Getting Around, Antigua Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Antigua, Central Highlands, Guatemala)
Travel to Antigua is straightforward, as it is nice and close to the capital,
Guatemala City. Antigua is relatively compact and is therefore highly suitable for negotiating on foot, often meaning that there is little need for local transport.
Most people get here by flying into nearby La Aurora International and then transferring by taxi. Public transport is fairly basic and comprises buses and taxis. While buses travel everywhere, including regularly between Antigua and Guatemala City, it is best to taxi it if you can. The level of crime here is high, with public transportation and routes being riddled with pickpockets.
La Aurora International Airport (GUA) / Arriving by Air
Address: Avenida 11, Zona 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 2332 6086
Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport also serves Antigua and is conveniently placed, being around 25 km / 16 miles to the east and easily reachable in under an hour. This is Central America's third-busiest airport and is a no-fuss facility, serving more than two million passengers each year and receiving flights from all over the Americas, as well as from
Spain (
Madrid and San Salvador) with Iberia Airlines. Passenger amenities are fair and regular shuttle transport runs to the city each day, until around 20:00. Taxis are also on-hand if required.
Car Rental
It is well worth renting a car while in Antigua, although don't do so just to explore the city, as it is easily navigable on foot. Nearby, though, are some spectacular volcanoes and interesting cities that are easily accessed by road. If possible, do try to avoid driving anywhere in
Guatemala at night, for safety reasons. Worth noting, if you are planning to drive along dangerous roads that have been prone to hijacking, you can arrange an escort in advance via Asistur.
Buses and Coaches
Buses from Guatemala City run to Antigua every 15 minutes or so from the El Trebol intersection in Zona 8, with an approximate journey time of an hour. The Antigua bus station is on the Calle 4a Poniente, near the Municipal Market. It is not worth taking a bus anywhere in Antigua, since it is small enough to not need to and bus journeys around the city can be troublesome.
If you are planning day trips, then you may like to note that local buses regularly travel between nearby destinations such as Chimaltenango (45 minutes), Ciudad Vieja (20 minutes), Escuintla (one hour), Panajachel (two hours and 30 minutes), San Antonio Aguas Calientes (30 minutes) and Santa Maria de Jesus (one hour). Safety is a real concern, especially when travelling at night.
Many local travel agencies in Antigua also lay on minibus transport, with daily shuttle services targeting the tourist market and connecting La Aurora Airport, Chichicastenango, Coban, Guatemala City, Monterrico, Panajachel and
Quetzaltenango.
Taxis
Taxis are the best bet for getting about other than on foot and generally congregate on the eastern side of the Parque Central. They are certainly the best option for travelling to town from the airport, being fast and easy. While steeply priced (relatively), the convenience makes it worth it. Motorised rickshaws (three-wheeler tuk tuks) are also available and perfect for short journeys, although tuk tuks are not actually permitted in the city centre.
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