This is an information site regarding transportation within Belize, and to & from Belize.
Schedules and fares can change at any time; always confirm times before travel.
Exchange rate: BZ$2 = US$1.
The photo above is the bus terminal in Corozal.
WELCOME TO BELIZEBUS
2009/03/22 by belizebusUPDATES
2009/03/22 by belizebus30 October 2009
There have been some changes to the schedules for buses operating between Belize City, Flores (Guatemala) and Chetumal.
Between BC and Flores, the departure times are the same, and there is a new bus company with first class buses (a/c, reclining seats).
Between BC and Chetumal, the foreign buses cannot pick up passengers in Belize City. To get to Chetumal, there are 3 daily express buses (Premier Line; see schedules below), and several local Belizean buses (approximately hourly departures from the bus terminal).
Until I get more up to date information, contact Mundo Maya Travel directly for exact departure times (contact details are below).
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29 October 2009
Beginning Friday 30 October 2009, the San Pedro-Belize Express Water Taxi will have a new service between San Pedro (Belize) and Chetumal (Mexico). The water taxi will depart on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from the Ambergris Divers Dock in San Pedro at 7:15 am, and depart from the Main Pier (near the Palacio Gobierno) in Chetumal at 3:00pm. There is a promotional fare of BZ$80.00 (US$40.00) per round trip during November. After November, the fare will be BZ$110 (US$55) per round trip.
Contact the San Pedro-Belize Express Water Taxi for complete schedule details: http://www.sanpedrowatertaxi.com/index.html
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18 October 2009
Currently, the “Thunderbolt” water taxi operates only one run each way per day: departs Corozal 7 a.m. and departs San Pedro at 3 p.m.
The fare is BZ$45.00 (US$22.50) one way and BZ$85.00 (US$42.50) round trip.
The schedule will probably return to two runs per day later this year when the tourist numbers increase.
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21 August 2009
Belize and Mexico have reached general agreement on their intention to build a road that will link San Pedro with Xcalac, and have also agreed on a scheduled water taxi to link San Pedro, Xcalac and Chetumal. The water taxi will be operated by the San Pedro-Belize Express Water Taxi, a Belizean enterprise, and will begin almost immediately.
Here’s the link to the article in The Reporter:
http://www.reporter.bz/archive/view/3698/?highlight=chetumal&match=
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8 July 2009
Here are two reports from Belize media regarding the new Maya Island Air international flights to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras:
From Belize Channel 7 News:
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=14470
From Belize Love FM radio:
BELIZE BUS INFORMATION
2009/03/22 by belizebusBus travel is a very common method of transportation in Belize, with many Belizeans relying on buses for daily commuting to and from work, school or shopping. Therefore, bus service along the main highways is frequent, usually hourly and sometimes half-hourly during peak travel times, and Belizeans don’t really need printed schedules. Only one bus company, National Transport Services Limited (NTSL), has a website: http://www.nationaltransportbelize.com.
The buses are used Bluebird school buses; most of them are not very comfortable, not air-conditioned, and are not well equipped to handle luggage, but they are cheap! There are a few air-conditioned buses that are used on some Express runs. Buses operate on Sundays and public holidays, but on a less frequent schedule.
There are two types of bus service in Belize: “Regular” buses stop for passengers anywhere along the route, and “Express” buses stop only at main towns. The final destination of a bus is displayed in the front window of the bus.
In Belize City, buses arrive at and depart from the Belize City bus terminal (commonly known by its former name, Novelo’s) located on West Collet Canal. When boarding a bus at a terminal, just get on and find a seat. Put luggage in overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within arms reach if possible. Once the bus gets going, a conductor will collect the fares. If you’re on the side of a road and you want an approaching bus to stop, wave an arm up and down; the bus will not stop if it’s an Express, it’s full or the driver doesn’t feel like stopping. After taking a seat, the conductor will collect the fare. Buses tend to be crowded so try to get to the terminal well before the departure time so that you get a seat.
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All bus providers have been given permits to operate within assigned zones.
