You can get from Tikal to Guatemala City by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car.
The cheapest transportation option is by bus, which costs USD 80. However, the journey takes about 17.5 hours.
The bus is the most popular option because it offers the most affordable alternative.
The fastest way is by catching a flight via Flores, which takes about 5 hours.
Check out our guide for the best travel options from Tikal to Guatemala City.
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 17.5 hrs | $80 |
| Private Transfer | ~9.5 hrs | – |
| Shuttle + Flight | ~5 hrs | +$230 |
| Rental Car via Flores | ~9.5 hrs | – |
1. Bus
Journey Duration: 17 hours 30 minutes
One of the most convenient ways to do this is by taking a long-distance luxury bus. This mode of transportation offers comfort and ease, making the 17-hour journey a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Luxury buses from Tikal to Guatemala City typically depart from the nearby town of Flores, where most visitors to Tikal choose to stay. The buses have comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard restrooms, making the journey comfortable and convenient.
Although the trip lasts over a day, you will make multiple stops along the way to allow passengers to stretch their legs and grab a bite.
The scenic route passes through the lush jungle and rolling hills of the Guatemalan highlands, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The bus company Maya de Oro offers one daily departure from Tikal to Guatemala City. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the luxury buses are often in high demand!
Coach Bus Schedule
The table below displays the coach bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm | 06:00am | 17h 30m | $80 |  |
2. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
This mode of transportation offers a comfortable, direct, and convenient way to travel, providing a more personalized experience than a shared bus or shuttle.
Private transfers can be arranged in advance and include door-to-door service, with a driver meeting you in Tikal and taking you directly to your destination in Guatemala City!
This option is incredibly convenient for those who want to avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation and enjoy a stress-free journey.
Private transfers are also great for those who value comfort and privacy. The vehicles used for private transfers are typically well-maintained, air-conditioned, and equipped with comfortable seating, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Some private transfer companies even offer luxury vehicles, providing extra comfort and style for those who want to travel in style.
Several options are available when booking a private transfer from Tikal to Guatemala City. Many visitors book their transfer through their hotel or tour operator, while others book directly with a private transfer company.
It’s essential to book in advance, as private transfers are often in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons!
3. Shared Shuttle + Flight
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
You can also travel from Tikal to Guatemala City by combining a shared shuttle from Tikal to Flores and a flight from Flores to Guatemala City.
This mode of transportation offers a convenient and fast way to travel, with the bonus of taking a scenic flight to your final destination!
To get from Flores to Tikal, you can get on the shared van shuttle, which departs once daily. The shared shuttle from Tikal to Flores takes approximately 4 hours, and the tickets cost USD 30.
Tikal to Flores Shared Shuttle Schedule
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Tikal to Flores, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm | 04:30pm | 4h | $30 | |
But if the departure time doesn’t fit your schedule, you can also grab a taxi to go directly to Flores or the airport for about USD 45-USD 60.
From Flores, you can fly to Guatemala City and arrive at your destination in only 1 hour!
TAG Airlines operates multiple daily flights, with tickets costing USD 200.
This option is ideal for those who want to avoid a long road journey and reach their destination quickly!
You can also check the flight schedule and book your tickets here!
Flores to Guatemala City Flight Schedule
The table below displays the flight timetable for trips from Flores to Guatemala City, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 09:00am | 1h | $200 | |
| 01:00pm | 02:30pm | 1h 30m | $200 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:30pm | 1h | $200 | |
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 9 hours 40 minutes
This mode of transportation offers the flexibility and freedom to explore the area at your own pace and make stops along the way.
Rental cars can be arranged in advance and picked up in Flores, the town near Tikal, where most visitors to Tikal choose to stay.
From Flores, you can drive the approximately 10-hour trip to Guatemala City, taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside.
Driving a rental car from Tikal to Guatemala City allows you to make stops along the way, whether to take in the views, visit local attractions, or grab a bite to eat!
The scenic route passes through the lush jungle and rolling hills of the Guatemalan highlands, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Many affordable options are available when booking a rental car from Tikal to Guatemala City.
Best day tours in Guatemala City
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
What are the road conditions like?
The road conditions vary, with some areas having well-maintained roads and others being more rugged and less developed. It is essential to take precautions when driving in rural areas and to familiarize yourself with the road conditions before setting out on your journey.
Can I rent a car in Tikal, or must I rent it in Flores?
To rent a car, you must get to the nearby town of Flores, about 60 kilometers away.
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