How to Get From Chetumal to Belize City
Bus · Ferry via Caye Caulker · Minivan
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 160 kilometre (99 miles) distance from Chetumal to Belize City. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Belize City as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
Written by Ela
Senior Travel Writer
Last updated
What are the 3 ways to travel from Chetumal to Belize City?
There are three ways to travel the 160 km distance from Chetumal to Belize City. You can choose between the bus, ferry, and minivan.
The journey takes between 3h–4h and the quickest way is by ferry (3h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 20 BZD ($10).
3h 30m - 4h
20 BZD ($10)
3h - 4h 15m
170 BZD ($84)
4h
120 BZD ($61)
Or, before you go
More routes from Chetumal
Still planning your way to Belize City? Explore other routes from Chetumal — 1 researched option.
Chetumal to Belize City by Bus
The bus is a direct way to travel from Chetumal to Belize City. Travel time takes 3h 30m - 4h by bus. This includes the waiting time at the border to get your passport stamped on both the Mexican and Belizean sides.
The last time we checked (March 2023), ADO has not yet resumed its operations for this route. The available option is the local “chicken” bus from Chetumal to Belize City. We discuss both options below.
Chetumal to Belize City
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Option 1: Local Bus
The local “chicken” buses are colourful, non-airconditioned buses mainly used by locals. You can find them at Nuevo Mercado Bus Station. A 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre to this bus station costs 50 MXN ($2.90).
The estimated travel time from to is 4h. But it may take up to 5.5 hours because the buses make several stops along the way, including Corozal and Orange Walk.
You can choose between the two local bus companies Fe Wu Transport and Silva’s Bus Line. Bus tickets to Belize cost 20 BZD ($10).
*The schedule is based on Belizean time, which is 1 hour behind Mexico. This means the buses depart at 12:00 and 13:30, respectively, in Mexico time.
Booking Tip
Note that online booking is not available for these local buses, so you need to arrive early at the bus station to buy your tickets.
In Belize City, the arrival station is the main bus terminal, also known as Novelo’s. This bus stop is 5-10 minutes away from downtown Belize and the main port. The easiest way to move around is by taxi with rates from 5 BZD ($2.50).
Option 2: ADO Bus*
*
*The arrival time is based on Mexican time, which is 1 hour ahead of Belize. This means you will arrive at 08:15 and 16:30, respectively, according to the local time in Belize.
Ready to book your bus?
Direct operator sites
We will update the post once ADO resumes its operations. In the meantime, you can check ClickBus to see if departures are available again. You can also reach out to ADO via their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Crossing the Mexico-Belize border
The border between Mexico and Belize is marked by the Hondo River. To get from one country to another, you must cross the bridge at Santa Elena, a small bordering town 20 minutes away from Chetumal.
The bus will stop at the immigration office on the Mexican side and wait until you finish having your passport stamped. Once you’re done, the bus will cross the river and take you to the Belizean Immigration Office.
Your bus will be waiting for you outside the immigration office to take you straight to Belize City. It is not allowed to pick up passengers at the border.
Border crossing when taking the indirect bus
If you took a bus or taxi only up to the border crossing, you will have to walk on your own from one immigration office to the other.
After you finish your paperwork in Belize, you need to go to Corozal Bus Terminal, located some 15 km southeast of the border. You can find taxis and microbuses waiting in front of the casino near the Belizean border.
At Corozal Bus Terminal, you can transfer by bus to Belize City with BBOC or Valencia’s Bus Line with fares from 11 BZD ($5.50).
Vice-versa route: How to get from Belize to Chetumal by Local Bus
The same local bus companies offer bus trips the other way around, from Belize to Chetumal. The only bus departures are both in the morning, at 05:00 and 06:30. See the schedule below:
Local bus schedule from Belize to Chetumal (the way back)*
*The schedule is based on the local time in Belize, which is 1 hour behind Mexico. This means the buses arrive at 08:00 and 09:30, respectively, according to the local time in Mexico.
Chetumal to Belize City by Ferry via Caye Caulker
Another option when travelling from Chetumal to Belize City is by ferry. This option can be quite pricey, but it will give you the chance to explore the island of Caye Caulker, located some 40 km northeast of Belize City.
Note that ferries operating this route are not available daily.
Step 1: Chetumal to Caye Caulker by Boat
Water Jets International operate four boat trips from Chetumal to Caye Caulker every week. These boats are available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
A boat ticket costs 125 BZD ($61) and travel time is around 2h 15m - 3h 30m.
You’ll need to board the ferry at Chetumal Marine Terminal on the southern edge of Chetumal city centre.
Ferries arrive at the EZ Boyz Dock in the centre of Caye Caulker.
Note the time difference: Mexico is 1 hour ahead of Belize.
Step 2: Caye Caulker to Belize City by Water Taxi
You can stay in Caye Caulker for a few days, overnight or just for a few hours. If you want to leave on the same day, keep in mind that the last ferry to Belize City departs at 15:30.
San Pedro Belize Express operates four Water taxi trips daily from Caye Caulker to Belize City. A ticket costs 46 BZD ($23) and travel time is around 45m.
Boats depart from the San Pedro Belize Express Terminal in Caye Caulker city centre. They will drop you off at the Water Taxi Port in Belize City centre, just 500 m south of the Museum of Belize.
Ready to book your ferry?
Booking Tip
Chetumal to Belize City by Minivan
A minivan ride from Chetumal to Belize City costs around 120 BZD ($61). The minivan journey takes about 4h, depending on traffic.
Adrenalina Tours operates on this route.
Minivan schedule from Chetumal to Belize City
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Chetumal to Belize City. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Chetumal to Belize City is 160 km.
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About the Author
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
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