Bus Travel in Belize
If you do not have a car on the mainland, bus is the most popular way to get around Belize. It can slow, but it is cheap and you get to really see the landscape, the people and the local color of the country. Traveling by bus in Belize has some problems, however, although most issues can be avoided with a few helpful tips. Read on and get to know these tips to make things as easy and stress-free as possible.
Traveling By Bus in Belize Tips
1. Ask lots of questions — You can find bus schedules online. But for the best and latest information, ask at the bus station. All major stations have guys working for them in yellow shirts, with the back of it saying something official. Ask what gate you need wait at and what time you should line up.
2. Tickets are purchased on the bus — Do not look for a ticket window at the station. Every bus has its own driver and money collector, and you pay on the bus. Do not worry about giving the exact change, because they have plenty. These guys have an amazing ability of keeping track of who and when everyone has boarded.
3. If the station is busy, sharpen your elbows — The push to get on the bus can be very fierce. If you want a seat, you will have to work for it. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the next bus. The worst station is Belmopan, especially during Friday afternoons and Sunday afternoons and evenings.
4. Use the bathroom before riding the bus — There are no bathrooms on the buses, and relieving yourself during the breaks in larger stations might cost you your seat. If you must use the facilities at a stop, ask your seat mate to save yours for you.
5. Do not take the bus if you need air conditioning — These are retired US school buses. The windows are open, and the wind and dust is whipping. Sunglasses should come in very handy during dry days.
6. Do not worry about packing food and drinks — At every major bus station stop and some other smaller ones, people will board the bus or sell you food and drinks through the windows. Do not worry about the lack of selection, because they sell everything from packaged cookies to watermelon juice to chicken sandwiches.
7. Always try to get an express bus — This should save you so much time. Ask for it by name. Non-express buses stop every 100 feet.
8. Be easy going — The bus seats are not comfortable at all. You might have to be forced to squeeze three to seat so the driver does not get in trouble for having people standing in the aisle. This should make you extra uncomfortable.
It might not be the best way to travel Belize, but you need to experience it. The scenery will be interesting, you can stop and shop at the Hattieville Prison gift Shop, and the people watching will be some of the best in the world.