In most of Central America, the honest advice is to drive and save flying for crossing borders. Belize is the exception. Its best-known islands have no road connection at all, its southern coast is hours from Belize City by car, and small planes shuttle between them all day. Here, flying inside the country is ordinary rather than a luxury.
The two airports in Belize City
This is the detail that trips visitors up. Belize City has two airports 6.6 nautical miles apart.
The international airport (BZE), north of the city, receives the international flights.
The municipal airport (TZA), closer to the city centre, handles only domestic flights.
Island and southern flights leave from both, and the choice matters: a connection from an international arrival is simplest from BZE, while TZA often has more frequent and cheaper domestic departures. Knowing which one your onward flight uses avoids a scramble across town.
Flying: the islands and the south
Ambergris Caye is 29.6 nautical miles from BZE, Caye Caulker 19.6, Placencia 60.3 and Punta Gorda 90.9. Scheduled domestic airlines fly these routes in small aircraft, many times a day, with short hops and light baggage allowances. We show a "from" price per route; the final fare depends on the date, the group and the baggage, and is confirmed in writing before booking.
A private flight makes sense when the international arrival does not match the schedule, for groups travelling together, for heavy or bulky luggage such as dive gear, or to link several places in one day. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Water taxis: the islands by sea
Water taxis run from Belize City to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, and between the two islands, several times a day.
They are the cheapest way to the cayes and allow more luggage than the small planes, at the cost of time and exposure to the weather: rough seas can make the crossing uncomfortable or cancel it.
Roads: the mainland
Four highways do most of the work. One runs north towards Mexico, one west through Belmopan to San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border, one crosses the mountains towards Dangriga, and one runs down the southern coast towards Punta Gorda.
The west is easy by road. San Ignacio and the Cayo District, with its jungle lodges and Maya sites, are a straightforward drive of a couple of hours.
The south is long by road. Placencia and Punta Gorda take several hours, which is why most visitors fly.
Driving is on the right, main highways are paved, and speed bumps appear without much warning as you enter villages.
Buses and shuttles
Buses link the main towns cheaply and often, and are the everyday network.
Shared shuttles connect Belize City, San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border, and are the easy choice for most visitors heading west.
Crossing to Guatemala
Tikal is close to the western border, and Flores is 96.9 nautical miles from BZE by air.
By road, it means a border crossing, since Belize is outside the CA-4 area. A flight replaces a long day with a short one. Check your own government's advisory on border areas before planning. We check travel advisories before confirming each route and tell you if they change.
When the season changes the plan
We fly year-round. In the rainy season the pilot in command decides; if weather stops a flight, it is rescheduled at no cost. June to November is the wetter period and hurricane season. Heavy weather can ground small planes and cancel water taxis, usually for a day at a time.
Keep a buffer day before an international departure, especially if you are coming from the islands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fly inside Belize?
For the islands and the south, it is often the best option. The cayes have no road connection, and the south is several hours by car.
Why are there two airports in Belize City?
The international airport handles international flights; the municipal airport, 6.6 nautical miles away, handles only domestic ones. Island flights leave from both.
How do I get to Caye Caulker or Ambergris?
By water taxi from Belize City, or by a short flight: Caye Caulker is 19.6 nautical miles from the international airport, Ambergris 29.6.
Can I drive to San Ignacio?
Yes. The Cayo District is a straightforward drive of a couple of hours west of Belize City.
How do I get to Tikal from Belize?
By road across the border, or by air to Flores, 96.9 nautical miles from the international airport.
When does a private flight make sense?
When the schedule does not fit, for groups, for bulky luggage or to link several places in one day.