Ecuador Transportation Guide & Booking Service
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Trustpilot 5-star ratedEcuador Transportation Guide & Booking Service
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
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- 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 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.
