How to get from Quito to Galápagos
Flying is the only practical way to reach the Galápagos from mainland Ecuador. From Quito (UIO), you can fly nonstop to either Baltra (GPS, for Santa Cruz/Puerto Ayora) or San Cristóbal (SCY, for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). Many travelers also route via Guayaquil (GYE) for more flight choices. Below are your options, step-by-steps, and map links—plus key permit/fee notes.
At A Glance (Quito to Galápagos)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight to Baltra (GPS) → Bus/Ferry/Bus/Taxi to Puerto Ayora | ~2h10–2h30 flight + ~1–1.5h transfers | Most travelers headed to Santa Cruz/itineraries starting in Puerto Ayora |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$140–320 one-way (seasonal) + ~US$10–20 local transfers » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🛫 Flight to San Cristóbal (SCY) → Short Taxi/Walk to Town | ~2h flight + 5–10m to center | Starting/ending on San Cristóbal (cruises or land stays) |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$140–320 one-way (seasonal) + ~US$2–5 taxi » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🔁 Flight via Guayaquil (GYE) to GPS/SCY | ~45m UIO→GYE + ~1h40–2h GYE→GPS/SCY + layover | Wider schedules, price hunting, tight weather buffers |
| 🏷️ Cost: Often similar to nonstop; sometimes cheaper with sale fares » compare | ||
| 🛥️ Organized Tour or Cruise Package (Flights Often Add-On) | 3–8 days (typical packages) | Hands-off planning, guided wildlife experiences |
| 🏷️ Cost: Highly variable; check inclusions » compare Galápagos tours | Klook options | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most common: UIO→Baltra (GPS), then public bus + Itabaca Channel ferry + bus/taxi to Puerto Ayora.
- Shortest ground transfer: UIO→San Cristóbal (SCY); the main town is minutes from the runway.
- Most flight choices/sales: Route via Guayaquil (GYE), useful if your dates are fixed or you want a buffer.
- Guided & worry-free: Book a tour/cruise that can also assist with flights and park paperwork.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Permits & fees: Before check-in, buy the Transit Control Card (TCT) at UIO (or GYE). On arrival, pay the Galápagos National Park entry fee in cash. See official guidance: TCT (Gobierno de Galápagos) and park entry info.
- Book flights early (peak Apr–Aug, Dec): Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Pick morning departures for smoother connections.
- Luggage & biosecurity: Bags are inspected; avoid fresh produce/seeds. Keep your TCT receipt handy.
- Cash: ATMs exist on main islands but can run dry—carry small USD bills for buses, ferries, taxis, and park boats.
- Staying overnight pre/post: For early flights, book near Quito Airport or Historic Center—compare on Booking.com (Quito). Store extra luggage via Radical Storage Quito.
✈️ Option #1 — Quito (UIO) → Baltra (GPS) + Bus/Ferry to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)
Most popular Frequent flights Multi-leg transfer
- Overview: Fly UIO→GPS. From Baltra Airport, take the airport bus to Itabaca Channel, cross by ferry to Santa Cruz, then bus/taxi to Puerto Ayora.
- How to book (with price): Flights ~US$140–320 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Local transfers: bus (~US$5), ferry (~US$1), bus to town (~US$5) or taxi (~US$25–35).
- Pros: Best for Santa Cruz itineraries & inter-island ferries. Cons: Several short legs; bring small bills.
- Official info: TCT details • Park entry
Step-by-step: UIO → Baltra (GPS) + Transfer to Puerto Ayora
- Get to Quito Airport (UIO) by hotel taxi or private ride—compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer (ride-hailing and regular taxis are also available locally).
- At UIO departures, purchase your TCT card at the council counter, then check in for your GPS flight (have passport and return/onward plans).
- Land at Baltra (GPS) and pay the park entry fee. Board the official airport bus to Itabaca Channel.
- Take the Itabaca ferry to Santa Cruz; on the other side, ride the public bus (~US$5) or hire a taxi (~US$25–35) to Puerto Ayora.
Getting to the main embarking points (UIO & Baltra/Itabaca)
- UIO Departures: Arrive 3 hours early for TCT + check-in/biosecurity. Food courts and ATMs available.
