You can get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City by shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option to travel from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City is by shared shuttle, which costs from USD 40 to USD 42. The journey takes between 4.5 and 5.5 hours.
The most popular option is also the shared shuttle, offering a convenient and affordable alternative.
The fastest way to travel to Guatemala City from Lake Atitlan is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 3.5 hours.
Crisscrossing through Guatemala, I’ve picked up a host of tips on how to travel smart, whether heading up into the highlands or down to the coast.
I’ve packed this guide with all that practical advice to give you a hassle-free experience when traveling from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City.
Transportation Options from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City
The following table outlines all transportation options from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City | 4.5-5.5 hrs | $40 to 42 |
| Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City Private Transfer | 3.5 hrs | $215 to 275 |
| Rental Car | 3.5 hrs | – |
How far is Guatemala City from Lake Atitlan?
The distance from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City is 78 miles or 125.3 kilometers.
Getting to Guatemala City from Lake Atitlan
1. Shared Shuttle from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City
Journey Duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
Visiting Guatemala City from Lake Atitlan can be made easy and affordable through shared shuttle services offered by two reliable providers, Magic Travel and Atitrans.
With multiple daily departures, you can choose a schedule that fits your itinerary. A one-way ticket will cost you between USD 40-42, making it an economical option for travelers!
The shared shuttles depart from Panajachel and usually take around 5 hours to reach Guatemala City. This option is popular among travelers and is known for its comfort and efficiency.
The shuttles provide a convenient drop-off service, taking you straight to your hotel upon arrival in Guatemala City.
If you plan on taking this mode of transportation, booking your seat in advance is best, as seats fill up quickly.Â
With a few clicks, you can check the schedules, choose your desired departure time, and secure your seat on the shared shuttle!
Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City Shared Van Shuttle Schedule
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00am | 02:30pm | 5h 30m | $42 |  |
| 12:00pm | 05:00pm | 5h | $42 | |
| 04:00pm | 09:00pm | 5h | $42 | |
2. Private Transfer from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Getting from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City by private transfer is a comfortable and hassle-free option for those who prefer a more personalized travel experience!
You can book a private transfer online and get an arranged private vehicle and a professional driver!
Upon booking, you will be asked to specify your pick-up location, time, and desired drop-off location in Guatemala City. On your travel day, the driver will meet you at your hotel in one of the towns surrounding Lake Atitlan.Â
From there, you will be transported in a private vehicle, allowing for a more relaxed and flexible travel experience.
The journey from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City typically takes around 4 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views during the journey!
Private transfers offer higher comfort, flexibility, and privacy than shared shuttles, making it a popular choice among travelers willing to pay a little extra for a more luxurious travel experience.Â
This is also perfect when traveling in a group since you can share the cost of the whole vehicle!
Prices for a private transfer from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City
- 1-3 passengers: USD 215
- 4-6 passengers: USD 245
- 7-9 passengers: USD 275
3. Driving with a Rental Car from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Traveling from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City by rental car offers the perfect blend of freedom and adventure. For those who enjoy the thrill of exploring a new place at their own pace, this mode of transportation is an ideal choice!
The journey from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on road conditions and traffic.
You can make stops whenever and wherever you want with a rental car. But, before you start your journey, remember to follow traffic laws, bring a GPS or map, and ensure your vehicle is fully fueled.
It’s important to note that some rental car companies may have restrictions or extra fees for driving in certain regions, so be sure to check the company’s policy before renting.
Additionally, be mindful of the driving conditions in Guatemala, as the roads can be in poor condition, and the driving experience can be challenging at times.
To start, simply research local rental car companies and compare their rates and policies to find the best deal.
Once you’ve found the right company, reserve your rental car online!
Best day tours in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Guatemala City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City?
The cheapest way to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City is by shared van shuttle, which costs only USD 40-USD 42!
What is the fastest way to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City?
The fastest way to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City is by car. It takes only 3 hours and 30 minutes to travel by car from Atitlan Lake to Guatemala City!
Can I rent a car to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City?
Yes, you can rent a car from local rental car companies.
Can I book my transportation from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City in advance?
Yes, arranging your transportation in advance is advised, especially during busy travel times. Your travel arrangements from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City can be made here!
Where does the shuttle to Guatemala City depart from?
The Magic Travel shared van shuttle departs from Muelle Tzanjuyu Panajachel, while the Atitrans shuttles depart from Tzanjuyu Dock in front of Xocomil Tours in Panajachel.
More Routes from Lake Atitlan
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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