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| Introduction
| Urban Buses | Trolley
| Taxis |
| Buses | Airplanes
| Trains | Boats |
Transportation
in Ecuador
Getting around Ecuador and its cities is pretty easy, however, you
should know some tips for traveling in a fast and safe way.
Urban Buses
You may get anywhere in a big city
by just taking a bus. It’s a really cheap service (USD 0.20)
and there are a lot of “only seated” units. Buses begin
to circulate early in the morning (06 a.m.) but they do not stay
in the streets too late (9 p.m.). Even though it’s a popular
way of moving around, it has some negative aspects. Bus drivers,
not always respect the bus stops and sometimes they stop anywhere,
which means you will be late. But some other times they are in a
big rush so you should request them to make a full stop. There are
many new buses, and there are another many that aren’t so new
which means comfort is not always guaranteed.
The Trolley
and the Ecoway
It’s the most modern and efficient urban transport in the country.
Big articulate buses run through exclusive ways and still bus stops.
The service is cheap (USD 0.20) and it runs along the city from
one side to the other. You can use also the integrated bus service
(units that work exclusively for the trolley and the ecoway). Buses
are new and the bus stops are well distributed in the city. You
may be a little bit tight in the rush hours. This service exists
only in Quito from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Taxis
Cabs are also a very popular way to move around in big cities. In
a general way, the service is good, cars are new and drivers are
pleased to help tourists. The cost depends on the taximeter, but
an average ride will be between USD 1.50 to USD 2. At night will
be hard to find a taxi driver using the taximeter, even though it’s
illegal, but they would not charge more than USD 2 to USD 3. If
you come from or go to the airport, they will charge some extra
money. (Between USD 3 to USD 5). It’s safer to use a radio
taxi at night. This units work with radios and you must call them
from a telephone. The cab will be there in no more than 5 minutes
with no extra charge. Taxis work 24 hours.
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Buses for
provinces
The easiest and cheapest way to travel inside Ecuador is in a bus.
You may get anywhere in the Country just by taking one or two buses.
Costs may vary due to distance and the quality of service. There
are some express buses which means that they would not stop in any
town until you get to your destination. Many transport companies
have new units, with bathroom, TV and comfortable chairs. Some even
serve some snacks during your travel.
If you want to take one of these buses, you should locate the ground
terminals in each city. There you will find a huge offer of companies
for any destination in the Country.
Some transportation companies have their own ground terminal. Frequency
of the trips are wide and they work 24 hours.
If you want more information on ground transport companies and terminals
make a click in Ground Terminals
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Airplanes
Ecuador has one of the best domestic air transportation system in
the region. Twelve cities have their airports and are served by
local air companies. Costs vary depending in distance and service.
The longest flight inside Ecuador may take 45 minutes, with the
exception of the Galapagos Islands which may take like an hour and
a half.
For more information on Airlines, Domestic Flights in Ecuador, and
International Flights to Ecuador, check out our Airlines'
page.
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Trains
There is a train system in Ecuador
but it is much used as tourist attraction rather than a transport
system. This train was known as one of the hardest in the whole
world because it runs through the Andes between huge cliffs, canyons
and rivers. If you are in a hurry don’t count on it because
it is too old and slow, but is one of the greatest ways to know
Ecuador. It’s hard to know the departure and arriving schedules
of the train and you must inform yourself about which lines are
working. In any travel agency will help you in this adventure over
rails.
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Boats, motor
boats and canoes
There are many places in Ecuador that can only be reached in a boat,
by the sea or by the river. In all these towns or destinies you
will find people with motor boats or canoes which offer transportation.
Costs vary depending distance and the destiny, in some cases, inhabitants
will be happy to take you for free so you can show your gratefulness
with a tip. If it has a cost, you may discuss it with the owner
before you get inside the boat.
TOP
| Introduction
| Urban Buses | Trolley
| Taxis |
| Buses | Airplanes
| Trains | Boats |
|
