How to get from Guatemala City La Aurora Airport to Antigua

Getting from Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to Antigua is a short 40 km hop that usually takes 1–2 hours depending on traffic; you can choose between shared airport shuttles, private transfers, ride-hailing apps like Uber, or a more local public-bus combo, and this guide walks you through each option with costs, booking links and step-by-step instructions so your first journey in Guatemala is smooth and safe.

At A Glance (Guatemala City La Aurora Airport to Antigua)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚐 Shared Shuttle Van (Airport → Antigua hotels)	~1–1.5h (traffic-dependent)	Most travelers, good value & simple
🏷️ Cost: ~US$15–25 per person » compare shuttles | shared transfer options
🚖 Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door)	~1–1.5h direct	Comfort, families, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–70 per car » private transfer deals | airport transfer listings
📱 Uber & Rideshare (App-Based)	~1–1.5h door-to-door	Flexible times, solo & couples
🏷️ Cost: ~GTQ 150–325 (≈US$20–45) per car depending on time of day » Uber airport info | inDrive rideshare
🚌 Public Bus + Short Taxi	~1.5–3h (connections & traffic)	Lowest cost, experienced travelers
🏷️ Cost: From ~GTQ 20–50 (≈US$3–7) + short airport taxi/Uber; check current schedules and prices locally at the airport or bus stops.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: Private transfers or taxis give the quickest, most direct trip, especially for late-night arrivals or if you’re tired after a long flight.
• Best Balance of Price & Comfort: Shared airport shuttles are the go-to for most travelers: reasonably priced, safe, and designed around flight arrivals.
• Most Flexible / App-Based: Uber or inDrive lets you request a ride when you land and see the price upfront, handy if your flight is delayed.
• Cheapest / Most Local Experience: Public bus plus local taxi/Uber is the lowest-cost option but requires more Spanish, patience, and comfort with busy bus terminals.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Prebook shuttles and private cars when possible: Reserve online before you fly so your driver or shuttle knows your flight details; compare options on 12Go, GetYourGuide transportation in Guatemala City, and Booking.com transfer services.
• Share your flight details: When booking transfers, always provide airline, flight number and arrival time so operators can adjust for delays.
• Use official meeting points: For shuttles and private cars, confirm where your driver will wait (usually just outside customs with a sign, or at a designated stand inside La Aurora Airport).
• Cash vs card: Have some Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ) for tips, snacks, and any local buses. Many shuttles and Ubers can be paid by card via the app, but cash is widely useful.
• Ride-hailing safety: Always double-check the license plate and driver name before getting in, and sit in the back seat with your bags close by.
• Luggage storage if you’re waiting around: If you plan to explore Guatemala City before heading to Antigua, consider locking your bags at a storage point; international services like Radical Storage list options in major cities worldwide, or ask the INGUAT tourist office inside the airport for current local options.
• Where to stay in Antigua: Browse colonial-style hotels and hostels on Booking.com Antigua Guatemala so you know your exact drop-off point.

🚐 Option #1 — Shared Shuttle Van (Most Popular, Good Value)

Comfort Budget-friendly Fixed schedule

• Overview: Shared shuttles are small vans that pick up passengers at La Aurora Airport (or sometimes central Guatemala City) and drop everyone at their hotels or central points in Antigua. They usually wait until a group is assembled and then drive straight to Antigua.
• How to book (with price): Expect to pay around US$15–25 per person. Compare operators and times for Guatemala City → Antigua on 12Go shuttles, or book a dedicated shared transfer on GetYourGuide. Some Antigua hotels and hostels (for example, popular backpacker spots and tour agencies) also sell shuttle tickets directly through their websites or reception desks.
• Pros: Designed for travelers; safer and more comfortable than public buses; door-to-door or central drop-off in Antigua; cost-effective for solo travelers.
• Cons: You travel on the shuttle’s timetable, not yours; they may wait for other passengers before leaving; journey can take longer if there are multiple drop-offs in Antigua.

Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle

1. Before your trip, book a shuttle that matches your flight arrival time via 12Go, GetYourGuide, Booking.com transfers, or directly with a reputable shuttle company or Antigua accommodation.
2. When booking, provide your airline, flight number and scheduled arrival time so the operator can track delays and know where to meet you.
3. On arrival at La Aurora Airport, clear immigration and customs, then look for your shuttle company sign or the prearranged meeting point in the arrivals hall.
4. Check in with the representative, confirm your name and destination hotel in Antigua, and wait in the designated area until the group is ready.
5. Board the van, placing large luggage in the rear and keeping valuables and travel documents with you. The drive usually takes 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
6. In Antigua, the shuttle will make several stops; be ready to get off when your hotel or drop-off point is called.

