Bus from Monterrico to Guatemala City
Tourist shuttles · ~2.5 hours · $15–$30 USD · Daily departures, ferry crossing included
Why choose Spring Bus?
Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from Monterrico to Guatemala City
Plan your perfect trip
Find and book your bus tickets in just a few clicks.
Best prices
We partner with top bus companies to provide you with the best prices available.
Flexible Booking
Change your travel plans as needed with our flexible booking options.
The Monterrico → Guatemala City return shuttle is the standard exit for travelers wrapping up a beach + turtle visit and continuing onward — typically to GUA airport for an outbound flight or back to Antigua / Lake Atitlán via a Guatemala City transfer.
Spring Bus connects you to operators running this route — Adrenalina Tours, Atitrans run scheduled shuttles ($15–$30 USD) including the ferry crossing. Door-to-door pickup at Monterrico beach hostels, drop at GUA airport terminal 1 or Zona Viva hotels.
Route details: Monterrico to Guatemala City
Travel time
2 h 30 min
Distance
125 km
Typical fare
$15 – $30 USD per person
Frequency
Daily (1–2 shuttle departures, morning + early afternoon)
First departure
Approx. 8:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 2:00 PM
Operators on this route
Adrenalina Tours · Atitrans · Public bus (Cubanita Express) + La Avellana ferry
Pickup at Monterrico
Monterrico village hotels along the beach (Johnny's Place, Pez de Oro, Atelie del Mar area)
Drop-off at Guatemala City
La Aurora International Airport (GUA, terminal 1) for departing travelers, or Zona Viva hotels (Zones 9, 10, 14)
About the journey
The Monterrico → Guatemala City return reverses the morning's drop — short drive to La Avellana ferry, crossing back over the Canal de Chiquimulilla, then CA-9 north through Taxisco + Escuintla and up into the capital. ~2.5 hours; temperature climbs from 30°C+ Pacific beach back to 18–22°C highlands.
Travel tips for Monterrico → Guatemala City
- Morning shuttle (~8 AM) is the standard pick — gets you to Guatemala City around 10:30 AM for an afternoon flight or onward Antigua connection.
- For international flights, allow 6+ hours of buffer before departure — Monterrico → GUA is 2.5 h plus 2 h check-in + airport buffer.
- Sand-clean your gear before loading the shuttle — drivers don't appreciate sand all over the van.
- Bring a layer — Guatemala City is much cooler than Monterrico (the temperature shift hits as you climb back into the highlands).
- If continuing to Antigua: from Zona Viva, tourist shuttles to Antigua run ~$10–$20, ~1 hour additional.
- Confirm hotel pickup time with your shuttle the night before — Monterrico hotels are spread along the beach.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Monterrico to Guatemala City?
**About 2.5 hours** door-to-door from Monterrico beach hostels to GUA airport or Zona Viva, including the La Avellana ferry crossing back over the Canal de Chiquimulilla.
How much does the shuttle from Monterrico to Guatemala City cost?
**$15 – $30 USD per person** on Adrenalina Tours or Atitrans, including the ferry crossing. Same fare as the inverse direction.
What time do shuttles leave Monterrico for Guatemala City?
**Typically 8 AM and 2 PM daily** — exact times vary by operator. Morning shuttle is popular for flight-day or onward-transit travelers.
Can I connect from Monterrico to an international flight at GUA the same day?
**Yes for afternoon/evening flights** — an 8 AM Monterrico shuttle arrives GUA airport ~10:30 AM, leaving plenty of time for a 1 PM+ flight. For morning flights, overnight at a Zona Viva or airport hotel the night before.
Is there a direct shuttle from Monterrico to Antigua?
**Limited direct service** — most travelers take the Monterrico → Guatemala City shuttle (~2.5 h) + transfer to an Antigua tourist shuttle (~1 h, $10–$20 USD). Total: ~4 hours, $25–$50 USD.
Going the other direction?