Ready to travel smart from Flores to Antigua Guatemala? If you’re looking for a seamless, budget-friendly option, the overnight bus from Flores to Antigua Guatemala is your best bet. I’ve traveled this route with my kids, Mia and Caius, and learned all the insider details so you can get there comfy and stress-free.

What you’ll learn in this post: how to book the overnight bus from Flores to Antigua Guatemala and secure the best seats, updated 2025 fares, schedule, and travel time for the Flores → Guatemala City → Antigua route, insider tips for doing this journey with kids including luggage, seat choice, cash vs card and early-arrival logistics, and what to expect when you arrive in Antigua at dawn and how to hit the ground running.

Booking the Overnight Bus From Flores to Antigua Guatemala

While in Flores, we visited the ultra-cool and ultra-popular Los Amigos hostel.

We arranged a tour of the ruins at Tikal for 4 a.m. and, at the same time, booked an overnight bus to Antigua that would pick us up at 8 p.m. at the hotel. A marathon of a day, but worth it. I insisted on the best seats on the bus and was assured we had them.

Ten years ago, the bus cost 250Q (AUD$31) for adults, Mia was half price, and Caius was free. That equaled just over $78 for a 10-hour bus ride. Recent data suggest bus tickets on the route from Flores to Antigua now start around US $45 (about AUD $70) for the cheapest fare in 2025.

Many operators only accept cash, so we ended up in an ATM hunt that stretched into two hours when our cards wouldn’t play nice. Lesson: carry enough cash in local currency and try to confirm payment methods ahead of time.

Pre-Departure & Collection Tips

Our pick-up came while the kids were asleep in the hotel lobby (yes, laptops open, kids conking out) and the rep walked in, tickets in hand, explained we’d taxi to the station and then catch the bus to Guatemala City before the shuttle onward to Antigua.

He mentioned the lower deck of the coach was “VIP” seating, but that level was full; we held “First Class” seats in the back row. I silently prayed the bus wouldn’t be full – because I’m all for comfort, especially overnight.

Boarding the Overnight Bus From Flores to Antigua Guatemala

We were ushered into a holding room where our luggage was tagged and stored. With Mia and Caius asleep on our laps, I was grateful when the bus pulled up and we boarded: the bus was only about half full, which meant we had more than enough room to stretch.

Mia got a seat, and Caius got his own seat (which I claimed for him). I took the back row to lie down if I could. We were handed ham & cheese sandwiches and large bottles of water shortly after boarding – nice little touches for the journey.

The ride took roughly 11 to 12 hours (including the two buses from Flores to Guatemala City and Guatemala City to Antigua). Official sources for 2025 state the fastest journey is around 11h 50m between Flores and Antigua.

The bus started off freezing (AC on full), then later shifted to sauna-mode when the AC turned off – blankets on, blankets off, window open, window closed. A little bumpier than a bed, but honestly, the most comfortable bus ride I’ve done with kids.

Shuttle Transfer From Guatemala City to Antigua

We rolled into Guatemala City bus station around 5:30 a.m., bleary-eyed, kids still asleep. The rep met us by name, handled our luggage, and we hopped into a 15-seater shuttle for the final leg to Antigua. Much of the ride, I held Caius asleep in my arms.

We arrived in Antigua around 7 a.m. Our rental host hadn’t confirmed the meeting place, so we landed at the Central Park drop-off, in shorts and t-shirts, shivering in the early morning chill. We found a café, had coffee and breakfast, and waited until our host arrived to pick us up, taxi us to the house, and then we all crashed for a few more hours of sleep.

Pros & cons

Pros:

• Excellent value – you save a night of accommodation and start your day early.

• Feels like part of the adventure – rather than just flying in, you’re traveling through the country’s heart.

• If you’re up for it (like Mia & Caius were), it feels rewarding.

Cons:

• It’s still a long haul; you might feel a bit groggy on arrival.

• Comfort is less guaranteed than a hotel or a direct flight.

• The transfer in Guatemala City adds complexity (and you’ll want to check the safety/quality of the company).

• Early arrival means you’ll need somewhere to go with your bags until check‑in.

Tips for the Overnight Bus From Flores to Antigua Guatemala With Kids

• For the overnight bus from Flores to Antigua, booking ahead is highly recommended; ensure pick‑up details are clear.

• Travel time is ~12 hours (bus + shuttle) in 2025.

• Opt for “luxury” or first‑class seats if possible – the extra comfort pays dividends.

• Bring cash, arrive early for pick‑up, and stash valuables on you – especially overnight in Guatemala City.

• Arrival in Antigua will be early morning. Have a loose plan for your first few hours (breakfast, rest, orientation).

• With kids, this route worked surprisingly well. Mia and Caius slept through the bus ride, which made all the difference.

Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala

For families, staying near Central Park is ideal – you’re within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and markets, which makes sightseeing with kids much easier. We stayed in a rental close by, with enough space for Mia and Caius to move around and a kitchen for easy breakfasts.

Hotels like Mesón Panza Verde or Hotel Posada del Ángel are great family-friendly options, offering pools and central locations. Booking early is key, especially during peak season, to secure the best spots.

Final Thoughts on the Overnight Bus From Flores to Antigua Guatemala

This trip saved us a day of travel and a night’s accommodation, while getting us right into Antigua early and ready to roll. For any family or solo traveler, the overnight bus from Flores to Antigua Guatemala is a smart move – if you go in with realistic expectations and a little preparation. If you want a guide to recommended bus companies, seat comparisons, or kid-friendly hacks for 2025 – I’ve got all of that ready.

WANT MORE OVERNIGHT TRANSPORT? Check out the Vietnam Overnight Train horror story here.