You can get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
The cheapest way is by bus, which costs USD 5 and takes 3 to 4 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering convenience at an affordable price.
The fastest way is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 2.5 hours.
From the colorful chicken buses to speedy shuttles, I’ve experienced Guatemala’s transport quirks.
In this guide, I’m excited to pass on my tips for navigating these options, helping you get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, and making the most of your Guatemalan adventure!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 3-4 hrs | $5 |
| Shuttle | 3 hrs | $25 |
| Private Transfer | ~2.5 hrs | $190 to 265 |
| Rental Car | ~2.5 hrs | |
| Taxi | ~2.5 hrs | $50 |
1. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 3 hours
If you do not like crowded public transport or want to travel more comfortably, taking the shuttle is the easiest way to go!
A shuttle service also offers a comfortable break halfway through your journey, something you do not get with a regular public bus. Besides, it doesn’t cost much more!
The tickets for the shared shuttle cost only USD 25, provide comfort, and arrive at your destination in only 3 hours!
Atitrans offers daily shared shuttles that depart multiple times during the day, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your schedule!
You can check their schedules here to make sure you arrive on time!
Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the Atitrans shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:30am | 08:30am | 3h | $25 |  |
| 08:00am | 11:00am | 3h | $25 | |
| 12:30pm | 03:30pm | 3h | $25 | |
| 04:00pm | 07:00pm | 3h | $25 | |
2. Bus
Journey Duration: 3 – 4 hours
You can also take the chicken bus, a public transportation option, to Lake Atitlan for the lowest cost.
Panajachel is the most accessible place to get to if you plan to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan by bus.
Even though this trip only costs USD 5, it can be a bit of a struggle. Because of the limited timetable, you will probably need to find another way to travel if you cannot depart in the morning.
One bus leaves directly from the central bus station near the market early in the morning. The bus departs at 7:00 AM and arrives in Panajachel at 10:45 PM.
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
A private shuttle to Lake Atitlan is available for those who don’t mind paying more!
This type of private transfer offers you the convenience of arranging your departure time without being constrained by schedules.
Furthermore, you can select the exact location where you want to be dropped off and even request stops en route.
Besides, if you are traveling with a group, the cost can be split, and you can get a safe and comfortable trip for an affordable price.
Prices for a private transfer to Lake Atitlan:
- 1-3 passengers: USD 190
- 4-6 passengers: USD 215
- 7-9 passengers: USD 230
- 10-12 passengers: USD 265
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
A rental car can be a great way to see as much as possible while stopping at the attractions.
However, driving to Panajachel can be challenging, with plenty of winding mountain roads through tiny villages and the usual traffic headaches.
A car allows you to explore as much as possible, so take advantage of this solution and make the best of your trip!
The best time to leave is early in the morning so that you will be able to take a boat trip around the lake, see a few villages, see the three volcanoes, do a cultural tour, and get back to Antigua in time for dinner, so you don’t drive late at night.
If you plan to drive out to the lake for just a day trip before returning to Antigua, renting a car might be the best option since it offers the most flexibility and comfort, all for an affordable price!
5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
And finally, you can take a taxi or call an Uber to reach Lake Atitlan.
Due to the shorter distance, your fare should not exceed USD 50, and to ensure that you are paying the correct amount, always discuss it with your driver or the company in advance.
You can be picked up at your accommodation in Antigua and dropped off in Panajachel, San Marcos, San Pedro, or anywhere else in the area of Lake Atitlan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber work in Antigua?
Guatemala offers Uber services. However, if you’re traveling solo, you shouldn’t do this unless you are traveling after 07:00 PM due to traffic (it’ll cost a fortune, possibly even more than a taxi).
Is it easy to drive in Guatemala?
The roads in Guatemala’s populated areas are in decent shape. However, some streets outside the city are dirt or gravel; during the rainy season (April to October), they can be challenging to drive on. A 4WD is recommended if you’re leaving the city.
What is the typical food in Guatemala?
Pepian, kakik, tamales, hilachas, empanadas, and revolcado are some of the most popular traditional Guatemalan meals.
What is Guatemala famous for?
This Latin American country is best known for its volcanoes, Mayan culture, and Antigua’s colorful colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from its wealth of local talent and produce, it is also home to some of the best agriculture in the world.
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