Lago de Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake.
Atitlan Lake (Lago de Atitlan) is one of the most beautiful lakes globally and a must-see on your Guatemala travel itinerary.
The crater was formed from a collapsed volcano and is now filled with water, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake.
How far is Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City?
The distance from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake is 74,5 miles or 120 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake
The following table outlines all transportation options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake | 5+ hours | |
| Shared Shuttle from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake | 4 hours 30 minutes | USD 42 |
| Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake | 3 hours 30 minutes | |
| Rental Car from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake | 3 hours 30 minutes | |
| Taxi from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake | 3 hours 30 minutes |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City
1. Bus from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake
Journey Duration: 5+ hours
Are you traveling on a small budget and looking for an adventure?
Then taking the chicken bus from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake might be your best option.
The buses depart every hour at the corner of 21 Calle and 1A Avenida in Guatemala City.
We recommend taking the chicken bus only when speaking Spanish and traveling with small luggage.
Be aware that the buses don’t have air-conditioners and can be pretty packed! We don’t recommend taking the chicken bus after dark!
2. Our recommendation: Shared Van Shuttle to Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Atitrans offers three daily shuttles from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. The journey takes around four hours and 30 minutes and costs USD 42 per person. All vans have air conditioning!
Atitrans shuttle schedule to Atitlan Lake:
- 06:00 AM
- 09:30 AM
- 02:30 PM
3. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
A private transfer is probably the most comfortable way to travel to Atitlan Lake. We recommend this option, especially if you are traveling with your family or a group.
Depending on the size of your group, the cost per person is only slightly higher compared to a shared shuttle or even cheaper.
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1 to 3 Passengers: USD 215
- 4 to 6 Passengers: USD 245
- 7 to 9 Passengers: USD 275
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. 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: 3 hours 30 minutes
Are you also a big fan of traveling independently? Whenever possible, we prefer renting a car and exploring a new place on our own.
With a rental car, you are not only independent of bus or shuttle schedules, but you can also make stops on the way to Atitlan Lake.
We recommend stopping in Antigua, the old capital city of Guatemala, and at the Iximché Mayan site.
5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
You can also take a taxi to Atitlan Lake. We recommend you agree on a fixed price!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Guatemala City to Lago de Atitlán?
It takes around three hours to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan.
How far is it from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake?
The distance from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake is 74,5 miles or 120 kilometers.
Hello Tim,
Thank you for the article. I will be traveling to Guatemala next week. Could you please help to make my trip smoother?
1. Is it possible to visit both Antigua and Atilan Lake in just 1 day? I stay at the hotel close to the airport. I wonder if you could give some advice about this
2. I am thinking of first going to Antigua, then from Antigua to Atilan Lake and go back to the airport after. If this is NOT possible, please advise how I can go directly from the airport to Atilan Lake on the 2nd day.
Thank you, Tim. I really appreciate your advice and help. I look forward to receiving your response.
Thanks,
Jennifer