Going in and out as well as about Puerto Cortes is as easy as it can be, thanks to its excellent modes of transportation.  You just need to find the best way to do so considering your financial budget and personal preferences.

By Air

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Puerto Cortes since it has no airport to speak of.  The nearest airport is located at San Pedro Sula, from where most major flights in and out of Honduras originate.  Since it is only 40 kilometers away from Puerto Cortes, however, going to the port city is indeed easy.  Because air fare to Honduras from abroad and within the country itself are relatively inexpensive, air transport is still the best way to enter Puerto Cortes via San Pedro Sula.  If you are coming from cities in the United States, you must check with your local travel agency for direct flights.

By Land

The Honduran bus system is one of the few in Central America that boasts of an extensive network.  This is due to the strategic location of the port city within the Pan American highway system, which connects many cities and countries from North America to South America.  Of course, Puerto Cortes has greatly benefited from the Pan American Highway.

If you are traveling to Puerto Cortes from San Pedro Sula, buses are the most affordable ad most logical way to travel in relative comfort.  If you wish to save time and aches, paying a few more lempira for an executive and/or direct service is well worth the price.

Buses plying the San Pedro Sula to Puerto Cortes and vice-versa are available in 15-minute intervals, usually from 4 in the morning to 9 in the evening.  You have the choice of either getting direct buses (1 hour) or ordinary service (1.5 or more hours depending on number of passengers along the way).  Also, you can rent a car.  Just rent from establishments away from the airport to save on taxes.  As to legal driving, your US and/or European driving licenses are valid for up to 30 days. After which, securing a Honduran license is a must.  Take note, however, that gas prices in Honduras are considerably higher than in the US.

There are taxi stands in Puerto Cortes that can be hired cheaply.  Just make sure that fare negotiation happens before you enter the cab so as to avoid future inconveniences and misunderstandings.

By Boat

True to its port status, Puerto Cortes is one of the best places to be when you desire to hop to other Honduran islands and to the neighboring countries.  At the Barra La Laguna, which is very near the city, you can hop on boats going to Dangriga (2-hour trip) on Mondays and to Belize City (3.5-hour travel) on Tuesdays.  There will often be a 2-hour wait that can best be spent mingling with the locals at the nearby fish market.  And, yes, please bring your valid passport.

With all these easy ways to get in and around Puerto Cortes, your only problem will be how to be free of the spell that Honduras in general and Puerto Cortes in particular has woven around you.

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