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GETTING AROUND |
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There are a number of alternatives for getting around Honduras,
depending on how fast you want to travel and where you want to get to.
Buses are the cheapest way to go, but occasional flights cut down on the
long, often tedious journeys through the country's mountainous terrain.
Driving allows you to take things at your own pace and to reach the more
remote areas that are rarely served by buses, while boats are the most
atmospheric way of reaching the Bay Islands. There's also an extremely
slow, cheap and uncomfortable weekly train service between Puerto Cortés
and Tela - for enthusiats only.
Buses
Bus services in Honduras are some of the best in Central America, with
frequent departures from the main transport hubs of Tegucigalpa, San
Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, backed up by networks of local services. On the
longer intercity routes there's...
Bus services in Honduras are some of the best in Central America, with
frequent departures from the main transport hubs of Tegucigalpa, San
Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, backed up by networks of local services. On the
longer intercity routes there's usually a choice of bus, with an
increasing number of luxurious a/c express buses ( ejecutivos or de
lujos ) plus slower and less comfortable services ( directos ); local
buses are typically much slower and more crowded. Timetables tend to be
strictly observed, so plan ahead and double-check departure times if you
want to avoid getting stuck. Fares are extremely low on most routes, at
around US$0.8 an hour or less, though prices can triple on some of the
really smart services - travelling between Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba can
cost as much as US$18, depending on the service you choose. For
intercity trips, it's worth buying a ticket well in advance, you'll
usually be issued with a seat number. Virtually all direct buses stop to
pick up passengers at certain points along the route - if there are no
seats left, you stand.
Taxis
Taxis operate in all the main towns, tooting as they cruise by anyone
who looks remotely like a tourist. Meters are nonexistent, so you should
always agree a price before getting in. For safety reasons, it makes
sense to use taxis to get around in...
Taxis operate in all the main towns, tooting as they cruise by anyone
who looks remotely like a tourist. Meters are nonexistent, so you should
always agree a price before getting in. For safety reasons, it makes
sense to use taxis to get around in the big cities at night - a cross-city
fare will rarely exceed US$3.50, with US$2 a standard price for a short
journey. For trips further afield it can be worth hiring a taxi for a
few hours, or even the whole day. Fares are negotiable, but bargaining
hard will get you a reasonable deal, particularly if you're in a group.
Driving and hitching
Renting a car is the simplest way to get to the more isolated national
parks without having to rely on buses. Well-maintained highways connect
the main cities, running between the north and south coasts and along
the coasts themselves.There...
Renting a car is the simplest way to get to the more isolated national
parks without having to rely on buses. Well-maintained highways connect
the main cities, running between the north and south coasts and along
the coasts themselves.There are also numerous dirt roads connecting the
isolated villages of the highlands. Bear in mind, however, that these
can be in quite appalling condition for large parts of the year, and at
times completely impassable; check local advice on conditions before
setting out. Rental starts at around US$45 a day for a small car, US$60
for larger models and 4WDs. Check the rental agreement carefully to
ensure that insurance and emergency assistance are included.
Hitching is very common in rural areas, and generally safe. Keep an eye
out for pick-up trucks with lots of people in the back, and stick out
your thumb. You're expected to offer payment at the end of the ride,
usually the same as the bus fare - though it may occasionally be refused.
Cycling
Cycling is a scenic way to travel around under your own steam, although
negotiating the main highways can sometimes be a hair-raising experience.
You'll need to bring your own bike, preferably a mountain bike to cope
with the terrain. Since bicycles...
Cycling is a scenic way to travel around under your own steam, although
negotiating the main highways can sometimes be a hair-raising experience.
You'll need to bring your own bike, preferably a mountain bike to cope
with the terrain. Since bicycles are a common form of transport in rural
areas, there are repair shops in most places, although it's wise to
anticipate potential problems and come equipped with your own tools and
spares.
Boats
A fast scheduled boat service - the MV Galaxy II - operates between La
Ceiba and Roatán/Utila, running in both directions daily. Tickets are
slightly cheaper than the airfare and the journey takes an hour to Utila
(US$12) and two...
A fast scheduled boat service - the MV Galaxy II - operates between La
Ceiba and Roatán/Utila, running in both directions daily. Tickets are
slightly cheaper than the airfare and the journey takes an hour to Utila
(US$12) and two hours to Roatán (US$13). The boat is comfortable, with
an air-conditioned lounge, video service and snack bar. There are also
unscheduled cargo boat departures for Mosquitia and Guanaja from La
Ceiba and Trujillo - the only way to find out about these is to go to
the dock and ask.
Planes
Internal flights are very affordable in Honduras, with all prices fixed
by government, and faced with a six- or seven-hour bus journey from
Tegucigalpa to the north coast, many people opt to fly. Flying is also
the easiest way to reach the Bay...
Internal flights are very affordable in Honduras, with all prices fixed
by government, and faced with a six- or seven-hour bus journey from
Tegucigalpa to the north coast, many people opt to fly. Flying is also
the easiest way to reach the Bay Islands, and the only practicable way
to get to the Mosquitia.
A small number of domestic airlines offer competitive fares, with
frequent departures between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and
the Bay Islands. A one-way ticket between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro will
cost around US$30, whilst La Ceiba to Utila or Roatán is US$18-20 and La
Ceiba-Palacios around US$40. There's a departure tax of US$1.30 for
internal flights and US$25 for international flights.
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