Planning a Trip

Getting There & Departing

By Plane -- Although there's a small airstrip here, no regularly scheduled commuter traffic arrives in Orange Walk Town. The closest active airports are those in Corozal Town, and the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport outside of Belize City.

By Bus -- Buses (tel. 207-2025 in Belize City, 302-2858 in Orange Walk Town) leave throughout the day, roughly every hour between 6am and 6pm. Morning buses leave from the main bus terminal on West Collet Canal Street. Catch any bus going to Corozal Town or Chetumal. The Orange Walk Town bus station (tel. 302-2858) is right on the Northern Highway in the center of town near Town Hall. You can pick up a return bus here to Belize City, or continue onward to Corozal. Buses can be either direct or local, and they vary in age and comfort. You'll pay more for a comfortable direct or express bus. The fare is BZ$4 to BZ$6 (US$2-US$3) between Belize City and Orange Walk Town, and BZ$4 to BZ$8 (US$2-US$4) between Orange Walk Town and Corozal Town.

By Car -- Orange Walk is on the Northern Highway about 55 miles (89km) from Belize City. Take Freetown Road out of Belize City to connect with the Northern Highway. The highway is also known in this area as the Belize-Corozal Road, and Queen Victoria Avenue right in the heart of town. After passing through the small downtown section of Orange Walk Town, the highway continues on north to Corozal.

There's a tollbooth where the Northern Highway crosses the New River a few miles south of Orange Walk Town. The fee is BZ$.80 (US40¢) per car.

Getting Around

Orange Walk is pretty compact, and the city center is just a few blocks wide in either direction. Still, a few taxis can be had around town. If you can't flag one down, call tel. 322-2050, or head to the little park across from Town Hall.

Orientation

The Northern Highway runs right through the heart of Orange Walk Town. However, there is also a bypass that skirts the city proper, for those in a rush to get to Corozal. Several gas stations are located on the outskirts of either end of town. As you're traveling north, the New River and "downtown" district will be to your right, while the Town Hall and Sports Ground are right on the highway, on your left.

Fast Facts

If you need to call the police, dial tel. 322-2022; for the fire department, dial tel. 322-2090; and for medical emergencies, call the Orange Walk Hospital at tel. 322-2072.

There's a Belize Bank (tel. 322-2019) at the corner of Main and Park streets, and a Scotia Bank (tel. 322-0866) down the block on the corner of Park Street and Lover's Lane. If you need film or developing, head to Belicolor Photo Services, 22 Lover's Lane (tel. 322-2819).