Transmetro is Guatemala City’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system — a network of dedicated-lane buses connecting major zones of the capital. At just Q1 per ride, it is the cheapest way to traverse the city, though it can be confusing for newcomers.

For most visitors and expats, Uber is more practical for getting around Guatemala City. But if you live here and travel regular routes, Transmetro saves significant money compared to daily Uber rides.

All 7 Lines

Line 1: Centro Civico Loop (Zona 1)

  • Route: San Sebastian to Centro Civico, clockwise loop
  • Zones served: 1
  • Stations: 10
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sat 5:00 AM-7:00 PM, Sun 6:30 AM-7:00 PM

Line 2: Hipodromo del Norte (Zona 2)

  • Route: Hipodromo del Norte to San Sebastian, counterclockwise
  • Zones served: 1, 2
  • Stations: 5
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:30 AM-8:00 PM, Sat 5:30 AM-7:00 PM, Sun 6:30 AM-7:00 PM

Line 6: Proyectos to FEGUA (Zona 6)

  • Route: Proyectos in Zona 6 to FEGUA in Zona 1
  • Zones served: 1, 6
  • Stations: 16
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sat 5:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sun 6:00 AM-8:00 PM

Line 7: USAC Periferico (Longest Line)

  • Route: USAC Periferico in Zona 12 to La Merced in Zona 1 via Zona 7
  • Zones served: 1, 7, 12
  • Stations: 18 (plus Estacion Parque Colon, added July 2025)
  • Distance: 23+ km, the longest Transmetro line
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sat 5:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sun/Holidays 6:00 AM-8:00 PM

Line 12: Centra Sur to Plaza Barrios

  • Route: Centra Sur in Zona 12 to Plaza Barrios in Zona 1
  • Zones served: 1, 12
  • Stations: 14
  • Hours: Daily 4:30 AM-9:00 PM (direct services during peak hours)

Line 13: Hangares to Tipografia (Zona 13)

  • Route: Hangares in Zona 13 to Tipografia in Zona 1
  • Zones served: 1, 13
  • Stations: Varies
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM-9:00 PM, Weekends 5:00 AM-8:00 PM

Line 18: Atlantida to FEGUA (Zona 18)

  • Route: Atlantida in Zona 18 to FEGUA in Zona 1
  • Zones served: 1, 18
  • Stations: Varies
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sat 5:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sun 6:00 AM-8:00 PM

How to Ride Transmetro

  1. Get a SIGA card at any major Transmetro station. Pay a small deposit and load credit onto the card.
  2. Find your station. Transmetro stations are elevated platforms or enclosed stops along the bus-only lanes. Look for the blue and white Transmetro signs.
  3. Tap your SIGA card on the RFID reader at the station entrance. The system deducts Q1 per trip.
  4. Board the bus. Wait on the platform and board through the designated doors.
  5. Exit at your stop. Stations are announced. Press the button or simply step off at the correct station.

No line transfers: Unlike metro systems in other cities, Transmetro charges a separate Q1 fare each time you board a new bus. There is no transfer discount between lines.

Tips

  • Google Maps shows Transmetro routes. Download offline maps before your trip.
  • Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM): Buses and stations are very crowded. Expect standing room only.
  • Keep your phone hidden. Do not use expensive smartphones visibly at stations, especially in less-busy areas.
  • Uber is easier for visitors. Unless you are making a daily commute on a Transmetro-served route, Uber is more practical for tourists. See our Uber in Guatemala guide.
  • TransUrbano is a separate bus system (not BRT) with different routes and a similar SIGA card system. Do not confuse the two.

TransUrbano (Supplementary Service)

TransUrbano is the non-BRT public bus system in Guatemala City, using regular buses on normal traffic lanes. It covers 9 routes with 152 stops across Zonas 1, 4, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 22. Fares are paid with the SIGA card. Less reliable and less safe than Transmetro — not recommended for tourists.

Information verified March 2026. Holiday schedules may vary — check Transmetro social media for updates.