What Are the Driving Times Between destinations in Belize?
When driving in Belize, remember that roads here are not in the prime condition of roads in first world countries – coastal roads or highways are unpaved – and thus, driving may take longer than the distance would normally indicate.
The following lists general travel times between Belize City/the International Airport and popular destinations: Belmopan (1.5 hrs.); Placencia (3.5 hrs.); San Ignacio (1 hr. 45 minutes); Punta Gorda (4.5 hrs.); Corozal (2 hrs.); Orange Walk (1.5 hrs.); Dangriga (2.5 hrs.); Hopkins (3 hrs.); Hattieville (1 hr.); and Amatique Bay, Guatemala(6.5 hrs.).
The following lists general travel times between Belmopan and popular destinations: Belize City (1.5 hrs.); Placencia (2.5 hrs.); San Ignacio (1 hrs.); Punta Gorda (3 hrs, 20 minutes); Corozal (2 hrs, 45 minutes); Orange Walk (2 hrs, 10 minutes); Dangriga (1.5 hrs.); Hopkins (1 hr, 45 minutes); Hattieville (1 hr, 15 minutes); and Amatique Bay (5.5 hrs.).
The following lists general travel times between Placencia and popular destinations: Belize City (3.5 hrs.); Belmopan (2.5 hrs.); San Ignacio (3 hrs.); Punta Gorda (2 hrs, 45 minutes); Corozal (5 hrs.); Orange Walk (4 hrs, 20 minutes); Dangriga (1 hr, 45 minutes); Hopkins (1.5 hrs.); Hattieville (3 hrs, 10 minutes); and Amatique Bay (6 hrs, 45 minutes).
The following lists general travel times between San Ignacio and popular destinations: Belize City (3.5 hrs.); Belmopan (2.5 hrs.); Placencia (3 hrs.); Punta Gorda (2 hrs, 45 minutes); Corozal (5 hrs.); Orange Walk (4 hrs, 20 minutes); Dangriga (1 hr, 45 minutes); Hopkins (1.5 hrs.); Hattieville (3 hrs, 10 minutes); and Amatique Bay (6 hrs, 45 minutes).
The following lists general travel times between Punta Gorda and popular destinations: Belize City (2 hrs.); Belmopan (2 hrs, 45 minutes); Placencia (5 hrs.); San Ignacio (3 hrs); Corozal (5 hrs, 45 minutes); Orange Walk (6 hrs.); Dangriga (2.5 hrs.); Hopkins (2 hrs, 10 minutes); Hattieville (4 hrs.); and Amatique Bay (4 hrs, 45 minutes).
The following lists general travel times between Corozal and popular destinations: Belize City (4 hrs, 20 minutes); Belmopan (3 hrs, 15 minutes); Placencia (2 hrs, 45 minutes); San Ignacio (4 hrs); Punta Gorda (5 hrs, 35 minutes); Orange Walk (45 minutes); Dangriga (3 hrs, 45 minutes); Hopkins (4 hrs.); Hattieville (2 hrs.); and Amatique Bay (8 hrs).
Related Questions
- What Destinations in Belize Offer Domestic Flights?
- What Are The Roads Like in Belize?
- Can I Take Public Buses Around Belize?
- Is Belize Bike Friendly?
Belmopan
Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1961 after a hurricane destroyed the government buildings in Belize City. Today, this commuter hub is home to approximately 20,000 residents and sits at the crossroads of the Western Highway and the Hummingbird Highway. Most of the people here work for the government in some capacity.
Placencia Village
Beachfront reggae bars, colorful guesthouses, and a spacious expanse of beach attract tourists to Placencia Village. Located at the end of the 16-mile (28-km) Placencia peninsula, it is the most lively destination in the region. It offers restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, and tour services.
Punta Gorda
Located 195 miles (315 km) south of Belize City, Punta Gorda is the southernmost coastal town in Belize. Punta Gorda serves as the gateway to Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, a group of shallow island atolls known for their colorful coral gardens and vibrant marine life. It’s also a good base for a visit to the Rio Blanco National Park and some of the off-the-beaten path jungles lodges in the southern Maya Mountains.
San Ignacio
San Ignacio, often referred to as Cayo, is a laid back town in the western foothills of the Mayan Mountains. Located right along the Western Highway, San Ignacio is popular among travelers as it provides modern tourist amenities while retaining its authenticity. The town sits directly on the meandering Macal River and is surrounded by green rolling hills where adventure awaits.
Corozal
Corozal is a pleasant seaside town at the very northern end of Belize. Less than 8 miles (12 km) from the Belize-Mexico border, most visitors pass through Corozal on their way to or from popular destinations in Mexico such as Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Hopkins
Hopkins is a small, laid back village on the central Caribbean Coast. It has a long, beautiful strip of beach, a large freshwater lagoon, and a Garífuna population that is dedicated to preserving their traditions.
Dangriga
After Belize City, Dangriga is the largest coastal town in Belize. With 12,500 residents, it is a bustling commercial center where nearby residents come to buy food, tools, and other necessities. Dangriga really doesn’t offer much in the way of tourism amenities, but curious travelers who find themselves wandering the busy streets will observe wheelings and dealings among locals, and get a real look at daily life on the Belize coastline.
Belize City
Almost all visitors to Belize find themselves in the country’s largest city at one point or another, but unfortunately Belize City is not an attractive destination for most. The majority of travelers who come here are merely passing through – Belize City is the transportation hub for all international and domestic flights, as well as ferries leaving to Ambergris and Caye Caulker. But Belize City has some hidden jewels and nearby attractions that make it worth a visit.
Orange Walk
Orange Walk doesn't have much for tourists to see, with one major exception: the New River. New River skirts the east edge of town and gently flows all the way into the New River Lagoon where you can spot crocodiles, river turtles, black howler monkeys, and a wide array of birds.
