Travel alerts & warnings
Honduras driving guide.
Driving in Honduras offers access to Maya ruins, mountain towns and Caribbean landscapes, but road conditions vary sharply beyond the main highways. Plan journeys in daylight, check current security advisories and allow extra time for potholes, livestock, heavy trucks and rain damage.
- Advisory
- Reconsider travel
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- December to April…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelto Honduras due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- U.S. government travel restrictions
- U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not allowed to travel to Gracias a Dios department due to safety risks.
- U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not allowed to visit adult clubs nor casinos. Extortion, overcharging, criminal surveillance, and other potential criminal activity can take place in these locations.
- U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not permitted to travel between cities after dark. After dark travel between Palmerola International Airport (XPL)/Soto Cano Airbase and Tegucigalpa is authorized. There is an increased risk of vehicle accidents and carjackings after dark on major highways.
- U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not permitted to drive through or to high crime zones unless previously approved by the Regional Security Office. Designated high crime zones in Honduras include but are not limited to:
- Distrito Central (Francisco Morazan):
Driving there
Your permit in Honduras
- Honduras honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Honduras
Road rules and everyday hazards
Wear seat belts, avoid handheld phone use and never drink and drive. Watch for unmarked speed bumps at village entrances, pedestrians along highway shoulders and vehicles without working lights after dark.
Speed limits
Follow posted limits rather than assuming one nationwide highway speed. Common limits are around 40 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on open roads; slow further near schools, settlements, bends and damaged pavement.
Tolls on the main corridor
Expect toll plazas on the CA-5 corridor linking Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and the northern region. Carry small-denomination Honduran lempiras, do not assume cards are accepted and keep your receipts.
Fuel and remote routes
Most stations are attendant-served, and prices are commonly displayed per US gallon. Confirm whether your vehicle takes gasolina regular, superior or diésel; fill up before rural detours and carry cash in case card terminals fail.
Rentals, documents and police checks
Carry your original driving licence, International Driving Permit, passport and rental agreement; the IDP does not replace your licence. Confirm insurance, unpaved-road restrictions and any cross-border permission with the rental company. At checkpoints, stop calmly and present requested documents; request an official citation and payment instructions for any fine.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Honduras
Copán Archaeological Site
Copán, western Honduras · About 3.5–4.5 hours from San Pedro Sula, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Exceptionally detailed Maya sculptures, the Hieroglyphic Stairway and a compact archaeological park beside Copán Ruinas town.
Lake Yojoa
Central Honduras · About 1.5–2 hours from San Pedro Sula to the northern lake area.
A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, with birdwatching, lakeside restaurants and nearby nature trails.
Pico Bonito National Park
Atlántida, near La Ceiba · About 30–60 minutes from La Ceiba to nearby trailheads; access roads vary in condition.
Rainforest, mountain scenery and guided hikes around the Río Cangrejal and other park access areas.
Lancetilla Botanical Garden
Atlántida, near Tela · About 2–2.5 hours from San Pedro Sula, or 15–25 minutes from Tela.
A large tropical botanical garden known for its bamboo avenue, unusual trees and birdlife.
Valle de Ángeles
Francisco Morazán · About 45–75 minutes from Tegucigalpa; weekend traffic can add time.
A mountain town with craft shops, traditional food and a walkable historic centre.
La Tigra National Park
Francisco Morazán · About 1–1.5 hours from Tegucigalpa to the Jutiapa entrance; check the steep final access road before taking a low-clearance rental.
Cool cloud forest, hiking trails and birdwatching close to the capital.
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