La Ceiba: Getting there & around

La Ceiba's Aeropuerto Golosón (tel: 443 3925) has frequent flights to/from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, the Bay Islands and La Moskitia. Airline companies include Aerocaribe de Honduras, Aerolineas Sosa, Atlantic Airlines (www.atlanticairlines.com.ni) and TACA/Isleña (www.flyislena.com).

Two comfortable, air-conditioned ferries ply the water between La Ceiba, Roatán and Utila. For Roatán, the Galaxy Wave leaves twice daily (morning and afternoon), taking just over an hour. The Utila Princess also departs twice a day and takes an hour. In the low season, the Utila ferry often runs just once a day in the afternoon. La Ceiba's main pier (Muelle Cabotaje) is about 8km (5mi) east of town; a taxi to/from town costs very little.

Most buses leave from the main bus terminal on Blvd 15 de Septiembre, about 2km (1.2mi) west of the center. Cristina, Diana Express and Catisa-Tupsa have offices there, serving Tela and San Pedro Sula. Contraibal-Cotuc stops at an office on the main highway, with service to/from Trujillo and San Pedro Sula. Hedman Alas (www.hedmanalas.com) has luxury services to Tela and San Pedro, with connections to Tegucigalpa and Copán Ruínas. Another luxury line, Viana Clase de Oro, uses the Esso gas station, 500m (0.3mi) west of the main bus terminal, and serves San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

Taxis in La Ceiba are easy to find, in fact, they normally find you. The cost depends on the distance and time of day, with rates going up after 11pm. Rides to/from the airport aren't too hefty; from the airport, you should be able to get an even cheaper ride by walking outside the airport gate. Chances are a taxi will be waiting; otherwise you'll be able to flag one down on the highway, another 100m (328ft) on. For other destinations, prepare to negotiate and be sure to agree upon a price before you get in.

Most of La Ceiba's attractions can be reached fairly easily by taxi or bus, but a rental car can save time and planning. Discounts are sometimes available for economy cars and long-term rentals, and if your credit card provides car insurance. Rental agencies include Advance Rent A Car (www.advancerentacar.com), Ceiba Rent A Car and Molinari Rent-a-Car.