Your driver will meet you at your address in Antigua.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 20 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Panajachel.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
77 km2 h 20 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Antigua to Panajachel
What is the fastest way to get from Antigua to Panajachel?
Most of the routes to Panajachel from Antigua are comparable in terms of time commitment. The fastest option on paper is the direct bus, which takes only one hour, but by the time you travel to and from your accommodation and the bus stop in either city, this option takes just as long as driving or taking a private service such as Daytrip.
What is the easiest way to get from Antigua to Panajachel?
The easiest way for most travelers to get from Antigua to Panajachel is to take a private driving transfer that provides you with door-to-door service and negates the time and money spent navigating to and from public transportation stations.
When to visit Panajachel?
Visiting Panajachel is best done in the shoulder months of the dry season (namely October and May) because it grants you the best chance at beating the crowds while still avoiding the worst of the rainy season.
Is there a bus from Antigua to Panajachel?
There are several bus routes from Antigua to Panajachel, taking between 1 and 2.5 hours. Tickets cost anywhere from $18 to as much as $150 depending on the bus company with which you book.
Is there a shuttle to Panajachel from Antigua?
There are shuttle services that operate from Antigua to Panajachel, and they take around as long as the bus (one hour at their fastest.) Likewise, prices vary from $18-180 spending on the shuttle company used.
Is Panajachel worth visiting?
Panajachel is absolutely worth visiting for its proximity to Lake Atitlan, as it is the most popular town on the lake and offers fantastic amenities to travelers as well as easy accessibility to the surrounding nature preserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
The private driving transfer from Antigua to Panajachel takes just over two hours, whisking you through Guatemala in comfort and safety. With the Daytrip door-to-door service, you can elevate your trip further by adding sightseeing stops to your journey.
For instance, you can take a tour of La Azotea, a historic coffee plantation that is now home to a series of museums, some detailing the history of coffee production while others dive into the past art, music, and other crafts of the ancient Mayan civilization. Visitors can round off their tour by sampling the coffee made on-site, and you can purchase beans to take home for friends and family.
Or, for a closer look at Mayan textiles, visit the Museo Casa Del Tejido Antiguo and explore the rich culture of symbology in weaving, beading, and embroidery. You will also be given the chance to try Guatemala’s national dish, Pepian!
About Panajachel
Once you cover the distance from Antigua to Panajachel, you will be at the perfect vantage point for Lake Atitlan and can look forward to incredible volcanic landscapes. This town is the perfect gateway to exploring the rest of the lake and its surrounding villages, and staying in town grants you unmatched views of the three volcanoes encircling the lake.
Panajachel is considered the busiest town on the lake and offers a wide range of amenities, from spas and resorts to authentic Guatemalan restaurants and an abundance of shops selling clothes and local handicrafts. While in town, the bulk of attractions are concentrated on Calle Santander, one of the most colorful streets in the whole country. The street culminates in a view of the lake, turning shopping or meals out into a scenic experience.
The lakeside adventures surrounding Panajachel are limitless, with nearby Atitlan’s Natural Reserve acting as the center for outdoor exploration. From here, travelers can look forward to innumerable hikes, some of which meander through features such as coffee plantations and suspension bridges. Kayaking and other watersports offer a closer view of the lake, and there are even paragliding tours for those in search of a little extra adrenaline!
You can also spend time at Santiago Atitlan, the cultural heart of the lake, hosting a range of celebrations and rituals throughout the year. The area is known for its longstanding appreciation of the Mayan Saint Maximon whose name roughly translates to “Big Grandpa.”
From Antigua to Panajachel: travel tips
Before you embark on your exciting trip from Antigua to Panajachel, there are a few things that can help you to prepare.
Opt for a private trip
To guarantee yourself the smoothest and most comfortable journey possible, consider choosing a private driving transfer with Daytrip. You will get direct door-to-door service in just over two hours, and you’ll receive help with your luggage on either end of your journey from your friendly local driver.
Prepare for Panajachel to be busy
Panajachel is the most commercially developed area on the lake, with plenty of hotels, shops, and eateries. As a result, many travelers to the lake stay here at some point during their journey, and it can be somewhat crowded during peak seasons. This just means you should book your accommodation and any guided activities well in advance of your travels to ensure you get exactly the itinerary you want.
