by Belize's highways and border crossings form a compact, mostly paved network that links Belize City to every corner of the country and to two neighbors: Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. Four main highways carry nearly all long-distance traffic, and two land borders plus one sea route connect Belize to Central America. Here is how they work, what roads to expect, and the exit fee you will pay when you leave.
Key Takeaways
- Belize has four main highways: the Philip Goldson (north), George Price (west), Hummingbird (central-south), and Southern (deep south).
- The two land border crossings are Santa Elena to Chetumal, Mexico and Benque Viejo del Carmen to Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala (the gateway to Tikal).
- Every non-resident traveler pays a US$20 exit fee (BZ$40) when leaving Belize by land or sea; Belizean citizens and residents are exempt.
- Main highways are paved two-lane roads; most secondary roads are unpaved and best driven in a 4×4.
- A passenger ferry links Punta Gorda to Livingston, Guatemala in about 45 minutes.
What Are Belize's Four Main Highways?
Belize renamed two of its highways on Independence Day in September 2012 to honor national heroes, so older maps and signs may still use the original names. All four are paved, two-lane roads.
| Highway | Former name | Connects | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Goldson Highway | Northern Highway | Belize City to Corozal & the Mexican border | ~95 mi (153 km) |
| George Price Highway | Western Highway | Belize City to Belmopan, San Ignacio & the Guatemalan border | ~77 mi (124 km) |
| Hummingbird Highway | (unchanged) | Belmopan to Dangriga | ~54 mi (86 km) |
| Southern Highway | (unchanged) | Dangriga to Punta Gorda | ~97 mi (156 km) |
Philip Goldson Highway (North)
The Philip Goldson Highway runs north from Belize City through Orange Walk Town and Corozal Town to the Mexican border in Quintana Roo. It passes the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport near mile 7 and is the route for travelers heading to Corozal or Crossing to Mexico from Corozal (Chetumal).
George Price Highway (West)
The George Price Highway heads west from Belize City through Hattieville, past the Belize Zoo, along the northern edge of the capital Belmopan, and into the Cayo District through San Ignacio before reaching the Guatemalan border at Benque Viejo. It serves the Xunantunich ruins and is the country's main east-west artery.
Hummingbird Highway (Scenic)
The Hummingbird Highway links the George Price Highway near Belmopan to the Southern Highway just outside Dangriga. Widely called the country's most scenic road, it skirts the Maya Mountains through orange groves and villages, and includes several one-lane bridges. Plan roughly two hours end to end.
Southern Highway (Deep South)
The Southern Highway carries traffic from Dangriga south to Punta Gorda in the Toledo District. Fully paved as of 2011, it has modern drainage, guardrails, and concrete bridges built to handle heavy tropical rainfall.
What Are Road Conditions Like in Belize?
The main highways are well-maintained and comfortable for ordinary cars. Beyond them, conditions change quickly: only about 350 of Belize's roughly 1,900 miles of road are paved. Most secondary and village roads are dirt or gravel and can become difficult without four-wheel drive after rain. Watch for one-lane bridges, unlit stretches at night, occasional speed bumps entering villages, and livestock near the road. For a broader overview of getting around, see our Belize Transportation pillar and the companion guide on Driving in Belize.
How Do You Cross the Border From Belize to Mexico?
The northern land crossing runs from Santa Elena / Subteniente López (at the end of the Philip Goldson Highway near Corozal) to Chetumal, Mexico, across the Río Hondo. You clear Belizean immigration, pay the exit fee, then walk or drive across to the Mexican post. From Santa Elena, colectivos and taxis run into central Chetumal throughout the day. This is the closest international gateway for northern Belize.
How Do You Cross the Border From Belize to Guatemala?
The western land crossing connects Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize, to Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, over the Friendship Bridge on the Mopan River, at the end of the George Price Highway in the Cayo District. You exit Belize (pay the exit fee), cross the bridge, and enter Guatemala. It is the primary gateway to Tikal, the UNESCO-listed Maya site about 1.5 hours past Melchor de Mencos. Allow 45 to 90 minutes overall; afternoons are busiest.
The Punta Gorda Sea Route
From Punta Gorda at the southern end of the Southern Highway, small passenger boats cross the Gulf of Honduras to Livingston and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, in about 45 minutes. Operators such as Requena's Charter Service and Rio Tropicales run weekday (Mon-Fri) departures; expect roughly US$50 one-way to Livingston, cash only, with boats close to skiff size. This route also puts travelers within reach of onward connections toward Honduras.
What Is the Belize Exit Fee?
Every non-resident leaving Belize by land or sea pays a border exit fee, collected in US dollars (cash). Based on the current published breakdown, the total is US$20 (BZ$40):
- Border departure processing: US$15 (BZ$30)
- Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee: US$3.75 (BZ$7.50)
- Border development fee: US$1.25 (BZ$2.50)
Belizean citizens and residents do not pay land border exit fees. Travelers transiting in under 24 hours are typically exempt from the PACT portion, paying a reduced total. Fees can change, so carry small US dollar bills and confirm the current amount at the counter.
Can You Drive Your Own Vehicle Across the Border?
Yes, but expect extra paperwork. Entering Guatemala with a vehicle generally requires a temporary import permit and a fumigation fee, plus a small toll to cross the Friendship Bridge; roads are paved on both sides. Rental cars usually cannot leave Belize, so confirm cross-border permission with your rental company before you plan a trip. Belizean officers also inspect for restricted items such as fresh produce. Bring your passport, vehicle title or registration, and insurance documents to every checkpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Belize's highways called before? The Philip Goldson Highway was the Northern Highway and the George Price Highway was the Western Highway; both were renamed in September 2012. The Hummingbird and Southern highways kept their names.
How much is the Belize exit fee? It is US$20 (BZ$40) per non-resident, paid in US dollars, combining a departure fee, a PACT conservation fee, and a border development fee. Residents are exempt.
Which crossing goes to Tikal? The western crossing at Benque Viejo del Carmen to Melchor de Mencos is the gateway to Tikal, about 1.5 hours into Guatemala.
Are Belize's main highways paved? Yes. All four main highways are paved two-lane roads. Many secondary and rural roads are not, and a 4×4 is recommended off the highways.
Can I take a ferry from Belize to Guatemala? Yes. Passenger boats run weekdays from Punta Gorda to Livingston and Puerto Barrios in about 45 minutes, cash only.
Do rental cars allow border crossings? Usually not. Most Belize rental agreements prohibit taking the car out of the country, so verify in advance.
Conclusion
Belize's four highways and its Mexican and Guatemalan crossings make a small country easy to explore and easy to leave and re-enter, whether you are scouting neighborhoods or planning day trips abroad. Understanding routes, road conditions, and the US$20 exit fee up front keeps your travels smooth. When you are ready to put down roots, browse verified Belize listings on Habvia to find a home near the highway or border town that fits your relocation plans.
*Last reviewed: July 2026*