Bus from Tikal to Guatemala City
Shuttle + overnight Pullman · ~9–10 hours · $25–$45 USD · Daily departure
Why choose Spring Bus?
Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from Tikal 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 Tikal to Guatemala City route brings travelers back from the Petén jungle and the great Maya ruins to the capital, usually to connect onward to the airport, Antigua, or other regions. Since Tikal has no long-distance terminal, the journey begins with a shuttle to Flores, then continues as an overnight Pullman to the capital. Spring Bus connects you with the operators covering this 500 km return route.
Línea Dorada, Fuente del Norte and ADN Autobuses del Norte run overnight Pullman coaches from Flores/Santa Elena, the better ones with reclining seats, air conditioning and restrooms. They arrive at the operators' terminals in the capital, mostly in Zona 1, where taxis and ride-hailing reach hotels or La Aurora airport in Zona 13. If you have a morning flight, the overnight bus can line up well, but always leave a buffer. Book ahead in high season and confirm your Flores departure time after your last day at the ruins.
Route details: Tikal to Guatemala City
Travel time
10 h
Distance
500 km
Typical fare
$25 – $45 USD per person
Frequency
Daily (Tikal shuttle to Flores plus several overnight Pullmans)
First departure
Approx. 8:00 PM (overnight Pullman from Flores)
Last departure
Approx. 10:00 PM
Operators on this route
Línea Dorada · Fuente del Norte · ADN Autobuses del Norte
Pickup at Tikal
Shuttle from Tikal National Park or your Flores/Santa Elena hotel to the bus terminal; the long-distance Pullman departs from Santa Elena on the mainland
Drop-off at Guatemala City
Línea Dorada, Fuente del Norte and ADN terminals in the capital (mostly Zona 1); taxis and Uber reach hotels and the airport in Zona 13
About the journey
The trip back from Tikal to the capital starts with the 1.5-hour shuttle out of the Petén jungle from the park to Flores/Santa Elena, where the long-distance Pullman departs. From there the overnight coach heads south on CA-13, crossing the green lowland plains and farmland of Petén and Izabal, passing the Río Dulce turnoff as the jungle gives way to drier country. It joins CA-9 through the Motagua valley and climbs steadily out of the lowlands back into the highlands toward Guatemala City. Most of the 500 km passes overnight, and the Pullman rolls into the capital's terminals around dawn. It's a long haul, but the air-conditioned coaches and reclining seats make the night drive bearable.
Travel tips for Tikal → Guatemala City
- Build in the Flores leg. Your Pullman leaves from Flores/Santa Elena, not Tikal, so allow for the 1.5-hour shuttle out of the park before the long-distance bus departs.
- Use the overnight bus to save a day. An evening departure from Flores arrives in the capital by morning, freeing a day and a night's lodging — handy if you're catching a flight.
- Choose an air-conditioned Pullman. Línea Dorada and ADN's better coaches with reclining seats and restrooms make the 8–9 hour night drive much easier.
- Leave a buffer for flights. If connecting to a morning flight from La Aurora, don't cut it close; highland-highway delays can eat into your margin.
- Pack layers for the cold AC. Overnight coaches keep the cabin chilly; a jacket or blanket helps you sleep.
- Arrange capital transport ahead. Taxis and Uber from the Zona 1 terminals are the easiest way to your hotel or the airport on a dawn arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Tikal to Guatemala City take?
About 9 to 10 hours total — a 1.5-hour shuttle from Tikal to Flores plus an 8–9 hour overnight Pullman to the capital. Most of the long leg passes while you sleep.
How much does it cost?
The overnight Pullman from Flores runs about $25 to $45 USD per person by class. The Tikal-to-Flores shuttle is usually a separate small charge unless it's bundled into your ticket.
What time do departures leave?
The long-distance Pullmans leave Flores in the evening, around 8:00 to 10:00 PM, arriving in the capital near dawn. The Tikal-to-Flores shuttle runs earlier in the day to connect.
Can I make a morning flight from Guatemala City?
Often yes — the overnight Pullman arrives at dawn, and a taxi or Uber reaches La Aurora airport in Zona 13. Still, leave a generous buffer for possible highway delays.
Do I have to go through Flores?
Yes. There's no direct long-distance bus from Tikal; the route runs via Flores/Santa Elena, where the capital-bound Pullmans depart. The first step is always the shuttle out of the park.
Going the other direction?
Bus from Guatemala City to Tikal
Related routes
Bus route
Antigua Guatemala → Guatemala City
1 h 15 min · $10–$20 USD
Bus route
Cobán → Guatemala City
4 h 30 min · $12–$25 USD
Bus route
Flores → Guatemala City
9 h · $25–$50 USD
Bus route
Lake Atitlán → Guatemala City
4 h · $20–$35 USD
Bus route
Monterrico → Guatemala City
2 h 30 min · $15–$30 USD
Bus route
Quetzaltenango → Guatemala City
4 h · $10–$20 USD
Read more about this destination
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.
GuideGuatemala City: explore the capital
The country's main hub — markets, museums, coffee culture, and the gateway to most other destinations.
GuideWhere to experience Maya culture in Guatemala
Tikal, Yaxhá, Iximché, and other key sites for understanding Maya civilization.
GuideHow to get around Guatemala by bus, shuttle, or car
Pros and cons of each transport option, plus how to combine them for a smooth itinerary.