Planning how to get from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua, Guatemala with kids? Find the best transportation option for your preference and budget!
Guatemala City Airport, or La Aurora International Airport, is the main international airport in Guatemala serving thousands of tourists visiting the country each year. If you’re planning a trip to Antigua with kids, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is how to get your family from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different options available and help you choose the best one for your family!
Distance from Guatemala City to Antigua
The distance from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua is 40 km and without traffic its possible to arrive in about 45 minutes, but its more than likely you will encounter traffic and the journey will take closer to 1.5 hours.
Antigua is a place rich in culture, history & local cuisine. If you are just beginning to plan your time there, check out our guide to help you book your stay and our custom walking tour of Antigua!
What NOT to do
Maybe you have heard about the bright and colorful chicken buses in Guatemala, and while they make look fun and inviting, I’d avoid them, especially if you are traveling with kids. They are the most inexpensive way to get around ( a ride to Antigua will cost under $5), however they originally got their nickname because they are occasionally used to transport live animals, like chickens. While it may be a unique picture into Guatemala life, we’d suggest you opt for another way of transportation.
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Transportation options for families from Guatemala City to Antigua
Private Shuttle
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua is by booking a private shuttle. Many companies offer private shuttles that can be pre-booked online or at the airport.
Private shuttles are a great option for families with kids, as they provide door-to-door service and allow you to travel in comfort and safety. We opted for this on our last trip to Guatemala as we we weren’t traveling as much in country to justify the added expense of renting a vehicle, but we love the reliability of having a car show up when you need one.
It’s also nice because when you have a private shuttle, you are able to stop for snacks, a bathroom break or a meal whenever you need it! An added bonus, especially with kids in tow.
Book a private shuttle, here!
What about Carseats?
If you have young kids that still require a carseat I would advise you to bring your own. There are no car seat laws in Guatemala and kids are often sitting on laps or even riding between their parents on a motorcycle. You could message prior to booking to inquire, but in our experience they are rarely available.
Public Shuttle
Another option for getting from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua is by taking a public bus. This is a more affordable option, but it can be more challenging with kids just because they are often more crowded and less comfortable.
Also something worth considering is that they don’t provide door-to-door service, which can make it difficult if you have a lot of luggage or young children and have to then navigate walking a few blocks from the bus.
With that being said, they are a reliable and inexpensive way to get around! If you decide to go this route, we recommend booking through guatego.com.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Guatemala City Airport, and they can be a convenient option for families with kids. However, it’s important to ensure that you take a licensed taxi from the official taxi stand to avoid any safety concerns.
Additionally, it’s important to negotiate the price with the driver before getting in, as they may try to overcharge you. Taxis can provide door-to-door service, but they can be more expensive than other options.
Uber is also available in Guatemala and there are typically drivers available. However, this option costs the same as booking through a private transfer company so for safety we would recommend that route as it connects your experience to a larger company over an individual driver. Booking something in advance where you can have correspondence and read reviews from previous customers is just a good practice whoever possible.
Rental Car
If you’re comfortable driving in Guatemala, you may want to consider renting a car to get from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua. This will give you more flexibility and freedom during your trip, and it can be a great way to explore the surrounding areas.
However, it’s important to note that driving in Guatemala can be challenging, with narrow roads and heavy traffic. Additionally, parking in Antigua can be difficult, so it’s important to choose accommodation with parking facilities. If you have some international driving experience, this could be a great option though!
Also as noted above, be sure to ask in advance about the availability of carseats so you can plan accordingly.
When it comes to getting from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua with kids, there are several options available each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Private shuttles are a convenient and comfortable option, while public buses are more affordable but less comfortable. Taxis can provide door-to-door service, but they can be more expensive, and rental cars offer flexibility but require driving in challenging conditions.
Ultimately, the best option for your family will depend on your budget, comfort level, and travel preferences. Whatever option you choose, be sure to plan ahead and book in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Have any more questions about getting to Antigua? Drop a comment below, I’d love to help!
Meg