Looking for Your definitive Guatemala Transit Guide (w/ tips for using it with kids)?
- Trevor Lawrence
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Guatemala Transit Guide: Getting Around, from City to Highlands
Navigating Guatemala's transit network can be a wild ride, but it's surprisingly accessible—even with kids in tow. This public transit guide covers Antigua and Lake Atitlan as well.
Special Considerations for Parents
Strollers: Not feasible on chicken buses or in crowded shuttles. Antigua’s cobblestones are stroller-unfriendly—opt for baby-wearing.
Baby Wearing: Wear very supportive shoes or hiking boots. Flip-flops could spell disaster unless you're as sure-footed as a mountain goat. Many sidewalks are narrow or uneven.
Car Seats: Rarely used or available in taxis and shuttles. If bringing your own, make sure it has a seat belt attachment.
Rest Stops: Long-distance shuttles often include bathroom/snack breaks—but always bring supplies for on-the-road feeding and changing emergencies.
Public Transit Overview
Mode | What It Covers | Key Notes |
Chicken Buses (WS&T Fave) | All over Guatemala, including major highways | Colorful, cheap, but chaotic. Former US school buses repurposed for local use. Not ideal with kids or large luggage. |
Shuttles (Tourist Vans) | Between major tourist hubs (e.g., Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlán) | Safer and more comfortable than chicken buses. Can be booked ahead. |
Public Buses (Rutas Cortas) | Within and between local towns | Inexpensive but inconsistent schedules. Rarely marked. Spanish helpful. |
Uber / InDriver | Major cities, including Guatemala City | Affordable. InDriver allows fare negotiation. Not always available outside cities. |
Taxis | Cities and airports | Can be expensive for tourists. Always negotiate price or insist on meter. |
Tuk-tuks | Short distances in smaller towns | Quick and cheap. Great for short hops in places like Antigua or Panajachel. |
Ticket Types & Prices
Ticket Type | Cost Range | Notes |
Chicken Bus Fare | Q5–Q30 (~$0.65–$4) | Pay in cash onboard. Hold onto small bills. |
Shuttle (Guatemala City to Antigua) | Q90–Q150 (~$12–$20) | Most include hotel pickup. Best to reserve in advance. |
Uber/InDriver (within Guatemala City) | Q20–Q60 (~$2.50–$8) | Prices vary by distance and time of day. |
Tuk-tuk Rides | Q5–Q20 (~$0.65–$2.50) | No meter. Always ask price before boarding. |
How to Buy Tickets
Chicken Buses: Pay the fare collector (cobrador) in cash onboard.
Shuttles: Book in advance through:
Travel agencies (in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, etc.)
Hotel reception desks
Online sites like GuateGo: https://www.guatemalatransport.com
Uber: Android | Apple
InDriver: Android | Apple
Ticket Activation & Usage
No activation necessary for any transit type.
For shuttles, show your confirmation email or receipt to the driver.
Always confirm destination and cost before boarding a tuk-tuk or chicken bus.
Useful Maps & Apps
Maps.me: Great for offline routing (especially outside city areas). Android | Apple
Rome2Rio: Good for long-distance planning. https://www.rome2rio.com
Travel Like a Local
Most locals travel early in the day to avoid afternoon rains and traffic.
Don’t expect timetables—"approximate" is the norm.
Guatemalan Spanish is generally clear and friendly—learning key transit phrases can go a long way.
WS&T Family Tip: Booking a shared shuttle with confirmed pickup/drop-off is the easiest and most comfortable way to go from Guatemala City to Antigua with children. Avoid peak arrival times at La Aurora Airport (noon–4pm) to reduce wait time for transfers.
Send pics of your favorite chicken bus!
While subject to change due to construction, schedule and route issues, we do our best to keep the Guatemala (including Antigua and Lake Atitlan) transit guide (with kids) up to date.
Let us know if you see something that needs revision, or notice any glaring issues with our memory of the system.
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