Guatemala City Getting there & around

Getting around

Bus & tram

Bus & minibus

If you spend any time out and about in Guatemala City, especially Zona 1, its buses will become a major feature of your existence as they roar along in large numbers belching great clouds of black smoke. Jets flying low over the city center intermittently intensify the cacophony. Still, Guatemala City buses are cheap, frequent and, though often very crowded, useful. They are not, however, always safe. Theft and robbery are not unusual; there have even been murders on board. Buses cost US$0.15 per ride: you pay the driver as you get on.

To get from Zona 1 to Zona 10, take bus 82 or 101 southbound on 10a Av between 8a and 13a Calles. These buses swing west to travel south down 6a Av for 1km or so before swinging southeast along Ruta 6 (Zona 4) then south along Av La Reforma. For the main Inguat tourist office, get off on 6a Av at 22a Calle (Zona 1) and walk east along 22a Calle, then south down the far (east) side of 7a Av.

Traveling north to Zona 1, buses 82 and 101 go along Av La Reforma then 7a Av, Zona 4 (passing right by Inguat) and 9a Av, Zona 1.

To get to the Terminal de Autobuses in Zona 4 by city bus, it makes sense simply to get any bus that’s going south through Zona 4 on 6a Av (such as bus 83 ‘Aeropuerto’) or north through Zona 4 on 7a Av (such as bus 83 ‘Terminal’), then walk a few blocks west to the terminal. This saves you getting caught in the snarl-ups around the terminal itself. The same holds true in reverse if you want to get away from the Terminal de ­Autobuses by city bus.

City buses stop running about 9pm, and ruteleros (minibuses) begin to run up and down the main avenues. They run all night, until the buses resume their rattling rides at 5am. Hold up your hand at a street corner to stop a minibus or bus.

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Local transport

Taxi

Plenty of taxis cruise most parts of the city. Fares are negotiable; always establish your destination and fare before getting in. Zona 1 to Zona 10, or vice-versa, costs around US$5.50 to US$8. If you want to phone for a taxi, Taxi Amarillo Express (2232 1515) has metered cabs that often work out cheaper than others, although true capitaleños (capital city residents) will tell you that taximeters are all rigged and you get a better deal bargaining.

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