Bus travel is a very common mode 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, Ritchie’s Bus Service, has a website.
In Belize City, Belizean and ADO buses arrive at and depart from the Belize City bus terminal (still commonly known as Novelo’s, the name of a former bus company) located on West Collet Canal. Express buses to Guatemala stop at the Marine Terminal near the Swing Bridge in Belize City. Other cities and town have a bus terminal or a central point where buses stop.
Most of the buses are used Bluebird school buses; not very comfortable, not air-conditioned, and not well equipped to handle luggage, but they are cheap! Air-conditioned buses are used on some Express runs. Buses operate on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes on a less frequent schedule.
Bus companies offer two types of service: “Regular” buses stop for passengers anywhere along the route, and “Express” (or non-stop) buses stop only at main towns. The final destination of a bus is displayed in the front window of the bus.
When boarding a bus at a terminal, just get on and find a seat. Buses tend to be crowded, so try to get to the terminal well before the departure time to be assured of a seat. Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, or at the back of the bus, or wherever the conductor says. 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 a Regular bus and want to get off, move to the front of the bus and tell the driver or conductor where you want to get off.
If you’re waiting on the side of a road and 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.
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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 Albion’s, Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), Cabrera’s, Chell’s, Frazer, Joshua’s, Morales, Tillett’s, T-Line and Valencia. Northbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour beginning at 5:30 am; last departure at 7:30 pm. Many of the northbound buses continue to Chetumal. Southbound buses depart from Corozal about every half hour beginning at 3:00 am; last departure at 7:15 pm. All buses are Regular buses; no express buses. There is also bus service to the nearby villages.
The bus terminal in Corozal Town is located 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. The buses to the villages wait on the other side of the market near the post office.
A Regular bus from Belize City:
to Orange Walk (87 km / 54 miles) is about 1.5 hours & BZ$5.00,
to Corozal is about 2.5 hours & BZ$9.00.
Bus service to Crooked Tree
Jex and Sons Bus Service provides bus service between Belize City and Crooked Tree.
Buses depart from Belize City Monday to Friday at 10:50 am and 4:45 pm; Saturday at 10:50 am; no bus on Sunday.
Buses depart from Crooked Tree at 6:30 a.m.
Trip time: about 1.25 hours
Fare: BZ$3.50
Bus service to Sarteneja
Here’s some information I received from a resident of Sarteneja on 24 June 2010:
Buses depart from the Swing Bridge (NOT the bus terminal) in Belize City on Monday to Friday at 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm. On Saturdays, buses depart at 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 4:00 pm. No bus on Sundays.
Same bus passes through Orange Walk, stopping across from the St. Christopher Hotel (NOT the bus terminal). Departure time from Orange Walk is about 1.5 hours after departure time from Belize City.
Buses depart Sarteneja on Monday to Friday at 3:30 am, 4:30 am, 5:30 am, 6:30 am. It is a good idea to check at the bus depot the day before to confirm how many buses are leaving the next day.
On Saturday and sometimes during the week and sometimes on Sunday, there is a bus to Chetumal which departs Sarteneja about 6:00 am and returns through Orange Walk (2:30 pm) at 4:30pm.
Also, the Thunderbolt water taxi that runs from Corozal to Ambergris Caye will stop at Sarteneja on request.
Bus service to Benque
A Valencia bus departs from Corozal Town daily at 3:00 am and goes to Orange Walk, Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque (bypassing Belize City). The bus departs from Benque in the afternoon (I don’t have the exact time).
New Bus Run Between Benque & Northern Border (May 2013)
Operated by J&J Bus Line.
Departs from Benque daily at 4:00 am with stops at San Ignacio (4:30 am), Belmopan (5:20 am), Belize City (6:30 am), Orange Walk (8:15 am), Corozal (9:05 am) and Santa Elena border at 9:20 am.
Departs from Santa Elena border daily at 3:30 pm with stops at Corozal (3:45 pm), Orange Walk (4:45 pm), Belize City (6:15 pm), Belmopan (7:25 pm), San Ignacio (8:15 pm) and Benque at 8:45 pm.
Bus Schedules — Northern Zone (click on image to enlarge)
Bus Schedules — Corozal / Orange Walk / Sarteneja (click on image to enlarge)
Bus Schedules — Corozal Villages (click on image to enlarge)
Tillett’s Bus
A mini-bus that operates between Corozal and the border
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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 BBOC, D and E, Guerra’s Bus Service, Middleton’s, Shaw Bus Service and Westline. Westbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour beginning at 5am; last departure at 9:30 pm. There is also bus service to the rural areas. There is a main bus terminal in the central part of Belmopan. In San Ignacio, the buses stop in the central part of town.
A Regular bus from Belize City:
to Belize Zoo (29 miles) is about 45 minutes & BZ$3.00,
to Belmopan (50 miles) is about 1.5 hours & BZ$5.00,
to San Ignacio (73 miles) is about 2 hours & BZ$7.00,
to Benque is about BZ$8.00.
The image below is the bus schedule in 2009. The schedule was reorganized in June 2011, and National Transport Services Limited no longer exists (their runs were taken over by other bus companies). Until I get a copy of the new schedule, I’ll keep the old schedule posted. There should not be much difference in departure times, but the bus companies will be different.
Bus Schedules – Western Zone (click on image to enlarge)
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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, Ritchie’s Bus 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.
A Regular bus from Belize City to Dangriga is about 3.5 hours & BZ$15.00.
A Regular bus from Dangriga to Placencia, is about 1.5 hours and BZ$5.00.
Buses between Dangriga and Hopkins
Buses depart from Dangriga Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am and 5:15 pm. On Sunday, only at 5:15 pm.
Buses depart from Hopkins Monday through Saturday at 7 am and 2 pm. On Sunday, only at 2 pm.
Fare: BZ$5
James Bus Line schedule can be found at 3 sources:
Hickatee site: https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
PGBelize: http://www.pgbelize.com/jamesbusline
The Toledo Howler: http://www.belizenews.com/howler/
Minor differences exist; I don’t know which one is the most accurate.
Ritchie’s Bus Service
Website: http://www.ritchiesbusservice.com/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ritchies-Bus-Service/364472070317324?ref=stream
The image below is the bus schedule posted in the Dangriga bus terminal in 2010. I’ll keep it posted until I get an updated image.
Bus Schedules — Southern Zone — posted in the Dangriga bus terminal — April 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
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4. Belize City
The bus service providers authorized to operate in Belize City, and the zones in which they are authorized to operate (the routes include the downtown area) are:
Arrow Line or Arrowline — West Landivar area.
Belize Intransit/Metro Bus Service – West Landivar, Fabers Road, Kings Park areas.
Haylock Bus Service — Belama area.
Lemott Bus Service — Port Loyola Area.
Lopez Bus/Shuttle Service — Lake Independence Area.
Some buses are old Bluebird school buses, but some buses are modern, new looking, 25 to 30 seat mini-bus type vehicles, and appear to be in good condition. The Arrow buses are air-conditioned.
Fares are usually BZ$1 for adults and BZ$0.50 for children and students in school uniform. The fares for Arrow are twice those fares because the buses are air-conditioned.
Here are the links to two news reports with photos of the buses:
http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/47043
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=18752
2009/12/17 at 18:54 |
Hi
Any word on whether the Thunderbolt has increased its daily schedule from Corozol to San Pedro to two runs a day? Or is the ferry only going at 7am daily from corozol to San Pedro?
Cheers
Jaree
2009/12/17 at 18:59 |
Still one run each way per day – 7am from Corozal, 3pm from San Pedro.
I’m waiting to hear from them about their Christmas schedule.
2010/03/20 at 07:25 |
I am flying into Belize City in August. I have a couple of quick question. My flight arrives at 3:00PM. How long do you estimate to get through customs and catch a taxi to the bus terminal? I will be staying at Caves Branch Lodge (12 miles south of Blemopan) during my stay. What would be the buses that I need to take to get from Belize City to Caves Branch
2010/03/20 at 10:06 |
Getting from the plane to the taxi takes about 40 minutes plus or minus 10 minutes. The delay for me has always been waiting for luggage.
The taxi trip from the airport to the bus terminal takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
In the bus terminal, look for a westbound bus to Belmopan; the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus. Ask around and find out if there’s an Express bus. Get off when the bus stops at the Belmopan bus terminal.
Now you have a few options:
1. Arrange for Caves Branch to pick you up at the bus terminal.
2. Get a taxi to Caves Branch.
3. Get a south-bound bus, and ask the driver/conductor to drop you at Caves Branch.
2010/04/19 at 18:20 |
Hi,
We live in Belize and exit the northern border going to Chetamul and then take a bus to Cancun and fly to the states to visit family, Recently at the Cancun airport I had to pay an exit fee to fly out of Cancun I was told that all persons leaving Mexico from a different port of entrance are now required to pay this fee. I only traveled the 6 hours through Mexico, is this new??
