Ecuador offers unparalleled biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands, with colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca nestled in the Andes. This compact South American nation delivers volcanic landscapes, indigenous markets, and world-class wildlife encounters.
- Public
- Quito's metro and bus rapid transit system covers the city well at very low cost ($0.25-0.45); smaller cities have adequate local bus networks
- Taxi
- Available throughout Ecuador via apps (Uber, Cabify, InDriver) and metered yellow taxis; reliable but use apps for safety especially at night
- Rental
- Good for exploring areas outside cities — mountain roads can be challenging; 4WD recommended for rural Andes and Amazon access routes
- Walking
- Quito's historic center, Cuenca's colonial zone, and Galápagos island towns are highly walkable; coastal beach towns also pedestrian-friendly
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $25-30 fixed-rate taxi from Quito UIO airport to city center (30-40 min)
- Taxi Info
- Use official yellow taxis or pre-booked hotel transfers; avoid unmarked cars at departure terminal
- Shuttle
- Airport shuttle bus $8 to Quito historic center (45-60 min), departs regularly from arrivals
- Shuttle Info
- Most economical option; shared shuttle stops at multiple central hotels
- Bus
- Ecovía bus connection from airport access road ($0.25) requires luggage management and multiple transfers
- Bus Info
- Not recommended with heavy luggage; better for budget-savvy travelers with minimal bags
- Private
- $30-40 pre-booked private transfer from Quito UIO to city center
- Private Info
- Book online before arrival; driver meets at arrivals with name sign
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Extensive bus networks in all cities. Quito buses cost $0.25 flat rate regardless of distance. Pay with coins upon boarding. Ecovía, Metrobús, and Trolebus are main BRT lines. Buses run 6:00-22:00. Can be crowded during rush hour.
Alternatives
Quito Metro ($0.45, opened 2023), yellow metered taxis, Uber, Cabify, and InDriver rideshare apps, bicycle rental in Quito's La Carolina park area
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Yellow taxis in Quito start at $1.50 base fare plus $0.10 per 100m. Insist on meter ('taxímetro'). Average city ride $3-$7. Orange taxis in Cuenca similar pricing. Always use official taxis or rideshare apps for safety.
- Apps
- Uber, Cabify, InDriver
- App Names
- Uber, Cabify, InDriver
- Typical Fare
- $5 average city ride in Quito; $3-5 in Cuenca and smaller cities
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Primary intercity transport. Modern, comfortable, and cheap. Quito-Cuenca $10-$15 (8-10 hours), Quito-Otavalo $2.50 (2 hours), Quito-Baños $3-$4 (3 hours). Luxury executive buses offer reclining seats and WiFi for 20% premium. Book through terminals or online via wanderbus.com for tourist routes.
Shared
Shared taxis operate on popular routes like Quito-Otavalo and Cuenca-Ingapirca, typically $5-15 per seat and faster than buses
Flights
LATAM and Avianca connect Quito-Guayaquil ($60-$120, 45 min), Quito-Coca ($80-$150 for Amazon access), mainland-Galápagos ($350-$500 round trip). Book well in advance for Galápagos. TAME airline ceased operations 2020.
Private
Car hire from $30-60/day economy; private driver from $80-120/day for custom itineraries
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
From centre: 18 km northeast of Quito
Options: Airport shuttle bus - $8 to historic center (45-60 min); Taxi - $25-$30 (30-40 min); Uber - $20-$25 (30-40 min); Private transfer - $30-$40 pre-booked
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
From centre: 5 km from Guayaquil center
Options: Taxi - $5-$8 (15-20 min); Uber - $4-$6 (15-20 min); Airport bus - $2 (30 min); Private transfer - $15-$20
Seymour Airport (Baltra)
From centre: Galápagos Islands - ferry to Santa Cruz
Options: Free bus to ferry dock (10 min); Ferry to Santa Cruz - $1 (10 min); Bus from ferry to Puerto Ayora - $5 (45 min); Total journey to Puerto Ayora: 90 min, $6
San Cristóbal Airport
From centre: 1.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Options: Taxi - $3-$5 (5 min); Walking possible with light luggage (20 min)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
InDriver
Most popular rideshare app in Ecuador where you propose your own fare; drivers counter-offer; widely used throughout Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca
Cabify
Premium rideshare with fixed pricing and professional drivers; more reliable than street taxis and excellent for airport transfers
Uber
Available in major Ecuadorian cities; similar pricing to Cabify; useful for travelers already familiar with the platform
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Never hail unmarked taxis from the street — always use Uber, Cabify, or InDriver apps, or ask your hotel to call a trusted radio taxi
Quito's Metro (opened 2023) runs north-south and connects major attractions at just $0.45 per ride — the best value transport option
Intercity buses are remarkably cheap and comfortable; luxury 'ejecutivo' buses with reclining seats and WiFi are worth the small premium on long routes
For Galápagos flights, book at least 2-3 months in advance as seats fill quickly; last-minute deals exist but are risky for fixed itineraries
Altitude affects drivers and engines — budget extra time when driving Andean mountain roads due to hairpin bends, reduced power, and fog