Belize City Philip S. W. Goldson Layover Guide (BZE)

What are you looking for in BZE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Belize City Airport (BZE), officially known as Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, is the main international gateway to Belize. It’s located about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Belize City. The airport began operations in 1945. Belize City is the largest urban center in the country, known for its rich history, Caribbean charm, and access to stunning natural attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef and ancient Maya archaeological sites.

Can you leave Belize City Airport (BZE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) during a layover, but you must first clear Belizean immigration and officially pay the US$40 departure fee. Visitors from most countries (including the US, EU, Canada, CARICOM) don’t need a visa for stays under 30 days only; others require one. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Museum of Belize Discover Belize’s colonial and Maya heritage through artifacts, sculptures, and archival photographs at the Museum of Belize in a former prison setting. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi, ~15 min.)
• St. John’s Cathedral Marvel at the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America, featuring stunning stained-glass windows, mahogany pews, colonial architecture, and a serene courtyard ideal for reflection. (Time required: 30 min / Airport to here: Taxi, ~15 min.)
• Swing Bridge Experience the world’s oldest manually operated swing bridge, crossing Haulover Creek with a unique mechanism maintained by local operators, offering great photo opportunities and glimpses into daily city life. (Time required: 20 min / Airport to here: Taxi, ~10 min.)
• Stabroek Market Dive into the bustling energy of Stabroek Market, where vibrant stalls sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies, allowing you to mingle with vendors and sample authentic Belizean flavors. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, ~20 min.)
• Belize Sign & Fort Street Tourism Village Snap a photo at the iconic Belize sign overlooking the Caribbean Sea before exploring Fort Street Tourism Village’s artisan shops, galleries, and local eateries selling colorful crafts and souvenirs. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: Taxi, ~15 min.)
• Local Street Food Tour Embark on a guided street food tour tasting garnaches, salbutes, and panades from roadside stalls while learning about Belize’s Garifuna and Mestizo culinary traditions from passionate vendors. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi, ~10 min.)
• Old Belize Maritime & Agriculture Museum Wander through the charming Old Belize complex to explore maritime exhibits, restored sugar mill ruins, and cultural displays alongside lagoon views and waterfront walking paths. More info (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi, ~20 min.)
• Sample Belizean Rum at Travellers’ Lounge Relax at the Travellers’ Lounge tasting locally distilled rums like XXO and Mackeson while enjoying live music and panoramic views of the Belize City waterfront. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, ~10 min.)

Things to Do in Belize City Airport (BZE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport does not feature any public lounges. Travelers seeking quiet and comfort can book private meet-and-greet VIP lounge access through third-party providers, which include expedited security, seating, refreshments and Wi-Fi. Otherwise, terminal seating is basic and often crowded, so plan to arrive early or pre-book lounge services outside standard offerings. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several small properties lie within a ten-minute drive of the terminal in Ladyville. River Bend Resort offers garden views and airport shuttle, The BNB on Triggerfish provides boutique rooms with breakfast, and Bamboleo Inn features a pool and airport shuttle. For more options and budget rates, downtown Belize City (3.7 mi away) has a wider hotel selection. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The single-terminal building opens daily from 6 am to 6 pm only, with no designated rest zones, sleeping pods or reclining chairs. Seating consists of fixed benches and is often crowded during peak times. Overnight stays inside the terminal aren’t supported; passengers with late or early flights should arrange off-site accommodations or hotel day-rooms.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport via the “PGIA Courtesy Wi-Fi” network. No login code is required; simply select the network and accept terms. Speeds can fluctuate during busy periods, so bandwidth-heavy tasks like video calls may be unreliable. Power outlets are limited, so carry a portable charger.

SIM/eSIM Card: There are no physical SIM vendors inside the terminal. To obtain a local SIM, visitors must take a short taxi ride to nearby BTL or Smart! stores in Belize City or purchase prepaid plans at off-site kiosks. Alternatively, travelers can buy and install a Belize eSIM online before arrival, scanning a QR code for instant activation. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis from the Ladyville Airport Taxi Association line up outside the arrivals hall. Vehicles seat up to four passengers; flat-rate fares to central Belize City are around US $30 per car, payable in US dollars. Taxis accept cash only—confirm the rate with the driver before departure to avoid misunderstandings.

Train: No passenger rail services operate in Belize. There is no train connectivity to or from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. All transfers must be arranged via road transport, including taxis, buses, shuttles and private vehicles.

Bus: There is no dedicated airport bus. Passengers can catch regular and express buses by first taking a taxi into Belize City’s main bus terminal. Buses serve northern, western and southern routes hourly, with schedules and fares published online. For official schedules, visit BelmopanOnline.com (more info).

Shuttle: Various private shuttle operators offer scheduled shared-ride or private transfers connecting BZE with Belize City hotels, water taxi terminals (for Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye), inland resorts and border crossings. Bookings are made online or through tour desks; vehicles range from vans to minibuses, with pricing based on route and group size.

Car rentals: A Rental Services Center is located just across from the terminal, hosting 14 agencies such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, National/Alamo and local firms. Rental desks synchronize with flight schedules; drivers must be at least 25 years old, hold a valid driver’s license and present a credit card for security deposits. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Two parking lots (Car Park A and B) serve the airport. Car Park A provides 390 public spaces, charging a US $2 exit fee and US $9 per night for overnight parking, payable in cash at unmanned booths. Car Park B is reserved for airport employees only.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport does not offer on-site luggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers needing secure baggage holding should arrange storage services in Belize City—often available at major hotels or dedicated luggage storage businesses downtown. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Belize City Airport (BZE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks