Transport in Belize

On the mainland, highways, intercity buses, rental cars, and taxis connect cities, villages, and attractions. Bus stations are available in most towns. Buses require a road service permit; the Transport Board decides on such permits and fares, and the Department of Transport (DOT) is responsible, among other things, for driving licences, vehicle registration, and tickets. A nationwide introduction of a modernized bus licensing system, streamlined connections, or centralized digital ticketing is not documented. Water taxis are the main means of transport between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. Operators require authorization from the Belize Port Authority and a Seaworthiness Certificate. Passengers over one year of age are subject to personal flotation-device requirements; the operator must keep a passenger manifest at least 15 minutes before departure. The ticket includes a BZ$1 passenger fee under SI 29/2019. The respective operator sets departures and prices. Domestic flights provide a fast connection, particularly between larger centers and tourist destinations. Belize has more than 15 public and more than 20 private airfields. The Department of Civil Aviation oversees, among other things, licensing and inspection; public airfields are operated by the Belize Airports Authority. Philip Goldson International Airport is the largest international airport. Airfares and flight times vary by route, provider, and season. Regular railway service and corresponding national infrastructure are not documented in official transport overviews. International land connections run through Mexico and Guatemala, while international air connections are mainly through Philip Goldson International Airport. For island travel, water taxis or domestic flights are options. Anyone driving independently needs a driving licence and a registered vehicle. The system includes, among other things, renewal of vehicle registration, changes to ownership, licence plates, or vehicle color, a learner's permit, and written and practical examinations. Bona fide visitors may obtain a temporary driving licence for no more than three months; a valid foreign national driving licence is valid from the date of last entry for up to twelve months under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. Rental cars are also subject to the rental company's conditions and the required insurance. The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Cap. 230, is the central legal basis. Buses may not operate without a valid road service permit. Under SI 147/2023, all occupants must use seat belts; SI 146/2023 restricts the use of electronic devices while driving, and SI 148/2023 provides the basis for speed-measuring devices. The Belize Police Department and municipal authorities enforce additional traffic rules according to their respective responsibilities. Bicycles are particularly suitable for short journeys and the final part of a trip, for example on islands. A nationwide network of dedicated cycle paths is not documented. Under the traffic rules, no more than two cyclists may ride side by side; holding onto a moving vehicle is prohibited. A public bicycle-rental system and cycle lanes are planned for Ambergris Caye, but this does not establish nationwide coverage. Walking is common within towns, but sidewalks and safe crossings vary in development from place to place. In 2025, the Belize City Council newly marked pedestrian crossings. A project in the Punta Gorda area includes, among other things, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, crossings, and rumble strips in villages. Walking access is free, but safety depends heavily on location, lighting, road width, and markings. Bus and taxi fares do not have a reliably uniform nationwide level. Taxi fares should be clarified before boarding. Schedules and prices for buses, water taxis, and airlines should be checked directly with the provider. On the mainland, potholes, unpaved shoulders, narrow or unlit roads, weak markings, and seasonal flooding can prolong journeys. Extra caution is therefore required at night and in rain; on buses, the condition of the specific vehicle and the presence of seat belts should be checked. The Road Safety Master Plan pursues the goal of reducing fatal traffic crashes through “Towards Zero Deaths.” The Climate-Resilient National Transport Master Plan combines climate protection, adaptation, and environmental sustainability. Road construction projects increasingly take drainage, climate resilience, and traffic safety into account. Reliable nationwide figures on transport emissions or the modal split are not available for Belize. The focus is on resilient roads, functioning public transport, and reliable maritime and domestic air connections.