Home
Ecuador
PLAN MY VISIT
Ecuador Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →

Ecuador Transportation Guide & Booking Service

​

Ecuador Transportation Guide & Booking Service

  1. /
  2. /

Transportation is an essential part of travel. There are several ways to get around while in Ecuador, and it's important to choose the ones that fit you best. Options include shared shuttles, private transfers, rental cars, domestic flights, public buses, and boats. When deciding on how to get around, consider what destinations you'll visit, your travel route, timeframe, and budget. You might choose to use only one type of transportation or combine several options throughout your trip. Using the following guide will help ensure an efficient, comfortable, and memorable experience in Ecuador.

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to ourlocal experts.

Is Ecuador Bike Friendly?

The streets in Ecuador often have lots of cars and lanes aren't always carved out specifically for bikes. For this reason, we do not recommend road biking in Ecuador. However, there are some wonderful mountain biking options, especially in the Sierra regions.

Can I Take Public Buses Around Ecuador?

Yes, you can take public buses in Ecuador. Most Ecuadorians travel by bus, and the country is well-linked by an extensive bus system. There are a variety of different classes and types of buses to take, including everything from air-conditioned passenger vehicles to ultra-crammed chicken buses. Longer routes tend to have more comfortable buses and stricter schedules. In contrast, local buses are loud and busy and tend to have less rigid schedules.

What Are the Driving Times Between Destinations in Ecuador?

Travel times vary depending on where you are going and the roads you are traveling on. Major highways in Ecuador - including those that run along the coast and connect Quito to Guayaquil - are typically in good condition, which tends to shorten driving times. Rural roads are usually worse and require slower driving. The speed limit is often 30 mph (50 kph) in cities and 55 mph (90 kph) on highways.The following are general travel times between Guayaquil and popular destinations: Salinas (2.25 hrs), Montañita (3 hrs), Manta (3 hrs), Alausí (3 hrs), Cuenca (3.5 hrs), Quito (7.5 hrs), the Peruvian border (4 hrs), and Punta Sal in Peru (5.5 hrs).

The following are general travel times between Quito and popular destinations: Mitad del Mundo (1.25 hrs), Mindo (2.25 hrs), Laguna Quilotoa (2.75 hrs), Tena (3 hrs), Baños (3 hrs), Alausí (4.5 hrs), Coca (4.5 hrs), and Guayaquil (7.5 hrs).

If you have questions about other routes or destinations, just ask us; we are here to help.

What destinations offer domestic flights in Ecuador?

Domestic flights originate in Quito and Guayaquil. There are two airports in the Galápagos; one on Baltra (to access Santa Cruz) and one on San Cristóbal. When flying to some places - such as the Galápagos and the Amazon - foreigners will pay more for the flights then Ecuadorians will.Other destinations with domestic flights include Esmeraldas, Cuenca, Loja, Manta, Portoviejo, Tulcán, Machala, Coca, and Macas.

What Are the Roads Like in Ecuador?

The quality of roads varies in Ecuador. The Pan-American Highway, the main highway in Ecuador, runs through the Andes, with branches leading off to the east and west. This road is in fairly good condition, but smaller roads tend to be made of dirt and may have large potholes. Larger towns usually have paved roads, while smaller towns can have cobblestone or dirt roads.Roads often lack signs and traffic lights, and it isn't uncommon to come across animals standing in the middle of the road in rural areas. For these reasons, driving in Ecuador should be approached with patience and caution.

Ecuador Private Ground Transportation
Ecuador Private Ground Transportation

Private transportation is a good option for travelers who desire comfort and flexibility while exploring a new country.

These personal shuttles will take you anywhere in Ecuador and can usually accommodate changes in your schedule.

Ecuador Rental Cars & Booking Service
Ecuador Rental Cars & Booking Service

Ecuador is fairly small, and renting a car can be a great way to explore the country.