- Baltra/Itabaca: Buses line up at the terminal; ferries shuttle continuously in daytime.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫 Option #2 — Quito (UIO) → San Cristóbal (SCY) + Walk/Taxi to Town (Easiest Arrival)
Shortest transfer Great for cruises Fewer flights
- Overview: Fly UIO→SCY. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a few minutes from the runway—many hotels are walkable; taxis are inexpensive.
- How to book (with price): ~US$140–320 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Taxi to central hotels is usually ~US$2–5.
- Pros: Minimal ground time; perfect start for San Cristóbal-based tours and cruises. Cons: Limited schedules certain seasons.
- Official info: TCT • Park entry
Step-by-step: UIO → San Cristóbal (SCY)
- Travel to UIO (hotel transfer or GetTransfer). Buy the TCT at the airport and pass the biosecurity screening.
- Fly to SCY; pay the park fee on arrival.
- Walk or take a quick taxi to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno; confirm pickup if your cruise includes it.
Getting to the main embarking points (UIO & SCY)
- UIO Departures: Arrive early for TCT processing; liquids/produce rules are strict.
- SCY Arrivals: Compact terminal; taxis wait curbside; many stays are within a 10–20 minute walk.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🔁 Option #3 — Route via Guayaquil (GYE) for More Schedules/Deals
More flight choices Buffer for weather Extra connection
- Overview: Fly UIO→GYE, then connect GYE→GPS or SCY. Handy if Quito nonstops don’t fit your dates or if you want a coastal stopover.
- How to book (with price): Mix-and-match fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; sometimes similar price to UIO nonstops.
- Pros: Wider schedules; midday peaks; good for aligning cruises. Cons: Longer total travel time.
- Official info: TCT (you can buy at GYE too) • park entry
Step-by-step: UIO → GYE → GPS/SCY
- Book separate or through-tickets on Booking.com Flights / Trip.com. Leave buffer time between legs.
- Buy your TCT in Quito or during the layover at GYE (airport counter), then board your island flight.
- Arrive GPS/SCY, pay the park fee, and continue as per your island transfer (see Options #1–2).
Getting to the main embarking points (UIO, GYE & Islands)
- UIO/GYE: Both airports have TCT counters prior to check-in; follow signage for biosecurity.
- On arrival: GPS requires bus+ferry to Santa Cruz; SCY is walkable/taxi-short to town.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛥️ Option #4 — Organized Galápagos Tour or Cruise (Easiest Planning)
Guided wildlife Less admin Higher cost
- Overview: Multi-day cruises or land-based packages often include or facilitate domestic flights, transfers, TCT/park formalities, and certified guides.
- How to book (with price): Compare itineraries/dates on GetYourGuide and Klook. Flight add-ons or assistance are common—check inclusions carefully.
- Pros: Seamless logistics, expert guiding, efficient routing between islands. Cons: Pre-set schedules; premium pricing.
- Official info: Review conservation rules before travel: park rules & entry.
Step-by-step: Booking a Tour/Cruise
- Filter by length (3–8+ days), vessel size, and must-see wildlife; read detailed day-by-day on GetYourGuide/Klook.
- Confirm if domestic flights, transfers, and park fees are included; if not, book flights via Booking.com Flights to match embark time.
- Follow operator instructions for TCT and baggage; arrive a day early in Quito to buffer delays.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel → Airport → Ship)
- Quito Hotels: Stay near UIO or in the center and transfer early to the airport (use hotel taxi or GetTransfer).
- Island Meeting Points: Puerto Ayora pier or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno dock, as per your cruise.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Quito to Galápagos)
Can I travel by boat from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos?
No. There is no legal or practical passenger boat service from the mainland; you must fly.
Should I choose Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY)?
Pick the island where your stay or cruise starts. GPS is best for Santa Cruz/Puerto Ayora; SCY is best for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and many cruise departures.
Do I need to buy the TCT in Quito or Guayaquil?
You can get it at either airport before checking in for the island flight. Keep the TCT and receipt throughout your trip.
How much are local transfers on Santa Cruz?
Expect a few dollars each for the airport bus and ferry, plus ~US$5 for the public bus to Puerto Ayora or ~US$25–35 by taxi.
Is there inter-island transport once there?
Yes—daily speedboats (and small planes on limited routes) connect the main islands. Tour operators on GetYourGuide and Klook also bundle day trips and transfers.
Where should I stay before/after my flight?
Overnight in Quito near UIO for early departures or in Puerto Ayora/San Cristóbal town near the docks. Compare hotels on Booking.com (Quito).