If you’ve just landed at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and you’re trying to figure out how to get to Quetzaltenango (Xela), you’re in the right place. There are five ways to make the journey, ranging from a quick domestic flight to a full chicken bus adventure, and the best option really depends on your budget, your timeline, and how much of an experience you want the journey itself to be.
Here’s a quick overview before we get into the details:
Guatemala Airport to Quetzaltenango at a Glance
| Method | Cost (approx.) | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flight | $80-150 USD | ~1 hour | Speed |
| First class bus | ~$13 USD | 4-5 hours | Budget + comfort |
| Chicken bus | ~$5 USD | 5-7 hours | Adventure |
| Shuttle service | ~$45 USD | ~6 hours | Ease, no planning |
| Private transfer | ~$200 USD | 4-5 hours | Groups, door-to-door |
A quick note on Guatemala City: La Aurora Airport is located in the capital, and whilst the airport itself is safe, Guatemala City as a whole does have higher crime rates than other parts of the country. If you need to travel through the city centre (for example, to reach a bus station), take a licensed taxi or Uber, travel during daylight hours, and keep your belongings close. Many travellers pass through without issue, but it’s worth being aware of.
Other travel guides from Guatemala Airport:
Flights from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango
If you want the fastest way from La Aurora International Airport to Xela, a domestic flight is your best bet. There are direct nonstop flights from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango Airport (also known as Los Altos Airport), and the flight itself takes around an hour.
I’ll be upfront: I’m not a huge advocate of flying short distances for environmental reasons, but if you’re working with very limited time, it’s there as an option.
Tag Airlines is the main carrier operating domestic flights on this route, with at least one flight per day, usually departing in the morning. Quetzaltenango Airport is a small, domestic-only airport, so if you’re hoping to find international flights arriving directly into Xela, unfortunately that’s not an option right now. You will need to land in Guatemala City first.
Flights from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango typically cost between $80 and $150 USD depending on how far in advance you book and the time of year. Google Flights is a good place to search for cheap flights and compare fare changes across different dates before you commit to a booking. Booking in advance will usually get you the best one-way deal, but last-minute fares can occasionally be competitive too.
One thing to bear in mind: if you book your domestic flight separately from your international flight, you’ll be responsible for making the connection yourself. If you can book them together, do, because if your first flight is delayed, the airline is then obligated to help you get to your next destination.
First Class Bus from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango
Taking the first class bus is one of the most popular options for budget travellers, and honestly, it’s a solid choice. It’s comfortable, affordable, and gets you there without too much faff, as long as your flight lands in the morning.
The important thing to know is that the last buses from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango leave in the early afternoon, so if you land in the evening, you’ll either need to take a different mode of transport or spend the night close to the airport before continuing your journey.
Two main companies run this route:
Linea Dorada has departures at 12pm and 3pm from Guatemala City
Alamo departs at 12.30pm
A bus ticket shouldn’t cost you more than around 100 Quetzales (roughly $13 USD), making this by far the cheapest option after the chicken bus. The journey is approximately 3.5 hours by car, but with stops along the way expect it to take closer to 4-5 hours.
To get from La Aurora International Airport to the bus station, you’ll need a taxi, which will cost around 80 Quetzales (just over $10 USD). Tell your driver the name of the bus company and that you’re heading to Quetzaltenango before you set off, so there’s no confusion about the destination.
🇬🇹 Related reading: A Guide to Money in Guatemala (including ATMs, currency, and how to pay)
Chicken Bus from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango
The chicken bus is the local public transport network in Guatemala, made up of repurposed and repainted old US school buses. They are an experience in themselves, and a rite of passage for many backpackers travelling through Central America. If you want the cheapest way to get from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango, this is it, coming in at around 40-80 Quetzales total depending on the route you take.
That said, the chicken buses from Guatemala City are a bit more intense than those you’ll take between smaller towns, because you’re starting in the capital. I took the chicken bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlán with my friend Ellie and had a brilliant time, but I’d taken a shuttle out of Guatemala City first. If you’re new to Guatemala, I’d suggest doing the same: get yourself to Antigua or Panajachel first by a safer method of transport, and tackle the chicken bus adventure once you’re a little more settled into the country.
If you do want to go straight by chicken bus, the journey will involve at least one or two changes. You won’t find a single direct service from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango by chicken bus. The drivers and locals will always know where you’re going and can point you in the right direction, but go armed with a bit of Spanish and make sure you have plenty of small-denomination Guatemalan Quetzales in cash, as drivers won’t accept dollars or card payments.
