Getting Around Quito: A Practical Transport Guide
Quito offers a variety of affordable transport options for visitors. Buses and taxis are inexpensive and widely available throughout the city, making it easy to navigate without a car. The recent opening of the metro system has added another reliable option for getting around the city's north-south corridor.
The Metro System
The Quito Metro is a rapid transit system that opened in January 2023. It operates a single line running through the heart of the city, connecting the Quitumbe bus terminal in the south, through the historic city center and La Mariscal neighborhood, to the El Labrador station near Parque Bicentenario in the north. The entire journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Trains run frequently throughout the day—roughly every 5 to 8 minutes depending on the time of day. Operating hours are 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturdays, and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays and holidays.
Fares are very affordable: general admission costs $0.45 per ride, while children (ages 6–17), senior adults, and disabled individuals receive discounted fares. For visitors, purchasing physical QR code tickets is straightforward, though other payment methods are also available. The metro offers an efficient way to move through the city's main north-south axis without dealing with traffic.
Bus Rapid Transit Network (MetrobusQ)
The MetrobusQ network, officially called the "Red Integrada de Transporte Público," consists of three dedicated bus rapid transit lines that run north to south through the city:
- El Trole (green stations): Runs from La Y station in the north to El Recreo in the south. In the historic center, stations are conveniently located near Plaza Grande. Many buses on this route are diesel-fueled rather than trolley buses.
- Metrobus (blue stations marked with a Q): Runs from Universidad Central in the north to Carcelen station. This is a good option for visitors heading to the Mitad del Mundo Monument; transfer buses to the monument depart from Ofelia station.
- Ecovia (red buses and stations marked with an e): Runs from Rio Coca Station in the north to La Marín Station in the historic downtown. This line serves areas near Casa de la Cultura, the Olympic Stadium, and Quicentro mall.
All three lines have enclosed stations with covered, gated platforms where you pay your fare on entry. A single ride costs $0.35. The buses themselves are well-maintained and among the cleanest in South America. While they can become very crowded, pickpocketing is rare if you take basic precautions with your belongings. Be prepared: passengers board and exit simultaneously, so crowds can move quickly.
Regular Bus Service
Beyond the rapid transit network, many conventional buses run throughout the city on fixed routes. These buses are identified by both a name and number. They are extremely inexpensive and provide access to neighborhoods beyond the main rapid transit corridors. Public transportation is the primary form of travel for most residents, and buses are the backbone of this system.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful in Quito and represent one of the easiest ways to get around. All registered taxicabs are yellow and equipped with meters. In main city areas, you typically won't wait more than a few seconds to find a taxi; drivers will flash their lights if they're available as they approach. You can also call a taxi through your hotel, restaurant, or other tourist establishments.
Fares are very reasonable. The minimum charge is $1 during the day and $2 at night. Most trips to major tourist sites cost no more than $5. While traffic can sometimes make taxi travel slow during congested periods, it remains an affordable option.
Safety is an ongoing discussion with Quito taxis. Local authorities are working to improve their reputation by installing cameras and tracking systems in vehicles. It is wise to use taxis arranged through your hotel or established businesses rather than hailing random cabs on the street, especially at night.
Walkability
The historic center of Quito is built on a grid pattern despite the city's hilly terrain. Main streets running north to south include Venezuela, Chile, García Moreno, and Guayaquil. This layout makes the historic core relatively walkable for exploring on foot. However, because Quito extends significantly in length, walking between distant neighborhoods is not practical; use buses or taxis for longer journeys.
Bicycle Sharing
Bici Q is a municipal bicycle-sharing system available throughout the city. This is an option for shorter trips and exploring certain neighborhoods, though hilly terrain in parts of the city may make cycling challenging for some visitors.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located approximately 18 km east of the city center in the Tababela parish. Several options exist for reaching the city:
- Taxi: A taxi kiosk operates inside the terminal building on the arrivals floor, to the left of the information desk. Fares are listed by destination, with prices typically between $25 and $35 to reach the city center. The fare to the historic center (Centro Histórico) is approximately $26, and you receive a return voucher for $29. You receive a slip of paper to present to the taxi rank controller, and you pay the driver upon arrival.
- Airport express bus: An express bus service is available for $8 per ticket or $14 for a return fare. Look for red signs on the ground floor of the terminal to locate the bus stop.
- Public buses: As of December 2025, three public bus routes connect the airport to the city. All three stops are located next to each other immediately outside the terminal. One route serves Rio Coca bus station and Labrador metro station (in the north); another goes to Quitumba (in the south); and a third goes to Carcelen Bus Terminal (in the northern suburbs). The fare is $2.40 (US cash accepted), and the journey typically takes around one hour, depending on traffic and which route you take.
If you arrive with substantial luggage, it is advisable to take a taxi rather than use public transportation, as bus stations can be crowded and navigating with large bags is challenging.
Regional Bus Travel
Two main bus terminals serve long-distance travel outside Quito. Terminal Quitumbe, in the far south, handles buses heading to southern destinations and can be reached by local buses from La Marín in the old town, or by Trolebus and Metro. Terminal Carcelén, in the far north, serves northern destinations like Otavalo and can be reached via local buses, Ecovia, Trolebus, and the Metro. Some bus companies operate their own terminals near the La Mariscal neighborhood.