Bus from Guatemala City to Tikal
Overnight Pullman + shuttle · ~9–10 hours · $25–$45 USD · Daily departure
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The Guatemala City to Tikal route links the capital with Guatemala's most famous archaeological site, the UNESCO-listed Maya city deep in the Petén jungle. Because Tikal has no direct long-distance bus, the journey runs as an overnight Pullman to Flores followed by a short shuttle to the ruins — and most travelers overnight in Flores rather than going straight through. Spring Bus connects you with the operators covering this 500 km route and the onward Tikal transfer.
Línea Dorada, Fuente del Norte and ADN Autobuses del Norte run overnight Pullman coaches to Flores, the better ones with reclining seats and air conditioning. From Flores or mainland Santa Elena, a dedicated Tikal shuttle covers the final 1.5 hours. Many visitors spend a night in Flores to break the trip and catch a sunrise Tikal tour the next morning. Book the Pullman ahead in high season, and confirm whether your ticket includes the onward shuttle to the park or whether you arrange it in Flores.
Route details: Guatemala City to Tikal
Travel time
10 h
Distance
500 km
Typical fare
$25 – $45 USD per person
Frequency
Daily (several overnight Pullmans to Flores plus onward Tikal shuttle)
First departure
Approx. 9:00 PM (overnight Pullman)
Last departure
Approx. 10:00 PM
Operators on this route
Línea Dorada · Fuente del Norte · ADN Autobuses del Norte
Pickup at Guatemala City
Línea Dorada, Fuente del Norte and ADN terminals in the capital (mostly Zona 1); overnight Pullmans to Flores depart from these stations
Drop-off at Tikal
Tikal National Park entrance, reached by an onward shuttle from Flores/Santa Elena (about 1.5 hours); most travelers overnight in Flores first
About the journey
Reaching Tikal from the capital means a long northbound haul, almost always run overnight on a Pullman to Flores, then a short onward shuttle to the ruins. Leaving Guatemala City, the road takes CA-9 east toward Río Hondo, the terrain dropping out of the highlands into the dry Motagua valley, then turns north onto CA-13 climbing into the green lowlands and jungle of the Petén. The route passes the Río Dulce turnoff and the broad farmland of Izabal before the savanna and forest around Lake Petén Itzá. After about 8–9 hours the Pullman reaches Flores/Santa Elena at dawn; from there a 1.5-hour shuttle covers the final leg through Petén jungle to the Tikal National Park gate, where the great Maya temples rise above the canopy.
Travel tips for Guatemala City → Tikal
- Plan to overnight in Flores. Rather than rushing straight through, most travelers sleep in Flores after the overnight Pullman, then take an early Tikal shuttle — it makes for a far better ruins visit.
- Take an air-conditioned Pullman. Línea Dorada and ADN's better overnight coaches have reclining seats and restrooms, which matters on an 8–9 hour night drive.
- Tikal is reached via Flores. There's no direct bus to the ruins; the final 1.5-hour leg is a separate shuttle from Flores/Santa Elena, so factor it into your plan.
- Aim for a Tikal sunrise. Staying in Flores lets you join an early-morning shuttle to catch the temples at dawn, the highlight of any Tikal trip.
- Bring layers and water. Overnight coaches run the AC cold; the Petén by day is hot and humid, so pack for both.
- Confirm what your ticket covers. Check whether your fare is just the Pullman to Flores or includes the onward Tikal shuttle and park transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Guatemala City to Tikal take?
About 9 to 10 hours in total — roughly 8 to 9 hours overnight by Pullman to Flores, then a 1.5-hour shuttle to the Tikal park gate. Most travelers break the trip with a night in Flores.
How much does it cost?
The overnight Pullman to Flores runs about $25 to $45 USD per person depending on class. The onward Tikal shuttle is usually a separate, smaller charge unless bundled into your ticket.
What time do departures leave?
The main services are overnight Pullmans leaving the capital in the evening, around 9:00 to 10:00 PM, arriving in Flores near dawn. From there the Tikal shuttle runs in the early morning.
Is there a direct bus to Tikal?
No. Long-distance buses go to Flores/Santa Elena, not the ruins. Tikal is reached by a separate 1.5-hour shuttle from Flores, which is why most travelers overnight there first.
Should I overnight in Flores or go straight to Tikal?
Overnighting in Flores is the popular choice. It lets you rest after the overnight bus and catch an early shuttle for a Tikal sunrise tour, rather than arriving at the ruins exhausted.
Going the other direction?
Bus from Tikal to Guatemala City
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Read more about this destination
GuideGuatemala City: explore the capital
The country's main hub — markets, museums, coffee culture, and the gateway to most other destinations.
GuideTikal: a guide to the Mayan ruins
Explore the towering pyramids and the Great Plaza in Petén — how to get there, what to see, where to stay.
GuideWhere to experience Maya culture in Guatemala
Tikal, Yaxhá, Iximché, and other key sites for understanding Maya civilization.
GuideVisiting Laguna del Tigre National Park
Guatemala's largest protected area — wildlife, wetlands, and how it connects to the Tikal region.