In the past we were never required to pay a exit fee I paid it to save missing my flight!!! please update us on the entry and exit fees
2010/04/19 at 19:20 |
Hi Jerry,
Edited reply…
That was not an exit fee you paid, it was the fee for the tourist form (FMT).
The fee for the tourist form is always paid when transiting from one country (Belize), through Mexico to another country (USA) no matter how long the visitor stays in Mexico.
2010/09/22 at 11:38 |
Hello–
Glad to find your site. I’m planning a trip to Belize in January with a friend (we’re 50-ish, traveling light). Haven’t tried the buses before. Seems like a way to see some of the country. I’m thinking of flying in to Belize on 1/1/11 (do buses run as usual on a holiday, if NY Day is one there?), taxi to the bus terminal to San Ignacio (Chaa Creek), then on 1/3/11 taking the bus back to Belmopan to connect with bus to Dangriga, water taxi from there to Tobacco Caye for 4 nights, then bus back to the airport to fly out on 1/7. Does this sound do-able? Are the schedules pretty reliable? Or is renting a car a better option? It would have to sit in Dangriga unattended while we were on the Caye, so that seems risky. Your help appreciated,
Jeff
2010/09/22 at 12:25 |
Yes, buses do run on Sundays & public holidays, but sometimes on reduced schedules.
It does sound do-able.
The schedules are usually reliable. Many Belizeans rely on the buses for daily transportation, so bus service is frequent. Keep in mind that the buses are usually old and maybe not so well maintained, so delays & breakdowns are possible.
You might want to consider flying between the international airport & Dangriga.
2010/12/02 at 11:38 |
Is there a holiday schedule for christmas day? I arrive at 4pm and would like to go to San Ignacio
2010/12/02 at 14:22 |
The bus companies don’t issue holiday schedules. In previous years, the buses have run on Christmas Day, but sometimes on a less frequent schedule. No one really knows until the driver does or doesn’t turn up to work.
2010/12/02 at 16:43 |
Hi,
Great Blog!
We will be in Belize through Christmas and plan to travel from Sittee river just south of Dangriga to the Phillip Gordon Airport Belize City on Monday Dec 26th. Is there a direct bus or will we have to make our way to Dangriga for an express?
Thanks
2010/12/02 at 17:05 |
Hi,
The express buses stop only at main towns, and won’t stop anywhere between. You’ll have to get the express bus in Dangriga.
2011/01/25 at 11:35 |
Hi! My husband and I are planning on taking the D-Express Ferry from Placencia to Puerto Cortes, Honduras (leaves 9:30 Placencia, 11:30 Big Creek). The 5:15 am James Line Bus from Belize City should get us to Independence in time to catch the ferry, right? I assume that’s why it leaves at 5:15 am, and it looks like the only early bus available… From Independence, do I need to catch another bus to Placencia or Big Creek or just grab a taxi or walk?
Thanks!
2011/01/25 at 21:43 |
If you look at a map, a lagoon separates Independence & Big Creek from Placencia — Big Creek on the western side and Placencia on the eastern side.
The James bus goes to Independence, not Placencia, so anyone going to Placencia has to get a small water taxi called the Hokey-Pokey across the lagoon to Placencia.
However, the D-Express, after departing from Placencia, makes a stop in Big Creek (for immigration) before continuing to Honduras. So, you should be able to board in Big Creek without needing to go to Placencia to board.
The bus driver should be able to help. It might be a BZ$5 taxi ride from Independence to Big Creek. And I’ve heard the James bus schedule might have changed — I’m waiting for an update. Check this site for the update:
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
Have you seen the website for the D-Express? Check the FAQs.
http://www.belizeferry.com/Prices_%26_Schedule.html
http://www.belizeferry.com/Tickets_Vendors.html
http://www.belizeferry.com/Immigration_Process.html
2011/02/02 at 22:02 |
My husband and I are landing in Cancun Feb 11 at 10:45am and would like to get to San Ignacio Belize. Can we make it there in one day, or do we stay overnight in Chetumal and catch the San JuanTravel the next morning at 0600am? What is the best way from Cancun Airport?
Also we leave Belize Feb 20, from Placentia…plan to get to Cancun in one day by catching a early 0725 am flight to Belize Municipal Airport, and then catch a bus to Chetumal, and then transfer to another to Cancun. Hopefully arriving by 8pm. Does this sound feasible? Thanks
2011/02/03 at 09:05 |
From the airport, you could go to either Cancun or Playa del Carmen to get a bus to Chetumal. Be aware that if you go from the airport to Playa, you have to change buses and bus terminals to get the bus to Chetumal. Going to Cancun might be easier (no changes necessary), then it’s a 5.5 hour trip to Chetumal.
In either case, I would guess that you would get to Chetumal at about 6 to 7 pm. The Belizean buses stop crossing the border around this time, but you can still get to the border by taxi or Mexican bus. Then cross and get a bus to Corozal and Belize City if they are still running by the time you get there. The last bus from Belize City to San Ignacio departs at about 9:30 pm. You’re cutting it close.
The San Juan bus doesn’t (or at least it’s not allowed to) stop in San Ignacio, but you could get it to Belize City, then change to a Belizean bus to San Ignacio.
Or you could use on of the transfer services for all or part of the trip — perhaps get picked up in Chetumal.
On the way back, if all your connections are perfect, you’ll get to Cancun airport by about 7 pm. Too close for me.
The express buses from BC to Chetumal took 3 hours. There are no express buses any more, and the Regular buses take about 4 hours, so you’ll get to Chetumal at about 1 pm. Then it’s 5.5 hours to Cancun bus terminal and you have to get back to the airport, or it’s 4.5 hours to Playa, then the 1 hour shuttle bus to the airport (plus any time waiting for the next shuttle).
2011/03/26 at 12:21 |
I am traveling alone over spring break. I will be staying at a B&B in Belama and need to get to the cruise ports to go on my tours while I’m there. Is this possible and also how safe is it? Thanks!
2011/03/26 at 14:42 |
Hi Marisa,
If it’s the B&B I think it is, it is very safe.
By “cruise ports”, do you mean the Tourist Village where the cruise ship passengers arrive on shore?
To get there, the easiest way would be to ask the B&B owner if he/she is heading into the City, and get a lift. If there’s a charge, it would probably be cheaper than a taxi.
Next option would be a taxi — that might cost BZ$20 or $30 each way, and be very safe.
The cheap option would be to get out to the highway and get a bus — that will cost about BZ$1 or $2. The bus will terminate at the bus terminal, and then you can walk or get a taxi (BZ$6) to the Tourist Village. The bus terminal area might not be one of the nicest area of the City, but it should be safe in daylight hours with some common sense — be aware of the people around you, trust no one — grab & run type theft is common in the City. If travelling after sunset, I’d always use a taxi.
The Tourist Village area is reasonably safe, but naturally being crowded with tourists, there will be people asking for money and offering stuff for sale. There are police on patrol in the area.
2011/03/27 at 16:46 |
Currently in San Ignacio. I understand that there is a bus called Valencia from Corozal to Benque and back. I am hearing that the bus departs San Ignacio at either 8am or 4:15pm, though I have also heard as early as 3:30pm. Planning to catch the 8am tomorrow and will update on what I find out (this bus bypasses Belize City completely.
2011/03/27 at 20:09 |
Hi Mark,
Yes, there is a bus between Corozal & Benque. It’s called a non-stop bus, but it makes stops along the route.
It departs Corozal bus terminal at 3:30 am (yes, AM), goes via the Boom Road (bypassing Belize City) to Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque.
I’ve heard that it departs Benque about 3:30 pm, and departs San Ignacio at 4:00 pm. It bypasses Belize City.
It operates Monday to Saturday — I don’t know about Sundays.
Any updates are appreciated!
2011/04/11 at 08:58 |
Hi! We are a group of travelers coming in from Guatemala to Benque Viejo, with destination Belize City. I was just wondering if the schedules you posted on the Western zone for Benque Viejo are the ones they have right now, as I understand the one that takes off the latest is the one at 9:30am.
Approximately how much time is it to get to belice city?
2011/04/11 at 18:48 |
Hi Lucia,
Yes, it is the current schedule, except other bus lines have taken over the National Transport schedule after they went bankrupt.
Buses depart Benque every half-hour all day.
Should be about 3 hours to Belize City.
2011/04/18 at 15:38
thank you so much, what is the current price from benque to belize city? still 8BZ dollars?
