You can get from Semuc Champey to Antigua by bus, shared shuttle, or rental car.
The cheapest option is to take the public bus, which costs around USD 12 and takes about 12 hours to complete.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, which offers the most comfortable and convenient alternative.
The fastest way is by rental car, which takes about 7 hours.
Guatemala’s roads have been my second home, and I’ve come to know their twists and turns intimately.
Join me as I unravel the best travel tips and tricks to ensure your Semuc Champey to Antigua trip is as colorful and vibrant as the country itself!
Transportation Options from Semuc Champey to Antigua
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle | 9 hrs | $41 |
| Public Bus | 12 hrs | ~$12 |
| Rental Car | 7 hrs | – |
1. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 9 hours
The first and best traveling option is the daily shared van shuttle!
These shuttles are comfortable, convenient, and well worth the price!
The ride on these vehicles lasts around 9 hours through the crazy Guatemalan jungle roads, but they are safe and well equipped, so you get a great experience and a smooth and comfortable journey!
The shuttles will pick you up at Gasolinera Exxon in Lanquin early in the morning and drop you off in Antigua’s Central Park in the afternoon.
Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 05:00pm | 9h | $41 |  |
2. Public Chicken Bus
Journey Duration: +11 hours
The public buses, or chicken buses as they are called, are another way to travel through Guatemala.
These buses are the most popular type of public transport and most commonly used by locals.
They are incredibly cheap, but remember that they are usually not recommended for long journeys like this one.
The trip will take more than 11 hours, including transfers. Since there isn’t a direct line connecting the two locations, you will have to stop in other cities to change buses.
But, if this doesn’t sound like a problem, we recommend you go ahead and experience the local Guatemalan lifestyle on this long journey!
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 7 hours
Finally, the last option for getting from Semuc Champey to Antigua is to rent a car!
Semuc Champey is in the middle of nowhere, so you must first get a car in the nearby town of Lanquin. But this should not be a problem since you can grab a cab to travel that short distance.
After that, you can pick one of the many options at a great price!
Car rentals in Guatemala are generally cheap, so going for this option will get you to Antigua in no time and save you a lot of money.
You can also take many stops along the way, enjoy the scenic views, and get fresh air.
It’s a transportation method that offers so much freedom and flexibility, but only if you’re up for driving yourself!
Best day tours in Antigua
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I travel without a car?
The best way to travel without a car is to get on a shared van shuttle. This option costs USD 41 and takes 9 hours to reach your destination.
Can I drive?
Yes, you can drive! The distance is 322 kilometers or 200 miles. However, be cautious of the crazy traffic and Guatemalan mountain roads when driving for the first time.
Is there a direct bus?
No, there isn’t direct public transport. To travel to Antigua with the public bus, you must take the Semuc Champey bus via Lanquín, Cobán, Guatemala Centra Norte, Plaza Barrios, and Guatemala El Trebol Zona 7.
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