1. Northern Zone – Belize City to Corozal (135 km / 84 miles)
The bus companies authorized to operate on the highway in the Northern Zone are NTSL, Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), Chell, Gilharry, Russell, Tillett, T-Line and Venus. Northbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour beginning at 5:30 am; last departure at 7:30 pm. Southbound buses depart from Corozal about every half hour beginning at 3:45 am; last departure at 7:30 pm. Most are Regular buses, but there are a few Express buses throughout the day. There is also bus service to the rural areas, including Sarteneja.
There is a main bus terminal in Corozal. It’s on the main highway, and about a 2 minute walk from the center of town.
Here’s a link to a map of Corozal: http://www.northernbelize.com/map_cortwn.html
The red line is the main highway. Look for the number 1 in a circle. The bus terminal is on the upper left side of the circled number 1, on the curve in the highway.
A Regular bus from Belize City:
to Orange Walk (87 km / 54 miles) is about 1.5 hours & BZ$5.00, and,
to Corozal is about 2.5 hours & BZ$9.00.
The Express is a bit faster and 2 or 3 dollars more.
Bus Schedule in Corozal Bus Terminal (click on image for larger image)
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2. Western Zone – Belize City to Benque Viejo Del Carmen (130 km / 81 miles)
The bus companies authorized to operate on the highway in the Western Zone are NTSL, BBOC, D and E, Guerra’s Bus Service and Shaw Bus Service. Westbound buses depart from Belize City about every hour (sometimes on the half hour) beginning at 5am; last departure at 9 pm. There is also bus service to the rural areas.
A Regular bus from Belize City:
to Belize Zoo (29 miles) is about 45 minutes & BZ$4.00,
to Belmopan (50 miles) is about 1.5 hours & BZ$5.00,
to San Ignacio (73 miles) is about 2 hours & BZ$6.00, and,
to Benque is about BZ$8.00.
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3. Southern Zone – Belize City to Dangriga (169 km / 105 miles) / Placencia (257 km / 160 miles) / Punta Gorda (338 km / 210 miles)
The bus companies authorized to operate on the highway in the Southern Zone are James Bus Line, G-Line Service and Usher Bus Line. Buses authorized to operate in the rural areas of the Southern Zone are Chen Bus Line, Yascal Bus Line, Smith Bus Line, Richie Bus Line, Martinez Bus Line, Williams Bus Line, Radiance Ritchie Bus Line, and Polanco Bus Line.
I haven’t got complete schedules for all the bus lines, but here is a site with the James Bus schedule:
GETTING PLACES IN BELIZE
2009/03/22 by belizebus1. From the Airport to Belize City
There are no buses from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). A taxi to Belize City costs BZ$50.00, and takes just under 30 minutes. Before exiting the airport, try to find another person to share a taxi and split the cost. I have heard that the Ladyville taxis have a capacity of five passengers; the logo on their vehicle is a red winged circle with the taxi union name printed on it.
Another option is to walk or taxi from the airport to the Northern highway (about 2.5 km) and wait for a bus. As you approach the intersection with the highway, Belize City will be to your right so just wait on the side of the highway. Orange Walk, Corozal and Mexico are to your left, so you have to cross to the other side of the highway and wait. When you see a bus coming, wave your arm up and down to get it to stop; Express buses will not stop. If you’re going to Belize City, the bus will terminate at the bus terminal.
If you’re going to the cayes by water taxi, go to the Belize City Marine Terminal / Water Taxi Terminal. If you’re going to another destination by bus, go to the Belize City bus terminal. There is also another airport in Belize City, the Municipal Airport.
For a cheap way to get back to the airport, get a bus to the airport turnoff in Ladyville, and either walk the 2.5 km to the terminal, or look around for a taxi. A bus from Belize City will cost about $2.00, and the taxi probably won’t be more than BZ$6.00.
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2. To Old Belize or the Belize Zoo
In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a westbound Regular (not Express) bus; the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus, but you could take one with a final destination of BELMOPAN. Buses depart hourly and sometimes half hourly. Just board the bus, and put luggage in the overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within arms reach if possible. Let the driver and/or the conductor know where you want to stop. The conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets going. Old Belize is at about Mile 5 (about BZ$1.00), the zoo is at Mile 29 (BZ$3.00 or $4.00), and you can watch the white mile marker posts to see how close you’re getting.
