You can travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
Guatemala is home to Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America. With a depth of 340 meters or 1,120 feet and an area of 130 square kilometers, the lake intrigued visitors worldwide with its majesty.
People come to Lake Atitlan for various reasons; kayaking, thermal bathing, and hiking. Check our guide on many other things to do at Lake Atitlan for a complete experience.
Are you coming from Antigua? Read on about all the transport options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.
Distance from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
The distance from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is about 87 kilometers or 54 miles by car.
Transportation Options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 3 to 4 hours | USD 6 |
| Shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 3 hours | USD 25 |
| Private Transfer from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | ~3 hours | USD 190 |
| Taxi from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 3 hours | USD 50 |
| Rental Car from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 2 hours 42 minutes | USD 40 |
Getting to Lake Atitlan from Antigua
1. Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Travel time: Three to four hours
Taking the bus to Lake Atitlan is the cheapest way to travel from Antigua. A one-way fare costs only USD 6.
While this option might sound tempting, consider that you are sacrificing comfort over price. The public bus, also known in Guatemala as the chicken bus, is deemed unsafe, especially for those new to the area. Pickpocketing is prevalent, so make sure to be mindful always.
The public bus from Antigua stops at Panajachel, so if you are staying in another nearby area, research how you would go from there.
There is only one bus trip daily, and it leaves Antigua at 7:00 AM
2. Shared Shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Travel time: Three hours
Comfort meets cost efficiency in this transport option from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Book a shuttle in Antigua to get to Lake Atitlan for USD 25.
Atitrans Tours and Travel is a service provider for this route. The van picks you up at your hotel in Antigua and then drops you off at Tsanjuyu Public Dock in Panajachel.
Book in advance to adequately plan your arrival to Lake Atitlan from Antigua. If you are staying in a nearby place other than Panajachel, research the means on how you will go there.
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 3 hours | USD 25 |
| 8:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 3 hours | USD 25 |
| 12:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 3 hours | USD 25 |
| 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 3 hours | USD 25 |
3. Private Transfer from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Travel time: ~Three hours
If you are traveling as a group, opt for a private transfer when coming from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. This option allows you to choose the trip schedule and determine stops along the way.
For groups of nine people and above, you’ll get the benefits of privacy and convenience, all for the price of a shared shuttle (per person.) It is a huge plus that the roads leading to your accommodation near Lake Atitlan are scenic.
Prices for a private transfer from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
- USD 190 for one to three persons
- USD 215 for four to six persons
- USD 230 for seven to nine persons
- USD 265 for ten to twelve persons
Click here to book your private transfer to Lake Atitlan.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Travel time: Two hours and 42 minutes
Renting a car in Antigua for your trip to Lake Atitlan is a good idea, especially when you are the type to check out interesting spots along the way, coming and going as you please.
Remember that driving from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is quite challenging because of the winding roads.
The trip takes less than three hours, so that this option can be great for day-trippers and long-staying visitors. The cost to rent a car from Antigua starts at USD 40.
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
5. Uber or taxi from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Travel time: Three hours
Hiring a taxi or an Uber to get to Lake Atitlan from Antigua is one of the most efficient ways to travel between the two destinations.
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Antigua and drop you off at any of the areas surrounding Lake Atitlan: Panajachel, San Marcos, San Pedro, and many more.
The cost to take a taxi or an Uber from Antigua to Lake Atitlan should cost around USD 50 and should not exceed USD 65. Before the trip starts, discuss with your driver how much you are to pay.
Best day tours in Lake Atitlan
GetYourGuide brings all the best activities in Lake Atitlan in a complete package. No matter what type of traveler you are, there is something on this helpful site that will surely pique your interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lake Atitlan from Antigua?
The driving distance from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is about 87 kilometers or 54 miles.
How do you get from Antigua, Guatemala, to Lake Atitlan?
You can get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
Is there a direct bus between Antigua, Guatemala to Lake Atitlan?
Yes, there is a direct bus between Antigua, Guatemala, and Lake Atitlan. The public bus runs daily at 7:00 AM.
How much is a shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?
The shared shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is USD 25 per person.
How long is the drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?
The drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan runs for about two hours and 42 minutes.
Where do you fly into to get to Lake Atitlan?
The nearest airport to Lake Atitlan is Guatemala City (GUA) Airport which is 71.2 km away.
How do I travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan without a car?
If you do not have a car with you on your trip to Lake Atitlan, you can ride a public bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or Uber from Antigua.
What is the best way to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?
The best way to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is by shared shuttle. The vehicles are comfortable to travel into, the fare is affordable at USD 25, and there are many timeslots to choose from daily.
What is the cheapest way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?
The cheapest way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is by public bus. One ticket only costs USD 6.
What is the fastest way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?
The fastest way to get to Antigua from Lake Atitlan is by private car. If you drive without stopping, you can be there in two hours and 42 minutes.
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