Guatemala Transport

Air
Flying into Guatemala City International Airport is one of the major gateways into the country. It is also the most convenient and often is the quickest way to travel. The country’s national airline is TACA, although a number of other airlines serve the airport. These include: American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Iberia and United Airlines.

Guatemala City International Airport (GUA) is just 6kms south of the city. It is Guatemala’s biggest and busiest airport and is very well equipped with facilities including: car hire, duty-free shopping, a bar, a buffet, a post office, a restaurant, a bank, tourist information desks, telephones and bureaux de change. The airport is fully equipped for passengers who are travelling with disabilities. The entire airport is wheelchair accessible and there are adapted toilets, telephones and braille signs.

A bus runs from the airport into the city centre and taxis are available with travel time into Guatemala City being approximately 20 minutes.

The airport offers both short and long-term parking with a number of dedicated spaces for those travelling with disabilities.

Flores International Airport (FRS) is located in the suburb of Santa Elena, Flores. Regular flights operate to and from national destinations as well as limited international destinations such Belize. Facilities are somewhat limited compared with Guatemala City’s airport, but do include a restaurant and refreshment area, shopping opportunities, information desks, car hire, departure lounges and exchange facilities.

It is possible to get a bus service into the centre of town, or you can hire a car or jump in one of the numerous taxis waiting outside of Arrivals.

The airport has sufficient parking for its size with long and short-term spaces as well as designated spaces for disabled drivers.

Rail
Ferrovias Guatemala is an 800km railroad which connects Guatemala City with Mexico, El Salvador and a number of cities on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Hurricane Mitch partially destroyed the railroad in 1999, but restoration has almost been completed. Services are fairly reliable although journeys can be long and often arduous. Comfort on the trains depends on what class you are travelling.

Car
The Pan-American Highway runs through Guatemala from Mexico in the north and El Salvador in the south, covering 511kms. It is however also possible to drive from Belize. You should be particularly careful when driving from the Belize/Guatemala border because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. You are highly recommended to only use the officially recognised border crossings.

Bus
There are bus services from Mexico and El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. If however you do cross the borders, you may find that there are considerable delays. Always check what bus you are booking as they are not all air-conditioned or comfortable. Journeys can be extremely long and often very boring so it is advised to take a good book. It is also vital to book as far in advance as possible for every stage of the journey.

Sea
The country’s main ports are: Santo Thomás de Castilla, Puerto Quetzal, San José, Puerto Barrios and Champerico. You will also find numerous marinas on the Rio Dulce. There are several international passenger services from North America, the Far East and Europe. Cruises also stop ff at one of the various ports.

Air
Air transport is undoubtedly the quickest and most efficient means of internal travel. Tikal Jets service daily flights from Guatemala City to El Petén. Inter runs scheduled flights to and from several towns while private charter flights are also available.

Bus
Guatemala City and many other major towns have limited, but cheap, bus services. They will often run to all of the main tourist attractions and can be a great way to experience the ‘real’ town. The network of regular bus services serving journeys between major towns may be cheap, but they are often over-crowded and road accidents are common. Slightly more expensive air-conditioned services are available for those not looking to take their life in their own hands.

Car
There is an extensive road network throughout the country, but less than one third of these roads are all-weather. Many are made from volcanic ash and because of this can get extremely muddy during rainy season.

Seatbelts must be worn at all times but there are no laws regarding the use of child safety seats. Speed limits vary on the condition of the road, but they are rarely enforced. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and those caught face harsh sentences. You should avoid driving to Panajachel via Patzun as the road is badly maintained and criminals take advantage of this and many people become victims of car-nappers. The roads from the El Salvador border to Cuilapa and from the Belize border to El Cure are popular spots for hi-jacking buses.

International and local car-hire firms provide services in Guatemala City. It is possible to hire a car for up to 30 days with either an International Driving Permit or a national licence. Comprehensive car insurance is essential.

Taxi
Taxis charge a flat rate for short or long runs within the city, although prices tend to be high. Vehicles may be flagged down in the street or called in advance. You will find taxi ranks at the main international hotels as well as at the airports.