After visiting Old Belize or the zoo, walk back to the highway and wait for a bus to your next destination. When you see a bus coming, wave your arm up and down to get it to stop. Express buses won’t stop. If you’re going back to Belize City, the bus will return to the bus terminal where there are taxis waiting outside the terminal.
More information can be found at:
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3. To San Ignacio or Benque Viejo del Carmen
In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a westbound bus (ask around and find out if there’s an Express bus); the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus. Buses depart hourly and sometimes half hourly. Just board the bus, and put luggage in the overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within arms reach if possible. The conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets going; should be about BZ$6.00 or $7.00. There will be a scheduled stop at Belmopan.
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4. To Orangewalk or Corozal
In the Belize City bus terminal, look for a northbound bus; the final destination of COROZAL or CHETUMAL will be displayed in the front window of the bus (some buses only go as far as Orangewalk). Buses depart hourly and sometimes half hourly. Just board the bus, and put luggage in the overhead racks or at the back of the bus. Always keep an eye on your luggage because passengers often use the rear emergency door as an entrance or exit. I like to keep my luggage within arms reach if possible. The conductor will collect the fare after the bus gets going.
If you’re starting from the airport, you don’t have to go back to Belize City to get a northbound bus. You could just get out to the highway and wait.
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5. To Sarteneja
From Orange Walk, there are daily buses to Sarteneja. The departure times I have are (Monday to Saturday) 11:30 am, 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm, and on Sunday, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The trip takes about 1.5 hours.
From Sarteneja, buses depart for Orange Walk at 4:00 am, 4:30 am, 5:00 am, 5:30 am and 8:00 am (Monday to Saturday), and 5:00 am, 5:30 am and 8:00 am on Sunday. Check these times before travelling.
Also, check with the operators of the Thunderbolt water taxi in Corozal.
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6. From Dangriga to Hopkins
Here is some information from a travel forum:
http://www.belizeforum.com/belize/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=156806&page=1
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7. To Tobacco Caye
Here is some information from a travel forum:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/message.jspa?messageID=16123584#16123584
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1813687&tstart=0
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By Water Taxi
a) The two main water taxi services between Belize City, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association and San Pedro – Belize Water Taxi. A third service, Triple J, is now affiliated with Caye Caulker Water Taxi. Schedules, fares and more information can be found on these websites:
http://www.cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com/
http://www.sanpedrowatertaxi.com/index.html
Update 30 October 2009: The San Pedro – Belize Water Taxi provides a service between San Pedro (Belize) and Chetumal (Mexico). The water taxi departs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from the Ambergris Divers Dock in San Pedro at 7:15 am, and departs from the Main Pier (near the Palacio Gobierno) in Chetumal at 3:00pm. The trip duration is about 2 hours. There is a promotional fare of BZ$80.00 (US$40.00) per round trip during November. After November, the fare will be BZ$110 (US$55) per round trip.
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b) There is a water taxi service between Corozal and Ambergris Caye.
The “Thunderbolt” departs Corozal at 7.00am and 3.00pm daily, and departs San Pedro at 7:00am and 3:00pm daily (there are 2 water taxis). Cost: BZ$45 one way; purchase at the pier before departure.
Website: http://ambergriscaye.com/thunderbolt/
The "Thunderbolt" at the Corozal pier
Another view of the "Thunderbolt"
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c) There is a water taxi service between Independence/Mango Creek and Placencia.
The “Hokie Pokie” departs Independence/Mango Creek (Kingfisher Landing) for Placencia daily at 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 8 am, 11 am, 12:00, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm (except Sunday) and 5:30 pm (except Sunday). It returns from Placencia (MnM Hardware/ Fuel Dock) at 6:45 am, 10 am, 12:30 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm & 6 pm (except Sunday). This schedule should be used as a guide only because I haven’t been able to confirm the times with the water taxi operator.
Telephone number for information: 606-1501 or 523-2376 (Owner).
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d) There are also water taxis providing service on Ambergris Caye.
Coastal Xpress offers private water taxi and charter service to all coastal locations in northern Belize, and scheduled ferry service for the entire island of Ambergris Caye.
San Pedro Island Ferry provides residents and visitors of Ambergris Caye with water taxi service traveling from San Pedro town to Northern and Southern parts of the Island.
