Hi! My sister and I are flying into GC in mid-december and hope to depart immediately from the airport to antigua. Are there direct services from the airport to antigua without having to go into the city (we've obviously heard very bad things about the safety of GC)? If so, which mode of transportation have you all found to be the safest? I have heard mixed things-some says the chicken buses are what is held up and others say tourist buses are robbed more often? Anyone have experience in this area? From what we have read, it seems that the most dangerous part of Guatemala is Guatemala city by far. We are not the type to be overly worried but as 2 female travellers we do want to be smart and cautious.
1
enroutesiglo
Not sure how you could have heard all of these things without realizing that the answers to all your questions are all over TT and TA with even the most rudimentary search. Mysterious indeed. Nothing given in this thread is going to differ from the last 100 on the subject.
Just get on a shuttle and go to Antigua. There hasn't been a story of one of of the airport-Antigua vans being robbed in many years. Plenty more tourists get robbed there than they do in Guatemala City (which is actually fairly safe for visitors), but the muggers probably not going to kill you as long as you use some common sense during the holdup. You might even get their Facebook and hang out later for drinks at Cafe Sky where you can all laugh it off. If you're planning on getting involved in the drug trade, OTOH, then that probably won't end too well. Not very well at all.
2
lucapal
AS above...do a quick search and you will find hundreds of similar questions on this branch..at least one a week.
I agree with #1 on the shuttle....there are robberies on buses in Guatemala occasionally (both shuttle and 'chicken') but in the vast majority of trips,there are no problems.That route is not considered a risky one.
You have to move from one place to another somehow,so you need to take some kind of transport ;-)
3
mrmoto
Walk out airport doors at Baggage Claim, there are shuttles going to Antigua for $10PP and leave every 15-30 minutes. Its 45 minutes and they drop you at your lodging, or will find you a place if you don't have one.
Easy Peasy, no drama, 1-2-3 done.
4
joebubba
I like the chicken buses, in the day time.
Transurbano stops outside the airport. Trebol station is where chicken buses depart for Antigua
5
traveler5645
First, you can follow general safety guidelines found throughout the forum--no flashy Rolex watches, etc. The airport is located inside Guatemala City. Inside the airport is pretty safe and modern. They generally do not allow anyone from the public inside without a ticket. I have always seen a very heavy security presence. One time I got my shoes shined directly in front of the airport. Members of the Guatemalan military were standing alert on the sidewalk guarding the entrance. If you want to get out of the airport asap, you can take a taxi that should cost about 200q. If the taxi driver notices you are very anxious, he may want to charge more. I've never personally taken the airport shuttles, but many people like them.
Although I like the buses that operate inside Guatemala City, I do not think it is a good idea to take them from the airport if you have luggage.
6
joebubba
how to be safe?¿?¿?¿
easy
Have nothing someone would want to take away from you.
one small old backpack is all you need
7
ANH1127
Thank you to all who have replied (except #1). We appreciate your insight and your experiences as we are a bit nervous taking this on alone!
I asked about the transport because I wanted confirmation from those who have used the shuttle before. I had already done some research before posting and I found snarky suggestions to "look it up" or to have drinks with our muggers to be very unhelpful. If my posting was upsetting, there was no need for you to waste your time replying. I'm sure that that did not contribute to the sense of community that lonely planet is trying to foster on these discussion boards.
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