How do you get to Antigua?
Getting There8.9/10Easier to reach than about 90% of cities
- Main airport
- La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: cymantravel.com, thoroughlytravel.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- La Aurora Airport (GUA) is the only major airport serving Antigua. Pre-book airport transfers if arriving outside business hours (late night flights have limited shuttle availability).
- Traffic from Guatemala City to Antigua is highly unpredictable—budget 45 minutes in light traffic, up to 2.5+ hours during rush hours (7-10am, 4-8pm weekdays).
- Avoid unmarked street taxis and unsolicited help with luggage outside the airport. Use authorized taxis from the airport booth or book Uber from within the terminal.
- Antigua's historic center is best explored on foot. Cobblestone streets are uneven—wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Tuk-tuks are common for short trips within town but typically charge foreigners more. Always negotiate price before departure.
- Uber operates in Antigua with good coverage but has surge pricing during rain (May-Oct) and rush hours (1.5-3x normal fares).
- Day trips to Chichicastenango, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal require full day commitment (2.5-10 hours depending on destination). Pacaya and nearby coffee farms are easier half-day options.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Christmas see inflated shuttle prices and sold-out transportation—book well in advance.
- Public 'chicken buses' are cheapest but not recommended for first-time visitors with luggage due to crime and comfort concerns.
Day Trips From Antigua
Volcan Pacaya
- Distance Km
- 60
- Tour Cost USD
- 20-25
- Travel time
- 1.25 hours
- Description
- Active volcano with guided hikes to summit. Views of lava, thermal vents.
Hobbitenango
- Distance Km
- 15
- Admission Cost
- GTQ 50
- Duration Minutes
- 20
- Description
- Hobbit-themed eco-village inspired by Lord of the Rings. Swings, views, themed meals.
Lake Atitlán
- Distance Km
- 55
- Travel time
- 2.5 hours
- Description
- Volcanic crater lake with Mayan villages. Full-day tours include villages of San Juan, San Pedro, Santiago.
Chichicastenango Market
- Distance Km
- 55
- Travel time
- 2.5 hours
- Description
- Indigenous craft market (largest in Latin America). Full-day excursion required.
Coffee Finca Tours (Jocotenango)
- Tour Cost
- GTQ 75
- Distance Km
- 10
- Travel time
- 2 hours
- Description
- Visit coffee farms like Finca Azotea and Finca Filadelfia for tours and tastings.
Ciudad Vieja
- Distance Km
- 15
- Duration Minutes
- 20
- Description
- Colonial town with baroque church, nearby brewery Cerveceria 14 with volcano views.
Acatenango Volcano
- Distance Km
- 40
- Travel time
- 12 hours
- Description
- Guatemala's highest volcano. Typically overnight hike but possible as strenuous 12-hour day trip at dawn.
Lake Amatitlán
- Distance Km
- 60
- Travel time
- 1.5 hours
- Description
- Volcanic crater lake. Hot springs, boat trips, national park hiking.
Airport Transfers To Antigua
45-90
- Cost
- GTQ 82
- Notes
- Most common option. Book through Guatego, Bookaway, GetYourGuide, or Viator. Shuttles depart multiple times daily. Wait time for other passengers.
45-90
- Cost
- GTQ 382
- Notes
- For 1-2 people. No waiting for other passengers, direct to hotel. Recommended for late-night arrivals.
45-90
- Cost
- GTQ 230
- Notes
- Ranges $35-55 USD depending on surge pricing. Rush hours (7-10am, 4-8pm) see higher fares. Request in app at designated pickup area outside terminal.
45-90
- Cost
- GTQ 305
- Notes
- Book at official taxi kiosk inside arrivals (look for 'Taxi Amarillo' or authorized stand). Fixed rates. Avoid unlicensed drivers.
90-120
- Cost
- GTQ 15
- Notes
- Most economical but not recommended for travelers with luggage or arriving alone. Requires connection from airport to El Trebol bus station. Crime risk noted by security advisories.
Airport
- Name
- La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
- Location
- Guatemala City
Airlines
- United
- Avianca
- American Airlines
- COPA
- Volaris
- Spirit
- TAG
Distance To City
- Miles
- 28
- Kilometers
- 45
- Travel Time Minutes
- 45-90 depending on traffic
Rail Ferry
- Ferry
- No ferry service to Antigua.
- Passenger Rail
- No service. Passenger rail in Guatemala ceased operations in 2007.
Ground Transport Within Antigua
- Walking
- City center is compact and highly walkable (~1 km x 1 km grid). Most attractions within 10-15 minute walk.
Uber
- Availability
- Available in Antigua with good coverage
- Cost Range Short Trip
- GTQ 25
- Notes
- Cheaper than regular taxis for most trips. GPS-tracked for safety.
Taxis
- Cost Range
- GTQ 40
- Availability
- Readily available, can hail on street or book via app
- Notes
- Always agree on fare before entering. Negotiate price with street taxis.
Tuk Tuk
- Availability
- Common throughout city
- Notes
- Can take shortcuts cars cannot. Prices often double for obvious tourists.
- Cost Note
- Typically more expensive than Uber but convenient for navigating cobblestone streets. Agree on price beforehand.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Antigua
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.