La Aurora Airport
The Guatemala City Airport is not as big as you might expect. It’s easily navigated, and getting through immigration and baggage should present no difficulties. Have your passport and customs form ready, and that’s all you will need. If you are flying out of Guatemala City, there is a $30USD (Q240- payable in USD or Quetzales) fee that should be included in your ticket price. It is good to double check though, before you spend your last Quetzales on a night out on the town before your flight. There are no fees for entering Guatemala.
Once outside of the airport, there are numerous taxis waiting that can take you into the city. It is fine to bargain for prices, though they still might not be as cheap as you expect. I was told to get into Zona 10 you should pay no more than $10 USD, still more than I would have guessed the price to be. (Once in the city, taxis will probably be a little less. But at the airport there’s a good chance you’ll pay a little more.) Different locations, further or closer from the airport, will be more or less, respectively.
Leaving the airport and heading right, you aren’t far from the local bus station, if you aren’t waiting on a shuttle, and don’t want to pay the extra money for a taxi.
A handful of Hostels also offer airport pick-up or drop-off, which you should inquire about. I found that asking one of the airport staff, either at luggage claim, or just outside of the airport, to borrow their phone to call for transportation, is acceptable, the cost being “a propina” or a tip of one or two Quetzales for a brief call.
Guatemala City >> Antigua (and beyond)
At the Airport, if you aren’t planning on staying in the city even for a night, there are shuttles heading to Antigua. You’ll see the signs and can inquire about times and prices. They usually will leave about every hour, but I wouldn’t be without a back-up plan, especially if you aren’t traveling during high tourist season (December-March and June-August) The shuttle should be about $10-$15 USD per person.
If there are four people, a taxi could be cheaper than the shuttle. You shouldn’t have to pay per person, but a trip-rate of around Q250 (around $30USD). But again, you might be asked to pay more. It’s worth trying to negotiate.
Shuttle Transportation Companies
Most of the companies we’ve seen charge $10-$15 per person. Many leave from the airport, but some are willing to arrange pick-ups in other parts of the city, though it may cost extra. And remember, if you’re staying in the city, someone at your hostel should be more than willing to help you arrange your transportation to your next stop. Probably the hostel will have a taxi or shuttle company that they know and trust, and can make the call for you. From what we’ve heard from other trampers, shuttle services are not always most well oiled machines in the Guatemalan Tourist Industry (and we aren’t talking about the vans themselves) so it’s worth asking for suggestions before you make your reservation.
For a Atitrans shuttle to Antigua, or Panajachel, check out the schedule below:
Shuttle Prices from Guatemala City
Atitrans shuttles are $2 cheaper than the others we’ve seen, at $10 USD/person. And they offer pick up from your address in certain Zones, though this may cost more. It’s worth asking. Check their website for (ideally) the most up to date information. Or you can call their Antigua office to schedule.
Phone: 7832 3371
www.atitrans.net
OTHER SHUTTLE SERVICES:
Atitlan Tours
Leaving from the Guatemala City Airport at 6am, 11am, and 2:30pm to Antigua
$12 USD/person
Shuttles to a number of other destinations, from the Airport, are offered as well. Check their website for the full schedule.
Phone: (502)5786-0227
Shuttle Guatemala
Shuttles are offered from Zones 9,10, 13, and the airport, at $12USD per person.
Daily Shuttles leave Guatemala City From 9:30am-9pm (Check website for specific times)
Services to Panajachel, and Chichicastenango are offered as well, though with less days/times available.
For more information:
Phone: 502 7720-4400 (Antigua)
Click on “Full Schedule” for detailed information.
What about the Chicken Bus?
Right. So, you’ve heard. Crowded, Dangerous… not recommended for tourists. We’ve heard that crime is most common between Guatemala City and Antigua, and between Antigua and Panajachel or Chichicastenango. But, bad things can’t happen to everyone. Right? So, to catch the Chicken Bus from the City to Antigua you’ll want to head to the stop for “Buses Hacia Occidente” close to the intersection of 1a Avenida and 41 calle. It can be a far walk from your lodging, but the Santa Cecilia TransMetro stop is nearby, about a ten minute walk. And for Western Destinations out of the City, other than Antigua, head down Calle 41 to the Estacion de Buses Occidente. Northern and Eastern destinations will leave from other stops, scattered throughout the city. Ask around for locations and options, which include the Chicken Buses, Shuttles, and newer, first-class buses such as the Pullman.
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING • MAP
Take me back to GUATEMALA CITY // Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me back HOME
Hi, I recently got an Uber from a city center hotel to Antigua. Q170 for two passengers & big bags, a good deal I think, saved messing about on buses anyway.