Important COVID-19 update: Because of the COVID pandemic, shuttles to Antigua run less regularly and the availability for online bookings is limited.
How to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua
Antigua is a gorgeous colonial city and is the former capital of Guatemala. Despite being located in an earthquake-prone area, it’s the best-preserved colonial settlement in Central America. With its grid-like street layout and vibrant houses, it is among the earliest examples of urban planning and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can spend a few days wandering around Antigua’s beautiful cobblestone streets, which are surrounded by magnificent temples, monasteries and colourful houses. The city makes the perfect backdrop for photography professionals and aficionados. It’s a must to take a snap (or a hundred!) at the Santa Catalina Arch, preferably with Volcán de Agua behind it.
For nature lovers, exciting hiking trails are located just about an hour from Antigua. These include the Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes. You can also make a day trip to the beautiful Atitlan Lake, which you can find 2.5 hours west of the city.
Shuttle bus from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua
The most popular way to travel the 480 km (298 miles) from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua is via a 12-hour minivan shuttle with fares from 1,560 MXN ($83).
There are no direct public buses between San Cristobal de las Casas and Antigua. With a public bus, you’ll have to make 2 or 3 transfers and the travel time will be around 17 hours. In our opinion, not worth it when you can only save around $25 with the bus compared to a direct minivan shuttle.
Another advantage of the shuttle bus is that they pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, so you won’t have to worry about getting to/from bus terminals.
Itinerary from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua
Shuttle
- San Cristobal de las Casas
- 12 hours
- Antigua
San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua by Shuttle
Some of the companies operating from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua are Transport Guatemala, Adrenalina Tours, and Atitrans.
You will be picked up from your accommodation in San Cristobal and dropped off at your desired address in Antigua. The journey takes around 12 hours and includes a stop for lunch as well as a few bathroom breaks.
Shuttle prices from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua are a bit steep with rates from 1,560 MXN ($83) per person. That’s because shuttles operate at half capacity due to the pandemic. Operators say rates can go down again when it is safe to travel at full capacity once more.
Shuttle schedule from San Cristobal to Antigua
Border crossing from Mexico to Guatemala
Crossing the Mexico-Guatemala border is easy and simple.
Your minivan shuttle will make a stop at the Immigration Office in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc for the Mexican side. Have your passport stamped and return to your shuttle. You will then be driven to Frontera La Mesilla for immigration procedures on the Guatemala side.
Depending on the company you’re travelling with, you may be asked to transfer to a different minivan to take you the rest of the way to Antigua.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 RESTRICTION: As of March 11, 2022, you need two show either a proof of two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a negative COVID PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior departure.
About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
