How to get from Antigua to Santa Ana: Crossing the Guatemala-El Salvador Border
Travelling from Antigua (Guatemala) to Santa Ana (El Salvador) is a common route for backpackers exploring Central America. While these two cities are just over 200 kilometres apart, the journey involves crossing an international border and navigating different transport options. It’s completely worth it to reach my favourite place in El Salvador: Santa Ana – which is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Ruta de Las Flores or taking on the Santa Ana Volcano.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get from Antigua to Santa Ana, covering everything from the best bus options/routes to helpful tips for a smooth border crossing.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest way to travel or the most comfortable, this guide has you covered!
NOTE: You can follow the same route (in reverse) to get from Santa Ana to Antigua.
In short: How to get from Antigua to Santa Ana
- Travel distance: 200km
- Total Travel time: 5+ hours
- Total Cost: $25+ ($13 public transport + $12 fee)
There are a few different ways to get from Antigua in Guatemala to Santa Ana in El Salvador.
| Transport | Time | Cost (USD) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle | 5-6 hours | $30-$40 | Speed |
| Public Transport | 7-9 hours | $13 | Adventure and local life |
| Taxi | 5-6 hours | $150+ | Comfort |
For most backpackers, the shuttle service is the go-to option, providing a balance between comfort, convenience and cost. However, the chicken bus offers a much cheaper alternative, and allows you to claim the title of being a true budget backpacker!
Let’s dive into each option, breaking down the pros and cons so you can choose the one that suits you!
Crossing the border from Guatemala to El Salvador
The two most popular border crossings between Guatemala and El Salvador are Las Chinamas and La Hachadura.
Las Chinamas border crossing (open 6am-10pm) is the most popular route between the two countries and is the crossing for most shuttles. La Hachadura border crossing (open 24hrs) is quieter and probably quicker, with fewer shuttles passing through, but an easier bus route.
Both crossings follow the same immigration process and are largely straightforward. There are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Entrance and Exit Fees: There’s no exit fee from Guatemala, and entry into El Salvador is free for most tourists (barring the tourist card).
- VISAs: Most Western countries don’t need a visa to enter El Salvador. However, VISA-exempt travellers will need a $12 tourist card for El Salvador which you pay at the border.
- Have Your Documents Ready: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that you have your entry stamps from Guatemala. Although El Salvador is part of the CA-4 agreement (which allows free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador for up to 90 days), immigration officers may still ask to see proof of onward travel.
- Be Aware of Scams: People might offer to “help” you with immigration paperwork for a fee. You don’t need to pay anyone to cross the border. Simply head to the immigration office, fill out the necessary forms, and be polite.
- Currency: El Salvador uses the US dollar, so it’s a good idea to have some small bills on hand before you cross the border. You can exchange Guatemalan quetzals at the border, but rates aren’t always great.
Public Transport from Antigua to Santa Ana
The most affordable way to travel from Antigua to Santa Ana is using public transport. Although there’s no direct bus that runs between the two cities, the journey is relatively easy with a handful of connections along the way. The trip usually takes around 7-9 hours, depending on the route, traffic, and border crossing time.
Both routes require you to cross the Guatemala-El Salvador border on foot through no-mans-land.
Option 1: Public Transport via Hachadura Border
This is the easier route for those taking public transport. Costing around $13 USD in total transport costs.
You pay for each bus once you’re on. Keep hold of any tickets that they give you.
Antigua to Escuintla
Price: 20Q ($2.50)
Time: 60-90 minutes
First, walk to the bus terminal in Antigua, located behind the clothes market. I recommend arriving early (i.e. pre-9am) since it’s a long journey to Santa Ana. Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes (Central American time 😉).
The station can feel rather chaotic (I promise there is sense beyond the madness)! There are signs marking where each bus is heading. If you can’t see one for Esquintla, ask any of the locals who are usually more than happy to point you in the right direction!
When you get on, tell the conductor you’re going to La Frontera so he can let you know where to get off, as it’s not the final stop in Enquintla. Otherwise, keep an eye on the map and jump off when you get near the corner of 1a Avenida & 9 Calle.
Esquintla to La Frontera (the border)
Price: 70Q ($9.00)
Time: 120-180 minutes
In Esquintla, you’ll need to cross the road and make your way to the bus stop on 1a Avenida & 9 Calle (by the little island lookout).
This is the most unpredictable bus on the journey from Antigua to Santa Ana. Don’t be alarmed if the bus stops for a long time or if people come on board selling drinks and snacks! Sometimes you might change buses in Chiquimulilla (hence keeping hold of your ticket is handy).
The bus will drop you off at the border, where you can hop out and start walking to immigration to get stamped out.
