🚌 Cancún to Belize by Bus: Everything You Need to Know
How to travel from Mexico to Belize overland — and what to expect when you arrive.
Walk With Me. I’ll Show You the Road South.
A lot of people still fly. But if you’re here, you’re looking for something different. Maybe it’s the open road, maybe it’s the price, or maybe you just want to see what’s between the lines on the map. I respect that. And if you’re coming from Cancún to Belize by bus, you’re about to cross more than just a border. You’re stepping into a slower rhythm — the beginning of Belize.
I’ve made that journey before. And now I help guests pick up the story once they arrive. Here’s everything you need to know about taking the bus from Cancún to Belize — including what to do when you reach, how to navigate border crossings, and how Belize With Alvin can take you the rest of the way.
🛫 Why Take the Bus from Cancún to Belize?
- ✅ Budget-friendly: Less than half the cost of most flights
- ✅ No hidden fees: Includes luggage and border transport
- ✅ See the land change: From Quintana Roo to Belize’s green lowlands
- ✅ Arrive connected: No need to figure things out on arrival — just keep going
🚌 ADO Bus: The Direct Route to Belize City
Mexico’s trusted bus line, ADO, runs two daily direct buses from Cancún to Belize City.
🕒 Schedules
| Departure | Approx. Arrival | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | ~4:30–5:00 PM | 8–9 hours | Daylight ride through Mexico & Belize |
| 10:15 PM | ~6:30–7:00 AM | ~8 hours | Overnight — arrive early in Belize City |
📍 Stops en route:
Cancún → Playa del Carmen → Tulum → Bacalar → Chetumal → Corozal → Orange Walk → Belize City
Yes — you can disembark in Corozal or Orange Walk if your destination is further north.
💵 Pricing & Booking
- Fare: MXN 840–1,100 (~USD 45–60)
- Where to Book:
8 ADO.com.mx – best for current schedule
8 Busbud – easier for English users
* At ADO counters in Cancún (Terminals 1–3)
* In Belize: buy through agents in Belize City, Corozal, or Orange Walk
📝 Book at least 2–3 days in advance during high season (Dec–Apr, Easter, or August holidays).
🧾 What to Expect at the Border
- You’ll stop at the Mexico border checkpoint (Subteniente López) and then enter Corozal, Belize
- You must exit the bus with your luggage and go through both immigration points
- Required: Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiration)
💸 Possible fees:
- Mexico Exit Fee: ~USD 25–30 (if not already included in your airfare)
Bring proof of your airline ticket or boarding pass to waive it - Belize Entry Fee: Rare for first-time arrivals; more common when leaving Belize by land
🎒 Pro tip: Have some small USD or Belize dollars ready for any informal charges, snacks, or restroom access.
🧳 Onboard Experience
- Modern ADO bus with AC, restroom, reclining seats, and TV screens
- Bring a sweater or jacket — the overnight bus can be very cold
- Light snacks are allowed — but expect a few hours between stops
🛣️ Other Ways to Reach Belize from Cancún (Budget + Flexible)
If the direct ADO bus is sold out or doesn’t match your timing, try this alternate route:
- Cancún → Chetumal (6–7 hrs by ADO or local bus)
- Taxi to the Mexican border (~$10–20 USD)
- Walk across the border, clear Belize customs
- Take a local bus or taxi from Corozal to Belize City (~1.5 hrs)
This path is slower, but it works well if you want to explore Chetumal, Corozal, or take your time on a budget.
🗺️ Where the Bus Drops You in Belize
The ADO bus arrives at the Novelo’s Bus Terminal in Belize City — also known as the main Belize City Bus Terminal.
- Located near Downtown and the Water Taxi Terminal
- From here, you can:
* Catch the ferry to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye
* Get picked up for a private inland transfer
* Walk to nearby guesthouses or take a licensed taxi
🧭 Late-night arrivals? Contact Alvin in advance to arrange a safe pickup or wait location.
🗺️ What to Do When You Arrive in Belize
If Belize City is your first stop, here are a few ways to enjoy your arrival:
- Museum of Belize – once a colonial prison, now filled with Maya and Creole history
- St. John’s Cathedral – the oldest Anglican church in Central America
- Altun Ha ruins – an easy half-day trip from the city
- Water Taxi – direct boats to the northern cayes
- Belize Zoo – en route to western Belize, known for native wildlife rescue
🌴 Want to take it slow? Grab a fresh juice near the harbor, walk past the Swing Bridge, and feel the pace of a country where people still say “good afternoon” in passing.
🚗 Continue Your Journey with Belize With Alvin
After the border, you’ve made it to Belize. But you’re not done yet — you’re just getting started.
Let me pick you up in Belize City and take you where you’re really going:
🚐 Private Transfers Available To:
| Destination | Travel Time | Price (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| San Ignacio | ~2.5 hrs | ~$60–80 USD |
| Placencia | ~3.5 hrs | ~$80–100 USD |
| Hopkins | ~3 hrs | ~$75–90 USD |
✅ What’s included:
- Licensed Belizean guide
- Private, clean, air-conditioned vehicle
- No waiting, no crowds — just peace
- Optional scenic stops at Belize Zoo, inland Blue Hole, or Maya ruins
🧭 Traveling as a couple or small group? Splitting the cost makes it even more worth it.
👣 Ready to Cross?
If you’re planning to bus from Cancún to Belize, you’ve already chosen something most people miss — the chance to enter Belize by land, by choice, and with your eyes open. And when you get here, I’ll be waiting to carry the story forward.
Walk With Me. I’ll Show You My Belize.
