Belize City To San Ignacio: CHEAPEST Ways To Travel

	Time	Cost	Highlight
Tourist Shuttle	2 hours	from $20	Comfortable journey
Bus	3 hours	from $3	Adventurous
Taxi	1.5hours	from $100	Easy and stress-free
Fly	N/A	N/A	N/A
Car Rental	1.5 hours	from $60	Freedom

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🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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What Is The Distance Between Belize City & San Ignacio?

Speaking from experience, there is nothing worse than being stuck in a hot and sweaty vehicle for hours on end.

Now it may be pretty damn warm here. Thankfully, it is a pretty short distance of 100 kilometers between Belize City and San Ignacio. This does make a nice change if you are used to long drives in Guatemala or Mexico.

However, do keep in mind that the tourist shuttles and taxis travel directly. If you decide to take the local bus, it will make stops in local towns.

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How Long Does It Take To Travel?

Thankfully, you can enjoy a pretty short journey, and you only need to set aside a few hours of your day.

Tourist Shuttle: A shuttle will take around 2 hours. Longer journeys to Flores or Antigua typically pick up and drop off passengers along the way, but San Ignacio will be the first stop, so you don’t have to worry about this.

Bus: A public bus takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Rental Car: If you are comfortable driving, renting a car will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes. However, you will likely want to stop along the way for photos.

Taxi: Lastly, we have a private taxi, which is the fastest method and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes with a local driver who knows these roads.

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Book A Tourist Shuttle *RECOMMENDED*

A tourist shuttle is a great way to travel in Belize and throughout Central America. The same thing applies to this route.

To get to San Ignacio, you can expect to pay $18.00 to $25.00 per person. Tickets can be easily booked in advance online through platforms such as GetYourGuide or GottoGo.

Most services depart from the ferry terminal since most travelers will be coming from the islands. They generally leave between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The journey should take about 2 hours, with typically one bathroom break along the way. As long as you are staying somewhere in the main township and accessible by road, your van should be able to drop you off at your accommodation.

This is definitely the most stress-free option. You simply need to get to the departure point, and then everything else is sorted for you.

Plus, it is pretty affordable, which makes it a great option for those on a budget.

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How To Book Tickets

These tourist shuttles are super easy to book.

Personally, I recommend that you do this route in advance. This is simply because you likely won’t be spending much time in Belize City itself, so you won’t have time to shop for options.

I booked with a company that operates out of the San Pedro Express Water Taxi Belize terminal, perfect if you are coming to or from the islands. I used them quite a few times, including crossing from Belize to Mexico, and it was all straightforward enough.

If you are interested in using them, you can also book on GetYourGuide and meet at their shop in the water taxi terminal. I originally got their details when I was in Mexico, and once I arrived in Belize, it turned out to be one of the most popular transport operators for tourists.

Pre covid times they would operate buses on their routes, though at the moment, it is just minivans. The cost for a shuttle to San Ignacio is $20.00.

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Where Does The Shuttle Drop You Off

Seriously, you don’t want to be walking around on the hilly streets carrying or pulling your luggage, as you will quickly become drenched in sweat!

Luckily, most drivers will be happy to drop you off at your hostel or hotel in San Ignacio.

The only issue you may have with this is if you have booked an Air BnB of sorts where it is not a popular drop-off point or in the main township.

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My Experience Taking The Shuttle To San Ignacio

After organizing my shuttle a couple of days prior, it was time to travel to San Ignacio. First, I needed to get off Caye Caulker and back to the mainland.

Luckily ferries are pretty damn regular, so soon enough, I was back in Belize City. Once at the ferry terminal, I head to the pickup point and sit down with some of the other travelers.

It’s always better to be early than late, and this is something I live by. Therefor,e I did have about a 40-minute wait before our shuttle departed.

Though with a cold drink in hand, time flies and soon we are split up and issued our drivers for the trip. We grab our bags and make our way to the parking lot where the vans are waiting.

Honestly, the journey from Belize City is pretty straightforward. About an hour into the drive, we stopped at a small supermarket for snacks and a bathroom break.

