How To Get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan [2024]

Located to the northwest of Antigua, Lake Atitlan is one of the most sought-after destinations in Guatemala. It is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (if not THE most beautiful!) and NEEDS to be on your Guatemala travel itinerary.

There is plenty to do in the area, whether you’re looking for thrilling watersports or a relaxing time by the lake, but how do you get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan in the first place? 

The distance from Antigua in Guatemala to Lake Atitlan is 54.3 miles (87.4 km), and you can make the journey in approximately 3 hours. There are quite a few transportation alternatives to consider, all of them detailed in this post. Check them out!

COMING FROM GUATEMALA CITY INSTEAD? READ
How to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

Book a Private Transfer from Antigua to Panajachel

The most hassle-free and personalized option is booking a private transfer from Antigua to Atitlan. You’ll be picked up from your hotel at your chosen time and taken to Panajachel, a town on the north shore of Lake Atitlan. 

Prices for the private transfer from Antigua to Panajachel vary depending on the number of people traveling. You can arrange your transfer for up to 3 people for $190, or up to 12 people for $265, with several options in between. 

If you’re on a budget, it would only make sense to book the private transfer if you’re a large group (9 or more passengers), otherwise, it’s more expensive than taking the shared shuttle. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

 Panajachel is the only town in the area where private transfers arrive, so if you’re staying in any other town, the driver will leave you at Panajachel dock where you can take a public boat or arrange a boat transfer with your hotel to get to your final destination. 

Some mid-range and luxury hotels include a complimentary boat transfer, so make sure to check with them first. 

Pros and Cons of the Private Transfer

✅ It’s the most convenient option, allowing you to choose the departure time to best suit your schedule.

✅ It picks you up at your hotel and offers a private ride to your group of up to 12 people. If you really are a big group, it could even be cost-effective.

❌ It’s the most expensive option, so it’s not ideal for solo travelers or those on a budget.

❌ The final destination of the private transfer is the Panajachel dock, so you won’t be dropped off at your hotel. You’ll have to take the ferry to the village where you’re staying.

Take the Shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan

If you want an economic means of transport or are traveling on your own, then your best bet is to take a shared shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. 

It takes longer because it will stop at several different hotels to pick up passengers and then drop them off, and it isn’t as comfortable as having your own car or van, but contrarily to the private transfer, you can take the shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel, to San Marcos La Laguna, or to Santiago Atitlan, so your options are wider. 

Again, if you’re staying in a different town, like San Pedro La Laguna or Santa Cruz La Laguna, you’ll have to take the shuttle to Panajachel and be left at the dock, where you’ll take the boat transfer arranged by your hotel or a public boat.

The public ferry takes 30 minutes to get to San Pedro and 10 minutes to get to Santa Cruz, costing $3 and $1 respectively. 

▶️ The shuttle to Panajachel takes around 3 hours to arrive, and the one-way trip costs $25. 

There are 4 daily services, the first one departing at 5.30 AM and the last one at 4 PM. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ If you’re taking the Antigua to San Marcos La Laguna shuttle you have two journey options: one at 8 AM and the other one at 12.30 PM.

 The journey lasts around 4.5 hours and the ticket costs $27. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Antigua to Santiago Atitlan shuttle journey is the longest, taking around 6 hours. 

There are two services, one at 5.30 AM and another one at 7 AM, and the one-way ticket costs $48. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pros and Cons of the Shared Shuttle

✅ It’s the most affordable option (aside from the Chicken bus) so it’s a phenomenal and safe way to make the journey for those on a budget.

✅ It picks you up at your hotel, and offers journeys to a few of the main towns in Lake Atitlan, as well as the Panajachel dock where you can take the ferry to other destinations.

❌ It takes longer, as it stops along the way to pick up and drop off other passengers.

Take an Uber or Taxi to Lake Atitlan

This is the most convenient option if you’re looking for how to get to Lake Atitlan fast and head directly to your final destination. Uber works well in Antigua, or you could book a taxi to pick you up at your hotel and drive you to your final destination. 

Most taxis and Ubers will drop you off in the main towns, like Panajachel, San Pedro, or San Marcos. If you’re headed to some other village, though, you can ask them if they can drop you off there, or else you can get off at the Panajachel dock to take the ferry.  

While this is one of the most hassle-free alternatives, along with the private transfer, it can also be one of the most expensive ones, so it’s not ideal if you’re on a budget. 