2011/04/18 at 18:51
Yes, it’s about BZ$8 per passenger.
2011/04/18 at 19:23 |
I am planning to travel from Placencia to San Ignacio by bus on Good Friday. Will there be regular schedule service on this holiday?
Is it best to go from Placencia to Independence and bus from there, or get a bus from Placencia to Dangriga?
2011/04/19 at 09:47 |
Hi Andrew,
In previous years, there has been bus service on Good Friday, but I don’t know if it will be a regular schedule or a less frequent service.
I don’t know which route would be best for you. The route you choose might depend on your departure time from Placencia, and the departure time of the buses. One advantage of the James bus from Independence is that it will not be necessary to change buses anywhere along the route, but check to see if the Hokey-Pokey will be operating.
If you get a bus from Placencia, you might have to change in Dangriga, and you will have to change in Belmopan — this might involve some waiting time in those 2 towns.
2011/04/28 at 14:46 |
Hi!
I’ve heard that as of May 1st, there will be a big movement of schedule for buses. For example the Sarteneja bus. Is there any press release on these type of information? My husband and I will be traveling to visit Belize, including Sarteneja so I’m wondering what bus can I take.
2011/04/28 at 15:21 |
Hi,
The new schedule for the Northern Zone was supposed to be released on 1 April, but has been delayed until 1 May.
The changes will mainly be to the authorizations for proving service within specified periods, and the actual departure times should not change significantly. Some schedules might not change at all, and I’d be surprised if the Sarteneja bus schedule changed greatly.
There is usually some sort of press release, and new schedules are sometime printed in the 4 most circulated newspapers — Amandala, Reporter, Belize Times and Guardian. The TV stations might report about the changes but not provide the actual schedules. Links to the news resources are in the Miscellaneous section at the bottom of the page.
2011/05/17 at 13:09 |
Maybe you could help me…
Is there anyway i could buy a couple of bus tickets to go from Chetumal to Belize City ON-LINE if i’m currently in Spain?
Thank you very much in advanced for your help!
2011/05/17 at 14:36 |
Hi,
You can’t buy these bus tickets online.
2011/05/23 at 07:21 |
Hi,
I´m headed from Belize City to Cancun next month. I know there are heaps of ADO buses from Chetumal to Cancun that i can get, but how do i get from Belize City to Chetumal. I will be arriving in Belize at 1pm, so i dont think there are any of those BBOC Express buses to take. Could you give me other options¨and a schedule?
Thanks.
2011/05/23 at 09:06 |
Hi Mia,
You have to go to the bus terminal in Belize City (still called the Novelo’s terminal).
Buses depart about every half-hour or hour to Corozal, and many of them continue on to Chetumal (ask the driver). The final destination is displayed in the front window of the bus. If there is no bus to Chetumal, just get one to Corozal where you can change to a bus going to Chetumal.
In Chetumal, the buses arrive at the Nuevo Mercado (new Market). Then it’s about 1 km to the ADO terminal — you can walk, but I’d get a taxi for 15 pesos.
2011/05/23 at 11:32 |
my wife and i are trying to get from chetumal to puerto cortes honduras this july.
what would be the best way to do this??
also is there only the d-express ferry or are there others?? the monday and friday only departure dates are hurting our schedule
2011/05/23 at 14:50 |
Hi,
Don’t know about the best way, but here are some options…
Bus to Belize City.
Change to a bus to either Dangriga or Placencia, and get the water taxi from one of those places.
Both are once a week in each direction.
Another option…
Get a bus from BC to Punta Gorda where there are daily water taxis to Puerto Barrios (Guatemala), but then you have to use buses to get to Puerto Cortes.
Another option…
Get the San Juan express bus to Flores (Guatemala), and get buses to Puerto Cortes.
2011/06/22 at 15:44 |
My husband and I are coming into Belize City July 17 and need to get to Tikal. What times would a bus leave and how much would it cost? Thanks!
2011/06/22 at 18:45 |
Scroll down to Section 9 of the blog — you will see the schedule and fare for the buses to Flores.
You can get to Tikal from either Flores or El Remate
2011/07/01 at 17:23 |
I want to travel from San Ignacio to Placencia on a Saturday. Is the bus the best option? Does a bus take you directly to Placencia? I know the buses leave San Ignacio every half hour to Belmopan, but I have no idea when I can catch a bus from Belmopan to Placencia. Any advice would be much appreciated.
2011/07/01 at 18:01 |
Hi Linda,
I tend to avoid the use of the word “best”, and prefer words like cheapest, safest, fastest & most comfortable.
The bus is cheapest option. Any east-bound bus (heading to Belize City) from San Ignacio will stop at the Belmopan bus terminal. That’s where you get off and change to another bus.
The James Bus Line buses don’t go to Placencia — they go to Independence where you have to get a small ferry across the lagoon to Placencia.
Most other buses will go to Dangriga then Placencia, but ask to make sure.
The other options are a transfer service (most comfortable but expensive), and a flight (fastest and expensive).
2011/07/20 at 20:46 |
Hi – Thank you VERY much for creating and maintaining this website! I’ll be making my way soon from Punta Gorda to Playa del Carmen. I plan to fly to Belize City, then take the bus the rest of the way. Is it best to fly to International and catch the bus on the road there up to the border (and then the ADO), or to fly to Municipal, taxi to bus station and get bus from there. I want to minimize bus hours, but I also have a big suitcase and an express bus might be easier than trying to get it on one of the local buses. Also, can I get my ADO ticket when I get to Chetumal (around midday/early afternoon) or do I need to book in advance? I will be getting to Belize City at 8am or 10.40am.
Thanks!
2011/07/20 at 21:13 |
Hi,
When travelling to Chetumal, my preference is always for an express bus, so I would fly to Municipal, get a taxi (BZ$5 or $6) to the bus terminal, and try to get an express bus. Even if I couldn’t get an express bus, I’d prefer to board at the bus terminal so that I could stow my luggage on the bus and get a seat close to it. If you wait on the highway, the bus might be crowded and you have to haul your bags onto a crowded bus and find a seat. Sometimes, a crowded bus will not stop on the highway. An express bus definitely will not stop on the highway.
If any flights from PG do go to International (I thought they all went to Municipal), you’ll have to walk out to the highway or get an airport taxi (maybe BZ$10 minimum??). And I think any flights to International are more expensive than flights to Municipal.
Express buses from Chetumal depart about every hour or two, and I’ve never been on one that has been full, so you should be OK. I usually book 1 day in advance because I spend some time in Chetumal.
2011/08/01 at 19:08 |
Hello,
Thanks so much!
I am traveling to BZE in November for work and my fiance and I would like to make a great trip out of it. We fly into BZE but then need to get to Dangriga (the chepest way), so which bus would you recommend? After my meetings, we plan to head up to Playa Del Carmen but we would like to travel at night so we dont lose day light and time to explore Mexico. Are there buses from Dangriga to Chetumal during the ngiht? I found ADO bus line to get from Chetumal to Playa but we are now just needed to find the best way to get to Chetumal from Dangriga. My conferene ends at 2pm, and I know one of the latest buses leaves from Chetumal to Playa around 7pm…would we make it in time?
Otheriwse we could leave the following day and travel early in teh morning/ afternoon to get to Playa. Any advice would help
Andrea
2011/08/02 at 17:56 |
Hi Andrea,
From the airport, go to the bus terminal in Belize City.
From the terminal, you can get any west-bound bus, and I would just get the next one departing the terminal. All buses go to Belmopan, but only the James Bus Line buses will continue to Dangriga so you don’t have to change (see the link to the schedule on my blog). If you get any other bus line, you have to change in Belmopan to another bus that goes to Dangriga.
From Dangriga, get any bus heading back to Belmopan and Belize City (they stop running at about 9pm and start up again at about 4 or 5 am). Again, with most bus lines you have to change in Belmopan, but if you get a James Bus, you won’t have to change in Belmopan. In BC, change to a north-bound bus — sometimes the destination sign in the front window of the bus will say either “Corozal” or “Chetumal”. It doesn’t really matter if there isn’t a bus to Chetumal, just get the next one to Corozal and you can get to the border easily from there.
The buses stop crossing the border sometime around 7pm. If you arrive late, you can still get a bus or mini-bus to the border (buses still run to take people to & from the casinos), walk over the bridge, go through Mexican immigration and then get a Mexican taxi (70 pesos) or Mexican bus (10 pesos) to Chetumal. If you get a bus into Chetumal, you have to get a taxi from where you get dropped to the ADO terminal (15 pesos).
I’d guess that it will take about 6 hours (at least) to get from Dangriga to Chetumal, but I think there are later buses to Playa.
