Wondering how to get from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua? Traveling from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua safely and affordably is a significant concern for many visitors. Antigua is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich culture and historical significance, and a must-see destination in any Guatemala itinerary.
In this article, I’ll cover the best ways to get from Guatemala International Airport to Antigua:
- Tourist Shuttle
- Taxi or Uber
- Chicken Bus (public bus)
- Car Rental
| Transportation Option | Duration | Price | Recommended for |
| Shuttle | 1 hour | $20 | Solo travelers |
| Uber/Taxi | 1 hour | $40 | Groups and night trips |
| Chicken Bus | 1 hour | $3 | Not Recommended |
| Car Rental | +3 hours | People familiar with the country roads |
Key Takeaways:
- Shared shuttle buses are the recommended and cost-effective option for traveling from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua, especially if you book it in advance.
- Taking a private car (either a taxi or an Uber) is a comfortable and reliable alternative for the journey, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience. This is also your choice if you’re arriving to Guatemala late at night.
- Chicken buses are the cheapest option, but also the most daunting.
You can also check this article to read about the best things to do in Antigua!
Where is the Guatemala City Airport Located?
This airport is the closest international airport to Antigua, making it a crucial transportation hub for visitors. It is important to note that there is no specific airport in Antigua, and as a result, Guatemala City Airport becomes the primary arrival point for individuals arriving in this country. The other international airport is located in Flores.
Approximately 24 miles separate the airport and Antigua, and it takes around an hour to cover the route by car (though this depends a lot on traffic).
Your Transportation Options
As I mentioned before, there are 4 ways to cover the route between Guatemala City Airport and Antigua: shuttle buses, Ubers/taxis, public buses and car rental. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, comfort, or safety, there is a suitable transportation mode for your specific needs.
Firstly, it is remarkably cost-effective, offering a budget-friendly way to reach Antigua without compromising on comfort and safety. Additionally, the shared shuttle service provides unmatched convenience, as it allows for direct transportation from the airport to the desired destination in Antigua.
I recommend that you book the shuttle in advance, so they’ll be waiting for you on your arrival. Otherwise, there’re shuttles waiting at the airport exit, but you’ll have to wait until more passengers join, which might take a couple of hours.
Price: around $20
Duration: 1 hour
Recommended for: solo travelers
Taxi or Uber: A Comfortable Alternative
The comfort and reliability are unmatched, ensuring a smooth and secure transition. With an Uber or taxi driver, you won’t have to wait for other passengers and you’ll arrive at your final destination faster with this door-to-door service.
It’s important to note that, for groups of 2+ people, it’d be cheaper to get an Uber or taxi than a shuttle, making this a more budget-friendly option. You can either use the app or take a taxi right at the airport exit. There´s free Wi-Fi at the airport if you create an account at the service provider’s website. This should be enough to order an Uber. If you can’t connect to the network, you can take a taxi. The price is roughly the same.
Price: around $40
Duration: 1 hour
Recommended for: groups of 2+ people or for people arriving after 9 PM
Why You Should Think Twice About Chicken Buses
While seeking affordable travel options is understandable, the compromise in safety and comfort that comes with choosing a chicken bus makes it a less favorable choice for this specific journey.
Chicken buses are the public buses in Guatemala and can be really really cheap, but also a bit dangerous. Moreover, there aren’t direct buses from the airport to Antigua, meaning you’ll have to first take a bus to Guatemala City, and then another bus to Antigua. The total duration of the trip can be of even 5 hours during peak times.
Although Guatemala is a safe country for tourists, Guatemala City is a different story. The country’s capital is known as a dangerous place, especially for tourists who don’t speak Spanish. That’s why I would never recommend taking a chicken bus from the airport to Antigua when you are carrying with you all your belongings.
Price: $3
Duration: +3 hours (it really depends on traffic)
Recommended for: Not Recommended
Exploring More Options: Car Rentals
Rental cars offer the freedom to explore beyond the typical tourist routes and make spontaneous stops along the way, which can enhance the overall travel experience. Additionally, for groups or families traveling together, the cost of renting a car can be distributed, making it a more economical choice in certain scenarios.
Most international companies have an office at the airport and you can rent a car directly with them. Or, you can pre-book a car on their websites.
I personally wouldn’t recommend this option unless you are familiar with the country. The roads are not well-maintained; they are full of potholes and people in Guatemala are not the best drivers.
How to travel from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua by night?
If you arrive at Guatemala City Airport between 9 PM and 6 AM, bad news is that you won’t be able to take a shuttle. In these cases, taking an Uber or taxi will be your best option.
There´s free Wi-Fi at the airport if you create an account at the service provider’s website. This should be enough to order an Uber. If you can’t connect to the network, you can take a taxi.
The good news is that there’s no traffic during the night, so you should arrive at your destination fast.
Duration: A little less than an hour
Price: $20-$40
Should you Stay Near the Airport? Conditions to Consider
When arriving during the night, another option is to spend the night at a hotel close to the airport and make the trip to Antigua once there’s sunlight. This option provides a convenient and safe haven, especially for travelers arriving at night or departing during the early hours.
In my experience, if you’re traveling with at least another person, then it’s better to head to Antigua right away. If you’re a solo traveler, spending the night close to the airport is the best option in terms of security. Taking an Uber or taxi at Guatemala City Airport is extremely safe but, as a solo traveler, especially if you´re a woman, it’s better to travel during the day.
Booking Your Ride: Practical Tips
To secure a smooth and seamless booking experience, consider the following tips:
- Shared Shuttle Buses: Pre-book a shared shuttle from a reliable provider to ensure availability upon your arrival at the airport. You can use online platforms, such as Viator or GuateGo. If you don’t book your trip in advance, you might be stuck at the airport for a couple of hours until there are enough passengers to fill the vans.
- Uber or Taxi: This is definitely the best option if you are traveling in a group. It’s a good idea to ask for the driver’s number to coordinate your drop-off at the airport when you are leaving the country.
- Arriving by Night: Asses whether it’s more convenient in your case to take an Uber or spend one night in Guatemala City.
- Wi-Fi at the airport: There´s free Wi-Fi at Guatemala City Airport if you sign-in on the service provider’s website.
You might also like:
- Acatenango Hike Complete Guide
- Is Tikal Worth Visiting? Ultimate Tikal Guide
- 15 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Guatemala
- 16 Top Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
- The Best Things to Do in Flores Guatemala
- Itinerary for Guatemala’s highlights (7 days, 10 days and 15 days)
- El Paredon Guatemala – Ultimate Guide
- Accommodation and Food in El Paredon Guatemala
- El Remate Guatemala – Ultimate Guide to this Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination
- Is Hobbitenango Worth Visiting? Complete Hobbitenango Guide
Leave a Reply