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Guatemala City La Aurora Layover Guide (GUA)

What are you looking for in GUA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Guatemala City Airport (GUA), officially La Aurora International Airport, is located in Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala. It lies about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city center. The airport began operations in the 1920s and is the country’s main international gateway. Guatemala City is the largest urban center in Central America, known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and its role as a hub for business and tourism.

Can you leave Guatemala City Airport (GUA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
At Guatemala City (GUA), you may exit the airport during a layover by clearing immigration. Entry requirements depend on nationality: visa-exempt citizens can enter without a visa, while others must obtain a Guatemalan visa in advance. Ensure you allow at least two hours for immigration and customs procedures. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Antigua Guatemala Discover Antigua Guatemala’s UNESCO-listed colonial splendor, marvel at pastel-colored historic churches, wander cobblestone streets past bustling markets, sample local cuisine in quaint lively plazas, and admire towering majestic volcano views. (Time required: 4–5 hours. / Airport to here: Shuttle bus or taxi approx. 45 minutes.)
• Pacaya Volcano Embark on an exhilarating thrilling guided Pacaya Volcano hike, traverse lava fields, witness steaming vents, toast marshmallows over hot fissures, and relish panoramic Central Valley vistas beneath smoking volcanic peaks. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to San Francisco de Sales trailhead approx. 1 hour.)
• Museo Popol Vuh Explore Maya civilization treasures at Museo Popol Vuh’s anthropology exhibits, admire intricately carved stelae, pottery displays, vibrant textiles, and immersive historical narratives illuminating Guatemala’s rich pre-Columbian heritage in tranquil gardens. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to USAC Zone 10 approx. 15 minutes.)
• Mapa en Relieve Discover the Mapa en Relieve, a colossal 1:10,000 relief topographic model of Guatemala, wander mountain ridges, valleys and lakes in stunning detail, and appreciate national geography artistry and educational insight. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or bus to Zone 13 approx. 15 minutes.)
• Mercado Central Immerse yourself in Mercado Central’s maze of stalls offering fresh produce, spices, textiles, handicrafts and street food, engage with vendors, sample local snacks, and soak up authentic Guatemalan market culture. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or bus to Zone 1 approx. 20 minutes.)
• Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena Admire richly embroidered garments at Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena, explore exhibits showcasing Mayan weaving techniques, regional costume diversity, cultural symbolism, and gain insight into Guatemala’s vibrant indigenous textile heritage. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to USAC Zone 10 approx. 15 minutes.)
• La Aurora Zoo Visit La Aurora Zoo to encounter exotic wildlife such as jaguars, monkeys, and tropical birds in spacious enclosures, stroll landscaped habitats, learn about regional conservation efforts, and enjoy family-friendly exhibits. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to Zone 13 approx. 10 minutes.)
• Plaza de la Constitución Stroll Plaza de la Constitución’s square, admire the neoclassical Palacio Nacional, grand Cathedral, witness local life around fountains and monuments, capture architectural details reflecting Guatemala’s colonial past and national identity. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or tuk-tuk to Zone 1 approx. 20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Guatemala City Airport (GUA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Guatemala City’s La Aurora Airport features two VIP lounges—Los Añejos Business Lounge and the Copa Club—for eligible passengers. These comfortable spaces offer plush seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and flight information displays. Additional relaxing areas include quieter seating zones near gates and charging stations throughout both departure and arrival terminals. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels are located within five minutes of La Aurora Airport, including the Barceló Guatemala City, Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express. These offer airport shuttles, soundproof rooms, on-site restaurants and business centers. Advance reservations ensure a smooth arrival or departure experience without night-time travel into Guatemala City’s districts. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Guatemala City Airport (GUA) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
La Aurora Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods or rest zones, but features benches and loungers near gates. Quiet corners can be found past security with limited armrest-free seating. Travelers should carry earplugs and sleep masks. Nearby lounges and 24-hour cafes offer informal spots to relax, though overnight stays are unofficial.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: La Aurora Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout its terminals. To connect, select the “Aeropuerto La Aurora” network and register with your email. Sessions last 45 minutes but can be renewed unlimited times. Speeds are sufficient for messaging and web browsing but may slow during peak travel times at crowded gates.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards from Claro and Tigo kiosks located in the arrivals hall. Plans include voice and data starting around $10 USD. A valid passport is required. eSIM options are available via global providers online before arrival, offering instant activation, flexible daily data bundles for short-term stays. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Guatemala City Airport (GUA) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis are available at authorized arrivals counters. Fares are pre-set by zone, starting around Q50 to central Guatemala City. Drivers accept cash only. Rides take 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-hail apps like Uber and Cabify operate off-site, requiring passengers to meet drivers on roads outside the terminal.

Train: No passenger train service operates to La Aurora Airport or Guatemala City. Guatemala’s rail network is freight-only. Historically limited tourist routes existed but were discontinued years ago. The nearest rail corridor is over 300 km away and inaccessible for passengers. Travelers should plan alternative ground transport options. more info

Bus: City bus 32 links La Aurora Airport with central Guatemala City every 30 minutes, costing an affordable Q1.50. The one-hour journey passes through key districts and requires exact fare in cash. For reliable intercity routes to Antigua, Guatemala Transportation operates twice-daily services with tickets available online. more info

Shuttle: Shared door-to-door shuttle services to Antigua and Lake Atitlán depart from the arrivals taxi stand. Pre-book online or buy last-minute spots for around $15–25 USD. Vehicles wait to fill before departing on convenient fixed schedules. Each shuttle includes air-conditioning, luggage space and drop-offs at major hotels and central pickup points.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies including Avis, Hertz, Budget and Enterprise maintain desks inside the terminal. Drivers must present a valid passport, driver’s license and credit card. Optional insurance packages can be purchased. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Offices operate during flight hours, with 24-hour pickups by prior arrangement. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: La Aurora Airport offers secure on-site short- and long-term parking adjacent to the terminal. Short-term rates start at Q5 per hour; daily maximums apply. Long-term parking features covered and uncovered spots with rates of Q30 per day. Payment kiosks accept cash and cards. Security patrols run overnight, though rates vary seasonally.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage storage facilities or lockers inside La Aurora Airport. Travelers can rent rolling carts at Q20 per use and securely deposit bags under supervision at select nearby hotels. Trusted off-site luggage storage services operate within a five-minute drive, offering hourly and daily rates with pickup options. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Guatemala City Airport (GUA) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Guatemala City Airport (GUA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks