The Southern Highway connects Punta Gorda to Belmopan and Belize City — about 4 hours by bus. James Bus Lines operates this route with several departures daily from the main terminal on José María Nunez Street. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air both fly between Punta Gorda Municipal Airport (just north of town) and Belize City, with the flight taking about 30 minutes; there are several departures a day in each direction.
From Guatemala, water taxis operate from Puerto Barrios (about 1.5 hours) and Livingston (about 45 minutes) to the Punta Gorda dock. This is a popular way to cross the border for travellers doing Guatemala's Caribbean coast — check current schedules locally as they change seasonally.