That link is currently not working. Try these:
http://ambergriscaye.com/download/ferryschedule.html
http://www.belizegateway.com/db_clients/2263.php
Or Google “San Pedro Island Ferry”.
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By Air
Here are the links to the two Belizean airlines, a private charter company, and a helicopter service:
a) Maya Island Air, http://www.mayaregional.com/
b) Tropic Air, www.tropicair.com
c) Javier’s Flying Service, http://www.javiersflyingservice.com/
d) Astrum Helicopters, www.astrumhelicopters.com
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By Transfer Service
An option for getting to many destinations is a transfer service. Here are some companies that offer a transfer/shuttle service:
a) Belize VIP Transfer Service, www.belizetransfers.com
b) George & Esther Moralez Travel Service, www.gettransfers.com
c) Belize Shuttle, www.parrot-nest.com/belize_shuttle.html
d) ABC Shuttle (details below in a newspaper ad, March 2009)
e) Eva’s, www.evasonline.com
This is from the owner (May 2009), “We do run shuttles on an as needed basis from both the airport and the water taxi in Belize City. The total cost for 2 persons (one-way) is currently BZ$175 and includes a stop at the zoo for no extra charge, but does not include the zoo entrance fee. Our drivers will also give our guests a private tour of the zoo for no fee.”
f) Cayo Adventure Tours, http://www.cayoadventure.com/
Cayo Adventure Tours can provide an airport transfer service. Contact details are on their website.
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Here’s a link to some more information about these services …
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?messageID=15499278�
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By Car Rental
These sites have a list of car rental companies:
http://www.travelbelize.org/plan-your-visit/getting-around/vehicle-rental-2.html
http://belizeretirement.org/travel-rentals.shtml
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By Taxi
Taxis in Belize usually don’t have any markings and I haven’t yet seen one with a meter. They can be identified by their green license plate that displays, in white, the letter “D” followed by four digits. In Belize City, the standard fare is BZ$6.00 to travel between most places in the city. Fares for longer distances can be negotiated.
Taxi License Plate
GETTING FROM CANCUN AIRPORT TO BELIZE AND BACK
2009/03/22 by belizebusThis is how I do the trip from Cancun airport to Belize…
From Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, there is an approximately hourly ADO Riviera airport shuttle bus (from 10:50 am to 9:45 pm, but check the ticketbus site for up to date schedules). Tickets are sold in the airport, at a counter just after you exit customs, or from the driver as you board the bus. To get to the bus, go out of the airport terminal, turn right and keep going to the other end of the terminal. The bus trip takes about 1 hour and costs MX$100 (as at November 2009).
The shuttle bus arrives in Playa del Carmen at the bus terminal at the corner of Quinta Avenida and Avenida Juarez (5th Avenue and Juarez Avenue). If you want to continue to Chetumal immediately, get a taxi (MX$15 to 20) or walk to the other bus terminal (Terminal Alterna) at Avenida 20 and Calle 12, where you get the bus to Chetumal. Or, stay a night in Playa.
Here’s a link to a map of Playa del Carmen showing the location of the two bus terminals:
http://www.travelyucatan.com/playa_del_carmen_mexico_hotel_map-a.php
From Playa del Carmen, ADO express buses to Chetumal depart at 0025, 0150, 0620, 0920, 1050, 1150, 1320, 1435, 1515, 1635, 1835, 1935, 2120 & 2358 (and there are a few ADO GL and OCC buses for a bit more money). The trip takes about 4.5 hours and costs MX$204 for Primera Class (as at November 2009).
Another option is to go from Cancun airport to the bus terminal in Cancun city, and get an express bus to Chetumal.
Here’s a link to comments about each of the two options:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1775702&tstart=0
The bus arrives at the ADO bus terminal in Chetumal, but the Mexican buses don’t go into Belize, so you have to change buses in Chetumal. There are a few options for getting from Chetumal to Belize; see the next post, TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN BELIZE, CHETUMAL AND FLORES.
