Capital city in Pichincha, Ecuador
Getting around Quito
How to get around Quito
The one-line metro and the Ecovía and Trolebús bus lanes run north–south along the center; Uber, DiDi and inDrive cover the rest and are safer than street taxis.
Ways to get around Quito
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro de Quito | About $0.45 | One north–south line, 15 stops; tap a card or use the Metro app |
| Trolebús / Ecovía | About $0.35–0.45 | Bus lanes along the main avenues; crowded, pickpocket risk |
| Uber / DiDi / inDrive | About $3–6 for 5 km | Safer and cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street |
Ride-hailing apps in Quito
A 5 km ride costs about $3–6 ($3–6).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most reliable for visitors; pay by card or cash |
| DiDi | Often cheaper; cash payment common |
| inDrive | Name your own fare; check the plate and driver |
- Prefer apps over street taxis, which carry express-kidnapping risk. Agree the fare first if you must hail one; meters are often off.
Arriving in Quito
Mariscal Sucre (UIO)
Tababela, about 45 km east. Aeroexpreso bus to La Carolina or Terminal Río Coca about $10, 45–75 min; taxi or app about $30–40, 50–80 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for six months; rental firms may want an IDP. Quito limits cars by plate number.
- Onward travel in Ecuador: Cheap, frequent buses connect most towns; take direct daytime services from main terminals. LATAM and Avianca fly between Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Galápagos.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Quito?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, DiDi, inDrive.
What's the best way to get around Quito?
The one-line metro and the Ecovía and Trolebús bus lanes run north–south along the center; Uber, DiDi and inDrive cover the rest and are safer than street taxis.
How do I get from the airport to Quito?
Tababela, about 45 km east. Aeroexpreso bus to La Carolina or Terminal Río Coca about $10, 45–75 min; taxi or app about $30–40, 50–80 min.
Is Quito walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Quito
Going to Quito solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Quito meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Metro de Quito
- Galápagos Governing Council (Transit Control Card)
- Metro de Quito
- Quito Airport (Quiport)
- Hospital Metropolitano
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.