Bus from Río Dulce to Flores
Pullman & shuttle · ~4 hours · $12–$25 USD · Multiple daily departures
Why choose Spring Bus?
Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from Río Dulce to Flores
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 Río Dulce to Flores route runs north from Guatemala's Caribbean river country up into the Petén jungle, carrying travelers toward Flores and the Tikal ruins. It's a common northbound leg for those coming up from Livingston or the Castillo de San Felipe after exploring the coast. The drive is quick by Guatemalan standards, almost entirely on the paved CA-13. Spring Bus connects you with the Pullman lines serving this 210 km corridor.
Línea Dorada, Fuente del Norte and Autobuses del Norte all run multiple daily departures, from air-conditioned coaches to plainer services. You'll arrive in Santa Elena on the mainland; a short tuk-tuk over the causeway puts you on Flores island among its hotels and restaurants. From Flores, onward shuttles reach Tikal in about 1.5 hours. Book ahead in busy months and check whether your bus is a direct Pullman or makes local stops along the way.
Route details: Río Dulce to Flores
Travel time
4 h
Distance
210 km
Typical fare
$12 – $25 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily (several Pullman and shuttle departures)
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 5:00 PM
Operators on this route
Línea Dorada · Fuente del Norte · Autobuses del Norte
Pickup at Río Dulce
Río Dulce town at the foot of the bridge, where Pullman lines stop; travelers arriving by lancha from Livingston transfer here directly
Drop-off at Flores
Santa Elena terminal on the mainland; a short tuk-tuk across the causeway reaches the Flores island hotels and the base for visiting Tikal
About the journey
From Río Dulce the highway climbs away from the Caribbean lowlands and heads north on the CA-13 toward the Petén. After crossing the long bridge over the river, the road runs through the humid farmland and cattle country of northern Izabal before entering the broad, low jungle of southern Petén. You'll pass small roadside towns and the turnoff for Sayaxché as the landscape opens into the green, lake-strewn plains around Lake Petén Itzá. The drive stays paved and relatively flat the whole way, making for a fast 210 km. The trip ends at Santa Elena, the mainland town joined by causeway to Flores island — your launch pad for Tikal and the northern Maya sites.
Travel tips for Río Dulce → Flores
- Catch an early bus to reach Tikal sooner. A morning departure gets you to Flores with time to arrange the onward Tikal shuttle, or even an afternoon visit to the ruins.
- Board at the bridge. Buses leave from Río Dulce town right by the bridge; if you've just arrived by lancha from Livingston, the bus stop is steps from the docks.
- Choose a direct Pullman. Ask for an express service on the CA-13 to avoid the slower buses that stop in every village.
- Plan your Flores crossing. The bus stops in mainland Santa Elena; budget a cheap tuk-tuk ride over the causeway to reach the island hotels.
- Carry water and a snack. It's a 4-hour run with limited onboard service; roadside comedores at stops are basic.
- Pre-book the Tikal leg if time is tight. Flores isn't the ruins; the Tikal shuttle is a separate 1.5-hour transfer you can arrange on arrival or bundle ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Río Dulce to Flores take?
Around 4 hours across about 210 km on the paved CA-13. Direct Pullmans are quickest; buses making local stops can run a bit longer.
How much does it cost?
Expect $12 to $25 USD per person. Air-conditioned Pullmans cost more than basic services, but all sit within that range.
What time do departures leave?
Several departures run through the day, roughly 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. An earlier bus is ideal if you want to connect onward to Tikal the same day.
Does the bus go all the way to Tikal?
No. It ends in Santa Elena/Flores. Tikal is about 1.5 hours further by a separate shuttle, which you can book in Flores or bundle when you reserve.
Will I arrive on Flores island directly?
The bus stops in mainland Santa Elena. A short, inexpensive tuk-tuk ride over the causeway takes you onto Flores island, where most of the hotels and restaurants are.
Going the other direction?
Bus from Flores to Río Dulce
Related routes
Read more about this destination
GuideHow to Get to Livingston, Izabal and Places to Visit. Explore Livingston with Spring Bus
Reach Livingston by boat from Río Dulce; explore its unique Garífuna culture and scenic views. Explore and Enjoy Livingston with Spring Bus.
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.