The distance from Xela to Antigua or vice-versa is about 166 km and takes about 3 hours on a car. It should take about the same time on a shuttle as they don’t stop on the way and goes directly from Xela to Antigua. The cost for shuttle is $30 USD.
However, if you want to save money or just want to to try taking the local bus (chicken bus) then this is probably one of the easiest route to take as the distance is not big. In order to get to Antigua from Xela using local bus, see steps below:
- 1. Take a micro-bus from Xela bus terminal
Cost: 80 Quetzales ~ $10 USD
Duration: (2h 40mins) - 2. Get off at Puente Itzapa as the bus continues to the highway (Note: Let the ticket collector know you are heading to Antigua, that way they can stop the bus at the correct location)
- 3. Once you get off at Puente Itzapa, walk down the slope for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stay on your right.
- 4. Take the bus heading to Parque de Parramos
Cost: 5 Quetzales ~$1 USD (less than a dollar)
Duration: about 8 minutes. - 5. Get off at Parque de Parramos
- 6. Take another bus at Parque de Parramos heading to Antigua
Cost: 5 Quetzales
Duration: 30 minutes
Total cost: 90 Quetzales ~$12 USD
Duration: 3h 20mins (excluding the wait time for the bus)
Enjoy your ride on chicken bus.
Happy Travels!