Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Honduras, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Honduras is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate for a particular location or circumstance.

Road Conditions: Because of crime, poor road conditions, and heavy commercial truck traffic, driving can be dangerous, and travelers should carry a cellular phone in case of an emergency. Travelers should exercise extreme caution while driving on isolated stretches of road and passing on mountainous curves. Rockslides are common, especially in the rainy season (May through December) and can cause closure of even major highways. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate, and streets in the major cities are often unmarked. Honduran roads are poorly lit and poorly marked. Vehicles are often driven at night without adequate illumination, and animals and people wander onto the roads at all hours. For these reasons, and because of the high incidence of crime, the U.S. Embassy discourages car and bus travel after dark.

Major cities are connected by an inconsistently maintained system of paved roads. While the main road network is being upgraded and widened in key positions, most of it consists of only two lanes. Significant construction on the highway between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula was completed in 2013. However, many secondary roads in Honduras are unpaved. Two of the most dangerous stretches for road travel include the road between Tegucigalpa to Choluteca, because of dangerous mountain curves. In addition, exercise caution on the road from El Progreso to La Ceiba, as animals frequently enter the road and bridges are in poor condition due to flooding.

In the event of an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (“Transito”) immediately, either directly through local numbers or through the national emergency number, 911. Honduran law requires that no vehicles involved in an accident be moved until Transit Authority agents arrive, not even to clear a traffic obstruction, unless you are in serious physical danger. In addition to informing the Transit Authority, car insurance companies should be notified as soon as possible. Personal identification documents, including driver’s licenses, copies of passports, and vehicle registration cards should be carried while driving.

Traffic Safety: Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places such as congested downtown streets. The only recommended route to the north coast from the south is CA-5 to route 21 to CA-13 via Tela to La Ceiba and Trujillo. In addition to incidents of carjacking and robbery on CA-5, the main highway between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque in the lake area, similar incidents have occurred on the highway between San Pedro Sula and Tela, with the greatest risk near the palm tree plantations near El Progreso. These carjackings and robberies have targeted SUVs and usually occur at night; therefore, driving at night is highly discouraged. In Olancho, on the road from Juticalpa to Telica, and from the turn off to Gualaco on Route 39 to San Esteban and Bonito Oriental, rival criminal elements have engaged in violent acts against one another. Travelers should avoid this road and stick to the main Tegucigalpa-Juticalpa-Catacamas road while traveling in Olancho. In addition, delivery trucks throughout Honduras are common targets of highway robberies.

While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau or with private insurance carriers about coverage details.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Honduras, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not make a current assessment of the government of Honduras’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Prior to de-listing Honduras in March 2013, the FAA assessed that the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority did not meet the minimum ICAO safety oversight standards.

Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.