Driving Tips 5 min readOct 12, 2026by Tropical Car Rental
Driving in Belize: What First-Timers Need to Know
Right-hand traffic, speed bumps called 'sleeping policemen', and four main highways. Here is everything you need before you turn the key.
Belize is one of the easiest countries in Central America to drive in. English is the official language, road signs are in English, and you drive on the right-hand side of the road, just like in the United States and Canada.
The four highways
Almost everything you want to see sits along one of four paved highways:
- Philip Goldson Highway – runs north from Belize City past the airport to Orange Walk and Corozal.
- George Price Highway – heads west from Belize City through Belmopan to San Ignacio and the Guatemala border.
- Hummingbird Highway – the most scenic drive in the country, from Belmopan south through the Maya Mountains to Dangriga.
- Southern Highway – continues south to Hopkins, Placencia and Punta Gorda.
Distances are short. Belize City to San Ignacio is about two hours; the airport to Placencia is about three.
Sleeping policemen
Every village has speed bumps, and they are not always painted. Locals call them sleeping policemen. Slow down whenever you see houses, a school, or a bus stop. Your rental will thank you.
Fuel
Gas stations are plentiful along the highways and in every town, but thin out on side roads. Fill up before heading to Mountain Pine Ridge or the Hopkins back roads. Pumps are attended and most take cards.
What to carry
Keep your driver's license, passport and the rental agreement in the car. Police checkpoints are routine and friendly, and they simply want to see your documents.
Night driving
We recommend finishing long drives before dark. Rural roads are unlit and you may meet cyclists, dogs and the occasional horse. Plan your airport-to-destination drive for daylight and you will have a wonderful trip.
Ready to go? Reserve your vehicle online and it will be waiting at the airport.
