The bus is the most commonly used means of transportation for travelers staying in Ecuador. Those you'll use range from adequate to comfortable and trips don't cost a fortune. Budget around $1.50 per hour. Bus companies offer frequent departures and you'll have no trouble finding a vehicle the same day to leave Quito, the capital. The city has several bus stations at your disposal, some handle routes to small towns surrounding Quito while others specialize in long-distance journeys.

Several airports offer the option of domestic flights for travel between major cities like Quito, Manta, Cuenca, Guayaquil, and Loja. Each of these flights lasts a maximum of just over one hour, and prices start at around $100 for a one-way ticket.

All aboard the bus

Ecuador is divided into 24 different provinces, including Pichincha which is home to the capital Quito, and the Galápagos archipelago, which is only accessible by air. Here is a guide to reaching the capital from 22 other provinces in the country by bus from Quito. This includes travel times, distances, and a hyperlink to each mapped route.

Northern Ecuador

• From Quito to Esmeraldas, in Esmeraldas province: 328 kilometers, 5 hours and 15 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Ibarra, in Imbabura province: 115 kilometers, 1 hour and 50 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Tulcán, in Carchi province: 240 kilometers, 3 hours and 50 minutes drive.
• From Quito to Nueva Loja, in Sucumbios province: 275 kilometers, 5 hours travel time.
• From Quito to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, in Orellana province: 300 kilometers, 5 hours drive.
• From Quito to Tena, in Napo province: 195 kilometers, 3 hours and 30 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Portoviejo, in Manabi province: 380 kilometers, 6 hours and 15 minutes drive.
• From Quito to Santo Domingo, in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province: 150 kilometers, 2 hours and 45 minutes travel time.

Central Ecuador

• From Quito to Latacunga, in Cotopaxi province: 110 kilometers, 1 hour and 40 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Ambato, in Tungurahua province: 160 kilometers, 2 hours and 10 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Babahoyo, in Los Ríos province: 350 kilometers, 5 hours and 30 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Guaranda, in Bolívar province: 250 kilometers, 3 hours and 45 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Riobamba, in Chimborazo province: 210 kilometers, 2 hours and 55 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Puyo, in Pastaza province: 250 kilometers, 4 hours drive.
• From Quito to Guayaquil, in Guayas province: 435 kilometers, 6 hours and 45 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Azogues, in Cañar province: 440 kilometers, 7 hours travel time.
• From Quito to Santa Elena, in Santa Elena province: 555 kilometers, 8 hours and 20 minutes drive.

Southern Ecuador

• From Quito to Macas, in Morona Santiago province: 370 kilometers, 5 hours and 15 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Cuenca, in Azuay province: 470 kilometers, 7 hours and 30 minutes.
• From Quito to Machala, in El Oro province: 520 kilometers, 8 hours and 15 minutes drive.
• From Quito to Loja, in Loja province: 680 kilometers, 10 hours and 50 minutes travel time.
• From Quito to Zamora, in Zamora Chinchipe province: 680 kilometers, 11 hours travel time.

Reaching the Galápagos archipelago

If you wish to reach the Galápagos Islands, you can only do so by plane from Guayaquil airport (1.5 hours flight) or Quito airport (3 hours flight). Budget between $450 and $550 for a round-trip ticket. You will also need to purchase an entry permit upon arrival on the archipelago for $100 ($50 for children).