You can travel from Panajachel to Xela, Guatemala by shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, rental car, Uber, or taxi.
Xela, Guatemala, is a beautiful, historic city that offers visitors a taste of true Guatemalan culture. Situated in the country’s highlands, Xela is the perfect place to experience traditional foods, architecture, and music.
In Xela, guests can stay in one of the many quaint hotels lining the cobblestone streets or opt for a more luxurious option overlooking the city. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from, offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional Guatemalan dishes.
No visit to Xela would be complete without exploring its rich history and culture. The city is home to several museums, cultural centers, and numerous ancient ruins.
Hiking Cerro El Baul and studying Spanish are among the great things you can do here.
Check out our guide about traveling from Panajachel to Xela.
Distance from Panajachel to Xela, Guatemala
The distance from Panajachel to Xela, Guatemala, is about 84.1 kilometers or 52.2 miles by car. It takes at least two hours to travel this distance by car.
Transportation Options from Panajachel to Xela, Guatemala
The following table outlines all transportation options from Panajachel to Xela, Guatemala
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Panajachel to Xela | 2 hours | USD 30 |
| Public Bus from Panajachel to Xela | 2 hours and 30 minutes | USD 3 |
| Private Transfer from Panajachel to Xela | Custom | |
| Driving with Rental Car from Panajachel to Xela | 2 hours | USD 45 |
| Uber or taxi from Panajachel to Xela | 2 hours | USD 75 |
Getting to Xela from Panajachel
1. Shared Shuttle from Panajachel to Xela
Travel time: 2 hours
A shared shuttle is the most common way to get from Panajachel to Xela. You can easily check the available schedules online and then secure a ticket directly.
Panajachel and Xela are relatively close to each other. You can travel this distance by shared shuttle in a span of three hours.
Two transport companies offering shared shuttle services in Panajachel are Adrenalina and Atitrans. Adrenalina offers a door-to-door option while Atitrans departs from its office in Panajachel.
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 2 hours | USD 30 |  |
| 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 3 hours | USD 35 | |
2. Public Bus from Panajachel to Xela
Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
If taking a chicken bus is on your bucket list of things to do in Guatemala, you might want to do so when you’re traveling from Panajachel to Xela.
This route is not only short, but it is also considered safe and truly economical. The two-and-a-half-hour ride only costs about USD 3.
This bus option is direct, so you won’t have to transfer buses like you usually do when using public transport.
You can catch the public bus in Panajachel at the intersection of Santander and the main road. Once you arrive in Xela, there are collectivos you can take to go to your accommodation.
3. Private Transfer from Panajachel to Xela
Travel time: Custom
If you are traveling as a group, consider getting a private transfer from Panajachel to Xela.
Many transport companies in Panajachel offer this service, and we can connect you to the most recommended ones so you can take a pick.
Share with us all pertinent information, and our local partner tour company will get in touch with you soon.
Remember to fill out specific details you might want us to consider, like places to visit along the way and preferred travel time.
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4. Driving with Rental Car from Panajachel to Xela
Travel time: 2 hours
Nothing compares to having complete freedom when traveling. You can experience this by booking a rental car on your trip to Xela from Panajachel.
When renting a car, you are not limited to journeying from point A to point B. You can easily explore nearby areas and schedule side trips as you wish.
To drive from Panajachel to Xela, you can take the Pan-American Highway/CA-1. It takes about two hours to drive the distance, as long as the weather and traffic conditions are favorable.
The cost to rent a car in Panajachel starts at USD 45. We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
5. Uber or taxi from Panajachel to Xela
Travel time: 2 hours
If you would like to ride a taxi in Panajachel, ask for help from your accommodation so they can connect you to a reliable driver in the area. Alternatively, you can also use your Uber app to book a ride from Panajachel to Xela.
The distance is not that far – 84 kilometers or 52 miles, to be exact – so finding a taxi or an Uber should not be a challenge.
Just make sure to arrange a fixed fare before starting the journey. Expect to pay around USD 75 because the drivers also factor in the high possibility that they might not have any passengers returning to Panajachel from Xela.
This option is definitely more expensive than the rest, but it is a good one, especially if you want to have the vehicle privately and not be bothered by driving on your own.
Best day tours in Xela, Guatemala
Explore Xela with one of the day tours offered by Get Your Guide! They have all the most recommended activities to do in Xela and nearby destinations. It’s been my habit to check their offers out before I plan my travel itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Panajachel to Xela?
You can get from Panajachel to Xela by riding a shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, rental car, Uber, or taxi.
How long does it take to get from Panajachel to Xela?
It takes at least two hours to get from Panajachel to Xela. The total distance by car is 84 kilometers or 52 miles.
Where is the bus from Panajachel to Xela departing from?
You can catch the public bus from Panajachel to Xela at the intersection of Santander and the main road.
How much is the Panajachel to Xela chicken bus?
The Panajachel to Xela chicken bus only costs USD 3 one-way. This is a direct bus.
How do I book the Panajachel to Xela shuttle?
You can book a shared shuttle from Panajachel to Xela online. You can also check out the trip schedules and other available modes of transport on the same page.
How do I travel from Panajachel to Xela without a car?
If you do not plan on driving, you can travel from Panajachel to Xela through a shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, Uber, or taxi.
Can I drive from Panajachel to Xela?
Yes, you can definitely drive from Panajachel to Xela. The journey takes about two hours via the Pan-American Highway/CA-1.
What is the cheapest way to get from Panajachel to Xela?
The cheapest way to get from Panajachel to Xela is by public bus. One ticket only costs USD 3.
What is the fastest way to get from Panajachel to Xela?
The fastest way to get from Panajachel to Xela is by taxi or Uber. This option entails no waiting time for other passengers, you can go as you please, and you have a reliable driver to take care of the road navigation.
What is the best way to get from Panajachel to Xela?
The best way to get from Panajachel to Xela is by shared shuttle. It is easy to book online, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and the travel time is around the same as going there in a rental car, a taxi, or an Uber.
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