2011/08/11 at 22:27 |
Hello,
I would like to take the bus from Placencia (or Independence) to Belize City and would like to know what is the fastest way to make this trip. Is a change of bus necessary and are there alternate routes?
Greg
2011/08/12 at 07:58 |
A Regular bus to BC takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, and depending on which bus line you use, you’ll have to change in Belmopan, and maybe in Dangriga. Only James bus Line buses don’t require a change in Belmopan, but the James buses depart from Independence, not Placencia.
A James Bus Line Express bus from Independence takes about 3 hours, but the schedule shows only 1 express bus per day. It departs Punta Gorda at 6am and stops at Independence (7:30am), Dangriga (8:30am), Belmopan (9:45) and BC. I think there once was a second express in the late afternoon — maybe you can check it out in Placencia.
Cost from Independence to BC is about BZ$13.
2011/09/06 at 15:30 |
Hi
I am wanting to travel from Mexico city to Belize City by bus in January 2012. Can you suggest companies and if there is a direct service? The info on line is quite sketchy. Any help would be appreciated. Kari
2011/09/06 at 18:10 |
I don’t know the bus companies that operate between Mexico City and the Yucatan region, but I don’t think any go direct from Mexico City to Belize.
The only Mexican bus company I know that operates between Mexico and Belize is ADO. They recently started a daily express run between Merida and Belize City. All the information I know is on the Update section of my site. Continue to check the ADO website for schedules & fares.
There is also an ADO daily express service between Cancun City and Belize City.
All you need to do is get a bus from Mexico City to one of those cities.
2011/09/16 at 01:33 |
Hello,
I am planning on traveling from Tulum to Belize, then onward to Flores.
Would you suggest stopping for a night in Orange Walk to break up the trip? I am afraid that the connections will be difficult to time. We were thinking Tulum-Orange Walk. Then from Orange walk to Flores via Belize City. Do you know how long that trip would be?
Thank you!
2011/09/16 at 07:10 |
Without knowing more about your travel plans, I’d say that OW would be OK for a stopover.
However, if you don’t want to stay in Belize, you could get the San Juan bus that goes from Chetumal to Flores in about 8 hours.
The trip from Tulum to Chetumal by ADO express bus is 3.5 hours.
You might have to spend about an hour in Chetumal getting to the Nuevo Mercado and waiting for the departure of a Belize bus.
The trip to OW by Belizean bus is about 3 hours.
OW to BC is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The other times are on the blog.
2011/10/18 at 22:02 |
Hello,
I’m planning to arrive in belize city on November 9 around 4pm. What directions should I take if I plan on taking a bus to San Ignacio? Thank you for your assistance!
2011/10/19 at 07:14 |
Go to the bus terminal in Belize City.
Get a westbound bus — the final destination of “Benque” will be displayed in the front window of the bus.
2011/11/08 at 19:58 |
Hello,
What is the bus schedule from Belize City to Punta Gorda on the holiday of Monday, December 26th? Is it possible to get off the bus at Cockscomb Wildlife Park and then get back on the bus to Punta Gorda on Monday December 26th? How much does it cost to travel from Belize City to Punta Gorda?
(I lost my other post, so I’m sorry if this is similar to what I wrote before).
Thanks!
2011/11/09 at 08:48 |
Buses operate on public holidays. In previous years, they have operated on a reduced schedule — maybe one bus every 1 or 2 hours instead of every half hour — but a couple of years ago, I observed that the Easter schedule seemed to be normal.
Yes, you can get off the Regular bus wherever you want — just let the driver or conductor know where you want to go. The exception might be Express buses. They do not normally stop between main towns, so check with the driver before you get on an express bus.
After visiting the park, wait on the side of the road. When you see a bus approaching, 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.
The fare for BC to PG trip is about BZ$22 for the Regular bus. The Express.is a few dollars more.
2011/11/09 at 13:35 |
So glad I’v found your site! Do you think it feasible to catch the overnight bus from Cancun to Belize City (leaving at 22.15 p.m I believe) if my plane is due to land at Cancun at 20.20? If not, and I catch the bus to Chetumal at 6 the following morning, is it possible to get to Belize City by bus, pick up a hire car at the airport and drive to Placencia all in one day? Also, can you alight from the bus to BC at the international airport so i can pick up a car there? Thanks so much!
2011/11/09 at 14:55 |
I think you should be able to get the overnight bus to BC, assuming you’re out of the airport by 21:15 and then head immediately to the Cancun bus terminal. The trip from the airport to Cancun might be about 30 minutes, and if there isn’t a bus ready to go, you might have to pay a bit more money and go by taxi in order to get there in time.
If you can get a bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen, you can board the overnight bus there. The last ADO Riviera airport shuttle bus is at 20:40, but there might be other buses. Just make sure you go to the correct terminal in Playa — there are 2, and I think the overnight bus uses the terminal at 12th & 20th.
If you miss the overnight bus, you could get an overnight bus to Chetumal, arriving around 5 am. Or stay in Cancun for the night, and get the 6am bus to Chetumal, arriving about noon.
In Chetumal, you can get a Belizean bus from the Nuevo Mercado. They are Regular buses so you can get off at the airport turn-off road (about a 3.5 hour trip from Chetumal). It’s about a 2km walk to the airport terminal.
From the airport, the car trip to Placencia should take about 3 to 4 hours. If you try to do it in 1 day, it might mean some night driving.
2011/11/10 at 18:38 |
Flying down in December to BLZ and want to get to Placencia, what are my options?
2011/11/11 at 08:16 |
You can fly, rent a car, take a bus or use one of the transfer services. I can’t tell you which one to choose. That will depend on your priorities — cost, comfort, safety, time.
2011/11/20 at 23:47 |
Hello
I need to get from Lamanai (Orange Walk) to either Tikal or at least to the border with Guatemala,can you please offer suggestions?
Thank you very much
2011/11/21 at 10:18 |
Hi,
I answered your question on the Lonely Planet forum. Let me know if you need more info.
2011/11/25 at 20:03 |
Hi i’m goin to belize for the first time, our plane gets there 4pm, we’re staing in san pedro, they tell us there is not water taxis after 4pm due to low season. so we are staing the night near the airpotin north ladyvillage.
the next day we like to take a bus to the water taxi pier, to get to san pedro. we have very little bags w/ us.
can you pls tell us, what bus is the one to take, and were to get off. and if you know how much is the bus. tks!!!
2011/11/25 at 20:18 |
Who told you that there is no water taxi after 4pm?
I would suggest that you go to websites of the 3 water taxi services and confirm that information.
If you want to get a bus from Ladyville, just wait on the side of the highway. When you see a bus coming, wave your arm up and down to get it to stop; Express buses will not stop. The fare to Belize City is BZ$1 or $2, and the bus will terminate at the bus terminal. The water taxi terminal is 1 km from the bus terminal, and an easy walk on sidewalks along main streets, or get one of the taxis that wait in front of the bus terminal.
2011/12/11 at 18:17 |
Hi,
This blog on belize buses is phenomenal. Thank you so much! It has made getting around Belize so much easier.
We are leaving San Ignacio for Corozal early in the am and was wondering if you know the express bus sched for Belize city? the Valencia direct is on the opposite schedule for us as we need to be in Corozal in the afternoon.
Thanks again,
Pete
2011/12/11 at 21:02 |
Thanks for the positive comments.
Buses depart frequently (about every 30 minutes) from about 4 am. Unfortunately, I don’t know the times for the express buses.
2012/01/08 at 12:19 |
Hi there, do you know if you can get a bus from Orange Walk Town (going to be there to see Lamanai) straight to San Ignacio? Without having to go through Belize city? Thanks.
2012/01/09 at 16:57 |
Yes, but you might not like the time.
There are 2 Valencia buses that depart Corozal at 3am and 3:30am. They reach OW about 4 and 4:30 am.
These buses bypass Belize City and go to Benque. They will stop at San Ignacio.
All other buses go via BC.
2012/01/09 at 17:53 |
The closest thing you will get is an express bus from Orange Walk to Belize City. You will have to ask the locals or the drivers what time they leave. Same for express from Belize City to San Ignacio.
We just took bus from San Ignacio to Chetumal and ADO to Tulum. 11 and 1/2 hours later here we are in Tulum. With very sore bodies!!
2012/01/10 at 11:01
Thanks for your comments Peter, but if anyone wants to bypass Belize City, there are the Valencia buses that depart Corozal in the early hours of the morning. On the return trip, they depart from Benque in the afternoon.
