As an alternative to taxis on Roatan, there are also Collectivo (shared ride) bus/vans that can be used for transport between certain destinations on the island. These bus/vans hold 14 people and generally run out of Coxen Hole – the commercial center of the island. Westbound buses run between Coxen Hole and West End / Sandy Bay every 10 – 20 minutes with ride time being about 30 minutes between the two destinations. Eastbound buses run to French Harbour, Polytilly Bight, Punta Gorda, and Oak Ridge about every 20-30 minutes with ride times being about an hour between the destinations.
Note: Buses do not run on Sundays.
Where / How to Catch a Bus/Van
Buses follow more or less standard routes and do not deviate from them or offer door-to-door service. The biggest challenge is you need to know the route they take through the area you want to be picked up. You will then want to flag down every minivan you see until one of the Collectivo ones stop for you! The vans will usually be dark blue, red, or white with the route name / number on the van. In Coxen Hole the vans stage near the Super Mercado. The other challenge is knowing when/where you want off the bus. You have to tell the bus driver when you want to exit, usually by yelling “baja” (or ba-ha for non-Spanish speakers) which will cause him to stop and you to pay him.
Bus/Van Fares
Fares are quite reasonable and are per person. You pay when you get off the bus. Buses generally expect to be paid in Lempira.
- Coxen Hole to/from West End is L50 (< $3)
- Eastbound fares range from L20 – L40 ($1 – $2)