What to expect when visiting Antigua
Antigua is a gorgeous city with the best-preserved colonial settlement in Central America — a great achievement considering it’s an earthquake-prone area. A former capital of Guatemala, the small city’s grid-like street layout and vibrant houses are among the earliest examples of urban planning.
Backdropped by Volcan de Agua, this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes the perfect destination for photography professionals and aficionados. Some of the best things to do in Antigua include hiking to the nearby Acatenango Volcano, roasting marshmallows at Pacaya Volcano, and surprisingly: eating at one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world!
1 way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua
The shuttle is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 480 km (298 miles) from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua. The journey takes around 12h and costs start from 1,560 MXN ($89.00).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 ($89.00) 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua
What is the distance from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua?
The distance from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua is 480 km (298 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua?
The fastest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua is by shuttle and takes 12 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua?
The cheapest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua is by shuttle with ticket costs starting from 1,560 MXN ($89.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Antigua. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Antigua Travel Guides
Visiting Antigua, Guatemala | What To Do In The City Of Volcanoes
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.
Hola, is obligatory to have covid test or is possible to cross the border only with vaccinated certificate.Thank you
Hi Petra, since March 11th, you need to show a proof of having received a double dose or a negative PCR test, not older than 3 days. See here the announcement of theUS embassy in Guatemala as a reference. It’s now also updated in the article.
Safe travels!
Hi! The link for transport guatemala leads to a weird site, do you know how else I can reach this company?
Hi Nicole, thanks for the heads up. You’re completely right. It looks like the website is not owned by the transport company anymore. I sent Transport Guatemala a question via their Facebook page, but I highly doubt if they are still active. Adrenalina Tours is the only option I can find at the moment. If you come along any other option please let us know. You will be helping a lot of travellers by sharing your experience. Safe travels!
Hi we are a couple from Denmark traveling from San Christobal de las Casas to Antigua, Guatemala. We don´t have the Covid vaccine, but would do the test, is it ok to cross the border without the vaccine?
Hi Shazia, looks like that won’t be possible. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you cannot enter Ecuador according to this up to date listing from Skyscanner.
Hi Maarten, thank you for this information. I will be visiting Guatemala from san Cristobal in February 2022 and I am wondering, if you are vaccinated against Covid-19 (I have had 3 doses), are you still required to take a Covid-19 test before entering the country? I appreciate these rules may change between now and February. Many thanks, Sarah
Hi Sarah, thanks for leaving a comment. If the situation stays the same, it shouldn’t be to difficult to visit Guatemala if you are fully vaccinated. However, you will still need to do 2 PCR tests and one night of quaraintine. Skyscanner has a super useful page about it: https://www.skyscanner.net/travel-restrictions/guatemala/29475419
Hello! I am looking to travel from San Cristobal to Antigua, Guatemala in late December this year. Which company would you recommend to be the best and safest to use?
Thanks very much,
Gemma
Hi Gemma, sorry for the late reply. Both Transport Guatemala and Adrenalina Tours are popular transport companies for this route. We recommend choosing the company that departs on your desired date, Due to covid, the companies only operate on 3 days a week on this route to Antigua.