Transmetro is Guatemala City’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system — a network of dedicated-lane buses connecting major zones of the capital. The municipal FAQ lists Q1.00 per regular ride and Q2.00 for express service; the network can be confusing for newcomers.

Uber goes door to door, while Transmetro only serves its own routes. If you live here and travel regular routes, Transmetro saves significant money compared to daily Uber rides.

In short: Transmetro is Guatemala City’s BRT (bus rapid transit) network — 7 lines, 100+ stations, Q1.00 regular ($0.13) / Q2.00 express fares. Buses run every 5-10 minutes. Pay with the Tarjeta Ciudadana rechargeable smartcard sold at the Municipalidad, Mini Munis, station recharge machines and exchange counters (Q20, credited with 5 initial trips + load credit). Confirm transfer rules before travelling; the municipal FAQ does not establish them. Key lines: L1 Centro Cívico loop, L7 USAC-Periférico (longest), L12 Centra Sur, L13 Tipografía-Plaza Berlín, L18 Zona 18. Keep belongings close and avoid late-night travel. Uber is the door-to-door alternative. Information verified March 2026.

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: Plaza Berlín to Tipografía

  • Route: Plaza Berlín to Tipografía, as shown on the municipal map, checked 23 October 2026
  • Zones served: 1, 13
  • Stations: Varies
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 AM-9:00 PM, Weekends 5:00 AM-8:00 PM

Line 18: Paraíso / Atlántida to FEGUA (Zona 18)

  • Route: Paraíso / Atlántida 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 Tarjeta Ciudadana at Municipalidad de Guatemala, Mini Munis, recharge machines or provisional exchange counters at Transmetro stations (Q20, credited with 5 initial trips — official FAQ, checked 23 October 2026). Affiliated shops are listed for top-ups, not card sales.
  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 Tarjeta Ciudadana on the RFID reader at the station entrance. The fare is Q1.00 for regular service and Q2.00 for express service.
  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.

Transfers: The municipal FAQ confirms Q1.00 regular and Q2.00 express fares but does not establish transfer rules. Confirm those rules before relying on a connection.

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. The captured municipal FAQ does not establish its fare or card compatibility; confirm with that operator.

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. A readable primary source confirming its current fare and card rules was not available in the captures checked on 23 October 2026; confirm directly with TransUrbano. Less reliable and less safe than Transmetro — not recommended for tourists.

Is it running today? Service changes are announced only on the Municipality’s official WhatsApp channel and its @TransmetroGuate accounts, never on muniguate.com. Today’s published band by line, plus 25 dated instances of what actually suspends the system, are on Transmetro service status.

Fares, lines and card rules re-checked against the municipal map, hours chart and FAQ on 23 October 2026. Holiday schedules may vary — check Transmetro social media for updates.