You can travel from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce by public bus, private transfer, rental car, taxi, or flight.
Rio Dulce is a Guatemala river connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea. It is located within the Rio Dulce National Park, a protected area since 1955.
A trip to Rio Dulce also allows you to visit nearby tourist spots such as Livingston, home of the Garifuna.
There are many things to do in Rio Dulce, from swimming at Finca El Paraiso Hot Springs to exploring Castillo de San Felipe. Check out our guide to all the best activities in Rio Dulce.
Ready to draft that itinerary? Explore our list of the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce.
Distance from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce, Guatemala
The distance from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce is about 284 kilometers or 176 miles by car.
Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
The following table outlines all transportation options from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce | ~5 hours | ~USD 20 |
| Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce | 5 hours 30 minutes | USD 330 |
| Flight from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce | 1 hour | USD 230 |
| Rental Car from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce | 5 hours | USD 40 |
| Taxi from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce | 5 hours | USD 220 |
Getting to Rio Dulce from Guatemala City
1. Bus from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
Travel time: 5 hours or more
You can travel from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce by coach bus. This is an option where comfort meets value for money. This is the best option for you if you are traveling alone or with a small group.
Litegua and Maya de Oro are two prominent service providers offering trips from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce. Both run buses with reclining seats, air-conditioning, restroom, and television onboard.
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | Service Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 12:00 PM | 6 hours 30 minutes | USD 20 | Litegua |
| 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 5 hours | USD 27 | Litegua |
| 10:00 AM | 3:20 PM | 5 hours 20 minutes | USD 43 | Maya de Oro |
| 5:30 PM | 10:50 PM | 5 hours 20 minutes | USD 45 | Maya de Oro |
Click here to book your bus to Rio Dulce.
2. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
Travel time: 5 hours 30 minutes
If you are traveling in a group, consider hiring a private transfer to get you to Rio Dulce from Guatemala City. The service will pick you up at your hotel at your preferred time, stopping by interesting sites and comfort stops as you please.
Getting a private transfer from Guatemala City is more expensive than the other options, but if you wish to have the luxury of privacy, this is for you.
Prices for a private transfer from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
- 330 USD for 4 to 6 persons
- 355 USD for 7 to 9 persons
Click here to make a reservation for your private Transfer to Rio Dulce.
3. Flight from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
Travel time: 1 hour
Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, known as TAG Airlines, flies from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce. It departs from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to Rio Dulce (LCF).
Flying from Guatemala City is the fastest way to get to Rio Dulce. The flight will only take one hour for a one-way fare of USD 230.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
Travel time: 5 hours
If you want to be extra hands-on with your trip to Rio Dulce, rent a car and do the driving yourself. This allows you to choose the stops to take and the schedule to work with.
The drive from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce is relatively straightforward. It’s a five-hour drive via CA-9. Make sure to research about driving in Guatemala before considering this option.
The cost to rent a car in Guatemala City starts at USD 40.
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
5. Taxi from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce
Travel time: 5 hours
You can book a taxi to Rio Dulce when coming from Guatemala City. The cost for this option depends on your negotiation with the taxi driver.
Make sure to discuss the price before the ride, as this can be a challenge should the driver decide to change rates midway. An estimated cost for a taxi ride to Rio Dulce from the airport is USD 220.
Guatemalan taxis are pretty small, so you might be better off taking a private van if you have a lot of luggage in tow.
Best day tours in Rio Dulce
GetYourGuide has been helping many travelers make the most of their trip to Rio Dulce from Guatemala. It’s my go-to website for the best day tours wherever I’m headed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City?
Yes, a direct bus goes to Rio Dulce from Guatemala City. Litegua and Maya de Oro are two of the service providers that run this route daily.
How do I travel from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce without a car?
You can travel by bus, private shuttle, taxi, or flight from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce if you do not have a car.
Can I drive from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce?
Yes, you can drive from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce. It’s a five-hour drive via CA-9.
What airport do you fly into for Guatemala?
Visitors fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City. It is the same airport you catch your flight from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce.
Is there a direct flight from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce?
Yes, there is a direct flight from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce. The service provider is TAG Airlines.
How long does it take to get from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce?
It takes one hour to six hours and 30 minutes to get to Rio Dulce from Guatemala City. It all depends on the mode of transport which you will be choosing.
What is the fastest way to get from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce?
The fastest way to get to Rio Dulce from Guatemala City is by airplane. Adding the extra time you need to follow boarding protocols still proves to be the quickest way to get to Rio Dulce.
What is the cheapest transport option from Guatemala City and Rio Dulce?
The cheapest transport option from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce is by bus. Book in advance with Litegua and get a bus ticket at USD 20 only.
What is the most popular transportation service from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce?
The bus is the most popular transportation service from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce. You can find bus timings you can conveniently book online at GuateGo.
What is the best way to get from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce?
The best way to get from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce is by bus.
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