# La Aurora International Airport (GUA)

> Guatemala City, GT · 6.4 km (4.0 mi) south of Guatemala City center

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/gua
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/gua.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: GUA
- **ICAO**: MGGT
- **Timezone**: America/Guatemala
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 3,382,116/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.dgac.gob.gt/aeropuerto-internacional-la-aurora/

## Overview

## Welcome

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is more than just an airport — it's an experience that combines the old-school charm of a Latin American bus terminal with a touch of city park ambiance. Nestled just 6.4 km (4.0 mi) south of downtown Guatemala City, it's surrounded by museums and green spaces that offer more than the typical airport surroundings. Despite the lack of extensive amenities, travelers note the speedy curb-to-gate transitions during off-peak times, thanks to its compact design.

## At a glance

Handling 3,382,116 passengers annually on one runway, La Aurora has seen its fair share of travelers. While not a hub for major airlines, the airport supports significant operations from Avianca, American Airlines, and United Airlines. The Central and North terminals manage a steady flow of international and domestic flights, though minimal activities post-security make for a succinct, if sometimes limited, traveller experience.

## Terminals & layout

The airport consists of two main terminals: the Central Terminal and the North Terminal. Both are served by major airlines like Avianca, American Airlines, and United. The layout is straightforward, which is in sync with its hustle-and-bustle vibe. However, don't expect much variety once you are airside. Seating is limited, especially during peak hours, and the shops and eateries are sparse, with early closing times noted by frequent visitors.

## Getting to and from the city

Located just a short ride from the city center, La Aurora offers a variety of transport options. Taxis from Taxis Aeropuerto La Aurora take about 20-30 minutes, with fares varying by zone. For a budget-friendly choice, Uber rides typically cost between 40 to 50 quetzales. Shared shuttles offer a more punctuated route with trips to Antigua lasting 60-90 minutes at USD 15, while journeys to Lake Atitlán can stretch to 4 hours. Public bus options are available but tend to be complex for newcomers. If you're pressed for convenience, Zona 13 hotels often provide complimentary shuttles.

## Traveller essentials

La Aurora is not known for its array of conveniences. Notably absent is a luggage storage service or lockers, nudging travelers with longer layovers to consider other alternatives for baggage handling. The airport is officially not open 24 hours, and past travelers report a lack of facilities to accommodate overnight guests reliably. Ensure you download maps and necessary apps before arrival, as Wi-Fi, though free in airside areas, is reported to be spotty landside.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Dining at La Aurora features familiar fast-food chains like McDonald's, Pollo Campero, and Dunkin’. However, not a single concession is confirmed as 24-hour, with most closing after the last flight departs. For shopping, the Duty Free Americas and Aldeasa offer basics, while smaller kiosks provide regional coffee and chocolate that’s often recommended over standard duty-free fare.

## Lounges

For those needing a break from the terminal’s hustle, lounges are a welcome retreat. The Los Añejos Lounge, located between Gates 6 and 7, is open to Priority Pass holders and sells day passes, offering a rare source of comfort with ample power outlets. The BAC Lounge near Gates 3–6 provides another escape in the central concourse. Copa Club, primarily for Star Alliance premium passengers, provides access by Gate 14 and is known for its calmer atmosphere.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Use the Los Añejos Lounge near Gates 6 and 7 if you need a comfortable spot; it's a hidden gem among the bustling North Terminal.

- **Time:** Arrive 2.5–3 hours before international flights to mitigate unexpected check-in or security delays, especially during holiday seasons.

- **Avoid:** The arrivals area has no cafes or shops; plan to eat ahead or hold out until you reach your next destination.

- **Local:** Check out the Zona 13 museums for a quick cultural escape between flights; it’s an easy nearby diversion with ample green space.

- **Money:** Skip bottled water airside and refill your bottles at the public fountain by Gate 4 to save on overpriced bottles.

- **Quiet:** For a peaceful waiting area, try the Los Añejos Lounge instead of the packed central seating areas before U.S.-bound flights.

- **Quiet:** Earplugs might be necessary due to buzz and echo within terminal areas; keep them handy for red-eye or early flights.