This was more for the travelers who would be staying on longer and heading into Guatemala than those getting off in San Ignacio.

Just less than an hour later, we are pulling up to the small town, and it is barely the afternoon. The shuttle pulls up alongside the road to my hostel and I jump out, if only all travel days in Central America were as short and straightforward as this!

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🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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Travel By Bus To Save Money *CHEAPEST*

If you are keen to take buses throughout Central America, Belize is the perfect place to start. You will be able to communicate easily, as everyone speaks English, and the locals are so friendly!

For this route to San Ignacio, it takes 2 and a half to 3 hours to travel from the Belize City Bus Terminal on West Collet Canal Street to the San Ignacio Bus Terminal on Burns Avenue.

This is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable way to travel. Just set your expectations, as you may find the bus crowded and uncomfortable. Also, don’t expect air conditioning, but the windows do open.

Also, I have heard that the bus terminal in Belize City isn’t the safest. Petty theft is common here and oftentimes targets tourists.

Though I haven’t done this myself, I did meet plenty of people in the country who did. One of the friends I made was a solo female traveler who hitchhiked to San Ignacio from Belize Airport with a friendly local because she had heard not to visit the bus station.

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How To Take The Bus (Costs, Timings, etc)

There are a few different companies that operate this route, though as long as you head to the station, you will find something heading in that direction.

The easiest way to figure out the schedule is to head online to Belmopan Online and click on the Western Route, which shows buses heading to San Ignacio from Belize City.

• You can purchase tickets at the station or onboard the bus
• Operate from 5 am to 9 am
• Depart approximately every 30 minutes
• Costs $4.00 to $7.00 depending on the company

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Private Taxi From Belize City Or Belize Airport

For a fast and comfortable method, why not book a taxi?

The journey itself takes about 1 and a half hours and costs $100.00 to $150.00 for the connivance.

To book, you can organize this in advance online or simply speak to your hotel when you arrive. It is unlikely you will just be able to find a taxi off the street as it is quite a long drive and then the driver does need to get all the way back as well.

The great thing about a taxi is that they can pick you up from wherever in Belize City you are, whether this is your accommodation, the ferry terminal, or the airport at 8 a.m.

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Can You Fly To San Ignacio?

Unfortunately, there is no domestic in San Ignacio or anywhere near it. You will need to make this journey overland through one of the other transport methods.

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🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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Enjoy Your Freedom By Renting A Car

Renting a car is a great way to travel to San Ignacio and explore the country if you are comfortable doing so.

The drive itself will take you around 1 hour and 40 minutes and is mostly along the Western Highway, also known as the George Price Highway. This is one of the main roads in the country so it is relatively well maintained, but do expect some potholes.

If you are keen, you will find plenty of rental companies online. They typically charge $60.00 to $90.00 per day. Just make sure to factor in insurance as well!

Apart from this, you will also need a valid international driver’s license and credit card, and it also will help if you research some of the local road rules. Keep in mind they drive on the right side of the road here!

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🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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Can I Catch The Ferry On The Same Day

This is well and truly a fair question to ask. Though I promise you, it is possible as this is exactly what I did myself! This means no overnight stops!

However do keep in mind not to cut things too close with timing. You will just need to make sure to catch one of the earlier ferries and organize your transport for a midday departure.

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Take A Ferry From Caye Caulker

Honestly, I recommend Belize Express Water Taxi. They have large, comfortable boats, regular departures, and many shuttles around the country depart from this ferry terminal.

This ferry to Belize City from Caye Caulker takes about 1 hour and costs around $30.00 per person. However, it is busier on weekends and public holidays, so add a little bit to this.

Some of the morning ferry times to Belize City are:

• 06:30 Caye Caulker – 07:35 Belize City
• 07:00 Caye Caulker – 07:45 Belize City
• 07:30 Caye Caulker – 08:35 Belize City
• 08:30 Caye Caulker – 09:45 Belize City
• 09:00 Caye Caulker – 10:05 Belize City

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Ferry From San Pedro In Ambergris Caye

Perhaps you are coming from San Pedro. No biggie, you will just need a little bit longer. This is because it takes about 15 to 20 minutes more to travel from here, totaling around 75 to 80 minutes.

