Tikal is the most famous Mayan ruin in Guatemala. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Tikal.
The famous Mayan ruins of Tikal are located deep in the rainforest of northern Guatemala, near the city of Flores.
The complex consists of more than 3.000 structures and is believed to be the remains of the Mayan city Yax Mutal.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Tikal.
How far is Tikal from Guatemala City?
The distance from Guatemala City to Tikal is 332 miles or 535 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Tikal
The following table outlines all transportation options from Guatemala City to Tikal:
Method | Travel time | Price |
---|---|---|
Luxury Bus from Guatemala City to Tikal | 11+ hours | USD 92 |
Multi-day trip from Guatemala City to Tikal | 3 hours 30 minutes | |
Rental Car from Guatemala City to Tikal | 3 hours 10 minutes | |
Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Tikal | 3 hours 10 minutes | |
Flight from Guatemala City to Tikal | 1 hour | USD 265 |
Taxi from Guatemala City to Tikal | 3 hours 10 minutes |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Guatemala City to Tikal. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to Tikal from Guatemala City
1. Luxury Bus from Guatemala City to Flores + Shuttle to Tikal
Journey Duration: 11+ hours
Maya de Oro offers daily overnight trips from Guatemala City to Tikal in a luxury bus.
The bus departs at 10 PM at the bus terminal in Guatemala City (17 Calle 8a. y 9a. Avenidas 8-46 Zona 1 Guatemala).
The bus will take you first to Flores, around 40 miles (64 kilometers) away from Tikal. Arrived in Flores, you will board a shuttle, including a guide, to take you to Tikal.
The total duration of this journey is around eleven hours, and a one-way ticket costs USD 92.

2. Guatemala City to Tikal Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour
The fastest way to get to Tikal is by taking a flight from Guatemala City Airport to Flores Airport.
TAG Airlines offers daily flights at 06:30 AM and 05:15 PM. The price for a one-way ticket is USD 265.
From Flores airport, you can continue your trip by taxi or shuttle.

3. Join a multi-day trip from Guatemala City
Another option to visit Tikal is by joining a 2-day guided tour from Guatemala City.
On this tour, you will explore Tikal’s temple complex, the Lost World Pyramid, and the cities Yaxhá and Tikal.
Includes:
- Local flight from Guatemala City to Flores round trip with TAG Airlines
- Professional guide service in English or Spanish
- Tour to Tikal and Yaxha
- One night at a standard hotel (based on double occupancy), such as Hotel Isla de Flores
- One breakfast per person
- Two lunches (drinks not included)
- All ground transportation
- Entrance fees
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Guatemala City to Tikal. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Tikal
Journey Duration: 11 hours
If flying is not an option for you, taking a private car is convenient to get to Tikal.
We recommend this option when traveling with your family or in a group.

5. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 11 hours
The distance from Guatemala City to Tikal is 332 miles or 535 kilometers. To drive to Tikal takes around 9.5 hours; however, we highly recommend splitting this trip into two or three stages.
The significant advantage of traveling by rental car is that you are independent of bus or flight schedules and have the opportunity to stop on the way.

6. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 11 hours
You can also take a taxi to Tikal. We recommend you agree on a fixed price!
