7 Best Ways to get from Guatemala City to Antigua, Guatemala

2 Mar 2021 6 min read No comments Guatemala Transportation Guides

This article may be sponsored or include a provided product or affiliate link. See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details.

You can get from Guatemala City to Antigua by 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, 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, I’ll share the seven best ways to get from Guatemala City to 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:

MethodTravel timePrice
Guatemala City to Antigua Public Bus2.5 to 3 hrs$1.25
Shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua2 hrs$19 to 23
Guatemala City to Antigua Private Transfer 1 hr$59 to 160
Taxi from Guatemala City to Antigua1 hr$35
Uber from Guatemala City to Antigua1 hr$23
Rental Car from Guatemala City to Antigua1 hr

How far is Antigua from Guatemala City?

The distance from Guatemala City to Antigua is about 40 kilometers or 25 miles by car. On average, getting from Guatemala City to Antigua takes around one hour. Due to the traffic, however, it can take up to a few hours!

How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua

1. Shuttle Guatemala City to Antigua

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 Shuttle Schedule:

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Guatemala City to Antigua, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEPETADURPX
06:00am08:00am2h$19BOOK NOW 3 e1661788865313
09:30am11:30am2h$19BOOK NOW 3 e1661788865313
11:00am12:30pm1h 30m$19BOOK NOW 3 e1661788865313
01:30pm03:30pm2h$19BOOK NOW 3 e1661788865313
04:30pm06:30pm2h$23BOOK NOW 3 e1661788865313
07:30pm09:30pm2h$19BOOK NOW 3 e1661788865313
How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua, Guatemala
©depositphotos.com

2. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua

Journey Duration: 1 hour

One of the most convenient options is to book a private shuttle service. Many companies in Guatemala City offer this service.

You can book in advance online or through your hotel. They will pick you up at the airport or your Guatemala City hotel and take you to your destination in Antigua.

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

3. Driving with a Rental Car

Journey Duration: 1 hour

Renting a car at Guatemala’s La Aurora International Airport is a simple process and is a great choice, especially if you’re keen on adventure and exploring less-traveled destinations.

Major international rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and some local rental companies, operate offices at the airport.

I always prefer renting a car to be more independent! However, note that the streets in Guatemala are pretty bad, full of potholes, and many drivers ignore traffic lights and rules.

If you still want to rent a car, I recommend you make a reservation in advance with Rentalcars!

How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua, Guatemala
©depositphotos.com

4. Taxi or Uber Guatemala City to Antigua

Journey Duration: 1 hour

Uber is available in Guatemala, and a trip from Guatemala City to Antigua costs around USD 30 outside peak times.

The primary challenge with Uber in this region is dealing with traffic.

Although the distance between Guatemala City and Antigua may not seem substantial on the map, trust me, during peak traffic hours, it can turn into a multi-hour journey – and the price can go up a lot.

Ultimately, it might be even more expensive than taking a taxi. For that reason, I only recommend taking an Uber after 7 PM.

A taxi from La Aurora Airport to Antigua costs USD 35.

How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala6

5. Public Bus (Chicken Bus) from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua

I wouldn’t recommend taking the public bus, also called the chicken bus, from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua.

In fact, if you don’t speak Spanish, I strongly discourage it!

Numerous crime reports have occurred on the chicken buses between Guatemala City and Antigua, so exercise caution when considering this option.

It’s not to say you shouldn’t use chicken buses in Guatemala (you absolutely should!), but perhaps not when you first arrive and are carrying all your belongings.

To get to Antigua, you’ll need to take a shuttle to the main bus terminal in the city and catch a bus from there.

The chicken bus ride costs 10 Quetzales ($2.70).

My hotel recommendation for Antigua

I 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.

I loved the breakfast on the rooftop terrace with an incredible view of one of Antigua’s volcanoes!

You can read my 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 do you 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.

Is there an airport in Antigua?

No, there isn’t an airport in Antigua. The nearest airport to Antigua is La Aurora International Airport, also known as Guatemala City Airport. It serves as the primary international airport in Guatemala.

How far is Antigua from Guatemala City airport?

The distance from Guatemala City airport to Antigua is 24.5 miles (39.4 km).
Transportation from Guatemala City airport to Antigua takes around one hour.

5/5 – (1 vote)
Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *