Belize City · Belize
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is situated in Ladyville, approximately 15 kilometres north-west of central Belize City. The airport functions from a single terminal building serving both international scheduled services and regional domestic flights. It is the primary international entry point into Belize.
Terminals
- Main Passenger Terminal
Arriving
Arriving international passengers disembark into a single arrival corridor leading to immigration control, luggage pickup, and customs inspection.
- Walk from the aircraft via airbridge or tarmac path directly into the terminal arrival corridor.
- Present a valid passport and completed entry declaration card at international immigration control.
- Collect checked baggage from the carousels in the baggage reclaim hall.
- Submit customs inspection forms to officers at the exit of the baggage area.
- Exit into the main landside arrivals concourse to access transport, currency, and domestic flight transfers.
Getting to the city
Taxi
Official Airport Taxi
Licensed airport union taxis wait outside the main arrivals exit. Transfers to central Belize City or water taxi terminals operate on fixed passenger rates.
- Time:
- roughly 25-35 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically 25-30 USD (50-60 BZD)
Train
Domestic Flights
Local carriers operate short flights from BZE directly to island and coastal destinations such as San Pedro and Placencia.
- Time:
- roughly 15-45 minutes depending on destination
- Typical cost:
- typically 70-180 USD depending on route
Car rental
Car Rental
Car rental operators maintain customer service desks directly across from the terminal building.
- Time:
- roughly 25-35 minutes to Belize City centre
- Typical cost:
- varies by vehicle class and rental period
Bus
Public Bus via Highway Junction
No public buses enter airport premises. Passengers must travel to the Philip Goldson Highway junction to catch intercity buses.
- Time:
- roughly 45-60 minutes total
- Typical cost:
- typically 2-5 USD (4-10 BZD)
Connections & transfers
Transfers between international arrivals and domestic flights occur within the main terminal building.
- All passengers arriving on international flights must clear immigration and customs before making a domestic connection.
- After clearing customs, walk to the domestic flight desks inside the terminal hall to check luggage for the onward flight.
- Proceed through domestic security screening to the designated gate area.
- Allow a minimum connection window of 60 to 90 minutes between flights.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Wireless internet coverage is provided within public concourses and departure areas.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in passenger waiting sections.
- Connection may require agreeing to network terms via a pop-up browser portal.
- Local SIM cards can be purchased from authorized telecoms stores in town centres.
Money, cards & tipping
Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD), officially pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD. US cash is accepted across the country.
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) supporting international cards are situated in the terminal concourse.
- US Dollar banknotes are accepted alongside Belize Dollars at all merchants.
- Change for cash transactions is frequently provided in local Belize Dollars.
- Major credit cards are accepted at rental desks and hotels, though cash is preferred by smaller vendors.
Food & drink
Food and beverage options are located in both landside and airside areas of the terminal.
- Landside facilities include small cafes providing coffee, pastries, and light refreshments.
- Airside gate lounges offer quick-service counters and drink outlets.
- Operating hours align with scheduled flight departure and arrival times.
Lounges & rest
A lounge service is available for departing passengers inside the airside terminal area.
- The lounge provides quiet seating, refreshments, and internet access.
- Access is granted via select membership programmes or day-pass entry fees subject to availability.
- Located beyond international security screening.
Airport hotels
While there are no hotels located inside the terminal building, accommodations exist in nearby Ladyville and central Belize City.
- Guesthouses and hotels in Ladyville sit within a 5 to 10-minute drive from the airport.
- Belize City hotels are located approximately 25 to 35 minutes away by road.
- Arranging hotel shuttle transfers in advance is advisable for late arrivals.
Baggage & customs
Baggage reclaim carousels are located immediately following immigration control.
- Luggage trolleys are positioned near the carousels in the arrivals hall.
- Porters are available outside the arrival hall to assist with luggage for a small gratuity.
- Report missing or damaged luggage to your airline representative prior to leaving customs.
Family & accessibility
Basic family amenities are situated within the passenger terminal building.
- Baby diaper-changing facilities are available in main restrooms.
- Strollers are permitted through terminal concourses up to the boarding gate.
- Travellers with young children should bring essential infant supplies, as retail selection is limited.
Facilities
- ATMs / Cash Machines
- Car Rental Counters
- Duty-Free Shops
- Executive Lounge
- Information Counter
- Restrooms & Baby Care
- Souvenir Shops
- Taxi Rank
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 911 (Police, Medical, Fire)
- Contact airport staff or security personnel immediately in case of illness or emergency inside the terminal.
- The national emergency telephone number in Belize is 911 for police, medical, and fire assistance.
- In the event of a lost passport, report the loss to local police and contact your embassy or consulate in Belmopan or Belize City.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- https://www.pgiabelize.com/Official airport source
- https://immigration.gov.bz/Government source
- https://customs.gov.bz/Government source
- https://www.transport.gov.bz/Official transit source
- https://health.gov.bz/Government source
- https://www.belizetourismboard.org/Government source
Guide last reviewed October 19, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.