- Southern Belize
Belize is a wonderful destination for travellers who enjoy exploring Central America by road. Whether you are travelling from Mexico, Guatemala or further afield, arriving in Belize by land offers an opportunity to experience the changing landscapes, cultures and communities of the region before reaching the Caribbean coast.
With tropical forests, ancient Maya cities, colourful towns and beautiful beaches, Belize is well worth exploring beyond its borders.
The main northern land crossing between Mexico and Belize is located near Santa Elena, Corozal District, connecting Belize with Chetumal in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
This crossing is convenient for travellers coming from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Bacalar. Many visitors travel south through Mexico by bus or private vehicle before crossing into Belize.
Chetumal is particularly useful as a stopover, offering hotels, restaurants and transport connections before continuing into Belize.
After crossing the border, travellers can visit Corozal Town, known for its waterfront, relaxed atmosphere and nearby Maya history. From there, the Philip Goldson Highway connects visitors with Orange Walk, Belize City and other destinations.
One of the newest ways to travel towards Belize is by train from Cancún to Chetumal, in southern Mexico. The Tren Maya offers travellers a comfortable alternative to a long bus journey, passing through the landscapes of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula before reaching the city closest to Belize’s northern border.
The train is particularly useful for visitors flying into Cancún International Airport who want to explore Mexico before continuing their journey into Belize.
The Tren Maya connects Cancún with destinations across southeastern Mexico, including Tulum, Bacalar and Chetumal. The official timetable lists services between Cancún and Chetumal taking approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, although departure times and journey arrangements should always be checked before travelling.
You can check the latest train schedules and tickets through the official website:
Once you arrive in Chetumal, you have two main options for continuing your journey.
Option 1: Cross the land border
Chetumal is located close to the Belizean border. From the train station, arrange a taxi or other local transport to the official border crossing at Santa Elena, near Corozal Town. You will need to complete Mexican exit formalities and Belizean immigration and customs procedures before continuing into Belize.
After crossing the border, you can travel to Corozal Town, Orange Walk, Belize City or other destinations by road.
Option 2: Travel by water to Belize’s islands
If your first destination is Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, you can investigate ferry connections from Chetumal’s maritime terminal. Services and operating days vary, so check availability and book directly with the operator before planning your train journey around a sailing.
The main western land crossing is located near Benque Viejo del Carmen in western Belize, connecting the country with Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.
This is a popular route for travellers exploring Guatemala’s Petén region, including the famous Maya archaeological site of Tikal. From Guatemala, visitors can cross into Belize and continue towards San Ignacio, one of the country’s most popular inland destinations.
San Ignacio is an excellent base for exploring Belize’s Cayo District. Visitors can discover ancient Maya sites, rainforest trails, cave adventures, rivers and local markets. The nearby archaeological site of Xunantunich is particularly memorable, with its impressive stone temples overlooking the surrounding countryside.
From San Ignacio, travellers can continue east towards Belmopan and Belize City, or travel south towards the Hummingbird Highway and the coastal communities of Stann Creek District.
International bus travel can be an economical way to reach Belize, especially for backpackers and travellers exploring Mexico and Central America.
Bus routes and connections vary by departure city, so travellers should confirm their itinerary before setting out. Depending on where you begin, your journey may involve changing buses in Chetumal or another regional transport hub.
Once in Belize, buses connect major towns and communities along the country’s principal highways. Services are generally more limited to smaller villages and remote attractions, so it is wise to plan onward transport in advance.
Belize’s relatively compact size makes it possible to combine several destinations in one trip, although travel times can be longer than expected because of road conditions, stops and connections.
For travellers who enjoy road trips, bringing a vehicle into Belize provides flexibility to explore the country at your own pace.
Visitors entering with a foreign-registered vehicle must complete the appropriate temporary importation and customs procedures. You should carry your passport, driver’s licence, vehicle registration and proof of ownership. If the vehicle is rented or borrowed, additional authorisation and documentation may be required.
You will also need to arrange appropriate motor insurance for driving in Belize. Confirm current requirements with the border authorities before travelling, particularly if you are driving a rental vehicle across an international border.
Train schedules, fares and connections can change. Check the official timetable before departure and allow enough time between your train arrival and your onward transport. Remember to carry your passport and check the entry requirements for both Mexico and Belize.
The Tren Maya adds another exciting option for travellers planning a Central American adventure. By combining the train journey through Mexico with a land or sea crossing into Belize, visitors can turn their arrival into a memorable part of their holiday.
Belize has four principal highways:
The highways provide access to a remarkable variety of landscapes, from northern farmland to inland rainforest and the southern Caribbean coast.
When entering Belize, travellers should be prepared to complete immigration and customs formalities.
Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need:
You should use an official border crossing and follow the instructions of Belizean immigration and customs officers. Border opening times and entry requirements can change, so check current information before departure.
The Belize Immigration Department provides official information on visas and entry requirements at immigration.gov.bz.
Toledo District: Head south to Punta Gorda, where visitors can experience Maya and Garifuna culture, local food, rainforest adventures and a quieter side of Belize.
Travellers entering from Guatemala may find it convenient to explore Cayo first, while those arriving from Mexico can begin in Corozal before travelling south.
