Honduras is not an easy country to get around quickly, but patient travelers will find it manageable.
Buses are the main form of transport. There are three tiers: local chicken buses (slow, cheap, crowded), rapiditos (shared minibuses on local and regional routes), and long-distance ejecutivo or lujo coaches (air-conditioned, faster, and only a little more expensive). On any longer route, the ejecutivo bus is worth it for comfort and safety. Reputable companies include Hedman Alas and Viana Transportes. Fares are low — typically US$1–2 per hour of travel. Inter-city services are reasonably frequent in the morning but thin out after midday; aim to be at your destination by 4pm.
Safety on buses: Local urban buses in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa have a poor security record and should be avoided by tourists. Long-distance buses have been subject to armed robbery on some routes; many now carry a soldier on board. Always travel by day on intercity routes and never on local buses after dark.
Taxis are the safest way to get around cities. Always use radio-dispatched taxis rather than flagging one down on the street, and agree on the fare before you get in. Most major hotels can call a reliable cab.
Ferries link La Ceiba to Roatán (about 1 hour) and Utila (about 45 minutes). The Galaxy Wave and the Utila Dream run scheduled services. Check departure times carefully — there are only a few crossings per day.
Car rental is available in the cities and at the airports. Road conditions vary: the main highways between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba are reasonable; elsewhere expect potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and poor lighting. Driving at night is not recommended anywhere in the country.
Internal flights connect Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to Roatán, La Ceiba, and a few other destinations. These can be surprisingly affordable and save a lot of time if you're on a short trip.