This is the best option to travel around the mainland because it is cheap, reasonably reliable, and found across the country. One disclaimer: the bus schedule is not well documented, but you can surely get from one place to another if you start early. Some buses quit running at around 5 PM others will run their course till 8 PM. They start as early at 4 AM. TIP: Always “splurge” for the express bus when it is available, but don’t wait 30 minutes for an express bus if there’s a regular one in front of you.

For the bus from Belize City to San Ignacio, you’ll want to head to the bus terminal in Belize City. You’ll want to grab a bus with “Benque” in the front window to catch the right bus from Belize City to San Ignacio.

Bus Times

At the bus station, here are two ways to figure out when your bus is arriving: One, you can ask around to the teller or people sitting around. Let them know your destination and they’ll likely tell you which bus to look for and an approximate time it’ll be showing up (or that you just missed one). Two, you can also see final destinations and whether the bus is express or not from the front window of the bus. However, this can mess you up if you don’t know that Benque is the endpoint but enroute for Santa Elena and for San Ignacio.

Depending on where you’re going, Facebook pages are the most reliable source to find schedules for any transportation company. Buses typically run though a stop/terminal every hour to every 30 minutes.

Bus Quality

We do not have grey-hound style buses. The ones you will find in Belize are old American buses with no air conditioning. Sit next to the window and let the nice, cool breeze blow through. Make small talk with your seat-mate or listen to headphones as you cruise down the highways of Belize.

The prices to travel on a bus are much cheaper than renting a car in Belize. Expect fares to be between $5USD and $20USD ($10-40BZD). Travel times may take up to 8 hours, depending on the destination. The country is small though – so you can travel from San Ignacio to Belize City within 3 hours.

Travelling by bus you find as a great experience and adventure. If you are parched or find yourself peckish, don’t be afraid to try new things. Try watermelon juice, johnny cakes, or savory meat pies when street vendors come on the bus. Treat yourself to local delicacies or wait for the bus stations which also have wrapped sandwiches, packaged chips and cookies, and sodas.

Belize Travel Tips: Bus

• Have enough cash on hand, USD or BZD, to do anything you need for the day. ATMs are not frequent or conveniently located at travel hubs.
• Use taxi service between airport/water taxi/taxi in Belize City, don’t walk between them.
• The bus driver or passengers will likely have music playing with locals singing along on the bus
• Belize buses only travel through major highways.
• When catching the bus, try to start from a terminal instead of a bus stop. You’re more likely to get a seat.
• If you need to use the bathroom or get some snacks the bus makes a different stop for a 5 min break so that will help.
• Our staff preference is to sit near the front, easier to get on and get off.
• Keep your belongings with you or under the bus, the conductor will help you with bags if you need.
• Belmopan is the capital city and Belize, and a transfer point for most bus trips.
  
• Expect to pay $1 BZD for toilet/restroom use.