Getting Around - Transportation

Ecuador Airfare and Transportation

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Related EE.com Pages

Ecuador Border Crossing

Buses in Ecuador

Ecuador Domestic Flights

Rental Cars in Ecuador

Ecuador Trains

Ecuador Hotels

Ecuador Transportation by V!VA

Getting to Ecuador is the easy part.

How are you going to get around once you’re here? There are a lot of options and we present to you both Ecuador’s conventional and not-so-conventional means of transportation.

Ecuador Flights

There are two international airports in Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil. Most travelers fly into Quito, though if you are only going to the Galapagos Islands, then Guayaquil is more direct. Fly over the Andes on your flight into Quito and fly over them again as you travel over the country in a matter of minutes. Check out our international and domestic flight information for details.

Buses in Ecuador

You can get most anywhere in Ecuador on Bus – anywhere there is a road, that is. All of Ecuador’s top travel spots are within a day’s ride from Quito and prices are very low. The chance of being a victim of theft on public buses is very high. Consider using a private bus service such as Wanderbus or a traditional private shuttle bus with a company like Ambaturismo. Click on our Ecuador bus page for distances, approximate prices, and terminal information.

Rent a Car

If the idea of long bus rides and erratic schedules doesn’t appeal to you, you may choose to rent a car in Ecuador and travel the country, designing your itinerary as you go along. Cars can be rented at the Quito and Guayaquil international airports in addition to a few offices in the city centers. A good alternative to renting a car in Ecuador is hiring a driver who are frequently taxi drivers.

Taxis

Hiring a taxi or private transportation will provide all the freedom of having a car, while allowing the traveler to sit back and relax. Hire one for a few hours or a few days, it will certainly make your life easier. In cities like Quito and Guayaquil, taxis are the best way to get around until you get to know the buses.

Uber

Uber is an excellent option in Quito and Guayaquil and may come to other cities soon. Other ride-hailing apps in Ecuador are Cabify and Didi.

Boat Travel

Boat travel is a popular and necessary means of transportation in Ecuador. Travel down Amazonian rivers in canoes or sail between the Galápagos Islands in luxury cruise ships.

Train Travel

Taking the train in Ecuador should be thought of less as a means of transportation than as an adventure. Since 2008, the federal government has worked to repair rail lines that had been severely damaged by mudslides and flooding. You may take the train to experience riding on the roof, ducking under tunnels and the famous autocarril, basically a bus fitted to the tracks on eight tourist routes throughout the country. For complete timetables and prices,

In 2008, the federal government initiated an intense program to bring the Quito-Durán and Otavalo-San Lorenzo trains back on line. At present, eight tourist routes operate, some using steam locomotives and other ferrobuses. The most popular thrill ride is the El Nariz del Diablo (the Devil’s Nose), a 12-kilometer (7-mi) series of switchback rails between Alausi and Sibambe. Ferrocarriles del Ecuador lists the timetables and prices for the trips on its website (Tel: 1-800-873-637, URL: www.ferrocarrilesdelecuador.gob.ec).

Others

Experience every bump in the road or change in weather by riding in the back of a truck. This may be your only option if traveling to very remote areas, but it offers great views and a chance to get really close with the locals who will admire your sense of adventure.

Hitchhiking is not a very popular means of transportation in Ecuador. Most people who pick you up will expect some payment and with the safety concerns inherent in hitchhiking, it makes more sense to take a bus when there is one available.