How to get from Quito to Baños
Quito to Baños (Baños de Agua Santa) is a classic Andes-to-jungle run: most travelers ride the direct bus from Quito’s Quitumbe terminal, while others prefer a shared shuttle, a private car/driver, or self-driving so they can stop at viewpoints or the Ruta de las Cascadas. Day tours from Quito also work if you’re short on time. Below is how to choose, book, and navigate step-by-step.
At A Glance (Quito to Baños)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Bus (Quito Quitumbe → Baños) | ~3.5–4.5h | Budget, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$5–8 one-way (pay at terminal) | ||
| 🚐 Shared Shuttle / Minivan (Hotel pickup) | ~3.5–4.5h (traffic) | Hassle-free, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–35 pp (operator-dependent) » compare options | ||
| 🚖 Private Transfer (Door-to-door) | ~3.5–4.5h | Families, bulky gear, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–220 per vehicle » get quotes | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (E35 → E30) | ~3.5–4.5h + stops | Freedom to stop & detour |
| 🏷️ Cost: Rental ~US$35–60/day + fuel » compare rentals | alt. options | ||
| 🗺️ Guided Day Tour (Quito ↔ Baños) | ~12–14h round trip | One-day highlights, no bags |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–120 pp (includes activities on many tours) » see tours | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Cheapest & frequent: Direct bus from Quitumbe to Baños Terminal.
- Most convenient hotel pickup: Shared shuttle/minivan (door-to-door).
- Door-to-door comfort with gear/family: Private transfer.
- Most flexible & scenic: Self-drive via E35/E30 with stops (e.g., Cotopaxi viewpoints).
- Only one day free: Day tour from Quito covering waterfalls and the swing at Casa del Árbol.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Terminals: Buses to Baños depart primarily from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe (south Quito). Get there by taxi/Uber/Cabify or city transit if light on luggage.
- Cash & tickets: For buses, buy in person at the counter; keep small USD bills for tickets/snacks.
- Luggage & timing: Keep valuables with you; avoid arrivals in Baños after midnight if possible.
- Transfers: For fixed quotes, compare GetTransfer. In cities, use Uber/Cabify in Quito and local taxis in Baños.
- Overnights: If you land late in Quito, stay near Mariscal/La Carolina and go next morning—browse Quito hotels or Baños stays.
- Activities & bikes in Baños: Join waterfall/canyoning tours on GetYourGuide. Bike rentals are plentiful on arrival (ask your hostel/shop on the main drag).
- Bags for layovers: Use hotel storage or city lockers; in a pinch, compare city storage on Radical Storage Quito.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Frequent departures Simple & direct
- Overview: Frequent interprovincial buses run Quito Quitumbe → Baños de Agua Santa. Most are semi-direct via Ambato with a short stop. Expect ~3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and weather.
- How to book (with price): Buy at the counter (cash) on travel day or the day before; fares ~US$5–8 one-way. If you prefer a prearranged seat as part of a tour/transfer bundle, compare on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Cheapest, frequent, luggage holds under the coach. Cons: Peak weekends can sell out; keep an eye on your bags at terminals.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus
- From your hotel in Quito, take a taxi/Uber/Cabify to Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe (south Quito). Allow 45–70 minutes from La Mariscal depending on traffic.
- At the terminal, find the Baños ticket counters; buy the next departure and proceed to the assigned bay (keep your ticket handy).
- Stow large luggage underneath; keep valuables with you. The bus may briefly stop in Ambato—stay on board unless directed.
- Arrive at Terminal Terrestre de Baños; use a short taxi or walk 10–15 minutes to most central hostels/hotels.
Getting to the main embarking points (Quitumbe & Baños Bus Terminal)
- Quitumbe (Quito south): Best reached by taxi/ride-hailing if you have luggage; there are also trolley/metro links if traveling light.
- Baños Terminal: Taxis are inexpensive; many accommodations are walkable.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #2 — Shared Shuttle / Minivan (Hotel Pickup)
Hassle-free Door-to-door Less frequent
- Overview: Several Quito agencies operate shared minivans to Baños with hotel pickup in central areas. Comfort is higher than buses and you skip the terminal.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$20–35 per person depending on date and pickup zone. Compare schedules and reviews on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: No transfers, central pickup. Cons: Fixed pickup windows; limited daily departures.
Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle
- Book your seat and confirm your hotel pickup window (Mariscal/La Carolina areas are usually included).
- Be ready in the lobby 10–15 minutes early; keep your phone on for WhatsApp updates from the driver/dispatcher.
