Car Rental in Belize: Your Guide to Freedom on the Road

Belize, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, boasts an incredible array of natural and cultural attractions.

With its verdant rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, picturesque islands, and the world's second-longest barrier reef, Belize offers plenty of adventures.

A rented car can be a great way to explore this Caribbean paradise at your own pace.

Trusted Car Rental Suppliers in Belize

Rentacarscanner collaborates with a range of trusted local and international car rental suppliers in Belize, ensuring you have access to the best car rental service across the country.

International Brands

We partner with internationally recognized brands that offer a wide selection of vehicles and excellent customer service. These include:

  • Hertz: Known for its vast fleet and quality service, Hertz provides a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars for solo travelers or couples, to spacious SUVs for families or groups.
  • Avis: This reputable brand offers a comprehensive selection of vehicles, including eco-friendly models and luxury cars. With offices at the international airport and Belize City, Avis ensures seamless pick-up and drop-off processes.
  • Budget: Budget, true to its name, offers affordable vehicle rental options without compromising quality or comfort. They have several locations for your convenience, including the airport and city centers.
  • Enterprise: Enterprise offers a broad variety of vehicles and provides commendable customer service. Their flexible pick-up and drop-off policies add an extra layer of convenience.

Local Suppliers

Rentacarscanner also works with reputable local suppliers to offer a more personalized car rental experience.

These local companies have extensive knowledge of Belize's unique driving conditions and can provide insightful advice.

  • Crystal Auto Rental: A Belizean company with a long-standing reputation, Crystal Auto Rental offers a variety of vehicles, including 4x4 models suitable for Belize's diverse terrains.
  • AQ Belize Car Rental: Known for its excellent customer service and well-maintained fleet, AQ Belize Car Rental provides cars that cater to different travel needs, from compact cars to sturdy SUVs.

Working with these trusted suppliers, RentaCarScanner ensures that you receive top-notch service and a vehicle that suits your travel needs, giving you the freedom to explore Belize at your leisure.

Destinations in Belize: Exploring with a Rental Car

With your own rental car, getting to Belize's diverse points of interest becomes a more flexible and enjoyable experience.

Below are the highlights of some of Belize's most prominent destinations and how to reach them:

Belize City: Being the country's largest city and a main transportation hub, it's the starting point for most travelers. From here, the journey to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha is just an hour's drive north on the Philip S.W. Goldson Highway. In the city itself, don't miss the chance to explore Belize's cultural and historical landmarks like the Museum of Belize, St. John's Cathedral, and the bustling Market Plaza.

San Ignacio: A two-hour drive west from Belize City on the George Price Highway, San Ignacio is the heart of the Cayo District, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, just a 20-minute drive from San Ignacio. The impressive Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is an hour's drive away, while Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, renowned for its waterfalls and hiking trails, is approximately a 90-minute drive.

Placencia: A scenic three-hour drive south from Belize City via the Hummingbird Highway takes you to Placencia. Its 16-mile long sandy peninsula is perfect for a day on the beach, and it's a great base for boat trips to the offshore cayes or a visit to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a one-hour drive northwest of Placencia.

Ambergris Caye: Although you'll need to take a ferry or a short flight from Belize City to reach this island, having a golf cart rental (the primary mode of transportation on the caye) can make exploring San Pedro Town and its surroundings a breeze. Be sure to enjoy the local food scene and the unparalleled access to the Belize Barrier Reef.

Hopkins: Located about a 2.5-hour drive south of Belize City, Hopkins is well worth a visit. Hopkins itself is small enough to navigate on foot, but having a rental car opens up the chance to explore nearby attractions. A 45-minute drive will take you to Mayflower Bocawina National Park, home to hiking, zip-lining, and birdwatching opportunities. An hour's drive inland will bring you to the Blue Hole National Park, known for its beautiful cenote.

The beauty of having a rental car in Belize is the flexibility and freedom to explore these and other destinations at your own pace.

Whether it's a spontaneous detour to a roadside fruit stand or an extended stay in a picturesque village, your Belize adventure is in your hands.

Driving through Belize: Understanding the Country's Road Network

Belize's road network is relatively straightforward but diverse, much like the country itself. The system consists of four major highways and a number of secondary roads, some of which traverse the more rural and remote parts of the country.

The four major highways in Belize include the George Price Highway, the Philip S.W. Goldson Highway, the Hummingbird Highway, and the Southern Highway. All of these roads are paved and generally in good condition, serving as the country's arterial routes.

The George Price Highway, formerly known as the Western Highway, runs from Belize City to the western border with Guatemala, passing through key towns like San Ignacio. It's a crucial artery for accessing the Cayo District's natural and archaeological attractions.

The Philip S.W. Goldson Highway, formerly the Northern Highway, connects Belize City to the northern districts of the country and continues to the Mexican border. This route offers access to fascinating Mayan ruins such as Altun Ha and Lamanai, and the scenic coastal town of Corozal.

The Hummingbird Highway is arguably the most scenic route in Belize. Starting in Belmopan, the nation's capital, it meanders through the Maya Mountain range and citrus orchards, before reaching the coastal town of Dangriga.

The Southern Highway extends from Dangriga to Punta Gorda, the southernmost town in Belize. This road provides access to some of the country's most untouched rainforests, traditional Maya villages, and pristine beaches in towns like Placencia and Hopkins.

In addition to the major highways, there are numerous secondary and tertiary roads, some of which are unpaved. They often lead to off-the-beaten-path attractions and remote villages. However, they can be rough and challenging, especially in the rainy season from June to November. During these months, some roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate without a 4x4 vehicle.

Driving in Belize can be a unique experience. Belizeans are generally courteous drivers, but be prepared for occasional unexpected occurrences, such as livestock crossing roads in rural areas. Road signage is typically in English but can sometimes be lacking or non-existent, especially on smaller roads.

Despite the challenges, navigating Belize's roads can be an adventure in itself, providing opportunities to experience the country's diverse landscapes, from the flat, swampy areas in the north to the hilly terrain of the south, and the lush rainforests of the interior. Just remember to take necessary precautions, drive safely, and enjoy the journey.