2012/02/04 at 18:08 |
Hello,
I will be busing from Belize City to Hopkins for five nights, then from Hopkins to San Ignacio for two nights, then busing back to Belize City. Could you tell me the best way to do this? I have done a lot of international bus travel, but never in Belize! I would love your advice. Thank you! Haley
2012/02/04 at 18:45 |
At the bus terminal in Belize City, the first choice for a bus line would be James Bus Line because they go from BC to Dangriga and you don’t have to change anywhere. The other option is to get any westbound bus to Belmopan (the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus). At Belmopan bus terminal, change to another bus going to Dangriga. The trip from BC to Dangriga is about 3 hours not including any waiting time in Belmopan.
At the Dangriga bus terminal, you might have to ask terminal staff because I’ve heard that the buses to Hopkins don’t leave from the terminal. Buses depart from the riverside. The departure times I have are 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 5:15 pm. Trip time about 1 hour.
On the trip you San Ignacio, you get buses to Belmopan where you change to a bus going to San Ignacio (the final destination of BENQUE will be displayed in the front window of the bus).
In SI, just get a bus going to BC. I think you will have figured it all out by this time.
2012/02/04 at 18:59 |
Thank you so much!!! Will you give me an idea on approximate bus fares?
2012/02/04 at 22:21 |
BC to Belmopan: BZ$5
Belmopan to Dangriga: BZ$6
Dangriga to Hopkins: BZ$2 or $3
San Ignacio to BC: BZ$7
US$1 = BZ$2
2012/03/09 at 12:14 |
Hi – I agree with every comment on here that you are doing old and new travelers alike a huge service. Five of us are planning on traveling from Belize City to Rosa’s Inn in San Ignacio for a couple of days and then to Black Rock and then to Lower Dover. From Lower Dover we are going back to Ambergris Caye where we will stay for a couple more days. Can you give me an idea of the best way (with best being in this order: 1) safe 2) cheap 3) fast) to go from the BC airport to San Ignacio to Lower Dover back to Ambergris Caye?
Thanks a million!
Sabrina
2012/03/09 at 13:05 |
Hi Sabrina,
Because you have 5 people, the best way might be to hire a transfer service to pick you up at the airport and take you to San Ignacio. I’d suggest William’s Belize Shuttle because he’s based in Cayo and will answer all your travel questions.
Second best would a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal in BC where you can get a bus to San Ignacio. With 5 people, you might need 2 taxis (BZ$50 each), but sometimes there are vans that can take more people. Bus fare to SI is about BZ$7 per passenger.
Lower Dover is about a half mile off the Western Highway at Mile 59, in Unitedville Village (about halfway between SI and Belmopan). You could get a bus from SI to the LD road (BZ$1 per passenger) and walk the half mile, or get a taxi from San Ignacio — again, you might need 2 taxis. Agree to the fare before getting in the taxi — might be something like BZ$20 per taxi.
Getting to Ambergris is easy. From LD, walk to the highway and wait for a bus. When you see one coming, wave your arm — all the east-bound buses will terminate at the BC bus terminal. Walk (1 km) or taxi (BZ$6 per taxi) to the water taxi terminal and get a boat.
2012/03/16 at 11:57
Thank you for the run down. We are on our way to BC now. One more question. What’s the best way for us to get from SI to black rock jungle lodge? Are there any buses that go by/close to BR?
Thanks a lot. You have really helped us out.
2012/03/16 at 13:54
From San Ignacio, follow the Western Highway west (towards Benque Viejo) for about 4.7 miles. On the right hand side of the road, there is a “Black Rock River Lodge” sign indicating a left turn onto a dirt/gravel road. Follow the road for about ¾ mile and turn right. There are signs to the Lodge. Continue on this road for about 6 more miles – do not turn off this road. You will travel through hills, valleys, orange groves and finally the rainforest. Black Rock is at the very end of this road, and you will see a welcome sign.
You can get a Regular bus (BZ$1 or $2) from SI to the turnoff on the highway, then walk or try hitching (doubt if there will be much traffic).
In SI, ask a taxi driver what the fare would be — I’d guess something like BZ$30 to $50.
Contact Black Rock and ask how much would they charge to pick you up either in SI or at the highway junction.
2012/03/23 at 08:24 |
I have a flight that arrives in Belize City at 1:15pm on a weds (April 11 2012) and want to catch a bus that goes to the Bus Depot in Belize City. I’ve read the its not that hard/far to walk to a bus stop from the airport. I’d rather do that than take a taxi but not sure what bus to take or of the walking directions from the airport to the bus stop or if they take US dollars to get on the bus. I will have minimal luggage w/me (just a backpack).
Thanks to anyone who can help me out.
2012/03/23 at 09:42 |
Hi Xena,
That’s explained in Section 5.
It’s about 2.5 km from the airport terminal to the Northern highway — just follow the traffic — there’s only one way you can go. As you approach the intersection with the highway, Belize City will be to your right so just wait on the side of the highway (there is no bus stop; the bus will stop anywhere for passengers). When you see a bus coming, wave your arm up and down to get it to stop; Express buses will not stop. The fare to Belize City is BZ$1 or $2 (US$ accepted), and the bus will terminate at the bus terminal where you can change to a bus to another destination. The water taxi terminal is 1 km from the bus terminal, and an easy walk on sidewalks along main streets. Taxis wait in front of the bus terminal.
2012/03/23 at 08:30 |
I am taking the bus/water taxi from Belize City to Placencia. Ive done some research and it looks pretty easy and that I go from Belize City to Belmopan and then to Independence. My questions are; how do you get from the bus drop off location in Independence to the site where you pick up the water taxi to Placencia, is it a walkable distance and how often does the water taxi run? I will have minimal luggage w/me (just a backpack).
Thanks to anyone who can help me out.
Xena
2012/03/23 at 09:49 |
If you want to go to Independence, then you should get a James Bus from Belize City — that way, you won’t have to change buses in Belmopan. I think the bus will drop you close enough to walk to the water taxi. If not, a taxi should cost BZ$5.
Here’s the schedule…
http://www.aguallos.com/hokeypokey/
2012/04/12 at 18:12 |
Hi, I am so glad I found your site, so much great info! I do have a few questions though. My soon to be husband and I are getting married in Mexico and honeymooning in Belize. We are planning on taking the bus from tulum to Belize city and having our shuttle from our resort pick us up in Belize city. I am having trouble finding bus schedules and I have been told to make it to Belize city before dark, is that possible from tulum. And would you be able to send me in the direction of a bus schedule from tulum to Belize city? Thank you, brittany
2012/04/12 at 21:20 |
Hi,
The only direct bus from Tulum to Belize City is the ADO overnight express bus. Details are in Section 7.
The other option is to get an ADO express bus to Chetumal; there are buses every couple of hours. See the ADO website for schedules & fares. I would suggest leaving Tulum before 9 am — it’s 3.5 hours to Chetumal.
http://www.ado.com.mx/ado/index.jsp
http://boletotal.mx/index.php/transporte
http://www.ticketbus.com.mx/wtbkd/I18n.tb?language=en®ion=US
In Chetumal, get a taxi (15 pesos) to Nuevo Mercado (New Market) and get one of the old school buses to Belize City — it’s about 4 hours and BZ$12 per passenger. These buses depart about every hour (there’s no schedule).
2012/04/18 at 18:27 |
Greetings,
Thanks you for your site! Glad I found it before our travel days.
My husband & I are headed from BC to SI, we currently have a car rented but are debating on traveling by bus. Are there any Express buses on Sunday afternoons? Do Express buses stop in SI? How frequent are the regular buses on Sundays?
Thanks
2012/04/18 at 20:26 |
The schedule shows “non-stop” buses at 7am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm & 6pm. There is no note saying Monday to Friday only, and I don’t know how reliable these schedules are.
Even though these buses are “non-stop”, they will still be old school buses (cramped bench seats, no a/c).
Any “non-stop” buses operating between BC and Benque will stop at San Ignacio.
James Bus Line operates express buses between BC and Punta Gorda. These buses are a bit better, but they do not go to San Ignacio. You could get to Belmopan and then change to another bus to SI. There is a link to the James schedule in Section 3. Southern Zone.
2012/04/19 at 19:31
Thank you for the information. If we take a James bus to Belmopan how difficult is it to catch a bus from there to SI?
Thanks again.
2012/04/20 at 08:28
Hi,
Easy.
If the bus going to SI is already at the Belmopan terminal, it will probably be parked beside the James bus. Get off the James bus, check the destination sign on the front of the other bus, and if it says BENQUE, get on — it will go to San Ignacio. Pay after the bus gets going.
If the BENQUE bus hasn’t arrived yet, wait in the waiting area. When a bus arrives, check the destination sign on the front of the bus. Get on any bus that says BENQUE or SAN IGNACIO. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 30 minutes.
