How to Get From Kng Quality/Tica Terminals to Antigua

Hi there everyone

I'll be arriving in Guatemala City from San Salvador by bus in a couple of weeks. I'm pressed for time, so I'd rather head straight from Guatemala City to Antigua as fast as possible.

I was thinking of taking either King Quality or Tica. I see that both their terminals are fairly close to Aurora airport, from which I know there are regular shuttles to Antigua. I travel very light (7kg/15lbs) and, since the KQ bus arrives at noon, was thinking of just walking from the terminal at the western end of Zone 10 to the airport. I thought it might save me a little money and give me a glimpse of city life.

Is walking from the KQ terminal to the airport recommendable, or even possible? Or should I just pay for a taxi? If so, how much is a fair price?

I see that the Tica Bus arrives in Zone 12. What about if I travel to Guatemala City with them? Walk or taxi?

Many thanks to anyone who can help me with this.

Go over to the airport and get a van to Antigua. City buses continue to have problems I have been told . Many have said avoid all red and black buses. Van are very reasonable.

There is a direct shuttle from El Tunco to Antigua, would save a lot of time.

This post has been removed because it may not have met our community guidelines.

Hi there, there are vans straight from Guatemala City airport to Antigua. There's a signed booth just before you exit the airport. It costs more than the local style buses, but it's easy - especially when you've just arrived after a long flight. If you go for the local buses, be prepared to be super-squashed - there were 69 people on the one I got from 4 corners to Quetzaltenango and I was the only gringa girl on the bus :)

As #2 & 3 suggest take the shuttle to Antigua, you can get it at El Faro in La Libertad $35 or El Tunco straight to your hotel. Bus 102 from San Salvador to El Faro is only 60 cents.

Based on your post, this is what I would recommend. Once you arrive in Guatemala City, take a white taxi to Calzada Roosevelt, across the street from Tikal Futura. That's a major bus stop that all the taxi drivers know. The white taxis are crawling around the city like ants. That trip should run you 50q or less. They may initially quote you 80q, 100q, or who knows what. Then, take a chicken bus from there to Antigua (10q).

Personally, I like the red buses in Guatemala City. These are much crazier than the chicken buses. They are not all shiny and colorful. Instead, they look like buses that should have been put in the junkyard many years ago. They are usually 1q or 2q. However, I would never ride one as a gringo with even a small backpack.

I have walked around different parts of Guatemala City alone or with a local, but I would never do it with a backpack.

A big thank-you to everyone who replied!

I caught a Gekko shuttle from San Salvador to Anigua. It cost me $35 and the company showed itself to be a model of courtesy and efficiency. The minibus was clean, comfortable and wifi-equipped.

For what it's worth, once in Antigua I used Adrenalina Tours to do a lightning-visit of Tikal. Patrick, the owner, was friendly and helpful. He organised transfers between Antigua and Guatemala City, as well as the bus tickets themselves. For 550 quetzales ($80), including seats in Fuente del Norte's somewhat clapped-out but still reasonably comfortable first-class service, I certainly can't complain. I would use Adrenalina Tours again.

Thanks for getting back and reporting your trip and modes of transport. I too have used Adrenilna Tours with great results.

Curious, what is a lighting tour to Tikal from Antigua? Is that the overnight bus and 1 day there, then back?

Thanks..

Tim

Hi Tim

A 'lightning-quick visit' of Tikal for me involved taking the night bus from Guatemala City to Flores, a minivan shuttle to and from Tikal, and another overnight bus back to Guatemala City, with further shuttle transportation at either end between Guatemala City and Antigua. From my Antigua hotel and back was 36 hours. Tiring, yes, but given my time constraints well worth it.

Good luck!