Guatemala City to San Salvador tickets

About the ride from Guatemala City to San Salvador

Within a few hours, you can exchange one Central American capital city for another. Wave goodbye to Guatemala and embrace the unfamiliarity of El Salvador. 

As the country's cultural, political, and economic heart, San Salvador is an excellent introduction. It also ticks the nature box, surrounded by lush mountains and an imposing volcano. It's a city often overlooked yet is bursting with things to offer. 

There are four ways to get between the two cities: 

Bus 

Flight 

Car 

Minivan

The bus is the cheapest way to get from Guatemala City to San Salvador while flying is the fastest. 

Journey time ranges from 45 minutes to six hours, depending on your chosen transport.

Whether you're traveling in a group and want a private option or looking for public transport, plenty of departures leave throughout the day. 

Not sure which option to take? 

Our detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting from Guatemala City to San Salvador, plus some extra travel tips!

Fun things to do in San Salvador

San Salvador is a city with several personalities. Want to learn a bit of history? It's got it! Fancy going for a hike? You can do that too. No matter what your interests are, chances are this city has something you'll enjoy.

Here are some of the best things on offer in San Salvador:

1. Explore the historic center. It's one of the best ways to see the heart of the city. One spot not to miss is Plaza Libertad, a square home to the Liberty Monument, street vendors and a hub for local life.
   
   

2. Hike up the San Salvador Volcano. Just outside the city, Boquerón National Park offers scenic trails leading up to the massive crater of the San Salvador Volcano, known as El Boquerón. Enjoy a break from the busy city and admire the stunning views.
   
   

3. Visit the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site. Known as the "Pompeii of the Americas," this UNESCO World Heritage site is located just outside San Salvador. It offers a glimpse into pre-Columbian life through well-preserved ancient structures.
   
   

4. Shop and eat at Mercado Nacional de Artesanías. Visit this bustling market for local crafts and souvenirs. You'll find traditional Salvadoran textiles, pottery and handmade goods. All that shopping will inevitably make you hungry, so grab some food at one of the local food stalls serving authentic dishes.
   
   

5. Admire the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo. While it won't take you very long to tick this one off, this iconic landmark is a symbol of the city, featuring a statue of Jesus Christ atop a globe.

How to get from Guatemala City to San Salvador

There are four ways to get from Guatemala City to San Salvador: by bus, flight, car, and minivan.

By bus

The bus is the cheapest way to get from Guatemala City to San Salvador, with tickets starting from $26. 

The journey time is around 4-6 hours, which will fly by considering the comfort of the bus. It offers A/C, reclining seats, a toilet on board, and WiFi, subject to availability. 

Multiple departures are available every day, from early morning to the night. Buses leave from several locations in Guatemala City, such as the Guatemala City Holiday Inn Hotel, Transportes del Sol Bus Station, and Hotel Las Americas. 

They arrive at the San Salvador Sheraton Presidente Hotel or Transported del Sol Bus Station. Make sure to pick a bus with the most convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. 

By flight

Flying is the fastest way to get from Guatemala City to San Salvador. However, you will need to account for the time it takes to get to and from the airports, the waiting time before your flight, and the time you need to collect your baggage. 

When you add this all up, it might not be much quicker than the bus, and short-haul flights aren't great for the environment. 

Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book and the season you're traveling, but generally start at around $80. 

Flights depart from Guatemala City Airport and arrive at San Salvador Airport. 

By car

A private car is a great option if you want ultimate flexibility, a bit more privacy, or traveling as a small group or family. 

Cars fit a maximum of three passengers and start from $276 per vehicle. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included in the price, so you won't have to think about a thing! And you get to pick your departure time.

The journey time takes around five hours. 

By minivan

Private minivans are also available if you are traveling in a larger group or just want more space. 

Depending on the company you book with, minivans can accommodate a maximum of six to nine passengers. Prices start from $312. 

Like the private car, the trip takes around five hours. A bonus of private transportation is taking as many comfort breaks as you like. 

Also included in the price is a door-to-door service for ultimate convenience. 

What to expect from the journey from Guatemala City to San Salvador

If you're traveling by road, you'll need to cross the land border between Guatemala and El Salvador — Aduana Frontera Valle Nuevo SAT.

It's a pretty seamless process and shouldn't add too much time to your journey. Make sure to have all of your necessary travel documents organized. 

When is the best time to visit San Salvador?

The best time to visit San Salvador is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. 

During these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny, with less humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like exploring the city and hiking.

Daytime temperatures are usually warm, often reaching the high 20s to 30°C (77-86°F).

If you prefer fewer crowds, visit in the shoulder months of November and April, when the weather is still pleasant. The rainy season from May to October can also be a good time to visit if you don't mind occasional heavy rains, as the landscapes are lush and green, and you might find better travel deals.

How many days should you spend in San Salvador? 

With so much nature and adventure awaiting you in El Salvador, most people don't spend too much time in the city. 

Spending three to four days in San Salvador gives you enough time to settle into a new country, do some life admin, see the sights and explore the volcano outside the city. 

Where should you visit after San Salvador? 

Ready to swap the busy city life for some relaxing days at the beach? Just a short 1.5-hour drive from San Salvador is El Zonte, a beach town named a mecca of surfing. 

Even if you're not a surfer, its black-sand beaches are idyllic, and it's the perfect place to chill. 

Or if you're passing straight through El Salvador, Managua in Nicaragua or Tegucigalpa in Honduras are two popular next destinations in Central America.