Set off early in the morning, keep your valuables in a bumbag on your body rather than in a bag (pickpocketing does happen on busy routes), and lean into the adventure of it.
Shuttle from Guatemala City Airport to Quetzaltenango
A collective shuttle service sits somewhere between a bus and a private transfer: you share the vehicle with other travellers, it picks you up at the airport (or your accommodation), and drops you at your destination. It’s more expensive than the bus but much more convenient, especially if you arrive without any local currency and don’t fancy navigating a taxi to a bus station.
The main company I know of offering a shuttle from Guatemala Airport to Quetzaltenango is Adrenalina Tours, which costs around $45 USD and takes approximately six hours. The journey includes a stopover in Antigua, which means you’ll be dropped at their Antigua office and wait for the connecting shuttle to Xela.
I didn’t travel with Adrenalina Tours myself, but I met several people during my time in Guatemala who had used them without any complaints. I’d always recommend booking in advance rather than hoping to find a shuttle on the spot at the airport; unlike the shuttle services to Antigua or Panajachel, this route is less frequently requested so availability can be limited.
The big advantage of a shuttle service over the first class bus is that it offers a door-to-door service, dropping you at your accommodation in Quetzaltenango rather than at a bus station. The slight downside is that if your accommodation happens to be on the opposite side of the city to everyone else’s, you might be the last one dropped off.
Private Transfer from Guatemala City Airport to Quetzaltenango
A private taxi or transfer from La Aurora Airport to Quetzaltenango costs around $200 USD. On the face of it that sounds steep, but split between four people it works out at $50 each, which is actually pretty reasonable for a door-to-door service on a long journey.
The benefits are clear: your driver will wait for you if your flight is delayed (a shuttle bus won’t), you go directly without any stops, and the whole experience is a lot more comfortable. For families, groups, or anyone with a lot of luggage, it’s genuinely worth considering.
The best way to arrange a private transfer is either through your accommodation (many hostels and hotels in Quetzaltenango can organise a driver for you and pre-arrange the price) or through a personal recommendation. The Facebook group Backpack Guatemala is a good resource for finding driver contacts and getting a fair price before you arrive.
Bear in mind that journey times vary significantly depending on what time of day you travel. Rush hour in Guatemala City runs roughly 7-10am and 4-8pm, and during those windows you can easily add an hour or more to your journey just getting out of the city. Outside of peak hours, the drive can take as little as four hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Guatemala City Airport to Quetzaltenango?
It depends on how you travel. A domestic flight takes around one hour. By first class bus or private transfer it’s typically 4-5 hours, though traffic in Guatemala City can add time. A shuttle service with a stopover in Antigua takes around six hours. A chicken bus journey will vary, but expect at least 5-7 hours with connections.
What is the cheapest way to get from Guatemala Airport to Xela?
The cheapest option is the chicken bus, which costs around 40-80 Quetzales ($5-10 USD). The first class bus is the next cheapest at around 100 Quetzales ($13 USD), and is a more comfortable and straightforward option for most travellers.
Is there a direct flight from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango?
Yes, Tag Airlines operates nonstop flights between La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and Los Altos Airport in Quetzaltenango. There is usually at least one direct flight per day, departing in the morning.
Do I need to go to Guatemala City centre to catch the bus to Xela?
Yes, the first class bus companies (Linea Dorada and Alamo) depart from bus stations in Guatemala City, so you’ll need a taxi from the airport to get there. This costs around 80 Quetzales and takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. If you want to skip Guatemala City entirely, a shuttle or private transfer from the airport is a better option.
Can I get a shuttle from Guatemala City Airport to Quetzaltenango?
Yes. Adrenalina Tours offers a shuttle from La Aurora Airport to Quetzaltenango for around $45 USD. It includes a stopover in Antigua and takes approximately six hours. Book in advance as this route is less frequently requested than shuttles to Antigua or Lake Atitlán.
Is Quetzaltenango worth visiting?
Absolutely. Quetzaltenango (Xela) is one of the most underrated cities in Guatemala. It has a beautiful Central Park, a stunning cathedral, lively markets, and is one of the best places in the country to study Spanish. It’s less touristy than Antigua but has a great backpacker scene and plenty to keep you busy.