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To get to the cayes, there are a few options…
1. Get a Belizean bus from Chetumal. Get off the bus in Corozal, and take the Thunderbolt water taxi to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This water taxi departs daily at 7am and 3pm. The 7 am boat will arrive at 9 am so that you can walk across the island and get a water taxi to Caye Caulker at 9:30 am.
http://ambergriscaye.com/thunderbolt/
2. Get a Belizean bus from Chetumal to Belize City, and get a water taxi from there. The advantage of this option is that there are more departures from Belize City than Corozal, and it’s a comfortable bus trip if you get an express bus.
http://www.cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com/
3. Fly from Corozal or Belize City.
4. Update 30 October 2009: The San Pedro – Belize Water Taxi provides a service between San Pedro (Belize) and Chetumal (Mexico). The water taxi departs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from the Ambergris Divers Dock in San Pedro at 7:15 am, and departs from the Main Pier (near the Palacio Gobierno) in Chetumal at 3:00pm. The trip duration is about 2 hours. There is a promotional fare of BZ$80.00 (US$40.00) per round trip during November. After November, the fare will be BZ$110 (US$55) per round trip.
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This is how I do the trip from Belize to Cancun airport…
See the next post, TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN BELIZE, CHETUMAL AND FLORES, for ways to get to Chetumal.
At the Chetumal ADO terminal, I get an ADO Express bus to Playa del Carmen; departure times are 0025, 0045, 0310, 0445, 0505, 0600, 0830, 1030, 1230, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830, 2000 & 2330 (and there are a few ADO GL and OCC buses for a bit more money). The trip takes about 4.5 hours and costs MX$204 for Primera Class (as at November 2009).
The bus arrives at the bus terminal at Avenida 20 and Calle 12 (Terminal Alterna). If you want to continue to Cancun airport immediately, get a taxi (MX$15 or 20) or walk to the other bus terminal at Quinta Avenida and Avenida Juarez where you get the ADO airport shuttle bus to Cancun airport. The trip takes 1 hour and costs MX$100.
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Schedules & fares can change anytime; check for updates at:
http://www.adogl.com.mx/en/index.htm
Note 1: MX$ is Mexican pesos. On the Mexican bus websites, just the dollar sign is used to represent pesos.
Note 2: The ADO express buses have very good air-conditioning; dress warmly.
TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN BELIZE, CHETUMAL AND FLORES
2009/03/22 by belizebus1. Premier Lines Express Bus Service (an affiliate of the Belizean bus company, National Transport Services) provides express bus service between Belize City and Chetumal. In Belize City, buses arrive at and depart from the Belize City bus terminal (commonly known as Novelo’s) located on West Collet Canal. In Chetumal, buses arrive at and depart from the ADO bus terminal. The buses are a bit better than the Bluebird school buses and some are first-class type; all have air-conditioning though it might not function. There are stops for passengers at Orange Walk and Corozal. Check the website for updates: http://www.nationaltransportbelize.com/
Depart Belize City: 6:00 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am daily
Depart Chetumal: 10:45 am, 1:45 pm and 4:45 pm daily. Note: these times are Belize time; there will be a 1 hour difference when Chetumal is on DST.
Duration & cost: about 3 hours & BZ$16.00
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2. Linea Dorada and San Juan Travel Services, two Guatemalan bus companies, provide bus service between Flores, Belize City and Chetumal. In Belize City, buses arrive at and depart from the Belize City Water Taxi / Marine Terminal on North Front Street near the Swing Bridge. Buses operate on Sundays and public holidays. Not all buses are air-conditioned. The agent in Belize City for these bus lines is Mundo Maya Travel located inside the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal. Phone: (501) 223 0457 / 223 1235. Email: mundomayatravels@yahoo.com
Linea Dorada has a website: http://www.tikalmayanworld.com/reservations/index.htm
The schedule below was last updated on 15 April 2009, but always confirm times before travel.
Note (30 October 2009): there have been some recent changes to the Linea Dorada & San Juan information. Contact Mundo Maya Travel directly for exact departure times.
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Flores to Belize City (235 km / 146 miles / about 5 hours)
San Juan Bus departs 5:00 am daily: US$ 25.00
Linea Dorada departs 6:00 am daily*: US$ 25.00
San Juan Bus departs 7:30 am daily: US$ 25.00
* Departure of the Linea Dorada bus is sometimes delayed because it waits for a connecting bus from Guatemala City.