Plan to spend about $35.00 on the ticket, and once again, I recommend Belize Express Water Taxi for the journey.

• 06:00 San Pedro – 07:15 Belize City
• 06:30 San Pedro – 07:45 Belize City
• 07:00 San Pedro – 08:15 Belize City
• 08:30 San Pedro – 09:45 Belize City
• 10:00 San Pedro – 11:15 Belize City

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FAQs About Traveling To San Ignacio From Belize City

How many days to spend in San Ignacio? I recommend spending around 3 days here in San Ignacio. This will allow you to see the main highlights of the town and its surroundings, such as Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Actun Tunichil Muknal. It is a nice quaint town which is a good place to chill out for a few days.

How far in advance do I need to book tickets? You will definitely be best off booking tickets in advance to ensure you can travel with a reputable, reliable, and safe company. You should try to book at least a week in advance to be safe. However, if you are not worried about this, then book at least 48 hours in advance.

You can book all your transport in Belize through GuateGo who I have used to travel throughout Central America.

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Where To Stay In San Ignacio?

You will find quite a variety of different accommodation options here in San Ignacio. Think budget hostels, jungle getaways, family resorts, and luxe hotels.

I ended up staying at Bellas Backpackers since I had such a good stay at their Caye Caulker location. Surprisingly, the location here is a lot quieter than on the island.

I was the only person in my dorm for all three nights of my stay, so I enjoyed a bit of privacy on a budget. Nevertheless, the small number of people actually made for quite a homely feel.

At night, we would all hang out in the kitchen, discuss travel plans, and cook up a yummy meal.

If you are looking for a more social stay, I found out the Old House Hostel is where the majority of backpackers can be found.

Bellas Backpackers A chill family-style hostel in the center of town. Dorms start at $12.00 per night. BOOK NOW	The Old House Hostel The most popular hostel in the town. Dorm rooms start from $12.00 per night. BOOK NOW
Yellow Belly Backpackers Another lovely hostel in a great central location. Dorms here start for around $12.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Nabitunich A beautiful countryside farm stay for a unique experience. Private rooms here start at $60.00 per night. BOOK NOW

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Things To Do In San Ignacio

Here, you can find plenty on offer no matter what you are looking for

Some of the best things to do in San Ignacio are:

Xunantunich Ruins: These impressive Mayan ruins date back to the 7th century AD. You can climb the El Castillo pyramid, the second tallest structure in Belize, and enjoy incredible views.

ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal): This cave is a highlight. It is a sacred site where the Mayans performed rituals and sacrifices. Inside, you can see pottery, bones, and even a crystal skeleton. It is quite a physical adventure, requiring hiking, swimming, and crawling, but it’s so worth it!

Green Iguana Conservation Project: You can visit the project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel and learn about the iguanas, their habitat, and their conservation efforts. They are super interesting creatures and an icon in Belize, and it’s super cool to get up close to them!

Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve: This is another ancient Mayan site located on a hill overlooking the township. Here, you can see several temples, palaces, plazas, and ball courts that date back to 1200 BC. It’s a short walk or taxi away and is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Day Trip To Tikal: Located in Guatemala, just a short two-hour drive away from San Ignacio, the Tikal Mayan Ruins are located. It’s easy enough to book a tour or do it by yourself using public transport. Once there, you can see hundreds of structures, including pyramids, temples, palaces, and wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and coatis.

San Ignacio Market: The market is held every Saturday in downtown San Ignacio. Here, you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, crafts, clothing, souvenirs, street food, and more!

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Wrap Up: Travel From Belize City To San Ignacio

Now, you should know exactly the easiest ways to get to San Ignacio and be able to decide which is best for you!

Honestly, if you still can’t decide, I recommend taking the tourist shuttle. This will be the most hassle-free option, and since it is a pretty short journey, it is affordable.

San Ignacio has so much to offer and is located so close to the capital, so there’s no excuse why you shouldn’t visit.

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Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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