2012/04/23 at 19:11 |
Hi,
I caught a bus from the Belize Zoo to Belmopan on April 22nd 2012 around 2:45 pm (arriving at Belmopan about 30-45 minutes later) and I unfortunately forgot my camera on the bus. Is there anyone I can contact to see if a camera may have been turned in to either the bus driver or a lost and found? I know it’s a long shot, but I figure it’s worth a try. Thanks!
2012/04/23 at 21:17 |
I sent you an email with some ideas about finding the camera, but decided to post your message in case someone else can help.
2012/05/01 at 06:40 |
Hi
I’m trying to find info on getting the overnight bus from Cancun to Belize. I’m not exactly sure where I’m going in Belize yet, but want to spend a day at a ruins site and also do a cave tubing adventure before heading to Caye Caulker. So, my question is…Can I get the overnight bus to somewhere other than Belize City, say Orange Walk? Or would it be best for me to go to BC then take a bus to possibly San Ignacio?
Do you have the schedule on here? I can’t seem to find any info on it…
Thanks in advance, your feedback is much appreciated!!!
2012/05/01 at 08:38 |
Hi Leah,
Scroll down to Section 7. TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN BELIZE and MEXICO.
Can I get the overnight bus to somewhere other than Belize City, say Orange Walk?
Yes.
Or would it be best for me to go to BC then take a bus to possibly San Ignacio?
If you want to go to San Ignacio, then go to BC and change to a bus to SI.
2012/06/19 at 19:58 |
Hi! Is there a bus I can take that travels from Dangriga to Belmopan TO flores, guatemala?
2012/06/20 at 07:26 |
No.
There are buses from Dangriga to Belmopan where you can change to a bus to Benque. After crossing the border, you can get a Guatemalan bus to Flores.
The express buses that operate between Belize City and Flores are not allowed to stop anywhere else in Belize.
2012/07/02 at 11:43 |
Hello,
Thanks again for maintaining this usefull website.
Here are my questions. I would be very grateful if you can help me with these questions.
1) I am traveling to OWT from Saraneja on July 12. A what time I will have to take the bus in Saraneja ? Preference will go to express but if there is any.
2) I am traveling to San Ignacio from OWT on July 16. Which bus I will have to take and do you know at what time I will have to pick up the bus at OWT (express if possible) ? Is there any direct bus ?
3) I am traveling to Hopkins from San Ignacio on July 19. Do you know which bus I will have to take at San Ignacio and at what time ? As well as all the transfers connected to this trip ?
4) I am traveling to PG from Hopkins on July 22 ? At what time can I pick up the bus ?
5) I am traveling to Belize City from PG on July 24. At what time I will have to take express bus ?
nb : is there any other cheaper way than taxi to go into the resorts such as Chaa Creek ……
Thanks again and have a great day,
Kindest regards,
Julien
2012/07/03 at 09:07 |
1) Buses depart Sarteneja on Monday to Friday at 3:30 am, 4:30 am, 5:30 am, 6:30 am. It is a good idea to check at the bus depot the day before to confirm how many buses are leaving the next day.
2) The only direct bus is in the very early morning, around 4 to 5 am. Otherwise, buses to Belize City depart about every 30 minutes and terminate at the BC bus terminal. Change to a bus to San Ignacio; buses depart every 30 minutes.
3) Buses to Belmopan depart every 30 minutes. Get off at the Belmopan terminal and change to a bus to Dangriga, then change to a bus to Hopkins.
4) Bus service to & from Hopkins is not frequent. It would be best to research this yourself when in Hopkins as there are various options for getting to PG.
5) Here’s the link to the bus schedule…
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
2012/07/03 at 11:12
Thank you so much. It will make my trip easier.
Concerning the first point, would that be better (in terms of comfort) to take the boat from Sarteneja to Corozal and then take the bus to OWT ?
Concerning the second point, you confirm that the direct bus is from OWT to San Ignacio ?
Have a great day,
Kindest regards.
2012/07/03 at 11:34
The boat/bus option is probably more comfortable.
The schedule in the Corozal bus terminal shows two Valencia Bus Line buses that go from Corozal to OW to Belmopan to San Ignacio and terminate at Benque. Those buses are in OW at 4:15 am and 4:45 am. They bypass Belize City.
2012/07/13 at 10:22 |
Good Morning,
Do AC buses still run from Belize City to Chetumal? If yes what are the times and also do you have any contact number for them?
Thanks a lot!
2012/07/13 at 12:51 |
The Premier bus service (with a/c buses) from Belize City discontinued a year or so ago, but I have seen an a/c bus operating between Corozal and Chetumal. I don’t know if it originates from Belize City, and I don’t have any other details about it.
2012/07/13 at 13:02 |
Hello do you have a solution to go to honey Camp lagoon in ow from owt ? Without taking an expensive taxi …..
Thanks
2012/07/13 at 18:11 |
I don’t know if buses go to HCR from OW Town.
Have you contacted HCR and asked if they can pick you up?
http://honeycampranch.com/hcF.htm
A taxi would probably cost about BZ$50.
2012/09/15 at 16:48 |
Hi, we are planning a trip mid July 2013. We will have a ride for our group from Manatee to Elena. I need to organize transportation from Elena to Belize City. I will have 20 people with me. I know about the local buses and have used them before so I am wondering if that would be doable or should I hire a bus for us, who would I email and how much would it be (appr)?
2012/09/15 at 17:39 |
By “Elena”, I assume you mean Santa Elena in the Cayo District.
The Regular buses would be easy and cheap (BZ$7 per person), and they depart every 30 minutes. But if you don’t think they will be comfortable enough (old school buses, so no a/c) for your group, then arrange a mini-bus.
If possible, to have a better chance of getting a seat, I’d suggest waiting at the park in San Ignacio (that’s where the buses stop), and avoid the peak hours of travel when the buses might be full. At Santa Elena, you’ll have to wait at the side of the highway and wave down an approaching bus. Some won’t stop if full.
I don’t know who to contact to rent a bus — you could try the bus companies. BTL (the phone company) has an online telephone directory on their website.
Also check with a couple of transfer services. William’s Belize Shuttle and Discounted Shuttles get positive comments — the links are in Section 4. These companies use ordinary vans that carry about 9 passengers, so you’d need two vehicles. Cost will be about BZ$200 per vehicle, but check with them directly for accurate quotes.
Where are you going in Belize City? The buses will arrive at the bus terminal. The transfer services will take you wherever you want to go.
2012/09/15 at 20:47 |
Local buses are way too crowded for such a large group.
2012/09/16 at 07:23
Local buses are often crowded which is why I suggested avoiding them at peak times (morning/afternoon commute times and around noon), but any other time should be OK.
2012/10/09 at 22:13 |
Hi, my husband and I will be staying in Belize for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year holiday this year. We are trying to figure out logistics of getting around since we are attempting to stay in a few different places including participating in a Mayan homestay. We need to figure out the following transportation:
1) San Ignacio area to Punta Gorda in the morning 12/29 (we have to be in PG no later than 12p to make the bus that goes to the village.)
2) PG to Dangriga 12/31 (afternoon most likely – as soon as bus gets to PG from the village)
3) Dangriga to San Pedro (or whereever best (cheapest) place is to take the water taxi to San Pedro)
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!!
Amy & Brian
2012/10/10 at 08:16 |
I am assuming that you intend to travel by bus.
1) A James Bus Line bus departs Belmopan at 6:30 am and arrives in PG at 10:30 am. The next bus from Belmopan arrives in PG at 12:45. In order to get to Belmopan on time, you should get a bus from San Ignacio around 5:30 am, or hire a taxi. Update this information directly from the bus drivers/conductors while you’re in SI — be aware that competing bus companies might not give you accurate information about another bus company. Or, use a transfer company for the complete trip — probably a few hundred BZ$.
2) Here’s the link to the James Bus Line schedule…
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
Try to be early in case the last bus run of the day is cancelled on New Years Eve.
3) Get a bus from Dangriga to Belize City. The trip is about 3.5 to 4 hours, so plan on arriving before 4:30 pm — that will give you some time to get a water taxi. If it’s a weekend, I’d arrive much earlier in case the water taxis are full.
2012/10/10 at 13:49 |
Hi,
We will be going to Belize in December. We’re staying at Almond Beach Resort for 3 days, then going to Chaa Creek for 7 days. ABR has taken care of our transportation from the airport to their resort. But what is the best way to get from ABR to Chaa Creek. Chaa Creek said they will send a driver for $80 plus 12.5% tax, is there a cheaper way or should we just go with the driver from Chaa Creek?
2012/10/10 at 18:02 |
I don’t know how you define “best”. Do you want cheap, quick or comfortable — you can’t pick all three in Belize.