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Belize City to Flores (235 km / 146 miles / about 5 hours)
San Juan & Linea Dorada depart 9:30 am daily: US$ 25.00
San Juan Bus departs 2:30 pm daily: US$ 25.00
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Belize City to Chetumal (161 km / 100 miles / about 3 hours)
San Juan Bus departs 10:30 am daily**: US$ 10.00
Linea Dorada departs 12:30 pm daily**: US$ 10.00
** These buses are not always punctual.
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Chetumal to Belize City (161 km / 100 miles / about 3 hours)
San Juan Bus departs 5:00 am daily: US$ 10.00
Linea Dorada departs 6:00 am daily: US$ 10.00
The Linea Dorada bus boards in the bus terminal. The San Juan bus boards outside the terminal.
Note: these buses are not scheduled to stop anywhere else in Belize.
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3. National Transport Services Limited also provides service to Chetumal. In Belize City, buses arrive at and depart from the Belize City bus terminal (commonly known as Novelo’s) located on West Collet Canal. In Chetumal, buses arrive at and depart from Nuevo Mercado (about 1 km from the ADO terminal). The buses are used Bluebird school buses; most of them are not very comfortable, not air-conditioned and are not well equipped to handle luggage, but they are cheap! There are a couple of air-conditioned buses that are used on some Express runs. The Express stops for passengers at Orange Walk and Corozal. The Regular stops anywhere along the route. The schedule below is an old one so check times at the terminal, or check the website for updates.
Depart Belize City: 6:45 am (Express), 7:30 am (Regular), 8:30 am (Regular), 1:00 pm (Regular), 5:30 pm (Express)
Depart Chetumal: 4:00 am (Express), 9:00 am (Regular), 2:30 pm (Regular), 3:30 pm (Regular), 7:00 pm (Express)
Duration & cost: the Regular is about 3.5 hours & BZ$9.00; the Express is about 3 hours & BZ$12.00.
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4. Corozal – Chetumal
Several bus companies (BBOC, Chell, Gilharry, NTSL, Russell, Tillett, T-Line, Venus) operate on the Corozal – Chetumal route.
Buses depart Corozal bus terminal about every half hour beginning at 7:00 am; last departure at 8:00 pm.
Buses depart Chetumal Nuevo Mercado (New Market) about every half hour beginning at 4:00 am. I don’t know the exact departure time of the last bus from Chetumal Nuevo Mercado, but it is between 5:45 and 6:30 pm (Belize time); this bus connects with the last bus to depart from the Santa Elena border at 7:15 pm.
It is possible to go to the border by taxi, walk across the border and get a taxi on the Belize side. I prefer to stay a night in Chetumal, and get a bus the next day.
Duration and cost: about 45 minutes (mainly due to the time it takes for a bus load of people to get through immigration at the border) and about BZ$3.00 or $4.00.
Note: some information shown on the schedule posted on the wall of the terminal differs from information received directly from a Corozal bus terminal supervisor.
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5. Ambergris Caye – Chetumal
Update 30 October 2009: The San Pedro – Belize Water Taxi provides a service between San Pedro (Belize) and Chetumal (Mexico). The water taxi departs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from the Ambergris Divers Dock in San Pedro at 7:15 am, and departs from the Main Pier (near the Palacio Gobierno) in Chetumal at 3:00pm. The trip duration is about 2 hours. There is a promotional fare of BZ$80.00 (US$40.00) per round trip during November. After November, the fare will be BZ$110 (US$55) per round trip.
http://www.sanpedrowatertaxi.com/index.html
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Map of Chetumal Showing ADO Bus Terminal and Nuevo Mercado (click on image for larger view)
CROSSING THE BORDER FROM CHETUMAL TO COROZAL AND BACK
2009/03/22 by belizebusWhen you enter Mexico by air, you should be issued (on the plane) with a form called Forma Migratoria Para Turista, Transmigrante, Visitante Personade Negocios o Visitante Consejero – Internacion Aerea (in English: Migratory Form for Foreign Tourist, Transmigrant, Business Visitor or Councilor Visitor – Entrance by Air); fill it out on the plane. If you don’t get a form on the plane, ask some questions.
The fee for the FMT is usually included in the cost of the airline ticket, so there is nothing to pay on arrival in Mexico and nothing to pay at a bank.