Pros and Cons of the Taxi or Uber

✅ You’ll set the schedule and pick-up time, and the journey will be exclusive to your own group.

✅ It might be possible for the taxi to drop you off at your final destination in Lake Atitlan, unlike the private or shared transfers that stop at Panajachel dock.

❌ It’s quite expensive, so not a great option for travelers on a budget.

Ride the Chicken Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan

The chicken bus is the cheapest transfer Antigua-Lake Atitlan at only $6, although it’s not the most comfortable nor the safest option. In fact, I’d only recommend it if you really can’t spare another dollar for your transportation. 

For starters, the schedule is limited to once a day at 7 AM, and it’s suggested that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ensure the bus doesn’t leave earlier and to get your spot. If you miss it, you’ll have to choose some of the other transportation options or wait until the next day. 

It’s also a somewhat long and bumpy ride, and while the roads can be narrow or winding, there’s not much regard for speed limits, and the vehicles are not that well maintained, so it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Pickpocketing is also common as the chicken bus gets cramped, so you should be mindful of your belongings. 

That said, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the discomfort, the Antigua to Lake Atitlan chicken bus is a good way to get to Panajachel, from where you’ll catch the boat transfer if you’re headed somewhere else. 

Pros and Cons of the Chicken Bus

✅ It’s by far the most authentic, exotic experience you’ll find in Guatemala. Plus, it’s the cheapest way to make the journey.

❌ It’s very uncomfortable, and not very safe since the roads aren’t in great condition, and the drivers tend to be rather reckless.

❌ It will be a hassle if you’re taking luggage, and since your bags will be tied on the roof of the bus, they could be damaged or get wet if it’s raining.

Go On a Day Tour to Lake Atitlan from Antigua

If you don’t plan to stay in the area and would only like to take a day trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, the best way to make the most of your time is to join a tour! Check out these amazing options below. 

▶️ The Lake Atitlan Sightseeing Cruise is a great way to explore the area, as you’ll embark on a cruise around the lake, completely surrounded by volcanoes, and also visit the village of Santiago Atitlan and Panajachel. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ You could also choose this Private Antigua to Lake Atitlan tour which includes a stop at a spectacular lake viewpoint, and also a boat tour with visits to several surrounding villages. Private transportation from and to your hotel is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pros and Cons of a Tour

✅ Everything will be arranged for you, from transfers from your hotel to all the activities, and a guide to introduce you to the area’s history and customs.

✅ It’s great if you have limited time in Lake Atitlan, as you’ll get to see most of it in a single day. Plus, you can choose a personalized experience for your group, or join a shared tour if you’re traveling solo.

❌ The schedule and itinerary are fixed, so there’s little to no flexibility.

Rent a Car in Antigua

Renting a car to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan might be the best option if you want to manage your own schedule, making photo stops along the way, and being in control of the itinerary.

Only confident drivers should venture to make the journey, however, as there are many winding mountain roads, and there can be heavy traffic.

SAFE TIP: Whether you’re driving from Antigua to San Pedro, San Marcos, or Panajachel, you should find a safe parking spot to leave the car while you explore or go on a boat tour around the lake, as break-ins are unfortunately not uncommon. 

It’s also advisable that you make the Lake Atitlan to Antigua journey during daylight, so if you plan on enjoying a full day on the lake, you should find accommodation and drive back the next morning.  

The best option for renting a car from Antigua is to book in advance online. I’ve personally started using and recommending Discover Cars to book rental cars. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

Discover Cars is a car rental booking service that offers a wide range of rental options from various car rental agencies in Cancun and makes it easier to find a rental car that suits your needs and budget.

I particularly like their cancelation policy. Typically, with Discover Cars, you can cancel your booking for free up to 48 hours before the pickup time – a much more generous cancelation policy than other platforms. However, it’s always important to read the specific terms and conditions of your rental agreement for exact details, as policies can vary based on the rental company and the rate you choose.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car

✅ It grants you independence and control over your time and itinerary. Besides, if you plan on exploring other areas of Guatemala, it could be helpful to have your own vehicle.

❌ If you plan on spending a few days in Lake Atitlan, it would be a waste of money to pay for the car during that time, as you’ll likely only be using the public boats to move around the lake villages.

❌ You’ll need to make sure your hotel offers free parking, or pay for private parking. Guatemala is, unfortunately, not very safe, so your vehicle could potentially suffer break-ins otherwise.