last edited Dec 11, 2019
Getting to Belize by Land or Sea
By Land
Borders
Belize shares a border with two countries: Guatemala (266 km) and Mexico (250 km).
From Neighboring Countries
Whether coming from Mexico (Cancun via Chetumal) to the north or Guatemala (Flores) to the east, there are two good routes to reach Belize by land. While the options are fewer than for other countries in the region, several bus companies offer direct international connections.
- ADO: A Mexican company serving destinations including the Yucatán.
- Fuente del Norte: Connects Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.
- Linea Dorada: A route from Flores to Belize.
Note that if you want to spend slightly less and have time, you can also take a local bus to the border and then another one once you’ve crossed it.
By Sea
Ferries
From/To Mexico:
The Mexican border town of Chetumal is connected to Belize’s coastal islands (Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye). Small companies like San Pedro Water Taxi and Belize Express Water Taxi's operate daily routes for $50–60 per trip.
From/To Guatemala:
It’s possible to travel from Guatemala to Belize, or vice versa, by sea for roughly $20–25 per trip. Regular boats run between Livingston (Tuesdays and Thursdays) or Puerto Barrios (daily) in Guatemala and Punta Gorda (southern Belize). There are also many "water taxis" connecting these cities.
From/To Honduras:
From the Honduran port of Puerto Cortés, fast shuttles run once or twice a week to Placencia or Dangriga in Belize, costing around $50 per trip. Companies like Nesymein Nedy and D-Express operate these routes.
Cargo
Options for arriving by cargo ship are limited and best checked in Belize City. Alternatively, Puerto Barrios, Guatemala’s major Caribbean port near Belize, offers far more opportunities.