Getting around in Belize

Getting Around by Air
Local airlines connect Belize City with the main towns and cayes. Flights leave from both the international airport and the municipal airstrip. The main carriers are Maya Island Air (website: www.mayaislandair.com), Tropic Air (website: www.tropicair.com), Caribee Air Service and Javier's Flying Service.

Getting Around by Water
There is a scheduled boat service from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker. Boats also run from Corozal Town (near the Mexican border) to San Pedro.

Getting Around by Road
All-weather roads link Belize's main towns, though torrential rain seasonally severs these links, particularly at ferry points. The Manatee Highway, running from the Western Highway to Dangriga, is unpaved and floods easily. The Southern Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda, the Northern Highway to Mexico and the Belize to Belmopan road are in generally good condition. However, road traffic accidents are still a common occurrence and local driving standards are poor. Traffic drives on the right.

Bus: There are inexpensive daily bus services to most towns and villages, and to the Mexican and Guatemalan borders. Travel is usually in hot and overcrowded old US school buses, though there are a few air-conditioned express services.

Car hire: Many international and local firms operate in Belize City as well as in Ladyville, Dangriga and San Ignacio. Visitors usually need to be 25 years old to hire a car. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for excursions south of Belize City.

Regulations: The speed limit is 90kph (56mph) on highways and 40kph (25mph) on most other roads. Seat belts are compulsory.

Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable for three months, after which an International Driving Permit is required.