Seven Ways to Get to and from Belize Airports and Placencia
Booking a Belize vacation is easy. Pick a resort. Find an airliner. Arrange in-country transport to get you where you want to go. But before you get to the fun stuff, you must get from Belize City to your accomodation. Putting that task in the hands of your resort staff can eliminate a lot of work and worry. For example, Chabil Mar luxury resort in Placencia gets guests to and from its grounds every day, so it just makes sense to let staff help you traverse the 160-mile distance between Belize’s airports and Chabil Mar. Whichever method of travel you prefer, they’re happy to help!
Take a shuttle
They’re popular for many reasons: cost is reasonable, there are two running shuttles that service the Belize City-to-Placencia route and the three hour drive and beautiful scenery will slow your heart rate so you’re ready to vacation in earnest the minute you stop off the shuttle bus.
Grab a second flight
You’re already at the airport, so if you’re in a rush to get to Placencia, five early morning or late afternoon flights to and from Belize International Airport or Belize Municipal Airport to Placencia take only about 40 minutes each on nine-to-13 seat Cessna airplanes. Plan to spend about $117 USD per one-way ticket.
Taxi, please
A Belize taxi can get you to and from the resort and airport expeditiously, and you can find one after you land, but you could pay more money than you would if you caught an in-country flight, so ask for pricing immediately. Here’s some good news: If you like to negotiate, this is the time to put your talent to work!
Van or private car
If you’re a celebrity, price is no object and you require door-to-door service from airport gate to your lodgings, a private car is likely your preference. On the other hand, hire a private van to get to Placencia. The typical fare for this ground transporataion is between $260 USD and $300 USD for one to four passengers. This is one case in which comparison shopping and/or additional people can translate to savings.
Car rentals
It makes sense to rent a car if you intend to cover a lot of ground during your Belize holiday. Vehicles await you at both Belize Airports and there are two car rental agencies in Placencia proper, but your car won’t come cheap: Average rentals per day run around $75 USD and don’t expect expansive choices when it comes to picking a vehicle.
Take the bus
Get the lay of the land, relax after your flight and pay just $15 USD each way to ride the bus to and from Placencia from your Belize City airport. The ride takes under five hours and if you miss a bus, you can always catch a second one or stay overnight in Belize City and see some sites before catching the early bus.
The best idea of all
Book your transportation needs with Chabil Mar staff and allow them to make recommendations based on your budget, time in Belize and travel goals. The reservations team can give you the bus schedule, arrange a private shuttle transfer from the Belize International Airport to Chabil Mar both ways, or if you take that flight, there’s no charge to retrieve you from the Placencia airstrip. Which will you choose?