Getting to the main embarking points (La Aurora Airport Arrivals / City Pickups)

• From international arrivals (GUA): After customs, you’ll exit into the arrivals hall. Shuttle drivers usually wait here or just outside the main doors with signs showing passenger names or company logos.
• From Guatemala City hotels: Some shuttles offer pickups from popular areas (Zona 9, Zona 10/”Zona Viva”). Confirm the exact pickup point and time when booking.
• Tourist information: For up-to-date advice, you can ask at the INGUAT tourist information office, which provides assistance to international visitors arriving in Guatemala.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Private Transfer or Taxi (Fastest, Door-to-Door)

Door-to-door Best with luggage Higher cost

• Overview: With a private airport transfer or official taxi, a driver meets you at La Aurora Airport and takes you directly to your accommodation in Antigua with no stops for other passengers, ideal after a long-haul flight or when travelling with kids.
• How to book (with price): Expect around US$35–70 per car, depending on time of day, vehicle size and provider. Check one-way private transfer options on GetYourGuide or browse airport transfer listings on Booking.com. You can also request quotes via GetTransfer or arrange a pickup through your hotel.
• Pros: No waiting for other passengers; direct route; flexible departure time; safe and comfortable with space for luggage.
• Cons: More expensive than shared shuttles or public transport; prices may rise late at night or during holidays.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer or Taxi

1. Reserve a private transfer before your trip via GetYourGuide, Booking.com or your hotel, or plan to use an official taxi or reputable rideshare from the arrivals area.
2. Confirm the total price, vehicle type, inclusions (tolls, waiting time) and pick-up instructions. Share your flight details so the driver can track delays.
3. Upon arrival, clear immigration and customs, then meet your driver at the agreed point (inside arrivals with a sign, or at a specific curbside zone).
4. Verify the driver’s name and vehicle details before getting in. Load luggage securely and keep valuables with you in the back seat.
5. Enjoy the drive to Antigua, asking for a brief stop if needed (for snacks or an ATM) as long as it’s agreed in advance or clearly within the fare conditions.
6. At your accommodation, settle any remaining balance and consider a tip if service was excellent.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Stand / Hotel Pickups)

• Airport taxi stand: Just outside the arrivals hall, you’ll find official taxis; agree on a fixed fare to Antigua before departing or use the meter if recommended.
• Hotel pickups in Guatemala City: If staying a night in the capital first, many hotels can arrange a private car directly from their lobby to Antigua.
• Official aviation authority: For general information about La Aurora Airport and aviation in Guatemala, consult the civil aviation authority’s site at DGAC Guatemala.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

📱 Option #3 — Uber & Rideshare (Flexible, On-Demand)

On-demand Transparent pricing Price surges possible

• Overview: Uber and inDrive operate in Guatemala City, and many travelers use them for the airport–Antigua route. You request via the app once you’re ready, see an estimated fare and pay through the app or in cash (for inDrive).
• How to book (with price): Open the Uber or inDrive app after landing, set your pickup to La Aurora International Airport and destination to your hotel in Antigua. Typical fares range from about GTQ 150–325 (≈US$20–45) depending on time of day and demand. For airport pickup details, see Uber’s GUA airport page; for negotiating rides in-app, check inDrive.
• Pros: Highly flexible; you can leave as soon as you exit customs; you see the price estimate before confirming; often cheaper than a hotel-arranged private transfer.
• Cons: Surge pricing at very busy times; you may wait a bit for a driver; mobile data or airport Wi‑Fi is required; Spanish helps if discussing route or tolls.

Step-by-step: Uber / inDrive

1. Before travelling, install Uber and/or inDrive and add a payment method (card or cash preference). Make sure you’ll have mobile data on arrival or connect to airport Wi‑Fi.
2. After leaving customs, move to the designated ride-hailing pickup area or curb (follow app instructions or airport signage).
3. Enter your Antigua hotel or address in the app, check the estimated fare and travel time, and confirm the ride.
4. Verify the driver’s license plate, car model and name before getting into the vehicle.
5. During the ride, keep doors locked, wear your seatbelt and keep valuables close. If you want a specific route (for example, avoiding rush-hour bottlenecks), politely ask the driver.
6. On arrival, confirm the final fare in the app or pay in cash as required, then rate the driver.

