, the country’s main transportation hub.
Tell your shuttle driver whether you plan to take a local flight or a ferry to the islands. For flights from Belize City to the cayes, you may use the international airport (BZE) or Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA). TZA is a small, convenient city-center hub for these local "puddle jumper" flights, and flying from here may be cheaper than from BZE.
Once you decide between a 15-minute flight from TZA/BZE or a 90-minute ferry ride, you're on the final leg of your journey to San Pedro or Caye Caulker.
Your Final Mile: Getting Around on the Cayes and in Town
On the laid-back island of Caye Caulker, your own two feet are the best mode of transport. The island’s motto is “Go Slow,” and you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. Most people walk or rent a simple beach cruiser bicycle for a few dollars a day.
San Pedro, on the much larger Ambergris Caye, is a different story. Here, a golf cart is the primary vehicle for both locals and visitors. Renting one gives you the freedom to explore distant beaches and restaurants with ease. Expect to pay around $50-$65 USD per day, with better rates for multi-day rentals. Booking in advance during peak season is a wise move.
Back on the mainland, navigating towns like San Ignacio is just as straightforward. While you can walk the town center, taxis are plentiful and cheap for trips to your lodge or a restaurant on the edge of town, typically costing just $5-7 USD ($10-14 BZD).
Your Belize Logistics Cheat Sheet
Belize travel logistics are simple once you know the core options.
- For the islands, choose between a fast "puddle jumper" flight for speed and views, or an economical ferry for savings and a sea breeze.
- For inland destinations like San Ignacio, a pre-booked shuttle or private transfer offers the most reliable, stress-free option.
- Heading south to Placencia or Punta Gorda, the best option is a short domestic flight, but if flying is out of the question, private transfers and shuttles are also available.
With your transportation plan solved, you can stop worrying about the ‘how’ and start dreaming about the ‘wow.’ If you'd like help planning, reach out to us to book your Belize trip with confidence. Your adventure awaits.