The cheapest way is by bus — from Hopkins to Dangriga, change to a bus to Belmopan. I don’t think there is a bus to Chaa Creek so they will have to pick you up unless you can get a taxi to drive you.
You could arrange a transfer service — William’s Belize Shuttle is the best one for that trip — maybe a couple of hundred BZ$, but you will have to contact William and get a price.
US$80 is a good price for that trip.
2012/12/18 at 21:20 |
Just my 2 cents :
You can ask a taxi driver to drop you off in front of the entrance of chaa creek, on the main road, and then wait for a chaa creek jeep to pick you up at the entrance. They always go back and forth between the reception and the entrance by the main road (for business purposes I suppose). Same thing when you leave the resort ….
This is the most economical way …
2012/10/21 at 22:47 |
What is the expected price to travel from BZ city airport to the bus station by taxi? Is taxi the best option? I intend to catch the bus to corozol. Thanks for your help.
2012/10/22 at 07:08 |
It’s about 3 km from Municipal airport to the bus terminal.
The standard fare for that distance is BZ$5 to $7, but being an airport taxi, the fare might be higher.
I’d say that is the best option.
2012/10/27 at 10:37 |
Hello,
Thank you for all the info on your website. It has been very helpful.
I wanted to ask you the best (fastest) way to get from BC to San Pedro Sula (Honduras). I am ok with boats and bluebird buses
Thank you !
2012/10/27 at 14:44 |
The fastest way is to fly with Tropic Air — daily flights to SPS.
Schedules & fares are on their website.
This water taxi from Belize City might be a good idea…
http://www.prideofbelize.com/
It arrives at Puerto Cortes, and then you can go to SPS by bus — I don’t know how long the bus trip is.
There is a once per week bus from BC to SPS — it takes about 12 hours.
Transportes Manabre Bus
Departs from front of Caye Caulker water Taxi Terminal, North Front Street, Belize City on Saturdays at 5:45 am.
Duration: 12 hours.
Cost: US$70.00 one way.
Tickets must be purchased from Mundo Maya Travel.
You could get any other bus from BC to Flores and then maybe get a bus from Flores to SPS — I don’t have any info about those buses.
2012/11/01 at 14:31 |
hi, thanks for the site.
we are planning to arrive at the airport in Belize city Feb 2 around 12-1 pm. how far is the closest james bus line station (if any)? we’re hoping to take an express to either st. elena or punta gorda. which bus(es) would we take? and how much are tickets? any helpful information would be appreciated. thanks very much.
2012/11/01 at 15:44 |
All buses, including James Bus Line, depart from the bus terminal (still known as the Novelo’s terminal) in Belize City.
If going to Santa Elena (the town near San Ignacio), you can get any westbound bus EXCEPT a James bus because James does not go to Santa Elena. They go to Belmopan and then turn south to Dangriga and PG. That bus trip will cost BZ$7 and take a couple of hours.
If going to PG, a James bus would be best because you don’t have to change buses anywhere. Here’s the link to the schedule where you can see the trip times & fares:
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
2012/11/08 at 09:10 |
Hi there!
Can you help me please.
I Will be in Belize next week.
The fly will arrived the next Wednesday 14th around 10am so, I will be around the airport at that hour.
I need to take a bus from Belize City to Placencia.
Is better to go to Belize City to take the bus or the bus will stop there?
Do you know the schedule?
2012/11/08 at 10:23 |
From Section 5…
1. From the Airport to Belize City
There are no public buses from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). A taxi to Belize City costs BZ$50.00 (per taxi, not per passenger), and takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Before exiting the airport, try to find another person to share a taxi and split the cost.
The cheap 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. When you see a bus coming, wave your arm up and down to get it to stop; Express buses will not stop. If going to Belize City, the fare is BZ$1 or $2, and the bus will terminate at the bus terminal where you can change to a bus to another destination.
You have two options from the bus terminal…
1. Wait for a James Line bus. This bus goes to Independence where you get a small ferry to Placencia.
2. Get any other bus to Belmopan, and change to another bus to get to Placencia.
Ask at the bus terminal for details.
2012/11/08 at 13:32
Thanks! I going to choose option 1. From the airport will walk or will take a taxi to the highway an wait for the bus. (will be safe to walk around the airport?)
The bus leaves Belize at 11:15 am or 12:15… i have found 2 schedules:
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
http://horariodebuses.com/ES/bz/index.php
Do you have the gpx file or the point in google maps where the James Station Bus line is located?
Thanks for you time, I really appreciate that!
2012/11/08 at 15:47
It is safe to walk around the airport.
I usually rely on the James Bus schedule on the Hickatee website. The people at Hickatee try to keep up to date. I don’t know how updated that other site is.
James Bus Line uses the main bus terminal in Belize City. Scroll down to Section 13 on this site and you’ll see a map of BC. The bus terminal is marked.
2012/11/10 at 23:17 |
Hello,
I will arrive on Belize City International Airport at 4:20pm on November 13th. Is it right that there is a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio at 6:30pm? It also says I would arrive there at 9pm. Is that right? Do you think I can catch this bus if I land at 4:20?
2012/11/11 at 10:30 |
Buses depart from the bus terminal every 30 minutes until 9pm — trip time is about 2 hours.
2012/12/18 at 16:24 |
Hi,
I have a flight landing in Belize City in the afternoon on a Friday, and need to catch a bus from Belize City to Punta Gorda that same day, using the James Line. From what I’ve been researching, it seems that I would to take some sort of transportation system to the Novelo’s terminal from the airport to get on a bus that goes to Punta Gorda.
First, is this true that I need to take taxi to Novelo’s, or is there a bus system near the airport that goes directly from BC to Punta Gorda?
Second, how safe is the James Line for distant traveling, especially for solo, female travelers?
Third, is there room for luggage on the James Line?
Also, If I’m going to be traveling later in the day, presumably during the night, should I avoid any type of travel?
After this initial trip, I plan to travel to remote areas of Southern Belize, what do you recommend as the best way of transport for this type of traveling?
I’m concerned mainly about safety, and the ability to carry a small amount of luggage.
Thank you for your help.
2012/12/18 at 16:51 |
1. Answered in Section 5. GETTING PLACES IN BELIZE — 1. From the Airport to Belize City
You have to go to the bus terminal in BC to get a bus to PG.
Do you need any further clarification of this information?
2. The buses here are very safe. Accidents & hold-ups have occurred, but very rare — beware of Belizean men!
3. From Section 3. — Put luggage in overhead racks, or at the back of the bus, or wherever the conductor says. 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. If it’s an express bus, it might have a luggage compartment under the seating area.
4. You should be OK travelling at night.
5. Buses go to many of the smaller villages, if not, then use taxis; I wouldn’t hitchhike in that region. The latest edition of the Toledo Howler has a schedule of the village buses (don’t rely on the other schedules in that publication). The Howler can be found on this site…
http://belizenews.com/howler/
6. It’s wise to be concerned about safety because sexual assault is not uncommon here.
2012/12/30 at 20:25
Thank you for the reply. From the airport to the bus terminal to suggest taking a taxi? Also, do you recommend taking the express route to avoid stops?
2012/12/30 at 23:10
Since there are no buses from the airport terminal, taxi is your ONLY option. You could walk or taxi the 2 km from the terminal to the highway and wait for a bus — a lot cheaper. Details of this are in Section 5.
I always prefer express buses, but there are very few of them in Belize. Ask at the bus terminal.
2012/12/31 at 08:34 |
hi, thanks for all the information on the site..very helpful.
arriving in BC and going to PG in Feb. How much should we expect to pay for a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal?
i’ve also read that during busier times it’s advisable to buy a bus ticket a few days in advance…is a saturday afternoon in feb considered “peak season”? if so, do they sell tickets online or do we just take a chance and buy it a few hours before our bus leaves?
Also, you’ve mentioned that there are few express buses in Belize – does that mean the ones that are shown scheduled on the james line timetable are not reliable, or just that there are fewer in comparison with the regular buses? are they air-conditioned? bathrooms on board?
does the express from BC to PG make all the stops (belmopan, dangriga, independence) along the way?
according to google directions, when we get to PG the bus terminal is about a 5 min walk/1 min drive to our hotel..how are the roads/sidewalks? do you recommend walking with luggage at night? or what should we expect to pay a taxi to drive us 1 minute to our destination?
sorry if you’ve covered this somewhere on this site..lots of information to sift through. thanks very much for your help
2012/12/31 at 10:09 |
1. See Section 5. GETTING PLACES IN BELIZE (1. From the Airport to Belize City)
2. In Belize, bus tickets are not used. Passengers go to the bus terminal and get on the bus. After the bus starts moving, a conductor will walk down the aisle and collect the fares. The bus companies do not have websites, so not possible to buy tickets online.
