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Getting to Belize from Guatemala is totally doable, and there are actually several great routes, depending on your budget, time, and sense of adventure.
The most popular way to travel from Guatemala to Belize is by land, using a shuttle service or a public bus, but you can also fly if you’re in a hurry.
This guide will break down all your options for getting to Belize from Guatemala, including border crossings, costs, and tips to make the journey smooth.
Let’s dive into the best ways to get from Guatemala to Belize so you can plan your Central America adventure with confidence.
Whether you’re heading to the cayes for diving or the jungle for ruins, knowing how to get to Belize from Guatemala is your first step.
How to Get to Belize from Guatemala by Land
Land travel is the classic backpacker route, and it’s how most people get to Belize from Guatemala, offering both budget-friendly and comfortable options.
The journey isn’t just about the destination; the scenic highlands and jungle roads are part of the experience.
Here’s the breakdown of the main land crossings and how to get from Guatemala to Belize using them.
1. The Melchor de Mencos / Benque Viejo Crossing
This is the most common and straightforward land crossing for getting to Belize from Guatemala, connecting the Petén region directly to the Belizean west.
If you’re coming from Flores or Tikal, you’ll take a bus or shuttle from Guatemala to the border town of Melchor de Mencos.
Once at the border, you exit Guatemala, walk across the bridge, and then enter Belize at the Benque Viejo immigration post.
This route to Belize is efficient because it’s a short walk between the two immigration offices, and you can do it all in under an hour.
After you get to Belize, you can catch a taxi or local bus to San Ignacio, which is just a quick 15-minute ride away.
This is the best way to travel from Guatemala to Belize if you want to avoid long, bumpy detours.
2. The Rio Dulce / Punta Gorda Ferry Route
If you’re coming from the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, this route to Belize is a unique and scenic water-and-land combination.
You’ll start in the town of Rio Dulce, take a boat or bus to Puerto Barrios, and then catch a ferry across the bay to Punta Gorda in Belize.
Alternatively, a direct boat service from Livingston to Punta Gorda is a fantastic way to get from Guatemala to Belize, though it depends on the season.
This ferry route is less common but perfect for travelers wanting a different perspective on how to get to Belize from Guatemala.
Once you arrive in Punta Gorda, you can take a bus north towards Placencia or Dangriga.
This is a longer journey, often taking a full day, so plan for that when you travel from Guatemala to Belize this way.
The Best Shuttle and Bus Options to Get to Belize from Guatemala
Once you know the crossing points, you need to figure out the vehicles that will get you to Belize from Guatemala efficiently.
Tourist shuttles are the most popular choice for first-timers because they handle the border crossing paperwork for you.
Here are the choices you have for ground transportation.
1. Direct Tourist Shuttles from Flores
Many companies run direct shuttles that will get you to Belize from Guatemala, specifically from Flores to San Ignacio or even all the way to Caye Caulker.
These shuttles are pricier than public buses, but they’re faster, more comfortable, and drive door-to-door to your hotel.
It’s the best way to travel from Guatemala to Belize if you want zero hassle and air conditioning.
The shuttle will stop at the Melchor border, help you stamp out of Guatemala and into Belize, and then continue on your way.
You can easily book these online or at any hostel in Guatemala to make your journey to Belize seamless.
2. Public Chicken Buses (The Budget Way)
If you’re on a strict budget, you can get to Belize from Guatemala using the local “chicken buses” (repurposed American school buses).
This is the cheapest way to travel from Guatemala to Belize, but it’s also the slowest and most cramped.
You’ll typically take a bus from Flores to Santa Elena, transfer to another for the border town of Melchor de Mencos, and then walk across.
On the Belize side, you’ll grab another chicken bus from Benque to San Ignacio.
It’s an authentic local experience, but you’ll probably pay double if you have large bags, so pack light if you want to get to Belize cheaply.
Flying: The Fastest Way to Get to Belize from Guatemala
While land is the most common, flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Belize from Guatemala if you have a tight schedule.
The flight from Guatemala City to Belize City is short, direct, and hassle-free.
Here’s what you need to know about flying.
1. Direct Flights from Guatemala City to Belize City
Airlines like TAG and Avianca operate daily flights that can get you to Belize from Guatemala in under an hour.
This is a huge time saver compared to the 8-10 hour bus ride, making it the best way to get to Belize from Guatemala for business travelers or short trips.
The flights are relatively affordable if you book in advance, especially compared to the cost of a private shuttle plus a night’s hotel.
You’ll fly out of La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and land at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
Once you land, you can take a water taxi to the islands or a bus to the mainland towns, and you’ve completed your journey to Belize quickly.
Just remember that you’ll need to be in Guatemala City the night before unless you fly in earlier that day.
Border Crossing Tips for Traveling from Guatemala to Belize
Regardless of which route you pick, going through immigration to get to Belize from Guatemala requires a few important steps.
The process is straightforward if you know what to expect at the border.
Here are some insider tips to make sure your trip is smooth.
1. Have Your Exit Fee Cash Ready
Guatemala requires you to pay an exit fee when you leave the country to get to Belize, usually around 100-150 Quetzales.
Make sure you pay this before you get in line to stamp your passport, and keep the receipt with you.
This fee is often included in the cost of a tourist shuttle, but if you’re taking public transport to get to Belize, you’ll need to cover this yourself.
2. Check Your Entry Requirements for Belize
When you get to Belize, the immigration officer will ask you for proof of onward travel and might check if you have enough funds.
Having a printed flight ticket out of Belize can help you pass through quickly when you travel from Guatemala to Belize.
Belize also requires that you have a valid passport and often charges a small entry fee or airport departure tax, so have some US dollars or Belize dollars on hand.
The border staff are used to tourists asking how to get to Belize, so they’ll guide you if you get confused.
3. Currency Exchange at the Border
Don’t get stuck with the wrong money when you get to Belize from Guatemala.
The local currency in Belize is the Belizean Dollar (BZD), and it’s pegged to the US Dollar (2 BZD = 1 USD).
Exchange your Quetzales for Belizean dollars at the border, as US dollars are widely accepted but you’ll get a better rate in local currency.
There are often money changers right at the border crossing between Guatemala and Belize who offer fair rates.
So, How Do You Get to Belize from Guatemala?
You can get to Belize from Guatemala by land via the Melchor de Mencos border or via the Rio Dulce ferry, or by plane from Guatemala City.
The land route is the most popular and affordable way to travel from Guatemala to Belize, with direct shuttles and budget buses both being great options.
The flight is significantly faster, making it the best way to get to Belize from Guatemala if you value time over cost.
So, when you ask “how to get to Belize from Guatemala,” the answer depends on your travel style, but it’s definitely not complicated.
Just grab your passport, pack your patience, and get ready to enjoy both of these incredible countries on your journey.
Get to Belize from Guatemala with a bit of planning, and you’ll be relaxing on the beach in no time.