How to get from Antigua to Panajachel
There are a few different ways to navigate the distance from Antigua to Panajachel, including private and public transportation options, each varying in cost and time commitment.
Bus from Antigua to Panajachel
There is a direct bus connecting Antigua to Panajachel that takes about one hour of driving time on average. The prices for the bus can vary wildly, however, and quotes are anywhere from $18 to upwards of $150 for this journey depending on the bus company and the time of your travel. The cheaper buses may take longer routes up to two hours and 30 minutes long, and seem to depart only once per day.
Shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel
The shuttle from Antigua to Panachel is similar to the bus in terms of both the time commitment and the cost, as it also takes one hour and prices can vary from $18 to $180 for a ticket. The most expensive tickets seem to come from the Trans-Land on-demand shuttle company, so prices will likely be on the more affordable end of the spectrum if you opt for one of the shuttles with set departure times throughout the day.
Taxi from Antigua to Panajachel
The taxi companies operating between Antigua and Panajachel charge around $120 to cover the 46.8-mile (75-km) distance, taking, on average, two hours and 15 minutes. The pickup and dropoff locations permitted may be somewhat limited, particularly once you get into town in Panajachel.
Private Driving transfer from Antigua to Panajachel
The best option for many travelers is to choose a private driving transfer for this route, which will give you seamless door-to-door transportation and eliminates the need for navigating to and from public transit stations. This journey takes just over two hours and costs $34 per passenger, offering the perfect balance of efficiency and value.
Things to do when you get to Panajachel
Once you travel from Antigua to Panajachel, you can look forward to an exciting series of outdoor adventures that will keep you busy during your stay. Many of the attractions center around the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes, offering bountiful chances to get outside and enjoy the best of Guatemala’s natural beauty.
Explore the Reserva Natural Atitlán
This vast nature reserve is the perfect place to kick off your exploration of the lake and its volcanic features. Here, ecotourism takes shape in an extraordinary reserve offering zip lines, cable bikes, kayaking, paragliding, and more hiking trails than you can imagine. There is also a dedicated butterfly preserve, cool, shady oak stands, and a restaurant by the river frequently visited by vibrant hummingbirds.
This area also serves as an educational center for the broader Sololá region, and you can learn about the local culture’s history and practice their language, Kakchiquel. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to lakeside activities here, and it is very easy to spend the bulk of your time in Panajachel enjoying all that the nature reserve has to offer.
Visit the AviMuseo de Arte de Atitlán
This museum is dedicated to art created around one simple local subject: Guatemala’s native birds. Here, visitors can learn more about the species of birds that inhabit the areas surrounding Lake Atitlan, and kids can even get involved by coloring in the bright plumages of different birds. On display are a series of intricately detailed murals, photos, and sculptures of the 440+ different bird species in the area.
This unique museum plays homage to the importance of birds in the culture of nearby Santiago Atitlan, as well as to their role as pest protection for Gautemala’s word-famous shade-grown coffee. This place is well worth a visit for avian enthusiasts, artists, and families looking to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world surrounding the lake.
When is the best time to visit Panajachel?
As you plan your Antigua to Panajachel transfer, you will need to bear in mind the best time of year to visit. Many people travel to Guatemala during its dry season from November to April in order to avoid the worst of the rain, meaning this period will draw in the most crowds to busier spots such as Panajachel.
If you want to make the most of the weather while avoiding some of the thickest crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of October or May. The weather should still be mostly sunny with the occasional shower, and you will likely be able to find better deals on accommodation and activities.
Visit these sights on the way
La Azotea
On this historic coffee plantation you can learn about everything from coffee to Mayan instruments. Coffee Culture
Museo Casa Del Tejido Antiguo
Mayan history, culture, textile traditions, and Guatemala's national dish are shared with visitors at this museum. Where History Looms
Valhalla Macadamia Farm
This organic nut farm helps support the local community while serving up heavenly pancakes and other nut-based goodies. Nut Heaven
Iximche
This small Mayan city briefly served Guatemala’s first capital under the Spanish... until their alliance fell apart. The Culture Clash Capital
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
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traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
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traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
