Coban, the capital of Alta Verapaz department, is the gateway to Guatemala’s cloud forest region. The city is known for its coffee farms, the National Orchid Festival, and as a base for visiting Semuc Champey and the Lanquin caves.
Transportes Monja Blanca dominates this route and is one of Guatemala’s most professional bus companies with a modern fleet and online booking.
Service Classes
Especial (Recommended)
- Price: Q125 per person
- Features: Reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard bathroom, security cameras, USB charging
- Schedule (Mon-Sat): 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
- Schedule (Sunday): 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
- Departure: Centra Norte, Zona 17
Estandar
- Price: Q105 per person
- Features: Reclining seats, sliding windows, security cameras
- Schedule (Mon-Sat): 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM (Zona 1), 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
- Schedule (Sunday): Similar with some variations
- Departure: Mostly from Centra Norte; 3-4 AM departures from Zona 1
Cobanerita (Budget)
- Price: Q85 per person
- Features: Traditional bus with cargo rack, sliding windows
- Schedule: 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM daily, departing from Zona 1
Terminal Locations
- Centra Norte, Km 8.5 Carretera al Atlantico, Zona 17 — Most departures. Take an Uber from anywhere in Guatemala City (Q25-50 to Zona 17).
- 8a Avenida, Zona 1 — Early morning departures (1:00-4:00 AM only).
Booking
- WhatsApp: 4682-8667
- Phone: +502 7961-8484
- Website: tmb.com.gt
- Capital agency phone: +502 3013-8256
Buy tickets online, by WhatsApp, or at the terminal. Holiday periods (Semana Santa, Christmas) sell out — book 1-2 days in advance.
Route and Scenery
The route follows the Atlantic Highway (CA-9) northeast from Guatemala City, then turns north through the Polochic Valley toward the Verapaces. The road climbs through lush cloud forest — one of Guatemala’s most beautiful landscapes.
Key stops: El Rancho junction (2.5 hrs), Salama turnoff, Tactoc Pass, San Pedro Carcha, Coban (5 hrs).
From Coban to Semuc Champey
From Coban, take a minibus from the market to Lanquin (Q40-50, 2.5-3 hrs). See our Antigua to Semuc Champey route guide for complete details.
Tips
- The 7 AM Especial is the best departure. You arrive in Coban by noon, giving you the afternoon to explore.
- Bring a light jacket. Coban sits at 1,317 meters with a cool, misty climate. Average temperature is 19C.
- Coffee country: Try Coban’s famous cardamom coffee. The region produces some of Guatemala’s best beans.
- Return buses follow the same schedule in reverse from Coban to Guatemala City.
Prices verified March 2026. Exchange rate: Q7.72 per USD.
