An able-bodied person can walk from the center to any point in Xela in about 30 min . Minibus routes thread through all parts of the city and, although cramped, cost only 2.50Q. The bus costs less but is slower and less frequent.
For travel around the countryside, the local buses are very reasonable. They can be entertaining and, at times, quite crowded. Do not plan on carrying much luggage with you on these: some buses have backpack storage above the seats, but most of the time you must store bags that do not fit on your lap on the top of the bus. While they are generally safe up there, they are at risk for weather.
Taxis are relatively common around the city, especially around nightlife hot spots. At night, it is not safe to walk around, so taxis are highly recommended, especially if you are by yourself. Catch a taxi on a public square rather than on one of the side streets and note its number. Negotiate the cost of the ride before you leave. If the driver seems sketchy to you, make a reasonable excuse and do not take it.
When using the minibus to get to Hiper Paiz the large mall with a movie theatre as well as a supermarket go to the back part of central park to catch the van. The guy will call, "Hiper Hiper Hiper" and it is 2.50Q in the day and 3Q at night. This same van also drops you at La Democracia Market and Paiz a slightly smaller mall which also has a supermarket.
This is also the van that you catch to get to the Chicken Bus terminal that takes you to Antigua or Panajachel. Most people tell you to get off at the Roman Columns-Minerva Terminal. You can ask someone where the bus station is or just walk down the street along side Hiper for 4-5 blocks.
These second-class buses will leave at regular times, but if you load your things on the bus, do not get off as the driver may leave without warning.
These buses at the main terminal do make other stops prior to leaving town 7th Street and 16th Avenue, for example.
Details
Guatemala City & Antigua - Every 15-30 min, 3am-5pm, you change buses in Chimaltenango.
Panajachel - 9am-5pm hourly. This is the bus to the lake. 30-35Q for this trip.
San Pedro la Laguna - 11:30, 12pm,1pm, 2pm,4pm
San Marcos - 4am-8pm Frequent
Cantel & Zunil - 6am-7pm Frequent buses
Huehuetenango - 4am-6pm Freguent.
La Mesilla border with Mexico at 7am, 8am, 10am, 2:15pm
Retalhuleu & Champerico - 4:30am-7:30pm
Santa Cruz del Quiché - Leaves hourly, 8am-4:30pm
Coatapeque and Mexico border at Tecún Umán - 5am-7pm
San Pedro la Laguna - 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm & 5:30pm