Rental cars give you the freedom to go where you want, and do it on your own schedule. In a rental car you can take side trips and find off-the-beaten-path destinations. That said, the roads in Ecuador are often poor and signs can be nonexistent. Renting a car can be dangerous and risky and should be given serious thought beforehand.

Domestic Flights in Ecuador
Domestic Flights in Ecuador

Domestic flights can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get around in Ecuador.

Domestic flights can save you from long bus rides, and are often worth the extra dollars, especially when your travel timeline is limited.

Ecuador Shuttle Transport & Booking Service
Ecuador Shuttle Transport & Booking Service

Shared shuttles offer convenient transportation between popular destinations in Ecuador.

These comfortable shuttles are punctual and typically have door-to-door service.

Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Will use them again!
Communicative, helpful and honest. They stuck to my budget and accommodated my changes. My kids and I had such a good ti...
Dec 01, 2022
– Kayla C.
Trustpilot Rating
100 Stars!!
If I could give 100 stars, I would wholeheartedly. All the booked activities were excellent and pricing was unbeatable. ...
Nov 30, 2022
– Ravi D.
Trustpilot Rating
One of the best I have ever used
Having traveled a lot, I have used many travel companies. The responsiveness and efforts to meet our needs were unmatche...
Dec 08, 2022
– A. Hershe.
Trustpilot Rating
Above & Beyond in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, & Laos
Thank you to the entire team that made this trip so memorable for us. We appreciate your warmth and going above and beyo...
Jun 20, 2022
– Sapna
Trustpilot Rating
Best way to travel!
I trusted Harold from Anywhere.com to plan my family's vacation. Harold went above and beyond in making sure that our tr...
Oct 04, 2021
– Shivani P.
Trustpilot Rating
Profesionalism at its Best
My experience with Anywhere.com in Costa Rica was perfection. All of the drivers were punctual and pleasant; and all of ...
Aug 02, 2021
– Natasha I.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere is OUTSTANDING!
My family & I have used Anywhere to organize 3 vacations- Costa Rica, Peru, & now Ecuador. I would not hesitate to use t...
Jul 29, 2021
– Kara V.
Trustpilot Rating
Awesome vacation, everything went smoothly
Our agent (Erick) planned a great trip for our family of 5. All the tours were excellent, all the transport and lodging ...
Mar 17, 2020
– David
Trustpilot Rating
Everything Anywhere said they would do…
Everything Anywhere said they would do they did. Very professional and friendly staff.
Mar 16, 2020
– Darrell
Trustpilot Rating
We were very reassured in constructing…
We were very reassured in constructing our trip using Anywhere.com as the team responded promptly to our questions in a ...
Mar 16, 2020
– Michael
Trustpilot Rating
Great service!
Great service!
Mar 15, 2020
– Kyle K
Trustpilot Rating
If I could give 100+stars, I would.
If I could give 100+stars, I would.
Mar 15, 2020
– Jerry Pos.
Trustpilot Rating
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time…
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time before our departure to provide an itineary based on what we already researched a...
Mar 14, 2020
– Thomas hi.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com was so easy to work with
Anywhere.com was so easy to work with. They made booking my transfers a pleasant experience. And I even had some last ...
Mar 14, 2020
– Ashley Ba.
Trustpilot Rating
Perfectly planned
Perfectly planned. The trip went off with all (5) transfers on time and all our accommodations meeting or exceeding our...
Mar 14, 2020
– John C.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Ecuador Vacations
  • Adventure
  • Beach
  • Bird-watching
  • Community
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Rainforest
  • Romantic
Highlights
  • Unique & Authentic
  • Beaches
  • Colonial
  • Rainforests
  • Islands
  • Volcanoes
  • Surfing
PLACES TO GO
  • Quito
  • Santa Cruz
  • San Cristobal
  • Guayaquil
  • Banos
  • Galapagos
  • Amazon
  • Cuenca
THINGS TO DO
  • Boating
  • Birdwatching
  • Get a Guide
  • Nature Walks
  • Snorkeling
  • Sea Creatures
  • Hiking
  • Historic
  • Scuba Diving
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy