Major Highways & Road Networks in Belize
Belize Major Highways
Belize has a small but essential network of major highways connecting key towns, cities, and border crossings. There are four main highways, all radiating outward from Belize City. Here’s a quick rundown:
George Price Highway (formerly Western Highway)
Route: Belize City ↔ Belmopan ↔ San Ignacio ↔ Benque Viejo del Carmen (Guatemalan border)
Length: ~77 miles (124 km)
Highlights:
Capital city Belmopan
San Ignacio & Xunantunich ruins
Access to Guatemala
Philip Goldson Highway (formerly Northern Highway)
Route: Belize City ↔ Orange Walk ↔ Corozal ↔ Santa Elena (Mexican border)
Length: ~95 miles (153 km)
Highlights:
Northern towns like Orange Walk & Corozal
Access to Chetumal, Mexico
Philip Goldson International Airport is located along this route
Hummingbird Highway
Route: Belmopan ↔ Dangriga (on the southern coast)
Length: ~56 miles (90 km)
Highlights:
Scenic mountain and jungle views
Access to citrus farming regions
Connects to southern Belize via the Southern Highway
Southern Highway
Route: Dangriga ↔ Punta Gorda (Toledo District)
Length: ~97 miles (156 km)
Highlights:
Access to Garifuna and Maya communities
Gateway to the Toledo rainforest region
Each highway plays a crucial role in tourism, trade, and daily transport in Belize.
Belize Coastal Highway
The Belize Coastal Highway (also known as the Manatee Highway) is a significant secondary route that connects the George Price Highway near La Democracia to the Hummingbird Highway near Hope Creek, just north of Dangriga.
Belize Coastal Highway – At a Glance
Length: ~36 miles (58 km)
Route:
Starts near La Democracia (George Price Hwy)
Ends near Hope Creek (Hummingbird Hwy)
Also Known As: Manatee Highway
Importance of the Coastal Highway
- Provides a shortcut from Belize City to the south, bypassing Belmopan.
- Reduces travel time between Belize City and Dangriga by about 30-45 minutes.
- Key route for tourism and development along the southern coast.
Recent Upgrades to Coastal Highway
The highway was once unpaved and rough, but as of 2022, it’s been fully paved and modernized. Includes bridges, culverts, and safety features. Funded in part by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Belize Highways 2025
As of April 2025, the major highways in Belize are primarily two-lane, asphalt-paved roads. They form the backbone of the country’s transportation network, connecting the main population centers and facilitating travel for locals and tourists.
Here are the key highways:
Philip Goldson Highway (formerly Northern Highway): This is a significant highway, approximately 95 miles (153 km) long. It starts in Belize City and runs north through Orange Walk Town and Corozal Town, eventually reaching the Mexican border. It’s a crucial route for trade and tourism between Belize and Mexico.
George Price Highway (formerly Western Highway): This highway extends approximately 81 miles (130 km) westward from Belize City. It passes through Hattieville, the Belize Zoo, the capital city of Belmopan, and the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, finally reaching Benque Viejo del Carmen at the Guatemalan border. This is a major route for accessing the Cayo District and the border with Guatemala.
Hummingbird Highway: This scenic highway stretches for about 55 miles (89 km), connecting the George Price Highway near Belmopan to Dangriga on the coast. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes as it winds through the Maya Mountains.
Southern Highway: Beginning near Dangriga, this highway runs south for approximately 97 miles (157 km) to Punta Gorda in the Toledo District. It provides access to southern Belize, known for its cultural richness and natural beauty.
Coastal Highway (also known as the Manatee Highway or the Shortcut): This highway connects the Western Highway (about 30 miles west of Belize City) to the Stann Creek Valley, near Dangriga. It’s approximately 36 miles long.
Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway: Starting at the junction of the Hummingbird Highway near Dangriga, this highway heads south, eventually merging with the Southern Highway.
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