A long layover in Belize City is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 75 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at BZE:
First, verify that you can enter Belize — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Bus takes about 75 minutes into Belize City, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — BZD is the currency here. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Belize City, two standouts are:
- Museum of Belize — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- St. John’s Cathedral — A peaceful stop that offers a break from the rush of travel.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at BZE, check out Philip Goldson Duty-Free Shop or Belizean Crafts & Souvenirs to keep yourself occupied.
Getting to Belize City from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~75 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~95 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Bus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Food Worth Trying
In Belize City
If you make it into town, Nerie’s Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Midtown Restaurant & Bar.
Inside BZE
If you’re staying in the terminal, Jet’s Bar & Grill is your main option. Harbour View Restaurant & Bar works too if you want something quick.
What to Budget for Your Belize City Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Belize City layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$8 |
| Meal | ~$15 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$33 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Belize City.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BZE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Belize City itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Belize that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Storing Your Luggage at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at BZE may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Belize City’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BZE.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Belize City with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Belize City may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.