From Guatemala City
Pullman Buses
For easy and comfortable travels, we recommend taking one of the Pullman-type buses to Xela from Guatemala City, which is around a 4 to 5-hour journey. We suggest using Xelabus or Alamo. Bus tickets range between Q90.- and Q120.- per person and can be purchased at the respective offices upon arrival.
Pullman Bus Times From Guatemala to Xela
Alamo, cost Q90, Schedule:
06:15 am, 08:15 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm.
Xelabus Schedule:
- Xelabus Regular Q100: 05:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 5:30 pm
- Xelabus Premium Q120: 07:00 am, 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or Uber to the bus stations. Or we can set up a pick up by our trusted driver Alberto. The cost for this pickup is Q100 per person and he can help you buy a bus ticket at one of the bus stations.
After arriving in Xela by one of the Pullman buses, you can take a taxi or Uber or walk to your homestay or accommodation directly.
Private Shuttle Guatemala City – Xela
We can also arrange a private shuttle to pick you up from the airport or hotel and get you to Xela. The shuttle would be ready for you when you prefer and can drive you directly to your accommodation or homestay in Xela. The price for the shuttle is Q1250 and you can stop on the way if you need a bathroom stop or to buy snacks, water, etc.
Staying in Guatemala City
If your flight arrives after 3 pm, we recommend spending the night or taking the private shuttle option, since getting through customs, getting your luggage and the afternoon traffic in Guatemala City might make it difficult to get to one of the last Pullman buses. There is a wide array of hotels, hostels and Airbnbs in Guatemala to choose from. We would recommend looking for something in Zone 1, 4, 9, 10 or 13. You could stay at a place like Hostal Guatefriends, who have different room options with a free breakfast and a free pickup from the airport from 3 pm to midnight.
Traveling to Quetzaltenango (Xela) from other locations
For students traveling to Quetzaltenango, Xela from any other location, we can also happily assist you in arranging your shared shuttle. For our student’s convenience, payment can be made afterwards, when you get to the school. Please note that certain shuttles require a minimum of two people, so always make sure to ask for availability. These are the most common shuttles, but ask us for alternative options.
These are the prices we can offer you through Utatlan:
- Origin Price Departure Time Private Option
Antigua Q225.- pp 8 am / 2 pm Q1250.- private shuttle any time - Panajachel Q150.- pp 9 am / 3 pm Q800.- private shuttle any time
- San Pedro Q175.- pp 8 am / 11 am / 2 pm Q800.- private shuttle any time
- S.Cristobal (Mex) Q450.- pp 6 am (Mon-Fri)
Lanquín Q450.- pp 7 am - El Paredón Q290.- pp 9 am
Public Transport
If you need information on how to get here by public transport, please let us know. We can give you more detailed information on your specific route. You should calculate about Q15 for every hour of travel distance for the local buses often referred to as Chicken Buses. The school and the homestays are all in the historic city center in Zone 1 and the public buses come into their various bus stations in Zone 3. The best way to get here is by taxi (they are available by the bus stations) or by Uber if you have a phone with internet. It should cost about Q20 to Q50, depending on time and availability. Walking will take about 20-25 minutes.
Homestay and School Directions
After your reservation, we will send you detailed information on how to get to your homestay and the school. But, once in Quetzaltenango finding your way to the school is very simple. We are located in Pasaje Enriquez, a large colonial building in the northwest corner of Central Park. Utatlan is at the far end on the right-hand side. Climb the stairs up to the second floor and you are here!
12 Avenida, 4-32 (Pasaje Enriquez) Zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
From San Pedro or San Marcos, Solola
There are several direct buses per day. Alternatively take a chicken bus or pickup up to the main highway that links Xela and Guatemala city (via San Pablo & Santa Clara), The stop on the highway is called km148 ‘Ciento cuarenta y ocho’. From the highway get on any bus in the direction of Xela (2-3 hours total journey time).
From San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
From San Cristobal there are many shuttle companies that run transport to Xela for around $25 (8 hours). An alternative is to take a second class bus to the border at Cuidad Cuauhtemoc, and from there a chicken bus to Xela via Huehuetenango. The second option will cost about half the price of a shuttle but is much less comfortable.
Finding the school
Once in Quetzaltenango finding your way to the school is very simple. From the bus terminal take a bus or a taxi to Parque Central. In the northwest corner of the park there is a large colonial building with an archway called Pasaje Enriquez. Utatlan is at the far end on the right hand side. Climb the stairs up to the 2nd floor and you are here!
12 Avenida, 4-32 (Pasaje Enriquez) Zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala