You can get from Tikal to Rio Dulce by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by bus, which costs USD 34. The journey takes about 6 hours.
The bus is the most popular option because it offers the most affordable alternative.
The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 5 hours.
Guatemala’s been like a second home to me, with its colorful markets and quiet, foggy hilltops.
Check out our guide for the best travel options from Tikal to Rio Dulce.
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Bus via Flores | ~6 hrs | $34 to 62 |
| Shared Shuttle via Flores | ~6 hrs | $66 to 68 |
| Private Transfer | ~5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~5 hrs | – |
1. Coach Bus via Flores
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
To get from Tikal to Rio Dulce by public transport, you must first travel to Flores.
Since Tikal is a national park, it doesn’t leave you many choices for direct transportation to Rio Dulce. That’s why, to catch a bus to Rio Dulce, you must first find a way to reach Flores!
Flores is located near Tikal, and there are regular fares to and from Tikal, with the public minibus on this route. However, to reach Flores faster, we recommend taking a taxi or getting on the shared van shuttle!
Transport Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm | 04:30pm | 4h | $30 |  |
When you are in Flores, the first option to get to Rio Dulce is the Maya De Oro coach bus!
The direct Maya De Oro coach bus is the most popular option for traveling from Flores to Rio Dulce!
This is the cheapest option, and from this point on, you have only 4 hours left to go to Rio Dulce! The bus leaves from Santa Elena’s bus station and will drop you off at Calle Principal in Rio Dulce.
It’s a reasonably priced, fast, and comfortable trip!
The whole trip from Tikal to Rio Dulce should cost USD 34-USD 62, which is a great deal!
However, the bus from Flores departs earlier than the bus from Tikal, so you won’t be able to make this journey on the same day by choosing this option.
If you’re in a rush and want to arrive in Rio Dulce quickly, we have a detailed guide on the other ways you can get from Flores to Rio Dulce!
Coach Bus Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00am | 03:30pm | 4h 30m | $32 | |
2. Shared Shuttle via Flores
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
Another way you can get from Tikal to Rio Dulce is by shared shuttle. However, first, you have to make a transfer in Flores, just as you would with the bus.
You can get from Tikal to Flores by taxi, public minibus, private transfer, or shared van shuttle!
However, if you decide to take two shuttles from Tikal to Rio Dulce, you won’t be able to make the whole trip on the same day. Shuttles from Flores to Rio Dulce depart earlier than those from Tikal, so you must wait for the next day to get the next one.
Transport Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm | 04:30pm | 4h | $30 | |
However, if you don’t mind the delay and decide to take this route, you can read our detailed guide on how to get from Flores to Rio Dulce here!
Shared Shuttle Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00am | 10:00am | 4h | $36 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
Are you traveling in a group? Then try to find and choose one of Flores’ numerous travel agencies, and reserve an entire shuttle for yourself!
Hiring a private transfer saves you a lot of time because the driver can pick you up from Tikal and drive you straight to Rio Dulce without making additional stops and transfers!
This gives you comfort and flexibility when planning your trip, and the best part is that you are not dependent on bus schedules. Additionally, sharing the cost of a private transfer with a few other people is quite convenient!
Along the way, you can take in the scenic sights of the jungle, stop for breaks, and capture some breathtaking photos! And before you know it, you’ll be in Rio Dulce!
The drive takes a little less than 5 hours.
Do your research before making a reservation, and be sure to pick the best option for you!
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
Feel like going on a Guatemalan adventure? By getting a car rental, you can explore Guatemala fully without wasting time and going through the crowds of public transport!
Renting a car in Flores is affordable and easy, thanks to the many car rental companies!
Rental cars are available for prices as low as USD 20 per day! So, you can rent your car and drive directly from Tikal to Rio Dulce!
When you’re ready to start traveling, you’ll be free to organize and plan your route however you like, take any necessary detours, and stop whenever you need to rest. Additionally, you can get to Rio Dulce faster, as the drive there typically takes less than five hours!
Best day tours in Rio Dulce
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 get to Rio Dulce from Flores?
Once you get to Flores from Tikal, you have multiple options to get to Rio Dulce. You can choose between a coach bus or a shared shuttle. However, if you want to get there fast, you can rent a car or book a private transfer!
How long does it take to get from Tikal to Flores?
You can get from Tikal to Flores in 1-2 hours.
How much is the public minibus?
The ticket for the public minibus costs USD 2-USD 5.
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