Arriving to Belize by Road

Arriving to Belize by Road

Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico and on the west and south by Guatemala with two main land entry points.

• Benque Viejo del Carmen on the western border with Guatemala.
  Santa Elena at the northern border with Mexico

Driving from Cancun to Belize, is very easy, safe, and affordable. You can rent a car in Cancun in the morning and be checked into your jungle Hotel in Belize by night
If you are driving your own car or renting a car, you must obtain a vehicle entry permit, that are sometimes provided at the border.
The permit is valid for one month but can be extended by applying to the Customs Department.

This is what you will need to get a permit

• Travel documents and identification
• Proof of ownership (vehicle registration)
• Proof of insurance – available from any of the companies at the borders
• Rental documents (for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala

By Bus

There are bus routes from U.S. border cities to Belize via Cancun, Mexico City and Chetumal with connections between most Mexican cities and the border city of Chetumal. Regularly-scheduled Belizean buses travel daily between Chetumal and Belize City stopping in Corozal and Orange Walk.

ADO Bus from Mexico is available from July 25, 2023 

Regular bus service is available between Guatemala and Belize City with stops in Belmopan and San Ignacio. Similar service exists for connections between Belize and Tikal or Flores in Guatemala.

Driving to Belize

Driving to Belize can be an adventure with much to see and do on your journey to Belize. Depending upon the route taken, the trip from the US through Mexico is between 1,350-2,000 miles. Traveling to Belize via Cancun, Mexico City and Chetumal is comfortable, relatively fast and inexpensive. All-weather highways connect Mexican cities with the border city of Chetumal.

Vehicle entry permits are granted at the border and are valid for one month but can be extended by applying to the Customs Department. To get a permit, present the following at the point of entry:

Travel documents and identification

• Proof of ownership (vehicle registration)
• Proof of insurance – available from any of the companies at the borders
• Rental documents (for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala)