You can get from San Pedro to Antigua by boat + shared shuttle, chicken bus, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by boat and chicken bus, which costs USD 15 and takes about 4 hours.
The most popular option is the boat + shared shuttle because it offers the most convenience while still being affordable.
The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 3 hours.
Check out our guide for the best travel options from San Pedro to Antigua!
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Boat + Shuttle | 3.5 hrs | $25 |
| Boat + Chicken Bus | ~4 hrs | $15 |
| Private Transfer | ~3 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~3 hrs | – |
1. Boat + Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
The shuttles will pick you up at Tzanjuyu Dock in Panajachel, which is a short boat trip from San Pedro.
Unfortunately, the boat fare is not included in the price for the shuttle, but it should be no problem since the boat ride alone costs only USD 8!
You will first get on a boat from San Pedro to Panajachel and then transfer to the shared van shuttle. Finally, when you arrive in Antigua, the driver will drop you off directly in front of your hotel!
The road trip with these shuttles lasts approximately 3 hours.
Atitrans provides cheap shuttle services twice daily between the two locations. Due to the limited frequency of this mode of transportation, we recommend checking availability to ensure you don’t miss your trip.
Shared Shuttle Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00am | 12:30pm | 3h 30m | $25 |  |
| 12:00pm | 03:00pm | 3h | $25 | |
2. Boat + Chicken Bus
Journey Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
The public buses, or chicken buses as they’re called in Guatemala, provide another option for traveling through the country.
Chicken buses are the most common mode of public transportation used by locals. And compared to other options, they are incredibly cheap!
The trip will cost USD 15, including the boat and four chicken buses!
Yes, you have to transfer between 4 chicken buses, but the time to reach Antigua is the same as when traveling by shuttle.
You must make three additional stops before arriving in Antigua from Panajachel, but all this is just part of the adventure!
You will make the first stop in Solola, where you will transfer to another bus to Los Encuentros. Next is the trip to Chimaltenango, where you finally take the last bus to Antigua!
The whole trip lasts around 3 hours, including transfers!
If this doesn’t sound like too much of a hassle, we recommend you take the boat and chicken bus and experience the local Guatemalan lifestyle on this journey!
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
This type of transportation is the best option because it lets you travel in top-quality cars with cozy interiors, air conditioning, and the freedom to plan everything yourself!
Plus, you get directly from one destination to another without any transfer, which takes extra time! Traveling to Antigua requires all that, especially considering the long journey there.
The private shuttles offer greater efficiency and flexibility, so you can stop at specific locations upon request to take pictures, use the restrooms, and have a lunch break.
You will be picked up from your location in San Pedro and transported to Antigua in less than 3 hours! Traveling from San Pedro to Antigua by this mode of transportation is the most convenient and economical choice if you travel with a group and agree to split the cost.
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
Only choose this option if you feel comfortable navigating the Guatemalan roads and traffic!
But besides this, the three-hour drive is delightful!
You can cut out a portion of the journey to save time, allowing you to explore more and spend less time waiting for transportation and transfers.
You arrive in Antigua with total freedom, and it is one of the quickest ways to get there. Getting in your car is the best way to explore the region and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a shuttle?
The shuttle service from the dock in Panajachel to Antigua costs USD 25.
How do you get from San Pedro to Panajachel?
The fastest way to get to Panajachel from San Pedro La Laguna is by the Atitlan Speedboats.
How much is the boat from San Pedro to Panajachel?
Atitlan Speedboats operates an hourly ferry service between San Pedro La Laguna and Panajachel. Tickets cost USD 4, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
How much does it cost to ride a chicken bus in Guatemala?
The chicken buses are very cheap and usually cost USD 2 per ride! The trip from Panajachel to Antigua will cost USD 7, including four chicken buses!
How to get by chicken bus from Panajachel to Antigua?
There is no direct connection from Panajachel to Antigua, Guatemala, so you must make multiple transfers on the chicken bus. The route is Panajachel – Solola – Los Encuentros – Chimaltenango – Antigua.
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