The drive from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to Belize City center is about 16 km and takes 20-30 minutes. There is no public bus from the airport, so you are looking at a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.
Taxi fares from BZE
Taxi fares at BZE are government-regulated and charged per vehicle, not per person. This means a group of three pays the same as a solo traveler, which makes taxis quite reasonable for small groups.
As of 2026, expect to pay:
- Belize City center: 50-60 BZD (25-30 USD)
- Water taxi terminal (for Ambergris Caye / Caye Caulker): 50-60 BZD (25-30 USD)
- Municipal Airport (TZA): 50 BZD (25 USD)
You can pay in either BZD or USD. The exchange rate is fixed at 2:1 everywhere in Belize.
Pre-booked private transfer
A pre-booked transfer to Belize City costs about the same or slightly more than a taxi (30-40 USD), but you get a confirmed driver waiting with your name, which removes uncertainty especially after a long flight.
What about longer distances?
Many visitors pass through Belize City on their way somewhere else. For reference:
- San Ignacio (Cayo District): 125-175 USD private transfer, about 2-2.5 hours
- Hopkins: 175-225 USD, about 2.5-3 hours
- Placencia: 250-300 USD, about 3.5-4 hours
- Shared shuttle to San Ignacio: 30-40 USD per person
Water taxi to the islands
Once at the water taxi terminal, tickets to Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) cost about 40-50 BZD (20-25 USD) one way. Caye Caulker is a stop on the same route. Combined with the taxi from BZE, your total cost to reach the islands by water is roughly 45-55 USD.
Tips to keep costs down
- Share a taxi if you meet other travelers heading the same way. Since fares are per vehicle, splitting saves everyone money.
- If heading to the cayes, compare the cost of a domestic flight from TZA (about 75-100 USD one way) versus taxi plus water taxi (about 45-55 USD total). The flight saves 60-90 minutes.
- Confirm the fare before getting in. Prices are regulated, but clarifying avoids any confusion.
The bottom line: getting from BZE to Belize City is straightforward and inexpensive. The real cost question is the onward leg to wherever you are actually staying.