Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Guatemala
CapitalGuatemala City
Population18.1 million
Area108,889 km² (42,042 sq mi)
LanguagesSpanish
CurrencyGuatemalan quetzal (Q)
TimezoneUTC-06:00
RegionAmericas / Central America
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$14,369 (2024)
Inflation Rate2.9% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$392 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend57.2% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)3.1% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of transportation in Guatemala varies depending on the mode of transport, with a monthly transit pass costing around $25-$30 USD, while a taxi start rate is approximately $2-$3 USD.

Quick Facts

Monthly Transit Pass($25-$30 USD)
Taxi Start Rate($2-$3 USD)
Fuel (per liter)($0.80-$1.00 USD)
Ride-Hailing Available(Yes — apps like InDriver, Cabify, and Uber)
CurrencyGTQ (1 USD = approximately 7.5 GTQ)

Getting Around Overview

Guatemala has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and minibuses being the primary modes of transport for locals and tourists alike. The quality of public transit varies between cities, with Guatemala City having a more comprehensive network of buses and minibuses. Most people in Guatemala get around using public transportation, which is relatively affordable and widely available. However, the quality of roads and traffic conditions can be a challenge, especially during peak hours.

The country's geography, with its mountains and valleys, can make traveling by road challenging, but the scenic routes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Guatemala City, being the capital, has a more developed transportation system, with a greater frequency of buses and minibuses, while smaller towns and rural areas may have limited transportation options. Despite these challenges, the Guatemalan transportation system is relatively affordable and offers a range of options for travelers.

Public Transportation

Transport TypeSingle Fare (USD)Monthly Pass (USD)Notes
City Bus$0.25-$0.50$15-$25Good coverage in Guatemala City, limited in smaller towns
Metro / SubwayN/AN/ANot available in Guatemala
Minibus / Shared Taxi$1-$2N/AWide network of routes, including intercity connections
Commuter TrainN/AN/ANot available in Guatemala

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

ServiceBase Fare (USD)Per km (USD)Typical City Ride (USD)Notes
Metered Taxi$2-$3$0.50-$1.00$5-$10Available in major cities
Ride-Hailing App$2-$3$0.50-$1.00$5-$10InDriver, Cabify, and Uber available
Airport TransferN/AN/A$10-$20To Guatemala City center

Fuel & Driving Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Gasoline (per liter)$0.80-$1.00
Diesel (per liter)$0.70-$0.90
Car Rental (per day)$30-$50Economy car, including insurance
Parking (per hour, city)$1-$2Limited parking options in city centers
Toll Roads (typical)$2-$5Limited toll roads, mostly on highways

Intercity & Long-Distance

Route TypeCost Range (USD)Notes
Intercity Bus (4-5 hrs)$10-$20Good network of bus companies, including Pullman and Litegua
Domestic Flight$50-$100Limited domestic flights, mainly to Flores and Petén
Train (long-distance)N/ANot available in Guatemala

Transport Tips

  • Use authorized taxi services or ride-hailing apps to ensure safety and avoid scams.
  • Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey, especially with taxis.
  • Consider purchasing a monthly transit pass for frequent travel on public transportation.
  • Be prepared for traffic congestion and road closures, especially during peak hours.
  • Use reputable bus companies for intercity travel, and book in advance to secure seats.
  • Download transportation apps like InDriver or Cabify to book rides and track your journey.
Related Cost Guides: Cost of Living Overview · Monthly Budget · Rent & Housing · Economy · Guatemala vs Honduras