The FMT allows a maximum stay of 180 days. When you go through immigration at the airport, the immigration officer will write in the actual number of days you can stay; it will be between 30 and 180 days depending on your nationality. Immigration will keep the top part of the FMT form, and you keep the bottom part with your passport. If you entered Mexico by land, there is a similar FMT form.
When you leave Mexico by bus, the bus will stop at a small immigration booth on the Mexican side of the border. Passengers get off, without luggage, and present their passports with FMT to the immigration officer. He will ask (in Spanish) for MX$100 (that’s pesos). If you pay, the immigration officer should stamp your part of the FMT form “doble entrada” and put it back in your passport. This stamped FMT will allow you to re-enter Mexico within the allotted time (30 to 180 days) without paying a new re-entry fee.
You may choose not to pay the MX$100, but then immigration will keep your part of the form, and the next time you enter Mexico, you will have to pay a higher fee (it’s something like MX$280) for a new FMT. And the fee for the new FMT isn’t paid at the border, but at a bank.
Bottom part of the FMT form (front side)
Mexico FMT (back side)
Passengers re-board the bus, proceed across the bridge over the Hondo River and stop at Belize Customs & Immigration. Passengers (with their luggage this time) go into the immigration building. There are no fees when entering Belize; you get a stamp (allows a stay of 30 days) in your passport, and a tourist card that should be kept with your passport until you leave Belize. After completing immigration and customs, re-board the bus.
These sites explain entry requirements for Belize…
http://www.travelbelize.org/plan-your-visit/getting-here/entry-requirements-2.html
http://www.belizetraveltrade.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=187
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, go to the nearest immigration office for an extension of another 30 days. The extensions will cost you; I think it’s BZ$50 (US$25) for the first 6 months, and BZ$100 thereafter.
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CROSSING THE BORDER FROM COROZAL TO CHETUMAL
When you leave Belize by bus, the first stop will be at Belize Immigration. Passengers, without luggage, get off the bus, enter the building and present their passports with the tourist card to Belize Immigration. For tourists who have been in Belize for more than 24 hours, there is a fee of BZ$37.50 (US$18.75), payable in BZ$ or US$.
These sites explain departure fees for Belize:
http://www.travelbelize.org/plan-your-visit/getting-to-here/visitor-fees.html
Passengers re-board the bus, proceed across the bridge over the Hondo River and stop at Mexican Immigration where they get off the bus with their luggage.
Passengers entering Mexico for the first time go into the immigration office. You will receive an FMT form that must be completed. Walk through border control and re-board the bus. The fee for the FMT must be paid at a bank before you leave Mexico.
Passengers re-entering Mexico with an FMT stamped “doble entrada” can just proceed through the border control. There are no fees to pay.
WATER TAXIS BETWEEN BELIZE AND GUATEMALA
2009/03/22 by belizebusRequeña’s Charter Service & Watertaxi operates a watertaxi, “Mariestela”, between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios.
Departs Punta Gorda 9:00 am daily from the Municipal pier near the Customs & Immigration Office.
Departs Puerto Barrios 2:00 pm daily from the pier near the Shell gas station.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cost: BZ$40.00 each way.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from Requeña’s office on Front Street (half a block north of the pier), or before departure from the Requena representative in front of the Customs/Immigration Office at the pier.
Contact: Requeña’s Charter Service & Watertaxi, 12 Front Street, Punta Gorda. Tel: (501) 722-2070. Email: watertaxi@btl.net
Website: http://www.belizenet.com/requena/
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Other water taxis:
Pichilingo
Departs Puerto Barrios 10:00 am daily.
Departs Punta Gorda 2:00 pm daily.
Duration: 1 hour. Cost: BZ$50.00 each way (plus any exit fees).
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Marisol
Departs Puerto Barrios 1:00 pm daily.
Departs Punta Gorda 4:00 pm daily.
Duration: 1 hour. Cost: BZ$50.00 each way (plus any exit fees).
(as at February 2009)
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Here’s a site with more information about water taxis from Punta Gorda and Livingston:
TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN BELIZE & HONDURAS
2009/03/22 by belizebus1. Water Taxi from Dangriga to Puerto Cortes
The “Nesymein Neydy” departs from Dangriga on Saturdays. Passengers should be at the dock at 8:30 a.m. for immigration processing. The boat departs about 11:00 am. Arrives at Puerto Cortes about 1:30 pm.
