Panajachel to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico Shuttle: Price, Schedule, and Border Crossing
The shuttle from Panajachel to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico takes about 12 hours and costs Q450 (roughly $59 USD), departing at 05:00, Monday through Friday only. It includes a land border crossing into Mexico, so you need a valid physical passport, even though this specific route doesn't require submitting passport details in advance when you book.
The border crossing: what you actually need
For this crossing, generally required are a valid passport, the Mexican FMM traveler form (available online or at the crossing), and payment of the Mexican tourist tax. Unlike our El Salvador and Nicaragua routes, this one doesn't ask you to upload a passport photo at booking, that's a difference in how this specific corridor is handled, not a sign you can travel without a passport. Bring the physical document regardless, and check current Mexican immigration requirements before you go, since border rules can shift. You also have to fill out the immigration form for Guatemala (https://cdn.c.sat.gob.gt/declaDelViajeroGt-web/pages/public/declaracionJuradaDelViajero.html) for leaving the country, and be sure that you did not overstay your Guatemalan Visa. A overstay of your Guatemala visa is generally charged with 15GTQ per day, right at the border.
Schedule
| Departure | Time | Price | Duration | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panajachel to San Cristóbal | 05:00 | Q450 (~$59 USD) | 12 hours | Monday to Friday |
No weekend departures currently.
Return trip
| Departure | Time | Price | Duration | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Cristóbal to Panajachel | 06:00 | Q450 (~$59 USD) | 12 hours | Monday to Friday |
| San Cristóbal to Panajachel | 06:00 | Q475 (~$62 USD) | Not specified | Monday to Friday |
There are different return ticket options, depending where you want to arrive in Guatemala.
For the return leg, generally required are proof of Mexican tourist tax payment, a valid passport, the Guatemalan traveler declaration form, and proof of onward travel.
Booking requirements
- No minimum group size.
- Physical passport required for the border crossing, even though advance passport submission isn't required at booking for this specific route.
- Runs Monday to Friday only, not weekends.
FAQ
Do I need my passport? Yes, always, for any Mexico border crossing, regardless of what's asked for at booking.
How long does it take? About 12 hours.
Does it run on weekends? No, Monday to Friday only.
What documents do I need at the border? A valid passport, the Mexican FMM tourist form, and proof of the Mexican tourist tax payment. Guatemalan traveller form, and valid Guatemalan visa.
Photo by Roger Ce