## Terminals (2)

- **Central Terminal** — Avianca, American Airlines, United, Copa
- **North Terminal** — Avianca, American Airlines, United, Copa

## Dining (10)

- **Cafe Barista**
- **Cinnabon**
- **Domino's**
- **Dunkin'**
- **McDonald's**
- **Pollo Campero**
- **San Martín**
- **Sarita**
- **Subway**
- **Taco Bell**

## Lounges (3)

- **BAC Lounge** — .0u1b2A2-4iF3v5_ · International departures, pay-per-use and memberships · .0u1b2A2-4iF3v5_
- **Copa Club** — International · International departures, airline + pay-per-use · .0u1b2A2-4iF3v5_
- **Los Añejos Lounge** — .0u1b2A2-4iF3v5_ · International departures, memberships and day pass · .0u1b2A2-4iF3v5_

## Shops (15)

- **Aldeasa Duty Free**
- **Banco Industrial**
- **Banrural**
- **Cambio de Moneda**
- **Coffee Shop**
- **Duty Free Americas**
- **Farmacia Meykos**
- **Gift Shop**
- **Helados Sarita**
- **La Casa del Quetzal**
- **Librería Artemis**
- **Perfumería**
- **Souvenir Market**
- **Tech Store**
- **Travel Essentials**

## Parking (5)

- **Parqueo Aeropuerto La Aurora** — Official parking · :5/day, :1/hr
- **Parqueo Corto Plazo** — Short-stay · :10/day, :2/hr
- **Parqueo Económico** — Economy lot · :4/day, :1/hr
- **Parqueo Largo Plazo** — Long-stay · :6/day, :1/hr
- **Parqueo VIP** — Covered parking · :20/day, :3/hr

## Ground transport (8)

- **Cabify** — Rideshare · : No specific prices noted, coverage said to be thin · : No details on frequency other than low service presence
- **DiDi** — Rideshare · : No specific time mentioned, noted for longer waits than Uber · : No specific prices mentioned, compared mostly with Uber · : No specific frequency noted, considered less reliable than Uber
- **Shuttle Antigua** — Shared shuttle · 60-90 min · 15 USD · : Grouped by arrival window, waits of 20-30 minutes common before departure
- **Shuttle Lake Atitlán** — Shared shuttle · 3.5-4 hr · : No specific prices mentioned · : Less frequent than Antigua shuttles, often requiring transfers via Antigua
- **Taxis Aeropuerto La Aurora** — Taxi · 20-30 min · : The exact price varies by zone and is often posted at the taxi stand · : Not directly mentioned, but noted to cluster heavily midday and evening
- **Transmetro Line 13** — Bus rapid transit · : No specific times noted, known for connections into central zones · : Not specifically mentioned, charges by station entry · Regular scheduled service
- **Uber** — Rideshare · : Not specifically mentioned apart from being cheaper and taking shorter routes · 40-50 quetzales · Varies based on surge pricing and availability
- **Urban Bus Zona 13** — Local bus · : Travel time not specified, emphasis on complexity for new visitors · : Minimal cost noted as 'budget-friendly' · : No specific service frequency, general caution against use due to safety and navigation issues

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Use the Los Añejos Lounge near Gates 6 and 7 if you need a comfortable spot; it's a hidden gem among the bustling North Terminal.
- _Time_: Arrive 2.5–3 hours before international flights to mitigate unexpected check-in or security delays, especially during holiday seasons.
- _Avoid_: The arrivals area has no cafes or shops; plan to eat ahead or hold out until you reach your next destination.
- _Local_: Check out the Zona 13 museums for a quick cultural escape between flights; it’s an easy nearby diversion with ample green space.
- _Money_: Skip bottled water airside and refill your bottles at the public fountain by Gate 4 to save on overpriced bottles.
- _Quiet_: For a peaceful waiting area, try the Los Añejos Lounge instead of the packed central seating areas before U.S.-bound flights.
- _Quiet_: Earplugs might be necessary due to buzz and echo within terminal areas; keep them handy for red-eye or early flights.