Belize (BZ)

Belize is an English-speaking Central American country known for its barrier reef, rainforest, and cultural mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Creole heritage.

Capital: Belmopan

Region: Americas

Language: English

Currency: BZD (BZ$)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 33)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Belize.

Public Transport Overview

Belize has a network of privately operated intercity buses running on the main highway corridors: Northern Highway (Belize City–Orange Walk–Corozal), Western Highway (Belize City–Belmopan–San Ignacio–Benque), Southern Highway (Belmopan–Dangriga–Placencia–Punta Gorda), and Hummingbird Highway (Belmopan–Dangriga). Buses are basic but functional. Within cities, there is no formal public bus transit system comparable to a European city—taxis and private vehicles are the primary urban transport. Belize City has a small number of local routes. San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) uses golf carts and bicycles as the main local transport.

Main operators:

BTIA-registered bus lines (Northern Highway): multiple operators running Belize City–ChetumalJames Line (Southern and Western routes)Novelo's Bus Service successors (Western Highway)Various local operators on Hummingbird and Southern HighwaysSan Pedro Water Jets (spwaterjets.com) — water taxiCaye Caulker Water Taxi (cayecaulkerwaterjet.com) — water taxiTropic Air (tropicair.com) — domestic air serviceMaya Island Air (mayaislandair.com) — domestic air service

🎫 Transit Passes

No system-wide transit pass Pay per journey in cash

All intercity bus routes

💡 No integrated transit card or pass system exists in Belize. All bus travel is pay-as-you-go in cash. Intercity fares range from BZ$2–30 depending on distance.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are available in all main towns. They operate without meters; always agree on the fare before entering. Typical fares in Belize City: BZ$6–15 for a short journey; BZ$40–60 from Belize City to the international airport. In Belmopan: BZ$5–10 for most town journeys. Taxis are identifiable by green licence plates in Belize. Ask your hotel or accommodation to call a reliable taxi company rather than hailing one on the street—this provides some safety assurance and helps avoid tourist overcharging.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

No Uber, Lyft, or regional rideshare apps operate in Belize as of 2026. Taxis and rental vehicles are the alternative. Some areas use WhatsApp groups for informal shared transport arrangements.

Cycling

Cycling is practical on San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) where there are few vehicles, and in Cayo District for recreational and transport cycling. Bicycle rental available in San Pedro and San Ignacio. Urban cycling in Belize City requires caution due to traffic. Helmet use is strongly recommended.

Intercity Trains

No passenger rail service exists in Belize.

Driving

Driving is on the right. Speed limits: 90 km/h (55 mph) on highways, 65 km/h (40 mph) in towns and villages. The main road network connects Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio (Western Highway), Orange Walk and Corozal (Northern Highway), and Dangriga and Punta Gorda (Hummingbird Highway and Southern Highway). Road quality on main highways is reasonable; rural and jungle roads can become impassable without 4WD in the rainy season (June–November). A rental car significantly expands access to archaeological sites, jungle lodges, and remote communities.

Airports

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (IATA: BZE) is located approximately 16 km north of Belize City. International airlines serving BZE include American Airlines, United, Southwest, and WestJet. Domestic airports: Municipal Airport (Belize City; BZE municipal terminal) plus domestic airstrips at San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Corozal. Tropic Air (tropicair.com) and Maya Island Air (mayaislandair.com) operate domestic routes. Domestic flights are the fastest way to reach the cayes and southern destinations. A 15-minute domestic flight from Belize City to San Pedro costs approximately BZ$80–150 one way, compared with a 45–75-minute water taxi for BZ$22–35.