The best way for a tourist to get around Belize is with private transportation and local flights. We recommend that you make reservations before arriving in Belize. Tourism transport companies have the necessary documentation, clean cars and trucks and transport insurance for tourists. We do not recommend that you use public transport because it is disastrous, although it is a bit safer than in other Central American countries. Renting a car is also an option, but you can't go everywhere, especially the islands.
Private transport
The best option in Belize is to find a private tourist transportation company to go to each destination. They pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. It is a door to door service. You just have to tell them where you want to be picked up and where you want to go. Drivers are professionals, they are responsible people who know the most accessible and safe roads.
Local flights
Belize has airports in every tourist destination and this is a fast and safe way to travel. In Belize City there are two airports, one international and the other local, from both airports there are flights to the interior of Belize. Every day there are regular flights into Belize and its various destinations. You can also request private helicopter flights, this option is fast.
Shared transfers
Some tourist destinations are connected with collective tourist transports which circulate between the airport and the different destinations, such as San Ignacio, hotels in the city, Hopkings and Placencia.
Urban public transport
There are buses that run throughout the city since it is the way Belizeans get to work, usually the transport leaves every hour, but in rush hour they leave every half hour.
Rural public transport
There are bus stations in the main cities of Belize. They are small stations and the system is a bit chaotic. In the place you will find handwritten posters with the times and places to which they travel. There are several companies and they take turns providing the transportation service. This transportation is recommended if you speak English as it is the official language of Belize.
Taxis
Taxis are recommended to move around the city, to go outside a private tourist transport service is better. The cars used for taxi service are old and sometimes they don't turn on the air conditioning. Most taxis are shared so don't be scared if the driver takes other people on board. In some places, such as bus terminals or docks, taxis are organized and these are private. All the plates that identify the taxis are green so they are easy to recognize. Uber, Lift, and any other ride-sharing app don't exist in Belize so don't expect them to work.
Car rent
You can find car companies at the airport and other parts of the city. This is a way to get around, but more expensive. Your country's driver's license is valid in Belize for 3 months. Always carry your license with you. We recommend using GPS because the signs are irregular and in some places there is none. In addition, the roads are in poor condition and there is very little lighting at night so be very careful.
