Guayaquil is one of Ecuador’s two major transport hubs, the other being the capital, Quito. From this city it is possible to get to almost anywhere in the country. Even if you don’t plan on visiting the country’s largest city, you may find yourself passing through the bus station, airport, or both, on route to other destinations in Ecuador. The airport and bus station are both conveniently located in the north of the city, just a few blocks from each other, making connections between air and land transport extremely easy.
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
Guayaquil’s Simón Bolívar Airport closed in 2006 when it was replaced by the brand new José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), named after Guayaquil’s first Major. This terminal is the “Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean,” according to Business Week Magazine, an accolade it’s now won for the second year running. The clean, well-organized, award winning, airport is located 5 km (an $8 taxi ride), north of the city center, right next to the old airport building.
A modern stone and glass building houses both the Domestic and International Terminals, from where it is possible to fly to destinations all across Ecuador, in addition to international destinations in the US and Latin America. Four national carriers: VIP (www.vipec.com), TAME (www.tame.com.ec), Icaro (www.icaro.aero) and Aerogal (www.aerogal.com.ec), operate domestic flights to destinations across the country, including to the Galápagos.


Terminal Terrestre Guayaquil
Along with a new airport, Guayaquil has also just acquired a brand new bus terminal, located right next door to the old building, just 2km north of the airport. (Av. Benjamín Rosales A. and Av. de las Américas, Tel: 593-4-214-0166 Ex. 101, URL: www.terminalguayaquil.com.)
The new bus station is clean, relatively hassle-free and has the feel of a mall. In fact the terminal is connected to the Outlet Shopping Center, which keeps travelers entertained while waiting for their bus to depart. From the Terminal Terrestre, buses run to destinations all across the country, as well as some international destinations, such as Lima, Peru, and Caracas, Venezuela. Purchase your ticket at the offices located downstairs before heading upstairs to find your bus.
Very regular buses make the eight hour journey to Quito ($9), the five hour trip to Cuenca ($7) and the three and a half hour journey up the coast to Montañita ($5).