You can get from Guatemala City to Antigua by bus, shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, taxi/Uber, or rental car.
The cheapest transportation option from Guatemala City to Antigua is by public bus, which costs USD 1.25. The journey takes between 2.5 and 3 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua in just 2 hours, which costs USD 19.
The fastest way to travel to Antigua from Guatemala City is by private transfer or taxi/Uber. Prices start at USD 23.
While traversing the routes of Guatemala and exploring varied modes of transport, I’ve gathered insights that I will share with you to make your travels through Guatemala easier.
In this guide, we’ll unveil the seven best ways to journey from Guatemala City to historic Antigua, ensuring you have all the information for a safe, convenient, and enjoyable travel experience!
Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Antigua
The following table outlines all Guatemala transportation options from Guatemala City to Antigua:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Guatemala City to Antigua | 2 hrs | $18 |
| Guatemala City to Antigua Public Bus | 2.5 to 3 hrs | $1.25 |
| Shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua | 2 hrs | $19 to 23 |
| Guatemala City to Antigua Private Transfer | 1 hr | $59 to 160 |
| Taxi from Guatemala City to Antigua | 1 hr | $35 |
| Uber from Guatemala City to Antigua | 1 hr | $23 |
| Rental Car from Guatemala City to Antigua | 1 hr | – |
Distance from Guatemala City to Antigua
The distance from Guatemala City to Antigua is about 40 kilometers or 25 miles by car.
Getting to Antigua from Guatemala City
1. Bus from Guatemala City to Antigua
Journey Duration: 2 hours
Litegua offers a daily bus connection between Guatemala City and Antigua at 02:30 PM.
The trip takes around two hours, depending on the traffic, and costs USD 18.
2. Guatemala City to Antigua Shuttle
Journey Duration: 2 hours
My preferred way of traveling from Guatemala City to Antigua is by shared shuttle. Prices are reasonable, and the trip is safe and stress-free.
To avoid lengthy waiting times for other passengers to join, I recommend pre-booking a shuttle at least one day in advance with GuateGo. Prices start at USD 19, and there are departures throughout the day.
Tour and Travel Atitrans offers daily shared shuttles between Guatemala City and Antigua at 06:00 AM, 09:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 01:30 PM, 02:30 PM, 07:30 PM, and 09:00 PM.
You can also take a shuttle from Guatemala City Airport straight to Antigua. Departure times are at 06:00AM, 09:30AM, 11:00AM, 01:30PM, 02:30PM, 07:30PM and 09:00PM.
Guatemala City to Antigua Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Guatemala City to Antigua, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00am | 08:00am | 2h | $19 |   |
| 09:30am | 11:30am | 2h | $19 | |
| 11:00am | 12:30pm | 1h 30m | $19 | |
| 01:30pm | 03:30pm | 2h | $19 | |
| 04:30pm | 06:30pm | 2h | $23 | |
| 07:30pm | 09:30pm | 2h | $19 | |
3. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua
Journey Duration: 1 hour
If you are traveling in a group or want to be more flexible regarding the departure time, a private transfer may be the best option!
You can book shuttles for up to 12 persons on GuateGo.
Prices for a private shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua
- 1-3 passengers: USD 59
- 4-6 passengers: USD 90
- 7-9 passengers: USD 112.50
- 10-12 passengers: USD 160
4. Driving with a Rental Car
Journey Duration: 1 hour
A rental car is an excellent option to travel independently to Antigua. The travel distance from Guatemala City is 40 kilometers or 25 miles.
Note that the roads are pretty bad, and many drivers don’t pay attention to traffic lights or rules.
If you still want to rent a car, I recommend you make a reservation in advance with Rentalcars!
5. Uber or taxi
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Uber is available in Guatemala, and a trip from Guatemala City to Antigua costs around USD 23 outside peak times.
Note, however, that the price can increase drastically due to traffic.
A taxi from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua costs around USD 35.
6. Public bus to Antigua
Journey Duration:
If you want to travel like a local and turn your trip into an adventure, you can take the public or chicken bus to Antigua!
The public bus departs from the main bus terminal in the city.
The trip costs 10Q (around $1,25USD). I only recommend this option if you speak at least some basic Spanish and don’t have much luggage/ valuables.
Our hotel recommendation for Antigua
We stayed at the Posada del Angel Hotel, just a few blocks from the main square of Antigua.
It is a unique hotel in an old colonial building that integrates Antigua’s Maya and Spanish heritages.
Each of their rooms is designed with a different theme and equipped with everything you might need.
We loved the breakfast on the rooftop terrace with an incredible view of one of Antigua’s volcanoes!
You can read our full review of the Posada del Angel hotel here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to travel from Guatemala City to Antigua?
The cheapest way to travel from Guatemala City to Antigua is by public bus, which costs only USD 1.25.
What is the fastest way to travel from Guatemala City to Antigua?
The fastest way to travel from Guatemala City to Antigua is by car. Car travel takes only about 1 hour, and you can choose between a private transfer, rental car, taxi, or Uber.
What is the closest airport to Antigua, Guatemala?
La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is the closest airport to Antigua.
Can I book transportation from Guatemala City to Antigua in advance?
Yes, bus companies, private transfer and shuttle services, and car rental companies allow you to book your transport in advance online or over the phone. It’s advisable to do so, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
Can I use ride-sharing apps like Uber?
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Guatemala and can be a convenient and safe option for travel between Guatemala City and Antigua.
How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua?
You can get from Guatemala City to Antigua by bus, shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, taxi/Uber, or rental car.
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