- Ride ~3.5–4.5 hours to Baños; drop-offs usually cover central hotels/hostels.
- If your lodging is outside town, arrange a final short taxi with the driver on arrival.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup & Baños center)
- Pickup: Most shuttles include central Quito hotels; apartments may require meeting at a nearby landmark.
- Baños drop: Central area near the church/park; easy to walk or taxi anywhere in town.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Comfort)
Most comfortable Any time Higher cost
- Overview: A dedicated driver picks you up anywhere in Quito (or UIO airport) and drops you at your Baños hotel. Great for families, surfboards/bikes, or late flights.
- How to book (with price): ~US$120–220 per vehicle depending on size/time. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer (Quito).
- Pros: Zero terminal time; stops on request. Cons: Costs more than bus/shuttle.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request a quote with pickup address (or Mariscal Sucre International Airport – UIO) and drop in Baños; confirm luggage and child seats if needed.
- Share your live location/WhatsApp with the driver on pickup day; allow for Quito traffic.
- Plan an optional restroom/snack stop in Ambato or on E30 before the descent to Baños.
- Arrive at your accommodation; pay any remaining balance as agreed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Your address / UIO & Baños)
- Quito pickup: Hotels across La Mariscal/La Carolina/Old Town; UIO pickups available (add 45–60 minutes from airport into the city route).
- Baños drop: Anywhere in town; remote lodges may require an extra track/fee—confirm in advance.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive via E35 → E30 (Most Flexible)
Freedom Scenic Mountain weather
- Overview: Pick up a rental car in Quito and drive Panamericana E35 toward Ambato, then turn onto E30 for Baños. Road is paved; expect curves and changing weather.
- How to book (with price): Cars from ~US$35–60/day + deposit. Compare downtown/airport depots on Booking.com Car Rental (Quito) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Start early, stop for viewpoints; perfect if continuing to Puyo or the Amazon. Cons: City traffic leaving Quito; mountain fog/rain possible.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Collect your car (downtown or UIO). Check spare tire, wipers, and that your phone has offline maps.
- Exit Quito southbound on E35 toward Latacunga/Ambato; at Ambato area, follow signs to E30 Baños.
- Descend to Baños; watch for speed bumps and cyclists. Park at your hotel or signed public lots.
- For the Ruta de las Cascadas, rent bikes in town and ride downhill toward Pailón del Diablo (return by pickup truck).
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & route)
- Pickups: City depots (La Carolina/La Mariscal) or UIO airport; check Sunday/holiday hours.
- Route: E35 (Panamericana) → Ambato → E30 to Baños; avoid late-night mountain driving in rain/fog.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🗺️ Option #5 — Guided Day Tour from Quito (Waterfalls & Swing)
Great highlights Hotel pickup Packed day
- Overview: Small-group tours cover Baños town, Ruta de las Cascadas, Pailón del Diablo, and the Casa del Árbol “Swing at the End of the World,” returning to Quito at night.
- How to book (with price): ~US$60–120 per person depending on inclusions. Compare itineraries on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: No logistics, top sights in a day. Cons: Limited free time; early start/late return.
Step-by-step: Day Tour
- Choose a tour with hotel pickup in central Quito and clear inclusions (entrance fees, lunch, bike/zipline options).
- Be ready for pickup before sunrise; bring layers (Andean mornings), rain shell, and cash for extras.
- Visit waterfalls/canyon viewpoints and the Casa del Árbol; many tours allow optional zip-lines or bike segments.
- Return to Quito in the evening; ask the guide for a central drop if not returning to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup & main sights)
- Pickup: Central hotels (La Mariscal/La Carolina/Old Town) or a designated meeting point.
- Sights: Casa del Árbol, Pailón del Diablo, and viewpoints along the Pastaza canyon.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Quito to Baños)
How long is the Quito→Baños trip?
Typically 3.5–4.5 hours by road; add time for traffic, rain, or stops.
Is there an airport in Baños?
No. The route is overland by bus, shuttle, private car, or self-drive.
What’s the safest time to travel?
Daytime travel is recommended for first-timers due to mountain curves and changing weather.
Can I bring a bike?
Yes—buses usually accept bikes for a small fee (space permitting). Private transfers are easier if you have multiple bikes.
Where should I stay in Baños?
Downtown for convenience to restaurants and rentals; outskirts for quiet and views. Compare options on Booking.com.
Do I need to book the bus in advance?
Usually not—buy at Quitumbe the day of travel, but on holiday weekends arrive early for choice of seats and departure times.