You can travel from Semuc Champey to Flores and Tikal by shared shuttle, private transfer, guided tour, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by shared shuttle, which costs USD 71.
The shared shuttle is the most popular option, but you must travel for two days and board two shuttles.
The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 8 hours.
My adventures across Guatemala have taught me a thing or two about moving from A to B in this vibrant country.
Join me as I break down the smoothest ways to travel from Semuc Champey to Flores and Tikal, making your Guatemalan trip unforgettable!
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle from Semuc Champey to Flores | 9 hrs | $41 |
| Shuttle from Flores to Tikal | 2 hrs | $30 to 45 |
| Shuttle + Tour | 2 hrs | $45 |
| Private Transfer | ~8 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~ 8 hrs | – |
1. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 9 hours
Since both Semuc Champey and Tikal are national parks, it’s difficult to get directly from one destination to another, considering the long distance and lack of direct transportation.
Therefore you must first travel from Semuc Champey to Flores and continue your journey to Tikal the next day.
This way, the journey from Semuc Champey to Tikal will take approximately two days, but that’s why it’s good first to stop and rest in Flores overnight!
One direct shuttle departing from Semuc Champey will take you to Flores in about 9 hours. The shuttle departs early in the morning from Gasolinera Exxon in Lanquin, the town near Semuc Champey, where you will probably be staying.
Considering the crazy mountainous roads and Guatemalan traffic, it’s a long journey. Still, it is the only way to travel with public tourist transport from Semuc Champey to Flores at a lower price.
Once you arrive in Flores, you have a night to rest, so booking a room is probably best since the next shuttle to your final destination is the next day.
Also, remember to book your seats one day ahead since this is the only shuttle and can be overcrowded. Luckily, you can book your tickets online and not stress about your journey!
Semuc Champey to Flores Shared Shuttle Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 05:00pm | 9h | $41 |  |
2. Shared Shuttle from Flores to Tikal
Journey Duration: 2 hours
Once in Flores, you’re just a 2-hour road trip from Tikal!
Multiple shuttles depart from Flores to Tikal daily, with tickets priced between USD 30 and 45.
The journey takes 2 hours, and you will travel comfortably in an air-conditioned shared van shuttle.
The shuttle departs from the entrance of Flores at the “I Love Petén” sign and drops you off in Tikal National Park, where you have the whole day ahead to explore!
To travel from Semuc Champey to Tikal, you must be in Flores one day before since the shuttles to Tikal leave only early in the morning. So there is no way to make it directly from Semuc Champey on the same day.
It’s also best to get your tickets to Tikal ahead so you don’t miss your only ride that comes at such an affordable price!
Flores to Tikal Shared Shuttle Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 10:00am | 2h | $30 | |
| 06:00am | 08:00am | 2h | $45 | |
| 08:00am | 10:00am | 2h | $45 | |
| 10:00am | 12:00pm | 2h | $45 | |
Although this option is the cheapest, you must organize the trip by booking everything separately.
If you want to skip this process, you can now book one ticket for only USD 75 and get both shuttle rides with one booking!
This is the same route as the one explained above, which also takes two days to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal. The only difference is that you get a combined ticket for both shuttles and reserved seats with just one click!
This ticket offers only one daily departure, so I recommend booking earlier in advance!
Semuc Champey to Tikal Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Semuc Champey to Flores, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 12:00am | 16h | $75 | |
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Flores to Tikal, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 10:00am | 2h | $75 | |
3. Shared Shuttle + Tour
Journey Duration: 2 hours
For an extra USD 15, you can travel from Flores to Tikal while guided by a professional through the National Park!
For a little extra, you get a round trip on the shared van shuttle that departs simultaneously with the regular shuttle transport and a guided tour with a guide explaining everything you need to know about Tikal!
This is a convenient and cost-effective option since it provides a way back to Flores.
The shuttle leaves for Flores at 03:00 PM and departs from the spot where it leaves you off.
You will get an organized day full of adventure and won’t have to worry about finding your way around the National Park!
Flores to Tikal Shared Shuttle + Tour Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 10:00am | 2h | $45 | |
4. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: ~7 hours
Your driver will pick you up at your designated spot, either from your hotel in Lanquin or Semuc Champey, and drive you through the mountains to your accommodation in Flores.
You can even get directly to Tikal, but it is a long journey from Semuc Champey, so you might want to rest for a day in Flores to get a full day of exploring in Tikal.
However, if you still travel from Semuc Champey to Tikal in one day, we recommend you book your private transfer to depart as early as possible since the car drive takes around 7 hours.
The price of this option is also reasonably high. Therefore, it is usually only recommended for groups, families, or those who are into luxury travel!
So, if you think this is your option, find a reliable tourist agency and book your private transfer from Semuc Champey to Flores and Tikal!
5. Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~7 hours
We advise leaving early from Semuc Champey, especially if you intend to travel all the way to Tikal.
Since you will probably have the car for multiple days, we recommend you stay in Flores overnight and continue your journey to Tikal the next day!
The journey from Semuc Champey to Tikal takes around 7 hours, but be sure to allow extra time for photo stops at picturesque locations with fantastic views along the way!
Best day tours in Tikal
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 much does it cost to enter Tikal?
The general park entrance fee to the Tikal National Park is USD 22 per day per person, valid from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Can you visit Tikal without a tour?
It’s easy to visit the Tikal ruins without a tour! You can organize your road trip by renting a car or get there by a regular shared shuttle and explore all on your own!
Is there direct transportation?
Yes, there is a direct shuttle service from Semuc Champey-Lanquin to Flores. The service runs once daily and departs early in the morning.
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