3. There are fewer express buses in comparison to the regular buses. Those James express buses are among the few express bus routes. James Bus Line is a reliable bus company. I think the James express buses now have a/c, but no toiletss. The express bus stops at Belmopan, Dangriga and Independence on the way to PG. You can use the bus terminal facilities at Belmopan & Dangriga (not sure about Independence), and it might cost you BZ$0.25 or $0.50.
4. PG should be safe to walk at night, but if you don’t feel safe, get a taxi for BZ$5 or $6.
2013/01/31 at 08:31 |
I need some help getting to and from Hopkins. What bus company goes into and out of hopkins (not just dropping off at the turnoff)? I thought it was Ritchie but I emailed them and they do not. When do they leave Dangriga and when do they leave Hopkins?
Also, our current schedule has our group getting from hopkins to the airport to fly out at 330pm. Is that possible on the bus on Sunday (for part of our group) and Tuesday (for the rest of our group)? or are we trying too much?
2013/01/31 at 10:01 |
This information is in Section 3. Scroll down to Southern Zone.
Buses between Dangriga and Hopkins
I think the bus company is Augustine.
Buses depart from Dangriga Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am and 5:15 pm. On Sunday, only at 5:15 pm.
Buses depart from Hopkins Monday through Saturday at 7 am and 2 pm. On Sunday, only at 2 pm.
Fare: BZ$5
On Tuesday, you should be able to get to the airport on time if you get the 7am bus from Hopkins. However, on Sunday, there is no 7am bus, so you would need to get a taxi to Dangriga.
2013/02/07 at 18:00 |
I am wondering if I land at the international airport at 11:30 am on a Monday, will I have enough time to get to Chetumal by 4pm to catch the bus to Mahahual? I would like to get to Mahahual on the same day. It looks like the Cabrera line leaves at 12 and again at 1230 to Corozal then I would take a taxi or bus to the terminal where Caribe leaves from? Is this to tight to be realistic? And I need to say how much I appreciate the time and effort that has gone into this site. Kudos to you!!!
2013/02/07 at 20:06 |
It’s going to be close.
If you taxi from the airport to the bus terminal, you might be able to get the 12:30 bus — it arrives in Corozal at about 3:45 pm and you won’t get to Chetumal in 15 minutes. If it arrives earlier, you might have a chance if you continue by taxi.
For the best chance, instead of a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal, just go out to the highway and wait for a bus. If you’re lucky, the 12:00 bus should be passing the airport at about 12:15 pm. That bus arrives in Corozal at 2:45 pm, and you might be able to make it to Chetumal by 4pm (it depends on the number of bus passengers — more passengers will mean longer delays at the border).
If you’re running short of time, use a taxi from Corozal to the border, then Mexican taxi from the border to the ADO terminal.
2013/04/06 at 16:39 |
Hi – this site is fantastic – thank you for the good information.
We want to take a bus from Belize City to Playa Del Carmen and I’m wondering if the only option is the bus that leaves at night. Is it possible to catch a bus in the morning in Belize instead?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
2013/04/06 at 18:19 |
The ADO bus is the only option IF you want get to Playa with no bus changes along the way.
Next best option might be the Tillett’s express bus — departs BC at 6 am and arrives in Chetumal about 3 hours later. Then you’ll have to get a taxi (15 pesos) to the ADO bus terminal and get an ADO express bus to Playa.
If 6am is too early, get any other bus from BC to Chetumal (or to Corozal and change to another bus to Chetumal), taxi to the ADO terminal, then ADO express to Playa.
2013/04/12 at 22:03 |
Hello, I am very impressed and happy to have found your site. After traveling in CR for two weeks without a single answer that was the same about busses, you are a gift.
My question is this…I am staying in Placencia and I am scheduled to leave from Belize City at 4:00 pm. Is it feasible to travel the same day as my flight or should I head up the night before? I am trying to avoid staying in Belize City as I am a woman traveling alone.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Michelle
2013/04/13 at 11:21 |
Yes, you can leave Placencia in the morning and get to BC by 4 pm.
If you’re leaving from the airport on a 4pm flight, you’ll need to be at the airport 2 to 3 hours before the departure time, so that’s 1 to 2 pm. And, it’s a 20 minute taxi trip from the BC bus terminal to the airport, so you’ll need to arrive at the BC bus terminal sometime betwenn 12:30 & 1 pm.
If it was me, I’d go on one of the express buses, either Ritchie’s Bus Service (from Placencia) or James Bus Line (from Independence).
Here are the links to the schedules…
http://www.ritchiesbusservice.com/expressbus.html
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
2013/04/28 at 21:15 |
Thank you so much for your very detailed info! I am hoping you can give my friends and me some advice about 2 different journeys:
1. Belize City to Hopkins. We’re planning on taking the taxi to the bus terminal, then the bus to Dangriga, then a bus or taxi to Hopkins, depending on the time we get in. Does this make sense or is there an easier way to take the bus to Hopkins? My main question is whether the buses you list in Section 3 run as frequently during the tourist off season? I looked at the bus schedules from your links, but wanted to get your opinion because sometimes these websites are outdated.
2. Hopkins to San Ignacio. Would you recommend we take the buses from Hopkins to Belize City, then the bus from Belize City to San Ignacio? Or is there a quicker route that won’t take us all the way back to Belize City? We will also be doing this journey on a Sunday, so that makes it more complicated.
Thanks again for any help you can offer!
2013/04/29 at 09:01 |
Hi Alison,
Thanks for your comments. I try to keep the information on this site up to date. If I’m not sure of something, I’ll say so.
1. Yes, that plan makes sense. Remember, depending on which bus you get from BC, you might have to make a change in Belmopan. If you get a James Bus, you won’t need to change at Belmopan. The buses here don’t rely on tourism, so the schedules don’t change with the tourist seasons.
Another option to consider…
At Dangriga, stay on the bus or change to another bus heading south. Ask the driver to drop you at the Hopkins road. From there, it’s 6 or 7 km along an unsealed road to Hopkins. Friends have told me that people who live in Hopkins will pick up anyone walking or hitching.
2. You don’t need to go back to Belize City. Any bus from Dangriga will make a stop in Belmopan. Get off there and change to a bus going to San Ignacio (the sign on the front window of the bus will say BENQUE, the final stop on that route).
2013/05/09 at 15:52 |
Hello, we are planning on visiting Belize in August and have a few questions about the bus service.
Our flight arrives at 2:50 p.m and we need to travel to Maya Beach/Placencia. are there any buses we can catch to make this travel or will a shuttle be the only method of ground transportation?
Also for the 2nd leg of our stay we are staying close to San Ignacio. Is there aservice from Placencia to San Ignacio that you know of? Or is it better to try and hire a local boat to take us to Independent/Mango creek then take a bus from there?
Your insight would be greatly appreciated and thanks for the information!.
2013/05/09 at 16:29 |
Just checked the time again its actually 2:25 and its on a Sunday 8/18/13, this is probably going to make things difficult isn’t it? I’m also seeing a shuttle that cost about $55 per person, seems reasonable enough do you know of any other options?
2013/05/09 at 16:41
There are two express buses from Belize City, but I don’t know if you can get from the airport to the bus terminal in time to get them.
The Ritchie’s bus departs BC at 3:30pm and goes to Placencia. That would be perfect if you can get it.
The James bus departs at 3:45, but it goes to Independence, and you’ll arrive there too late to get the ferry to Placencia. You could get the James bus as far as Dangriga and then go by taxi to Placencia.
If you miss those buses, you could get any westbound bus from BC, get off at Belmopan and ask the bus terminal staff about the best way to get to Placencia by bus.
A transfer service might be expensive, but they will pick you up at the airport and save a lot of hassle with buses.
2013/05/09 at 19:09
The Ritchie’s express bus doesn’t run on Sundays; not sure about the James Bus.
What about a flight? You might have to get a taxi from the International airport to the Municipal airport in Belize City for a flight to Placencia.
2013/05/09 at 20:55
Thanks for the quick response! Ya we will probably just end up taking a shuttle since the flight is a little more than we want to pay.
We are doing our 2nd leg of the trip in the jungle and are staying near San Ignacio. We plan on taking the hokey pokey from Placencia into Independence/Mango Creek then taking a bus from there to San Ignacio. Do these buses run frequently? And roughly how long is the trip?
Thanks again for all your great information!
2013/05/10 at 08:40
The bus from Independence is the James Bus Line. Here’s the schedule…
https://www.hickatee.com/belize_bus_times.html
The times and fares are on that page.
When you get to Belmopan, you’ll have to change buses to continue to San Ignacio.