What's a cheap and convenient way to get from Antigua to the airport in Guatemala City? No local busses, but there has to be a private shuttle for less than the $68 one way fare I'm being quoted!
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Posted on Jan 07, 2011
5 Answers
How cheap? The regular inter-city buses are cheapy cheapy ( <$5). these are reliable as well.
Posted Jan 07, 2011
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All hostels have pretty cheap service to the airport as well. You shouldn't pay more than $15.
Posted Jan 07, 2011
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if all else fails, just go by cab - just negotiate the price *BEFORE* you get in! and then make sure you give the cabbie a nice tip.
Posted on Jan 08, 2011
I've used shuttles that hold about 8-10 people that are around $5-10 bucks. It's only an hour drive, so $68 is ridiculous. Also ask your hotel if they have transport.
Posted Jan 09, 2011
Add a commentDid you arrange for the shuttle once you were already down there? My flight is at 6:30 in the morning and I only arrive in Antigua the afternoon before. I'd tryng to see if I need to make these arangements form home before my trip, or if it's easy to do once I'm there?
Posted on Jan 10, 2011
The shuttles are the best route. Don't take the chicken buses. Ask your hotel to set it up, often there are multiple passengers and you only pay your ride. It's over an hour at rush hour between the two cities and really the only way to go.
Posted Jan 10, 2011
Add a commentThanks! I don't arrive in Antigua until Wednesday afternoon (~3pm), and my flight out is Thursday morning at 6:30am. Do you think this is something I need to arrange for in advance, or will I be able to find something last minute once I'm there?
Posted on Jan 10, 2011
Hi Gail,
I think you can get one at the airport. But it's pretty hectic there and I highly suggest you have the hotel do it for you. They send shuttles all the time. On the outbound there is basically no other way to the airport and due to the terrible traffic the hotel will suggest it. Where are you staying?
Posted on Jan 11, 2011
Hi Melissa,
I only need the ride FROM Antigua TO the airport. And like I said, I won't have much time in Antigua, so not sure if I need to arrange in advance. I did contact my hotel via email last week, and they quoted a private transfer for $55.00 per one person. Seems really high to me, and I definitely don't need something private. Is Antugua the kind of city that you walk down the street and see advertising for these airport shuttles to book on the spot/last minute? (I'm staying at Posada Los Búcaros)
Posted on Jan 11, 2011
Hi Gail. That's about the rate I've been 3 times to Antigua and it's always about the same $40-$60 with tips etc. You can make the transfer reservation when you get to the hotel. No you can't walk down the street to get a ride to the airport. There are cabs but they don't do the airport run it's specialized as it's so time consuming. It's over a mountain to Antigua as it's in a valley. The hotel is really cute, I've seen it.
Posted on Jan 11, 2011
Gail-
I was just in Guatemala and did the same route (Antigua to Guatemala City Airport). You will be able to book your transfer once you get to Antigua. Just walk into one of the many travel shops and do it in person. The shops usually pool together, so even if theirs is booked, they should be able to book you on another company's van. $68 is incredibly expensive for a shuttle to the airport. We tried to book our tour to Volcan Pacaya through our hotel and were quoted $75pp which I felt was way too expensive. So we walked down the street and booked one for $7 each. The next morning we were waiting outside our hotel for our pickup and ended up on the SAME exact tour that the others staying at our hotel were on. With a little work on your part, you will end up saving a lot of money!
Posted Jan 11, 2011
Add a commentThanks, Tyler. That's exactly what I needed to know!
Posted on Jan 12, 2011
