Livingston is accessible only by boat — there are no roads in or out.
From Rio Dulce town: Regular lanchas (shared motorboats) make the two-hour journey through the Rio Dulce gorge several times daily. The fare is cheap and the journey is one of the most scenic in Guatemala. Arrange through any hotel in Rio Dulce or at the dock.
From Puerto Barrios: The dock at Puerto Barrios, 25 miles southeast on the Caribbean coast, runs frequent lanchas that cross the Gulf of Honduras to Livingston in about 30 minutes. Puerto Barrios is reached by bus from Guatemala City (5-6 hours) or by minibus from Rio Dulce.
From Belize: A twice-weekly boat connects Livingston to Punta Gorda in southern Belize. Check the current schedule locally — service is occasional and subject to weather.