Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is Belize's only international hub, located approximately 15 km northwest of Belize City, the most populous city in the country (although not the capital, which is Belmopan).
It is also the main departure point for internal helicopter flights to tourist islands (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker) and inland towns, operated by small local airlines from a dedicated terminal adjacent to the international one.
How to get to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BZE
Parking near Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
The official parking lot is accessible within a few minutes' walk from the terminal.
It is not staffed; rates are generally modest, on the order of a few US dollars per day.
How to get to Belize City from BZE
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Major international and local car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for those wanting to explore the interior and Mayan sites with their own vehicle.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; national licenses (in Latin characters) are generally accepted for short stays. Roads outside main routes may be unpaved: consider an all-wheel-drive vehicle for the interior.
Hotels near Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Along the Philip Goldson Highway
About 10 minutes by car from the terminal, at Mile 3.5 of the Philip Goldson Highway.
Best for: Travellers who want the shortest transfer from the terminal, without needing the historic centre.
- The shortest transfer to the terminal among all the city's areas
- A residential neighbourhood described as quiet, with apartment-style properties and a kitchen in the room
- Too far to walk to the historic centre and the water taxi dock for the islands
- Few restaurants nearby besides the hotel's own
Recommended hotels
- Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza 90 rooms on two floors at Mile 3.5 of the Philip Goldson Highway, 10 minutes from both the international and the municipal airport; outdoor pool and airport shuttle. View availability
- Stylish Apartments - FREE Bikes, Nice Area & Cozy Patio, 10 Minutes to Airport Apartments with kitchen, private bathroom and free bikes in a residential neighbourhood described as among the safest in the city; about 15 minutes from the international airport. View availability
Belize City, centre and Fort George
About 20-30 minutes by car from the terminal, 15-16 km along the Philip Goldson Highway.
Best for: Travellers who want the historic centre, the water taxi dock for Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and more choice of restaurants.
- A few steps from the water taxi dock for the islands
- The historic Fort George district, among the best-preserved in the city
- A longer transfer from the airport than the Mile 3.5 area
- Belize City is not designed to be explored on foot outside the historic core
Recommended hotels
- Fort George Hotel and Spa Reopened in 2024 after a renovation that kept the historic 64-room colonial wing and added new suites with sea views; K'IN spa and the Treehouse restaurant on the Marine Parade seafront. View availability
- Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat A family-run boutique hotel on Fort Street, between the Fort George Tourism Village and the Baron Bliss lighthouse; two pools, a holistic spa and Martha's Cafe for meals. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The international terminal is compact; the domestic flights terminal is in a separate building a few minutes' walk away. From check-in to gate you typically walk about 10 minutes.
Customs and security checks are generally rapid given the airport's compact size; for international flights it is still recommended to arrive at least 2–3 hours early.
Map of Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for Belize?
No, not for most Western nationalities: a free tourist entry permit is granted on arrival, for up to 30 days, extendable locally.
Q. Is it worth stopping in Belize City or moving on right away?
Most visitors continue the same day toward the islands (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker) with a domestic flight from the adjacent terminal or a boat transfer: Belize City has little to offer tourists and some areas call for caution.
Q. Is it better to use US dollars or Belize dollars?
The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere at a fixed rate of 2 to 1: many travelers simply pay directly in USD without exchanging currency.
Q. How do you reach the islands from the airport?
With a short propeller-plane domestic flight from the terminal next to the international one (10-20 minutes to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker), or with a transfer to the Belize City dock and then the ferry: check which option best fits your arrival time.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
