Flores Island is a gorgeous paradise in Guatemala. Unbelievable peaceful views, tropical forests, and last but not least, the Crib of the Mayans! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Flores, Guatemala.
Let’s step onto the beautiful island of Flores in Guatemala, where you will find a charming little town with friendly inhabitants and colorful buildings!
It’s located in the middle of a lake, near the Mayan archeological park of Tikal. Around it are other gorgeous and exciting places like Yaxhá or Ceibal that you can visit.
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Filled with alluring hiking trails, a never-ending stretch of beaches, and one of the most pristine natural areas in Guatemala, the island constitutes the best place in Petén to glimpse the fundamental nature surrounding nearby attractions.
Flores is valued for its rustic look, cultural diversity, historical monuments, and the natural environment it preserves.
This quiet island is one of the most colorful places globally, and it is a great tourist destination. It hosts a significant concentration of restaurants, cafés, and pubs to keep you busy during your stay!
Dine on fresh seafood, hang out at the many bars and cafes, or do an excursion to see the ruins of an ancient civilization.
It is the perfect place to relax for a couple of days, combining it with awesome things to do like exciting excursions to the Crib of the Mayas, one of the most significant civilizations in the history of the world. It’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored in Flores!
Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Flores.
How far is Flores from Antigua?
The distance from Antigua to Flores is 322.8 miles or 519.5 kilometers. A road trip takes anywhere between ten and 13 hours, depending on the type of vehicle and the route taken.
Transportation Options from Antigua to Flores
The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to Flores:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Antigua to Flores | 10 hours | |
| Luxury Bus from Antigua to Flores | 12 hours | USD 67 |
| Private Transfer from Antigua to Flores | 9 hours 15 minutes | USD 615 |
| Rental Car from Antigua to Flores | 9 hours 15 minutes |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to Flores. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to Flores from Antigua
1. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 10 hours
Taking a shared van shuttle is one of the cheapest ways to travel from Antigua to Flores.
Many companies offer shuttle services between the two locations for a great price.
We recommend checking availability for your planned dates in advance since this mode of transportation is less common.
Tickets are also usually cheaper if purchased in advance!
2. Overnight Bus from Antigua to Flores
Journey Duration: 12 hours
The most common way to travel from Antigua to Flores is by taking the bus!
While it is quite a long journey, there are thankfully a lot of modern luxury buses to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip!
Each day, three luxurious buses leave Antigua for Flores. These buses have semi-bed seats, snacks, wifi, a/c, and bathrooms onboard.
Yes, it is slightly more expensive, but it’s worth it.
You can book a 2nd class bus if you are being thrifty. There are only a few differences between the 2nd class and 1st class–the 1st class is a bit more luxurious and only makes three stops. The 2nd class bus will make many stops along the way.
A luxury bus provided by Maya De Oro travels overnight, which makes it a little easier, allowing you to relax while traveling and also allowing you to arrive in Flores early so that you can enjoy the day!
Make sure you check the schedule online and book your seats in advance since three daily buses are available.
Maya De Oro Luxury Bus Schedule
- 06:00 PM to 06:00 AM: Maya De Oro Luxury Bus to Flores from Antigua
Total price: USD 67
- 07:00 PM to 08:30 AM: Maya De Oro Luxury Bus to Flores from Antigua
Total price: USD 75
- 06:00 PM to 06:00 AM: Maya De Oro Luxury Bus to Flores from Antigua
Total price: USD 95
3. Private Transfer from Antigua to Flores
Journey Duration: 9 hours 15 minutes
If you are traveling to Flores from Antigua and want this experience to be like a little bit of heaven on earth, you have to travel with a private shuttle!
This is the best transportation option because it provides a service with top-of-line vehicles capable of fitting six passengers, a comfortable interior, air conditioning, and the flexibility to schedule and arrange your trip!
And since it is a long ride to reach Flores, that is something you want to have.
Private shuttles allow more flexibility and efficiency; therefore, you can stop at places by request to take pictures and to take bathroom or lunch breaks.
The driver will pick you up at your location in Antigua and get you to Flores. This way of transportation is the simplest and most cost-effective way of traveling from Antigua to Flores if you travel in a group and agree to split the price.
Prices for a private transfer to Flores:
- 4 – 6 passengers: USD 615
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to Flores. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 9 hours 15 minutes
If you’re trying to get from Antigua to Flores in the fastest time possible, I recommend that you rent a car from Antigua and take the drive.
First of all, let me say that getting from Antigua to Flores can be quite an activity. The distance is long, and getting from point A to point B isn’t always easy.
However, the drive is one that you will enjoy, and it takes about five hours!
The fact that cutting out a portion of the journey saves you all that travel time will allow you to see more and spend less time waiting on transportation.
It is the fastest way to get to Flores, but it also gives you complete freedom in getting around afterward. Having your car is the best way to explore the region and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
You would be surprised at how easy it is to find and book a cheap car rental in Antigua.
How do I get from Flores to Tikal?
If you do not have a car, the best way to travel to Tikal from Flores is to take the Public Minibus, which takes one hour and 47 minutes and costs USD 2 – USD 10. Public minibusses run every three hours from Santa Elena to Tikal and take 90 minutes, including transfers.
Is Flores Guatemala worth visiting?
Because of its proximity to Tikal, the most famous Maya ruin in Guatemala, Flores is visited by travelers from all over the world today. This area is one of the safest in Petén and one of the most picturesque, with its colorful, red-roofed colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. So, it’s definitely worth putting on your places to visit list!
How far is it from Antigua to Tikal?
The driving distance between Antigua, Guatemala, and Tikal is 567 kilometers.