Return trip: Departs Puerto Cortes on Mondays at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: US$55.00 each way (plus any exit fees).
Information and tickets can be obtained from Mundo Maya Travel, inside the Water Taxi Terminal on North Front Street near the Swing Bridge, Belize City.
(last update: 15 April 2009)
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2. Water Taxi from Placencia to Puerto Cortes
The “D-Express” departs from the dock by the Shell gas station on Fridays at 9:30 am.
There is a stop at Big Creek. Departure from Big Creek at 11:00 am.
Arrives at Puerto Cortes, Honduras about 2:00 p.m.
Cost: BZ$110.00 (US$55.00) plus any exit fees.
Return trip: Departs Puerto Cortes, Honduras on Mondays at 11:30 am, but be early for immigration processing. Arrives at Placencia about 2 pm. Cost: 1000 lempiras (US$55.00) plus any exit fees.
Tickets available at the Placencia Tourism Center. Tel: 202-4506 or 523-4045. Email: placencia@btl.net
(last update: March 2009)
More information at: http://www.belizeferry.com
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3. Express Bus from Belize City to San Pedro Sula
Departs from Mundo Maya Travel, North Front Street, Belize City at 6:00 am on Saturdays.
Arrives at San Pedro Sula at 6:00 pm.
Return: Bus returns from San Pedro Sula on Tuesdays from the Belize Embassy in Honduras.
Cost: US$60.00 one way.
Tickets must be purchased from Mundo Maya Travel, inside the Water Taxi Terminal on North Front Street near the Swing Bridge.
Phone: (501) 223 0457 / 223 1235.
Email: mundomayatravels@yahoo.com
(last update: 15 April 2009)
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4. Flight
Check the Maya Island Air website for up to date information about flights. If the flight is not shown on the site, phone or email Maya Island Air.
Also check TACA Airlines:
EXPRESS BUS BETWEEN BELIZE & SAN SALVADOR
2009/03/22 by belizebus
Emar Express Bus departs San Salvador bus station on Tuesdays at 6 am.
Departs from the Habet Hardware Yard, Eve Street, Belize City at 5:00 am on Fridays.
Duration: 12 hours. Cost: US$75.00 each way.
Tickets must be purchased from Mundo Maya Travel, inside the Water Taxi Terminal on North Front Street near the Swing Bridge.
Phone: (501) 223 0457 / 223 1235.
Email: mundomayatravels@yahoo.com
(updated: 15 April 2009)
DISTANCES
2009/03/22 by belizebusDistances by road:
Along the Northern Highway:
Belize City to Maskall Village: 63 km / 39 miles
Belize City to Orange Walk Town: 87 km / 54 miles
Belize City to Corozal Town: 135 km / 84 miles
Belize City to Santa Elena, Corozal: 150 km / 93 miles
Belize City to Sarteneja: 177 km / 110 miles
Belize City to Chetumal, Mexico: 100 km / 161 miles
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Along the Western Highway:
Belize City to Belize Zoo: 47 km / 29 miles
Belize City to Belmopan: 80 km / 50 miles
Belize City to San Ignacio: 117 km / 73 miles
Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen: 130 km / 81 miles
Belmopan to San Ignacio: 37 km / 23 miles
Belmopan to Benque Viejo del Carmen: 50 km / 31 miles
Belmopan to Flores, Guatemala: 235 km / 146 miles
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Belmopan to Dangriga: 89 km / 55 miles
Dangriga to Placencia: 89 km / 55 miles
Dangriga to Punta Gorda: 172 km / 107 miles
MISCELLANEOUS
2009/03/22 by belizebus
WEBSITES
2009/03/22 by belizebusHere are some other websites related to travel in Belize & Mexico.
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General tourism:
http://www.pgiabelize.com/1.html
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Accommodation:
http://www.chetumalhoteles.com/hoteles.html
http://www.allmexicohotels.com/quintana-roo/chetumal/
http://www.travelyucatan.com/playa_del_carmen_mexico_hotel_map-a.php
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Newspapers, radio stations & TV stations
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Weather & Climate
http://www.hydromet.gov.bz/index.htm
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Travel Forums
http://ambergriscaye.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forum_summary.html
