Bus from Tikal to Flores
Tourist shuttles · ~1 hour · Included in round-trip Flores shuttle fare · Daily afternoon pickups
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The Tikal → Flores return trip is included in the round-trip shuttle fare from Flores — there's no separate purchase needed. Confirm your return pickup time with your shuttle driver in the morning so you don't miss it. The 1-hour drive back through Petén jungle is the standard wrap to a Tikal day.
Spring Bus connects you to operators running this return — San Juan Travel, Mayan Princess hotel shuttle, hostel shuttles (Los Amigos, Hostel Yaxhá). Pickup times are fixed: typically 2 PM (the popular return), 4 PM (last regular return), or a noon return for sunrise-tour travelers. Drop-off is at your original Flores Island or Santa Elena hostel/hotel.
Route details: Tikal to Flores
Travel time
1 h 15 min
Distance
65 km
Typical fare
Included in round-trip from outbound direction
Frequency
Daily afternoon return pickups (typically 2 PM and 4 PM)
First departure
Approx. 12:00 PM (for sunrise-tour returners)
Last departure
Approx. 6:00 PM
Operators on this route
San Juan Travel · Mayan Princess (hotel shuttle) · Hostel shuttles (Los Amigos, Hostel Yaxhá)
Pickup at Tikal
Tikal National Park visitor center + main entrance (where morning shuttles arrived)
Drop-off at Flores
Flores Island hostels and hotels + Santa Elena hotels (the mainland twin town just across the causeway)
About the journey
The Tikal → Flores return is the same 1-hour run on RN-3 in reverse, included in the round-trip shuttle fare you bought in Flores. Pickups happen at fixed times at the Tikal National Park visitor center — confirm your specific shuttle's return time with the driver when you arrive in the morning. Most return shuttles depart at 2 PM and 4 PM, with a noon departure for travelers wrapping up the sunrise tour. The drive back through Petén lowland jungle is straightforward; many travelers nap after a long ruins-day.
Travel tips for Tikal → Flores
- Confirm your return shuttle time with the driver in the morning — and confirm again with the operator's contact at the Tikal entrance before leaving for the ruins.
- Be back at the visitor center 15 minutes early — drivers wait briefly but won't hold the bus past the scheduled departure.
- Bring cash for water + a cold drink at the visitor center while you wait — the small store sells refreshments at ~3x the Flores price.
- If you miss your scheduled return, you can usually catch a later shuttle for ~Q50–100 (US$7–15) extra, or hire a taxi to Flores for ~Q300 (US$40).
- Most travelers nap on the return ride — it's been a long day. Sit toward the back to avoid the driver's mirror lights.
- Arrival in Flores ~3–5 PM, perfect timing for sunset on Lake Petén Itzá from the western side of the island.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the shuttle leave Tikal for Flores?
**Typically 2 PM (the popular return) and 4 PM (last regular return)**, with a noon return for sunrise-tour travelers. Confirm your specific shuttle's pickup time with the driver in the morning before leaving for the ruins.
Is the return shuttle from Tikal included in the Flores shuttle fare?
**Yes — the standard $8–$15 USD shuttle fare from Flores is round-trip.** No separate purchase needed for the return. Your same driver and same shuttle take you back at the scheduled pickup time.
What happens if I miss my return shuttle from Tikal?
**Most operators have multiple departures**, so you can usually catch a later shuttle for ~Q50–100 (US$7–15) additional. The last shuttle typically leaves the park around 6 PM. **If you miss everything**, hire a taxi at the park exit to Flores (~Q300 / US$40).
Can I stay later at Tikal than my scheduled return?
**Yes — switch to a later return shuttle** for ~Q50–100 (US$7–15) additional if seats are available. Confirm with the driver in the morning if you know you'll want to stay later. **The park closes at 6 PM**; sunset access requires a separate Q100 (US$13) surcharge.
How long is the return drive from Tikal to Flores?
**About 1 hour** on the paved RN-3 highway — same route as the morning trip in reverse. Drop-off is at your original Flores Island or Santa Elena hostel/hotel between roughly 3 PM and 5 PM depending on your shuttle's scheduled return time.
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