Getting to the main embarking points (Ride-Hailing Pickup Zones)

• Airport pickup lanes: At La Aurora, ride-hailing pickups typically occur in the general arrivals pickup lanes where friends and family wait; check your app’s instructions for the exact zone.
• From Guatemala City hotels: If spending time in the city, you can request an Uber or inDrive directly from your hotel entrance to Antigua.
• Return trips: For Antigua → La Aurora Airport, schedule a ride in advance via Uber Reserve if you’re worried about early-morning departures.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Public Bus + Short Taxi (Cheapest, Most Local)

Very cheap Local experience Least comfortable

• Overview: There is no simple public city bus directly from the airport terminal to Antigua. Instead, budget travelers sometimes combine a short taxi/Uber into the city with a public bus (often called a “chicken bus”) or an intercity coach toward Antigua. This is the cheapest way but also the most confusing and time-consuming.
• How to book (with price): Public buses are usually paid in cash on board and cost from about GTQ 10–30 depending on route; add a short airport–terminal taxi or Uber at around GTQ 30–60. There’s no central online booking for local buses, so always confirm exact fares and routes on the ground.
• Pros: Cheapest option; very local travel experience; frequent departures in daytime.
• Cons: Crowded buses with limited luggage space; higher risk of petty theft; best suited to experienced, Spanish-speaking travelers without much baggage; not recommended after dark.

Step-by-step: Public Bus + Taxi

1. From the airport arrivals area, take a short licensed taxi or ride-hail into the city to a known bus departure area for Antigua (ask airport staff or the INGUAT tourist office for the current recommended stop and safety advice).
2. Confirm with drivers or conductors that the bus is heading to Antigua Guatemala and ask about the fare before boarding.
3. Keep your valuables on your lap or in a money belt, and store larger bags where you can see them if possible.
4. Pay the fare in quetzales when the conductor asks; keep small bills handy.
5. On arrival at the Antigua bus terminal or roadside stop, take a short tuk-tuk, local taxi or walk to your accommodation depending on distance, time of day and luggage.

Getting to the main embarking points (City Bus Stops / Terminals)

• From La Aurora Airport: Use an official taxi, Uber or inDrive to reach the current Antigua-bound bus stop or terminal recommended by airport staff or your accommodation.
• In Guatemala City: If already downtown, ask your hotel or a trusted local contact for the safest and most convenient Antigua-bound bus stop.
• Safety note: Because bus terminals can be crowded and sometimes chaotic, this option is generally better during daylight hours and if you are familiar with Latin American bus travel.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Guatemala City La Aurora Airport to Antigua)

How long does it take to get from La Aurora Airport to Antigua?
In light traffic, the drive can be as quick as 45 minutes, but most travelers should plan on around 1–1.5 hours. During rush hour or bad weather, it can stretch closer to 2 hours or more, so allow plenty of buffer if you’re catching an onward tour or language class.

Is it safe to arrive at night and go straight to Antigua?
Many people travel from evening flights straight to Antigua using prebooked shuttles, private transfers or Uber/inDrive. The key is to arrange transport in advance wherever possible, meet drivers at well-lit, official pickup points, and go directly to your accommodation rather than walking around with luggage late at night.

Should I choose a shared shuttle or a private transfer?
If you’re solo or on a budget and your flight fits shuttle schedules, a shared van is usually the sweet spot between price and comfort. If you arrive very late, have a lot of luggage, or value privacy and flexibility, a private transfer or Uber-style ride is worth the extra cost.

Can I rent a car at La Aurora Airport and drive myself to Antigua?
Yes, several international and local car-rental agencies operate at La Aurora Airport and in Guatemala City. However, traffic can be hectic and local driving styles assertive, so many first-time visitors prefer to transfer to Antigua by shuttle or private car, then rent locally later if they plan a wider road trip.

Do I need to book in advance or can I just find transport when I land?
You can often find shuttles and taxis on arrival, especially during the day, but for peace of mind—particularly if arriving in the evening or high season—it’s smart to prebook at least your first ride to Antigua through a trusted company or platform.