Guatemala City Airport (IATA: GUA) is the main airport in Guatemala. I was positively surprised with the number of transportation options taking you from Guatemala Airport to Antigua or even further destinations. Available options include shuttle, Uber and private transportation, and it is much more convenient to have it pre-booked. It happens there are people outside the airport offering shuttle services from Guatemala Airport to Antigua, but it’s important to agree the price to avoid scamming.
There aren’t many travelers who decide to stay in Guatemala City upon landing, they choose to travel to gorgeous places like Antigua or Lake Atitlan. Connections to other destinations are available to arrange from the airport but I would strongly suggest deciding on your itinerary and booking in advance the preferred transportation.
Shuttle service from Guatemala Airport to Antigua.
Transportation options from Guatemala Airport to Antigua are well organized but require pre-booking. Even though my plane landed in the evening I managed to book a place in a shared shuttle, as I knew I would be going straight to a magnificent Antigua. I booked one way shared shuttle transfer from Guatemala Airport to Antigua for only $23.It was punctual and reliable.
A nice driver will come looking for you holding a sign with your name, you need to wait outside Baretto coffee shop – outside the airport (it’s very easy to find). I received a transfer voucher on my email with full instruction and a customer service line, which I called after landing to make sure all was in place. The lady in the customer line spoke English (which is very important) and assured me the driver was waiting for me. The minivan was comfortable and we reached Antigua in less than an hour along with other travelers.
Shuttle service is a highly popular and convenient way to travel from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua. What’s more important they offer a comfortable ride with door-to-door service. If you choose a shared shuttle, be prepared for a brief wait as they collect other passengers. The ride typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. After 8 pm it took us 1 hour to get from Guatemala Airport to Antigua.
- Antigua is located 40 kilometers from Guatemala Airport
- The drive takes 1-3 hours depending on traffic, which is enormous during the day.
- Pre-booked shuttle is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to travel from the airport. I paid $23 for a reliable minivan. Additionally, after paying online you don’t need to exchange money at the airport, you can do it in Antigua where 24h ATMs are available.
- There is no direct bus from Guatemala AIrport to Antigua, you need to get to Guatemala City first to catch a chicken bus.
How to get to Guatemala?
The majority of people travel to Guatemala by plane, landing in La Aurora Guatemala City Airport. Good flight deals can be obtained if booked in advance.
Visa & Entry Requirements – There are no special visa requirements for short-term stays in Guatemala for US and EU citizens.
At the Guatemala City Airport La Aurora.
Declaration forms on arrival – Ohh.. this is fun! I would be disappointed if things were straightforward 😉
In order to enter (and exit) Guatemala you need to fill out the Regional Traveler Affidavit – Guatemala (electronic Guatemalan immigration form) – Declaración jurada regional de viajero Guatemala.
The Regional Traveler Affidavit – Guatemala is to be filled out online, there is NO PAPER VERSION.
There are few computers at the airport but imagine a few hundred people trying to file the application.. Airport wifi is not working, so the only way is to grab one of the computers. The affidavit is easy, once submitted you will get an email with a QR code.
La Aurora Guatemala City Airport.
The airport arrival papers took a bit longer than I thought and the queue to for the last checking point was extreme! I was worried I would be late for my shuttle to Antigua, which waits up to 15 minutes for a passenger. At the exit security point nobody was scanning this QR code from the Travelers Affidavit, they had some problem with scanning devices.
Once you pass the last security checkpoint you are at the airport’s main hall, where all the rental companies are located. I saw some travelers collecting their cars but to be honest you must be crazy if you decide to drive in Guatemala! There is deficient road education and I don’t even want to say about the accidents I saw while traveling across the country. I know, people say driving in Asia is dangerous, but believe me, after years of traveling and spending months in Asia, Guatemala is one of the most risky countries when it comes to driving.
Services at Guatemala Airport.
- Car rentals
- Currency Exchange – there is an extra charge for currency exchange.
- ATMs are widely available in Antigua and Guatemala City.
- Coffee shops/food stalls.
- Taxis
Private transfers from Guatemala Airport to Antigua.
Some people prefer to book a private transfer, which allows to travel directly to your accommodation without any stops or extra delays. Several local companies offer this service, and you can usually book in advance online. Here are two top rated:
Renting a car in Guatemala.
If you’re an adventurous traveler who enjoys exploring at your own, renting a car is available in Guatemala. Numerous rental agencies operate at La Aurora Airport, book in advance to secure the best rates and availability. The drive from Guatemala airport to Antigua takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that driving in Guatemala can be challenging due to road conditions, local driving habits and poor road education.
Uber in Guatemala.
Uber was a blessing in Guatemala. I was using it constantly in Antigua, when I was changing my stays and needed a ride outside of the city.
Getting a taxi directly from the airport is possible – official taxis can be found at designated stands outside the terminal. Use only official taxis and make sure to agree on a fare before departing to avoid any misunderstandings. Check the price on Uber to get an idea of the transfer cost to your destination.
Chicken buses in Guatemala.
For adventurous travelers taking a public bus is an exciting way to experience local life. I’ve done it everywhere in Latin America, using local transportation is my favorite way of traveling. It takes more time but it’s a beautiful and authentic way to explore the country and local people. Chicken buses to Antigua run from Guatemala City, it requires more time and patience, as buses may wait to fill up before departing, but it will cost you peanuts ~ 10Q ($2.70).
Where to stay in Antigua?
Casa Ela.
I traveled quite a bit around Guatemala, so I tried number of hostels in Antigua. One of the nicest places I’ve stayed is Casa Ela. It’s a lovely family home with very good facilities and something unique – an irreplaceable volcano view from a terrace, where you can have breakfast. There’s free coffee and delicious breakfast every morning, while the dog is guarding the house. 😉
Hotel Selina Antigua.
Hotel Selina is a great travelers hub! You’ll be greated by a welcome drink. There are doorms and private rooms, lovely restaurant with regional dishes, swimming pool, hammocks, sunbeds, anything you need to rest and enjoy a beautiful surrounding.
Few other places I also stayed in Antigua and
BUDGET-FRIENDLY:
- Casa ELA – My favorite, I stayed for 3 nights. Lovely family house with an incredible Fuego Volcano view.
- Posada Maya – it’s a tiny, private place but very clean. Nice terrace though.
- Selina Antigua – great travelers hub, many tour options available to book at the reception. I stayed in a door (mixed 14) but the rooms are extremely spacious and there’s a huge well-equiped kitchen.
- Posada Dona Luisa
- Adra Hostel Boutique – with lots of in-house facilities.
COMFORT:
- 4* All Suite El Marques de Antigua
- Amazing 5* Boutique Villa in Antigua for only $100/per night
- Yellow House Hostel B&B
- Casa Los Habitantes Antigua Guatemala
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