How to Get From Belize City to San Ignacio
Most people fly into Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, just a few miles north of Belize City. From there, it’s relatively simple to get to San Ignacio, the country’s second-largest urban area.
Flying
Flying from Belize City to the airport outside of San Ignacio (called Maya Flats) only takes about half an hour, but the price of tickets is pretty steep. Furthermore, the planes are tiny “puddle jumpers” that only hold a dozen passengers. For flight information and schedules, contact Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
Driving
If you’re driving your own car, simply follow the signs to take the George Price Highway (still widely known as the Western Highway) which goes straight to San Ignacio. The George Price Highway is a modern, two-lane roadway that has several gas stations and roadside restaurants along the way.
Once you get near San Ignacio, you’ll have to cross a wooden bridge with just one lane. From Belize City, be sure to turn right and head downhill to cross the bridge into San Ignacio. If you miss the turn, don’t worry! People in Belize are very friendly and will be more than happy to give you directions. When you’re leaving San Ignacio to head back east, you’ll need to take a different bridge, the Hawksworth Bridge, the only suspension bridge in the country. Assuming you don’t make any wrong turns or stop to take photos along the way, it takes approximately two hours to drive from the Belize City airport to San Ignacio.
Taxis
Taxis can be hired from the airport or anywhere else in Belize City, but the cost can be prohibitively expensive. All legal taxis have a green license plate and the name of their co-op (company) posted on the window. Be sure to negotiate the fare before you begin your journey!
Public Bus
Belize has a nationwide network of public buses, affectionately known as “chicken buses” by the locals. The cost will be less than $10, but you’ll have to deal with frequent stops, crowding, and no air conditioning. The trip will take about two and a half hours. The good news, however, is that you can catch a direct bus to San Ignacio from several different locations in Belize City.
Shuttles
If you’re looking for the fastest, most comfortable way to get from Belize City to San Ignacio, try Untame Belize Shuttles. Untame Belize offers prompt, professional door-to-door shuttle service to any destination in the country, including hotels, lodges, resorts, and Airbnb residences in San Ignacio.