La Frontera to Sonsonate
Price: $0.90
Time: 90-120 minutes
Once you’re across the border, continue walking in the same direction towards Hachadura. Tuk-tuk drivers might try to flog you an overpriced ride. Don’t listen to them, it’s not far until the bus station – less than 5 minutes walk.
It’s less of a bus station and more of a dirt patch where buses park! Either way, all buses go to Sonsonate so you shouldn’t have to wait long!
NOTE: There are no late buses (past 9pm) so make sure to arrive here early to avoid getting stuck.
Sonsonate to Santa Ana
Price: $0.70
Time: 60-90 minutes
Whilst Santa Ana costs around $0.70 dollars to reach. You can get almost anywhere from Sonsonate bus station as the buses follow the whole Ruta de Las Flores. All buses in El Salvador are dirt cheap!
Common alternatives include Ataco, Juajua or Ahuachapan. But it even has links to La Libertad and El Tunco further down the coast.
Buses are signposted similarly to the bus station in Antigua. Take the 216 bus to Santa Ana which takes just over an hour.
Option 2: Public Transport across Las Chinamas Border
Alternatively, you can get to the Chinamas border from Antigua via Guatemala City. This is slightly trickier but passes through bigger cities.
Antigua to Guatemala City
Price: 20Q ($2)
Time: 60-90 minutes
Your first step is getting from Antigua to Guatemala City, which is about an hour away. This leg of the journey is simple, as there are buses every 15-20 minutes that make the trip daily.
Look for a bus labelled ‘Guate’ in Antigua’s main bus terminal. The cost is usually around Q15-20 but be careful if they try to charge more.
Get off at El Trebol, noting that the area doesn’t have the best reputation.
Guatemala City to Las Chinamas Border
Price: Q30-50 (US$4-6)
Time: 180 minutes
From Guatemala City’s bus terminal, look for buses headed to the town of Jerez de la Frontera or Las Chinamas. Once again, ask around if you’re not sure.
Las Chinamas to Santa Ana
Price: $1-2
Time: 90-120 minutes
After crossing the border, head to the local bus area (or ask for directions to the buses to Santa Ana). Look for buses marked “Santa Ana” or “Sonsonate”, as both of these routes pass through Santa Ana. Buses generally run every 30 minutes, but the schedule can vary based on the time of day.
Shuttle from Antigua to Santa Ana
If you prefer a hassle-free experience but don’t want to overspend on private transport, there are shared shuttle services that run from Antigua directly to Santa Ana. These shuttles are organised by local travel agencies and are a popular option for backpackers.
- Cost: Shuttles typically cost between US$30-40 per person.
- Time: The trip takes around 6 hours with fewer stops and an ‘organised’ border crossing.
Shuttle services offer a balance between comfort and cost, and they usually pick you up from your accommodation in Antigua. This is especially convenient if you don’t want to deal with navigating bus terminals or worrying about connections.
NOTE: Given how slow the cobbled streets in Antigua are, you could be waiting up to 45 minutes for your shuttle to pick you up.
Check with your hostel or a local tour operator in Antigua to arrange a shuttle. It’s a good idea to book at least a day in advance, as spots can fill up quickly during peak travel periods.
I booked mine for 320Q ($40 USD) with Go Travel El Salvador. Our minivan left at 10:00am, passing through Las Chinamas, and arrived at 16:00pm (approx 6 hours travel time). Like most shuttles, this included air-con, immigration support, and food/bathroom stops.
Gekko Explorers offers a shuttle for $40, whilst Bookaway is another handy site to find cheap transfers.
Taxi from Antigua to Santa Ana
This option is pretty similar to the shuttle method except you have a vehicle all to yourself.
Local taxis generally won’t take you across the border. This means you will need to get a taxi from Antigua to the border. Both borders are similar distance from Antigua, so go for whichever is cheaper (both will be expensive – easily $60+). Then get another taxi from the border to Santa Ana.
Antigua has Uber, so have a look at prices there first. A full journey costs around $250 USD! 🤯
NOTE: Speak to multiple drivers to get the best price, and share a taxi wherever possible to split the cost.
You could also mix and match with public transport to save money. For example, getting a taxi to the border and then a bus from here (or vice versa).
Summary: How to get from Antigua to Santa Ana
There’s no ‘right’ way to get from Antigua in Guatemala to Santa Ana in El Salvador. Both will take up nearly a full day of travel, so it depends if you want to have the adventure and experience of the chicken bus or the peace and comfort of the shuttle.
- Shuttle: Enjoy breakfast in Antigua, easy border crossings and swift, comfortable transport.
- Chicken bus: Enjoy the freedom, local culture and a happier bank account!
- If you do choose the bus, I would recommend the route via Hachadura border crossing.
I’m ruling out the taxi option because if you can afford it, you’re probably not reading this post!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide on how to get from Antigua to Santa Ana. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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Happy travelling!
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