There are other non direct ways to get to Roatan via the mainland of Honduras.  However, your luggage may have a greater chance of not arriving with you.  Be prepared with a very small carry on of "essentials" that meets the airline size and weight requirements.  American and TACA are partners in frequent flyer programs to Roatan.  Once on the mainland, there are many connecting flights to Roatan.  Continental Airlines flies to Roatan,Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula via Houston. American flies to San Pedro Sula.  See the connecting information below on getting from the mainland to Roatan above.  Be sure to visit the websites of American, Continental, Delta, and TACA for current information and pricing and direct and non direct flight alternatives.  You can also fly to El Salvador and work your way back to Roatan but it is not recommended unless you have travel plans for the multiple stops and schedule to make this route happen. 

Once you arrive in San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa, you can easily connect to a commuter flight to Roatan and vice versa on SOSA.

SOSA uses LET410's to fly from LaCeiba to Roatan.

*the schedule subject to change
Note: Only one Flight to San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa on Sunday's at 9:30 am. Return trip from San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa to Roatan to 2:00 pm.

Flights to San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Puerto Lempira and La Ceiba. 

See www.cmairlines.com or call 2445-0106 or 9522-5304 for more information.

American and Continental have flights into Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. There are several connecting flights on TACA, Atlantic Airlines, and SOSA to Roatan.  Be sure to consider using frequent flyer miles to get to Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula or directly to Roatan. 

Airport Arrival Tips

When you depart the airplane and walk across the tarmac area, you will enter the line for immigrations.  Have your paper work ready and be sure you follow the date format of "dd/mm/yyyy" at the bottom of your visa form.  Then pick up your bags from the slow conveyor belt and place them thru what locals call the "chicken machine" above for "fruit" inspection.  Then the bags are placed on the customs inspection platform pictured above.  You exit thru the glass doors behind the chicken machine.  This is where most people are met on arrival.  Many resorts will have baggage handlers inside the customs area to pick up your bags.

Once thru the glass doors on the international arrival area, you will see several small booths or tables on the right for the rental car pick up.  These booths are normally staffed only when an international flight is disembarking passengers.  Several of the car agencies will not staff the booth unless there reservations for cars.  Be sure to have your reservation for a car in advance of your arrival.  Note that most car rental agencies deliver cars to resorts and private homes.  This area is where people picking you up for transportation to your rental will meet you.

Ferry Connections

 
Another day on the ferry crossing.

High speed service has arrived for ferry crossings from La Ceiba to Roatan.  Safe Way Maritime took delivery of an "Incat Fast Ferry" in September 2006.  The Vessel is 150.9 ft  long and capable of carrying 460 passengers at a speed of 36 knots.  The trip will take approximately one hour on this vessel.  

Ferry Schedule and Fares in Lempira's 2011
(For US dollar fares scroll down to next section)

Senior discount for Hondurans and residents only

The Galaxy and Tropical Ferries owned by Safe Way Maritime Transportation Company (safewaymaritime.com) or in Roatan 2445-1795 or 2445-1250  and in LaCeiba 2414-5739 or 2414-5740.  Sea travel between Roatan and LaCeiba is an approximate one and half hour trip and costs approximately +/- $28 one way. The Galaxy has satellite TV, seats for 360 passengers, and cruises at 25 knots.  There is a new terminal in La Ceiba and it is air-conditioned.   The Galaxy also carries regular and refrigerated cargo.  The new Roatan terminal shown below is in a mid-island location known as Dixon Cove.

Safeway Daily Ferry Service Terminal is in Dixon Bay near the new Mahogany Bay Cruise Ship Terminal
2445-1795, 2445-1250 or 2443- 4630

Senior discount for Hondurans and residents only

Utila Princess  
$21/adult each way
2425-3190 or 2408-5163
www.utilaprincess.com

Nina Elisabeth II --Cat Fountain Fidji 39
Roatan to Utilia Tuesdays 6 AM arrives 9:45 - 10 AM
Utila to Roatan Friday 11 AM arrives 3 PM
Departure and arrival docks
Roatan: Coconut Tree Divers Dock, West End
Utila: Bush's Supermarket Dock
www.utilacat.co
Booking via Vern 3346-2600, 9910-8040 or Zuni 9726-9133 or e-mail at catamaranhonduras@yahoo.com

Cargo Transport via M/V Gibraltar

Loads Monday and Thursday at Porto Cortes on the mainland of Honduras.  Arrives Tuesday and Friday in Roatan for unloading.    The Roatan terminal is in Brick Bay across from the "Jackson Mansion".  Contact them via email at gibraltar@globalnet.hn or phone in Roatan 2455-6019, 2408-9826 and in  Puerto Cortes at 2979-7722.  The Captain's cell phone is 9972-7722.

Cargo Transport via Hyde Shippping Corp

For shipping your items from the US (Miami) to Roatan, Hybur in French Harbour is option.  You can ge more details at 2455-7564 or email atrobin@hydeshipping.com or their web site at www.hydeshipping.com.  US phone 305 913-4923

Cruise Lines

The Norwegian, Premier, and Sun Cruises make port calls on Roatan on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays.  Radison, Wind Star, Commodore, and Regal also make port calls on a less frequent basis.  The cruise ship travel is seasonal and may not be operating the time of year you are planning a trip to Roatan.  Passengers can make arrangements on board ship for a variety of activities on Roatan.  Passengers can also venture off on their own to explore the island.  Cruise ship passengers will want to take note of the tourist tip information on taxis and check the tourist guide for tips on doing your own excursions.  The Coxen Hole terminal is in the process of expansion so that it will be able to accommodate three ships at one time.  Also, there is a dual terminal at Dixon Cove at the Coral Cay facility.  Expansion is going on at both terminals.

Local Water Taxi Service

Water taxi service is convenient and easy between West End and West Bay.   The fare is 50 Lempiras during the day.  There is a water taxi service from Oak Ridge to various eastern locations.