The blue buses of Quito crisscross the city in every conceivable direction and, like other forms of public transportation, cost 25 cents. (Buses outside the city cost slightly more.) Although there are stops marked with signs, intercity buses generally pause whenever and wherever a passenger wants. The city buses are usually much less crowded than more popular forms of transportation, such as the Ecovia and Trole.
To figure out where a particular bus is headed, you have to quickly read the long, multi-color destination list that is posted in the front window (as the bus is barreling toward you). If the bus is the one you want, simply wave it down and jump aboard. If you’re not able to read the sign in time, or catch the tout’s attention, don’t worry. Another bus will be along shortly.
Some buses have cashiers (behind a wooden desk to the left of the door) or touts who will take your 25 cents as you get on. Should you need a little more time, all operators will accept the fare as you leave. Make sure you have small change when you take the bus. Most operators are unable or unwilling to give change for currency larger than $1.
To get off the bus, stand up, walk to the front and indicate to the tout (the driver’s partner who shouts out destinations and collects money) that you want to disembark. The bus should pause long enough for you to step quickly to the curb.
Bus routes are so numerous and so varied that not all of them can be detailed here. Safe to say, if there is a part of the city you’d like to get to, there is probably a bus that will take you there. Ask a local (most quiteños are very helpful) what bus you need to get where you want to go. Intercity buses typically stop operating shortly after nightfall.