La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is located in Zone 13 of Guatemala City, about 40 kilometers from Antigua Guatemala. If you are arriving on an international flight and heading straight to Antigua, you have four solid options ranging from Q115 to Q390.

This is one of the most common transfers in Guatemala, and I have done it by every method listed here. The best choice depends on your budget, group size, arrival time, and comfort preference.

Step-by-Step: Getting from the Airport to Antigua

Option 1: Uber (Best Value for 1-2 People)

Walk out of the arrivals hall and head to the rideshare pickup area on the lower level. Open the Uber app, enter “Antigua Guatemala” as your destination, and request a ride.

What to expect: A driver will arrive within 5-15 minutes. The drive takes about 1 hour during normal traffic, or up to 1.5 hours during rush hour. The car will be air-conditioned and the driver will use Google Maps/Waze for navigation.

Cost: Q200-280 during normal hours, Q280-350 during surge periods (rain, rush hour, or late night). You can pay by credit card through the app or with cash.

Tips: Make sure your phone has working data or connect to the airport WiFi before requesting. If your first request is cancelled, try again — some drivers prefer shorter trips and may decline the Antigua route. If you arrive after midnight, expect fewer available drivers and slightly higher fares.

Option 2: Shared Shuttle (Best Budget Option)

Several shuttle companies operate from the airport to Antigua. Look for shuttle desks inside the arrivals hall or just outside.

How to book: You can pre-book online through GuateGo, GetYourGuide, or Viator, or purchase tickets at the airport shuttle desk. Companies include Guatemala Transportation, Marvelus Travel, and several others.

Price: Q115-155 ($15-20) per person. Cash only for most services.

Schedule: Shuttles run approximately every 1-2 hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, they typically wait until they have at least 4 passengers, so departure times are not guaranteed. Wait times of 20-45 minutes are common.

Drop-off: Shuttles drop you at your hotel in Antigua if it is within the central area.

Option 3: Private Transfer (Best for Groups)

A private transfer costs Q310-390 ($40-50) for the vehicle, accommodating up to 4 passengers. For a group of 2-4 people, this is actually more cost-effective than individual shuttle tickets and much faster since you leave immediately.

How to book: Pre-book through your Antigua hotel, GetYourGuide, or Guatemala Airport Transportation. Many drivers wait with a sign in the arrivals area.

Option 4: Official Airport Taxi

Official taxis are available inside the arrivals hall at a fixed-rate booth. Walk to the taxi desk, tell them “Antigua Guatemala,” pay the fixed fare (Q310-390), and they will assign you a driver.

Advantages: No waiting, no app needed, reliable at any hour including late-night arrivals. Fixed pricing means no surprises.

Disadvantages: Most expensive option per person. No GPS tracking. Some drivers speak limited English.

Important Tips

  • Traffic matters enormously. A 6 AM arrival means clear roads and a 50-minute drive. A 4 PM arrival during rush hour could mean 90+ minutes of gridlock. If possible, plan flights that arrive early morning or late evening.
  • Change money at the airport. The exchange counters in arrivals offer decent rates for small amounts. You will need Quetzales for the shuttle. Uber accepts credit cards.
  • SIM cards at the airport. Tigo and Claro kiosks in the arrivals area sell prepaid SIM cards from Q100. Get one for data if you plan to use Uber. See our phone plans guide.
  • Do not accept rides from random people. Only use official taxis, pre-booked transfers, or Uber. Unofficial taxi drivers at the airport can be unreliable or unsafe.
  • Luggage: All options accommodate standard luggage. Uber and taxis fit 2 large suitcases in the trunk. Shuttles have overhead or rear storage.

Reverse Route: Antigua to the Airport

Going back to the airport? All the same options work in reverse. Book your shuttle the day before through your hotel. Uber works well from Antigua to the airport. Leave at least 2.5 hours before your flight to account for traffic and check-in.

See our Antigua to Guatemala City route guide for more details on this direction.

Prices verified March 2026. Exchange rate: Q7.72 per USD.