Welcome to Belize!
So you’ve you landed in Belize City airport, NOW WHAT?!?! Well, that’s what we’ve asked ourselves in the past. You don’t really have many options getting out of BZE International airport. Your either going to be picked up by a pre-arranged drive/hotel company or you’re going to have to take a taxi. Neither option is going to be cheap either, so come prepared with cash.
Step 1: Taxi
Once you have your luggage and cleared customs & immigration head towards the exit. There will be taxi drivers approaching you offering to take you. You really have NO negotiation they have this system on lock-down. We heard another couple going to the bus station and asked if they wanted to split a cab, assuming the price would be the same…NOPE they wanted $50 for all 4 of us.
They informed us we don’t know each other and are not friend’s, therefore we could not split a cab. Well, that failed…. So no matter if you are going to the bus terminal in Belize City or if your headed to the water taxi ferry and headed to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye you are going to have to fork over $25.
Time: About 15 minutes, Price: $25 USD
Step 2: Chicken Bus
Once at the bus terminal get on a bus heading to Benque. The bus terminal was quite easy to navigate, we hopped on the right bus within minutes after arriving. The bus should cost $8BZE or $4USD it is best to have exact or close to exact, breaking bills and making change is always a task. The bus will stop in Belmopan, you may or may not have to switch buses. Oh and watch out for chickens on the bus, we had a fatal accident…
Private shuttles from the airport to San Ignacio can be booked for around $70-120 USD.
Taza
Sunday 13th of October 2019
Hi Hannah & Adam. My husband and I are traveling to Belize at the end of January for one week. After reading your blog I understand the taxi situation about getting from and to the airport. What about renting a car? I have checked on rentals and they seem pricey but using taxis for sightseeing adds up as well. Is it safe, is it worth it?? Our destination will be San Ignacio to see as many ruins as possible and anything else that might be there. If you get a chance send me some info. Thank you Taza
Adam
Thursday 31st of October 2019
We have rented a car in Belize for day trips before and found it easy to drive. I wouldn't have any major safety concerns, however, I wouldn't spend a lot of time driving around inside Belize City, but from the airport and to explore the country I think it should be fine and a fun way to do it. Have a great trip!
Michelle
Tuesday 8th of January 2019
Hello,
I am going to Belize and I am trying to find the cheapest route to travel from the Belize airport to the San Ignacio.
Thanks
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Saturday 12th of January 2019
The cheapest way would be by bus but you'll have to make your way to the bus station from Belize City airport. We took a taxi from the airport (not cheap). Consider walking outside of the airport grounds and you might be able to get a cheaper taxi then. They have prices fixed at the airport.
ana
Friday 15th of June 2018
Hi! i will be in San Ignacio for 4 nights. Can I travel to Shark Ray Alley for the day?
Adam
Monday 18th of June 2018
You should be able to find someone to take you, however, it would be easier from the coast if you have anytime there. I would check with the hotel you are staying with if they offer a trip to shark ray alley, it is a very popular tour in the country.
Janelle
Thursday 7th of June 2018
Hello!! My friend and I are traveling to Belize in the fall....just looking at transportation options. We are looking for the cheapest route....How much is a bus from (airport/Belize city) to San Ignacio? If our flight gets in around 430pm, will that be safe for two females? Any other information or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Tuesday 19th of June 2018
You'll have to take a taxi from the Belize City Airport to the bus station and the rate is fixed, it used to be $25 USD but it has possibly gone up. Belize City isn't the safest place so we don't suggest leaving the airport to find cheaper options. From there you can catch the bus, we felt safe yes but we never took the bus at night. Make sure to bring small bills so you don't get asked for a higher fare because you are a tourist.
Jeanne
Wednesday 16th of May 2018
Thanks for the info above! I just returned from Belize on May 9 and am planning my next trip already. I spent 8 days on Ambergris Caye in an Air BnB and, as a semi-handicapped 58 year old woman traveling solo - I never felt unsafe or nervous. This was a "test" trip - and I will be returning next spring with my 13 year old grandson and looking to do more than I did this trip (for some reason - 13 year old boys don't want to sit on the beach and drink margaritas all afternoon, I think. :) I am considering basing us out of San Ignacio for 4 or 5 days - and seeing the ruins, cave tubing, and such - then I WILL take him over to San Pedro for 2 or 3 days, because he must snorkel Shark Ray Alley and a couple other things I did that are not to be missed... Is this a workable plan? If you were not to base in San Ignacio, where would you base? Is there any airbnb type place or inexpensive hotel that is affordable with swimming that you might recommend? Or is there a place to swim safely in or near San ignacio? (the grandson is a fish, and I may not swim well - but I can float with a 50 lb kid sitting on my stomach in fresh water - so I'm mostly drownproof - and we both love the water!)
Thanks in advance for any guidance you may provide.... Jeanne in Toledo (Ohio not Belize)
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Saturday 19th of May 2018
Glad to hear you had an amazing trip to Belize as a solo female traveler. Your grandson is going to love Belize! San Ignacio would be a good place to base yourself for a few nights. We spent 4 nights there ourselves we stayed at Chaa Creek and Ka'ana they are a little pricey so unsure if they are within your budget. I think Chaa Creek would be great for your grandson, they are a unique property with a pool for him too.
Safe travels!