Guatemala City to Antigua tickets

About the ride from Guatemala City to Antigua

Maybe you've spent a few days wandering around Guatemala City. Or perhaps it's just a whistlestop on your way to Antigua, one of the best destinations in the country. Either way, traveling between the two is super easy, especially since most of the transport options offer door-to-door service.

It takes around one hour (more depending on traffic and the mode of transport you choose) to drive the 25 miles (40 km) through the interior of the country. 

You can take a bus, car or minivan to complete the trip. 

Five unmissable things to do in Antigua

Antigua is a charming colonial town with vibrant markets, cobblestone streets and jaw-dropping volcano views. There's something for everyone, starting with this list:

1. Hike Acatenango (and watch) Volcán de Fuego. If you're up for a challenge, the overnight hike to Acatenango is epic. You'll get to watch the very active Volcán de Fuego erupt in the distance! Not a hiker? No worries, you can still catch fiery eruptions from one of the rooftop bars in town.
   
   

2. Wander through the Santa Catalina Arch. This iconic yellow arch is the postcard image of Antigua. It's for sure Insta-famous, and you know what that means. Get there early to avoid crowds, and don't forget to snap a photo of a volcano perfectly framed in the background.
   
   

3. Explore the ruins. Over the centuries, Antiqua has been plagued with earthquakes, which means there are a lot of ruins to explore. Must-sees include San Francisco Church, Santa Clara Convent, and the eerie Las Capuchinas.
   
   

4. Indulge in Guatemalan coffee. Some people travel to Antigua just to immerse themselves in the coffee. The high altitude produces some of the best in the world. Visit a coffee finca (farm) for a tasting tour, and don't skip the local bean-to-bar chocolate shops for dessert.
   
   

5. Shop at the mercados. Antigua's markets are a shopper's dream, from colorful textiles to handwoven bags. Mercado Municipal is just a few blocks from the main square. It is where the locals shop for fruits, veggies, meats, and household goods. It's chaotic but authentic.

The Mercado de Artesanías is where you'll find beautiful handicrafts — think textiles, jade jewelry, wood carvings, leather goods, and traditional huipiles (embroidered blouses). Bargaining is expected here, so don't be afraid to negotiate! But don't insult them, either.

If you don't want to haggle, head to Nim Po't for fixed prices on a vast selection of traditional Mayan crafts and souvenirs. It's just near the Santa Catalina Arch, so you might as well do both in a day. 

How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua

There are three ways to get between these two destinations:

1. Bus

2. Car

3. Minivan
   
   

Since all the options are door-to-door service with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, you'll have to wait for other passengers. If your hotel is the last drop-off on the route, your journey may be a bit longer than if it's the first. Keep that in mind, and don't plan anything immediately after your arrival. Just in case there is traffic getting out of Guatemala City, and you're the last stop.

Here are the details for each to help you decide your best option.

Bus

Duration: 1.5 hours

Starting price: $19

With departures throughout the day and into the night, finding a bus to suit your itinerary won't be challenging. Believe it or not, it's not the cheapest way to get to Antigua. That award goes to a minivan.

But you'll get picked up from the Guatemala Airport (GUA) or your hotel and dropped off at your accommodations in Antigua. 

The buses are relatively modern and have air conditioning. Don't expect a toilet onboard or a bathroom break since the ride is short.

Private car

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Starting price: $60

If you want to ride in style, hire a private car for the trip. It's door-to-door service, so you can get picked up from the airport or your hotel and driven to your next accommodation in Antigua.

The price is a flat fee, meaning you can split it with your travel buddies. Cars have a maximum capacity of three passengers, and an SUV or truck is available for five people.

They are modern vehicles with air conditioning and a luggage allowance of 55 lb/25 kg (car) or 75 lb/35 kg (truck).

Since it's a private ride, you can stop whenever you like. Additionally, the departure time is up to you.  

If you get picked up at the airport, the driver will be in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it — all fancy-like.    

Minivan

Duration: 1-2 hours

Starting price: $12 for a shared seat and $50 for a private minivan

With tickets starting at $12, a shared minivan is the easiest on your wallet. There isn't much difference between it and a bus other than the size. You'll still get door-to-door service from the airport or your hotel to your next hotel. 

There are many departure times per day, making it easy to find your perfect time.

If you're traveling in a small group of 6-12 people, you can hire your own minivan transfer and split the cost. It's a flat fee, and depending on the size of the minivan, it starts at around $50. 

With a private minivan, you can pick your departure time, and request stops along the way.

Just like with a private car, you'll get an airport meet and greet if that is your pick-up point. Otherwise, they will get you at your hotel of choice and drop you at your next hotel. 

When is the best time to go to Antigua?

The dry season (November–April) is when the weather is sunny and cool — ideal for exploring. However, it is also peak tourist season, especially around Christmas and Semana Santa (March/April). You'll need to book way in advance. 

Go during Semana Santa for a vibrant but crowded religious festival. The streets are turned into vibrant alfombras (carpets) made of colored sawdust and flowers, and massive processions fill the city.

For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit during the rainy season (May–October), when mornings are usually dry and the landscapes are lush. 

How many days should you spend in Antigua?

Three to four days is the perfect amount of time to explore Antigua without feeling rushed. If you have extra time, you can take day trips to places like Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango Market, or other coffee farms. 

Where should you travel from Antigua?

After all the small-town colonial charm of Antigua, why not head to El Paredón, a laid-back Pacific coast treasure? It's just a 2.5-hour drive and is known for its black sand beaches, epic surf breaks, and relaxed atmosphere — a stark contrast to Antigua's colonial charm.

If you're not ready for coastal vibes, head to San Pedro La Laguna, one of the most popular villages on Lake Atitlán. It's a great base for exploring Guatemala's most beautiful lake.