Getting There & Departing
By Plane -- Belmopan has a small airport (BCV), but none of the local commuter airlines have regularly scheduled flights here. There is really little reason to fly into Belmopan, as it's such a short and easy drive from Belize City. However, if you must fly Tropic Air (tel. 800/422-3435 in the U.S. or Canada, or 226-2012 in Belize; www.tropicair.com) flies to Belmopan’s small airport (BCV) twice daily from the international airport at 11:45am and 2:45pm, costing BZ$188.50. Flights leave from San Pedro three times a day at 8am, 11am, and 2pm and will run you BZ$255.
By Car -- From Belize City, take Cemetery Road to the George Price Highway. At Mile 50 you'll see the well-marked turnoff for the Hummingbird Highway and Belmopan. Turn left here and follow signs to Belmopan, about 3.2km (2 miles) beyond the turnoff. It should take about 1 hour to drive from Belize City to Belmopan.
By Bus -- Belmopan has very frequent bus service from Belize City. Nearly all buses heading west and south from Belize City stop in Belmopan. Buses to Belmopan leave roughly every half-hour from the main bus station on West Collet Canal Street between 5am and 9:30pm. Return buses to Belize City leave the main bus station in Belmopan about every half-hour between 4:15am and 8:45pm. The fare each way is BZ$6. The trip takes 1 1/2 hours. From Belmopan, there are also frequent onward connections to Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, and other points south, as well as to San Ignacio, Benque Viejo, and the Guatemalan border.
Getting Around
Belmopan is an extremely compact little city. You can easily walk to most places around the central hub. If you need a taxi, there are always taxis near the bus station and central market. Alternatively, you can call Elvi's Taxi Service (tel. 802-3732) or Market Square Taxi Service (tel.
822-0371). A taxi ride anywhere in town will cost between BZ$6 and BZ$10.
Orientation
Belmopan is a planned city with a ring road and broad streets. The city itself is located just off the Hummingbird (Southern) Highway, 3.2km (2 miles) south of the Western Highway. The bus station and small central market area are the heart of the town, and you will hit them soon after heading in off the highway. Within a 2-block radius, you'll find a couple of banks, two gas stations, and a few small strip malls. At the center of the city's radius, just off the market and bus station, is Independence Plaza, which houses the post office and prime minister's office. Sidewalks cut through Independence Plaza in various directions, making most of downtown Belmopan easily accessible by foot.
Fast Facts -- Both of the principal banks in town, Scotiabank, Ring Road (tel. 822-1412), and Belize Bank, 60 Market Sq. (tel. 822-2341), are located close to the central market and bus station.
For the police, dial tel. 911, or 822-2220; for the fire department, dial tel. 822-2311. The Belmopan Hospital (tel. 822-2264) is located on Constitution Drive, a block north of its intersection with the North Ring Road.
The Market Square Drug Store (tel. 822-0045) is a well-stocked pharmacy located just off the Market Square.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
