Getting There and Away

A breathtaking aerial view of a vibrant island town with a bustling harbor and scenic waterfront.
ZaetaFlow Sec, Pexels

Flores is served by Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), located a short distance east of the town. For ground transport, the primary hub is the Santa Elena bus station, situated just across the causeway from Flores island.

By Air (to/from Guatemala City, GUA):

  • Direct flights from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) typically take 45-60 minutes.
  • Airlines operating this route include Avianca and TAG Airlines.
  • One-way tickets can range from approximately $53-$113 USD, while round-trip fares may start from $108-$141 USD. Prices can fluctuate, with July and September often being the cheapest months to fly.

By Bus (to/from Guatemala City):

  • Direct bus services connect Flores (Santa Elena station) with Guatemala City, with journeys typically lasting 8 to 9 hours.
  • Operators such as Autobuses FDN (Fuente Del Norte) / Maya de Oro and Linea Dorada offer this route, including overnight options.
  • Costs generally range from $24-$40 USD for a one-way ticket, with some services, like semi-bed seats on overnight buses, costing around $55 USD.
  • The bus arrives at Santa Elena, requiring a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Flores island.

By Bus/Shuttle (to/from Tikal National Park):

  • Tikal is about a 90-minute drive from Flores.
  • Shared minibuses are available for approximately $16 USD for a 1.5-hour journey.
  • Organized tours from Flores often include transportation and a guide, with prices around $55 USD for an 8-9 hour tour. Return shuttle-only options can be around $7.75-$35 USD.
  • Private taxis are an option, costing around $45-$60 USD for a 1 hour 47 minute trip.

By Bus/Shuttle (to/from San Ignacio, Belize):

  • Travel from San Ignacio to Flores typically takes 2-5 hours.
  • Shuttle services cost between $20-$30 USD (excluding the Belize exit fee of $20 USD).
  • Public transport involves shared taxis and colectivos, costing around $6-$10 USD (excluding the Belize exit fee).
  • The journey includes crossing the border at Melchor de Mencos/Benque Viejo del Carmen.

By Bus/Shuttle (to/from Belize City, Belize):

  • Direct bus services from Belize City to Flores take approximately 5 hours and cost around $24-$35 USD.
  • Shared van shuttles take 5.5-6.5 hours and cost $40-$60 USD.

By Shuttle (to/from Lanquin):

  • A shuttle bus from Flores to Lanquin takes about 8 hours and costs around $22-$39 USD.

By Bus (to/from Panajachel, Lake Atitlán):

  • Overnight bus options via Guatemala City are available, taking around 13 hours. Pullman seats can cost $80 USD, and semi-bed seats around $100 USD.
  • Indirect bus routes via Antigua can take 13-15 hours and cost $23-$48 USD, often requiring an overnight stop.

By Shuttle (to/from Rio Dulce):

  • A shuttle from Rio Dulce to Flores typically takes 4 hours and costs approximately $25 USD.

Car Rental:

  • Car rental agencies are available at Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, including Alamo, Avis, and Dollar.
  • Average daily costs for car rentals range from $20-$85 USD, with a yearly average of $38-$48 USD per day.
  • Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring nearby sites like Tikal.