Bus La Ceiba to San Pedro Sula

[scubamork]

Anyone taken the Hedman Alas bus from La Ceiba to San Pedro Sula? I'm planning on doing it on a Sunday morning at 5:15 am but haven't had much luck contacting them and they sure want a lot of information for buying advance tickets over the internet.
While I'm at it any nice hotels in La Ceiba you've stayed at and where do you catch the Bus?
Thanks

 

[mr_paulee]

I've taken that bus a couple of times - the station is quite far out, so you're best off getting a taxi. I've not seen the bus busy before, so wouldn't worry too much about getting a ticket in advance. The place I stayed at in La Ceiba is called Las Guacamayas. It's a hostel, roughly $9 a night, 6 beds in dorm, clean and friendly - cold water shower though. There's another hostel round the corner, Banana Republic, but I've heard it's not as nice. Have a good trip!

 

[cocoloca]

I usually stay at the Hotel Paris or La Quinta, I took the Hedman Alas bus a few weeks ago. It's about us$20 first class, very comfy and you get a sandwich and a drink. In the Centre taxis cost 20lps a journey, airport-centre/ferry dock much higher price. The bus station is about a 5-10 minute taxi ride depending upon traffic. But if are not able to buy your ticket the night before get there early, as the ticket purchase takes some time. Your passport will be required for the check in and your hand luggage is also searched. They are a very reputable company.

 

[rleslie]

We have used Hedman Alas to travel around mainland Honduras including La Ceiba to San Pedro Sula. The busses were always clean, very comfortable and ran on time.

One word of warning, the drivers like to pass other vehicles in blind curves on two lane narrow roads.....not joking!!! The other vehicles have to move over onto the shoulder so they are three wide in the middle of a curve.

Have fun!!!

 

[rin1018]

Going to be doing the bus-ferry combo on my way to Roatan the last week in February and will have to spend the night in La Ceiba.

Looking for a cheap, clean and (reasonably) safe place to spend the night. Was considering Banana Republic Guest House, but came across the following warning on another site and am wondering how much consideration to give it:

Viva Travel strongly warns readers to avoid this hostel due to serious problems with security. At time of review (May 2008), Banana Republic was in the midst of a rash of burglaries, brought about by their lax and at times irresponsible attitude toward their guests' safety. We witnessed unknown locals wandering through the rooms at night, apparently not an unusual occurrence. Otherwise the hostel is reasonably clean and affordably priced. But until the security situation improves, we advise that travelers, particularly those with valuables or women traveling alone, to choose somewhere else.

Has anyone stayed here recently? I like that they offer advance on-line reservations.

Saw that an earlier post recommended Las Guacamayas, and have seen favorable reviews for the Rotterdam Beach Hotel. Anyone else been to either of these? Should (can) one make reservations in advance?

Any other recommendations welcome too!

Thanks!

 

[GoProHonduras]

I normally stay at Hotel Paris in La Ceiba, it's clean and secure, with a nice pool bar!

 

[scubamork]

We are taking a plane from Utila to Le Ceiba just in case the Ferry might not run that Saturday afternoon (my wife gets nervous) and staying at the Rainbow Village near the airport. Then we have bus reservation early Sunday morning. Rainbow Village (online reservation) is providing very reasonable shuttle rates and have heard some good reports about them. We're not going till May so won't have any personal info till afterward.
Thanks to everyone who responded.