You can travel from Semuc Champey to Tikal, Guatemala, by shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, or rental car.
Semuc Champey and Tikal are two national parks that are a must-visit in Guatemala. Semuc Champey is located near Lanquin, while Tikal is close to Flores.
These two may not be near each other, but traveling to both destinations is doable.
A multi-day trip that includes a visit to Semuc Champey and Tikal is truly enticing. While you can simply go from one place to the other, it would be fun to make a full itinerary of all the best things to do within the areas.
Distance from Semuc Champey to Tikal, Guatemala
The distance from Semuc Champey to Tikal, Guatemala, is about 317.5 kilometers or 197.3 miles by car.
It takes at least seven hours to travel this distance.
Transportation Options from Semuc Champey to Tikal, Guatemala
The following table outlines all transportation options from Semuc Champey to Tikal, Guatemala:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Semuc Champey to Tikal | 8 hours 5 minutes | USD 75 |
| Private Transfer from Semuc Champey to Tikal | 7 hours | USD 275 |
| Public Bus from Semuc Champey to Tikal | 13 hours | USD 34 |
| Rental Car from Semuc Champey to Tikal | 8 hours | USD 40 |
Getting to Tikal from Semuc Champey
1. Shared Shuttle from Semuc Champey to Tikal
Travel time: 8 hours and 5 minutes
You can easily book a ticket online if you want to ride the shared shuttle from Semuc Champey to Tikal. This enables you to plan your itinerary ahead of time, given that only limited shuttles are running daily.
Keep in mind that Semuc Champey and Tikal are both national parks, so there is actually no direct transportation between the two. Also, there may be a change of vehicle happening along the way.
Coban Travels and Reino Kan Travels are two of the many transport companies that service the Semuc Champey to Tikal route. The bus departs at Gasolinera Exxon in Lanquin and ultimately stops at the “I Love Peten” sign in Flores.
First, to get from Semuc Champey to Lanquin, where you’ll catch the shuttle, you can ride in the back of a pickup truck or a 4X4 drive.
Your shuttle service from Flores will not leave for Tikal Park until 8:00 AM, so it is essential to get an accommodation where you can rest while waiting.
2. Private Transfer from Semuc Champey to Tikal
Travel time: 7 hours
Hop on a private transfer from Semuc Champey or Lanquin and enjoy a comfortable journey to Flores and even all the way to Tikal.
Marvelus Travel is a transport company that offers private shuttle services in Guatemala. They have a minivan serving up to six passengers in one trip.
When going to Tikal, we suggest that you stop at Flores and spend a restful night in the area. The next morning, you can continue your journey to Tikal, which can take a good two hours.
If you plan to go directly to Tikal, you should leave Semuc Champey or Lanquin very early.
Traveling via private transfer from Semuc Champey to Tikal takes about seven hours.
Price for a private transfer from Semuc Champey to Tikal
- USD 275 for a 6-passenger private van
3. Public Bus from Semuc Champey to Tikal
Travel time: 13 hours
If you feel adventurous, you can take a public bus from Lanquin to Flores. These destinations are the nearest to Semuc Champey and Tikal, respectively.
From Semuc Champey, you have to take a 4X4 or a pickup truck ride to Lanquin. This journey takes about 30 minutes and costs USD 4.
Then, take the chicken bus from Lanquin to Coban. This cost USD 15. Afterward, take another bus from Coban to Flores. This costs USD 10.
Finally, ride a Flores to Tikal bus for about USD 5. The total travel time for this option will be about 13 hours.
As you can see, riding a bus to Tikal from Semuc Champey is cheap at USD 34, but it is not the most convenient way to do so.
If you are not pressed for time and want to travel slowly, go ahead and get on this adventure!
4. Driving with Rental Car from Semuc Champey to Tikal
Travel time: 8 hours
Take a rental car with you in Tikal, so you do not have to worry about catching schedules and doing transfers.
The road from Semuc Champey is not an easy one, so make sure to study the route and ask locals for tips.
To drive from Semuc Champey to Tikal, you must take Franja Transversal del Norte, and if you can, opt for the route that does not involve taking a ferry.
Leave early because it can get trickier to travel to Flores or Tikal during nighttime. Because you have a rental car anyway, it is wise to spend a night in Flores and continue your journey to Tikal the next day.
The price for a rental car in Semuc Champey starts at USD 40. We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
Best day tours in Tikal
A visit to Tikal is jam-packed with fun activities and scenic sights to see.
I trust Get Your Guide for curating packages that I can conveniently book online. I’m confident I will not miss out on anything during my visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Semuc Champey from Tikal?
The distance between Semuc Champey and Tikal is 317.5 kilometers or 197.3 miles.
How do I get from Semuc Champey to Tikal?
You can ride a shared shuttle, private transfer, public bus, or rental car to get to Tikal from Semuc Champey.
Is there direct transportation between Tikal and Semuc Champey?
Yes, there are at least two direct transportation options between Tikal and Semuc Champey. It can either be by rental car or private transfer.
Can I drive from Semuc Champey to Tikal?
Yes, you can drive from Semuc Champey to Tikal. It takes about seven hours to reach Tikal via Franja Transversal del Norte. Remember that there are routes that require you to take a short ferry ride.
How do I travel from Semuc Champey to Tikal without a car?
If you do not plan on bringing a car to Tikal, you can ride a shared shuttle, private transfer, or public bus from Semuc Champey or Lanquin.
How much is a Semuc Champey to Tikal shared shuttle?
A shared shuttle from Semuc Champey to Tikal costs USD 75. You can book a ticket ahead of time online for your convenience.
How long does it take to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal?
It takes at least seven hours to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal. It can reach up to 13 hours, depending on your transport mode.
What is the cheapest way to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal?
The cheapest way to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal is by public bus. This option only costs USD 34, although it requires a lot of transfers.
What is the fastest way to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal?
Private transfer is the fastest way to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal. It takes only about seven hours to complete the trip.
What is the best way to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal?
The best way to get from Semuc Champey to Tikal is by rental car. Although the roads can get pretty difficult to drive in, having a car in Tikal enables you to plan your stay there more efficiently.
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