Transportation Information for Roatan Island
Getting to Roatan Island, Honduras
Airline, Ferry, Water Taxis, Mini Buses, Travel Agencies and the best Airline Web Sites
Airport arrival tips on what you need to know!

There are other non direct ways to get to Roatan via the mainland of Honduras.  However, your luggage may have a greater chance of not arriving with you.  Be prepared with a very small carry on of "essentials" that meets the airline size and weight requirements.  United and TACA are partners in frequent flyer programs to Roatan.  Once on the mainland, there are many connecting flights to Roatan.  Continental Airlines flies to Roatan,Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula via Houston. American flies to San Pedro Sula.    See the connecting information below on getting from the mainland to Roatan above.  Be sure to visit the websites of American, Continental, Delta, and TACA for current information and pricing and direct and non direct flight alternatives.  You can also fly to El Salvador and work your way back to Roatan but it is not recommended unless you have travel plans for the multiple stops and schedule to make this route happen. 

Deals:  TACA flies from Washington Dulles (IAD) on Saturday at 4:30 AM to San Salvador and then connecting to Roatan arriving at 9:25 AM.  The TACA return leaves at 5:40 PM to San Salvador connecting to Washington Dulles arriving at 12:45 AM.....but the cost is only $263.70 roundtrip!  Sprit Air leaves Ft Lauderdale at 11 PM to San Pedro Sula arriving 12:25 AM and connecting to Roatan at 2 AM arriving at 5:20 AM. 

Once you arrive in San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa, you can easily connect to a commuter flight to Roatan and vice versa on SOSA or Atlantic Airways.

Note that Atlantic Airlines and SOSA have very similar flight schedules and they each leave for the same destinations within minutes of each other.  FYI, SOSA generally is the first to leave, followed by Atlantic.  SOSA uses LET410's to fly from LaCeiba to Roatan.

*the schedule subject to change
Note: Only one Flight to San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa on Sunday's at 9:30 am. Return trip from San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa to Roatan to 2:00 pm.

American and Continental have flights into Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. There are several connecting flights on TACA, Atlantic Airlines, and SOSA to Roatan.  Be sure to consider using frequent flyer miles to get to Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula or directly to Roatan. 

Airport Arrival Tips

When you depart the airplane and walk across the tarmac area, you will enter the line for immigrations.  Have your paper work ready and be sure you follow the date format of "dd/mm/yyyy" at the bottom of your visa form.  Then pick up your bags from the slow conveyor belt and place them thru what locals call the "chicken machine" above for "fruit" inspection.  Then the bags are placed on the customs inspection platform pictured above.  Here you must match your airline baggage receipt to the tag on the bag.  Be prepared to have your bags opened for "inspection".  After the baggage tag is matched and "inspected", you exit thru the glass doors.  This is where most people are met on arrival.

Once thru the glass doors on the international arrival area, you will see several small booths or tables on the right for the rental car pick up.  These booths are normally staffed only when an international flight is disembarking passengers.  Several of the car agencies will not staff the booth unless there reservations for cars.  Be sure to have your reservation for a car in advance of your arrival.  Note that most car rental agencies deliver cars to resorts and private homes.  This area is where people picking you up for transportation to your rental will meet you.

Ferry Connections

 
Another day on the ferry crossing.

High speed service has arrived for ferry crossings from La Ceiba to Roatan.  Safe Way Maritime took delivery of an "Incat Fast Ferry" in September 2006.  The Vessel is 150.9 ft  long and capable of carrying 460 passengers at a speed of 36 knots.  The trip will take approximately one hour on this vessel.  The cost on this new service is unknown at this time.

The Galaxy and Tropical Ferries owned by Safe Way Maritime Transportation Company ([email protected] or in Roatan 445-1795 or 445-1250  and in LaCeiba 443-4633) travel between the Bay Islands and La Ceiba on the mainland of Honduras.  Sea travel between Roatan and the mainland is an approximate one and half hour trip and costs approximately $20 or 400 Lempiras one way.  You can reach the Safe Way Marine at 445-1795 or 445-1250.  The Galaxy has satellite TV, seats for 360 passengers, and cruises at 25 knots.  There is a new terminal in La Ceiba and it is air-conditioned.   The Galaxy also carries regular and refrigerated cargo.  The new Roatan terminal shown below is in a mid-island location known as Dixon Cove.

Daily Ferry Service

Utila Princess  $15/adult each way.

Cargo Transport via M/V Gibraltar

Loads Monday and Thursday at Porto Cortes on the mainland of Honduras.  Arrives Tuesday and Fridays in Roatan for unloading.    The Roatan terminal is in Brick Bay across from the "Jackson Mansion".  Contact them via email at [email protected] or phone in Roatan 455-6019 and in  Puerto Cortes at 979-7722.

Cruise Lines

The Norwegian, Premier, and Sun Cruises make port calls on Roatan on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays.  Radison, Wind Star, Commodore, and Regal also make port calls on a less frequent basis.  The cruise ship travel is seasonal and may not be operating the time of year you are planning a trip to Roatan.  Passengers can make arrangements on board ship for a variety of activities on Roatan.  Passengers can also venture off on their own to explore the island.  Cruise ship passengers will want to take note of the tourist tip information on taxis and check the tourist guide for tips on doing your own excursions.

Inter Island Travel via Bay Island Airways

Local Water Taxi Service