Quito To Guayaquil: Full Guide & Transport Options (2023)

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Looking for the best ways to get from Quito to Guayaquil? You’re in the right place! Quito, the second-highest city in the world, is one of the best locations to start your Ecuador trip.

Then there’s Guayaquil, known for being the biggest city in Ecuador, and the gateway to one of the biggest bucket-list destinations on earth; the Galapagos!

This post outlines everything you need to know about getting from Quito to Guayaquil, from safety concerns, journey times, prices, drop-off points and more.

So, let’s start and discuss all the possible ways to travel from Quito to Guayaquil!

Still got a question about travelling from Quito to Guayaquil? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides!
• Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes
• Quito To Cotopaxi: FULL Guide, Routes + Tips
• One Day In Quito: What To Do, Eat, See & Explore

Quito To Guayaquil: A Summary

The journey between Quito and Guayaquil is roughly 272 miles (439 km). It will take around 7-8 hours to drive directly between the two locations in Ecuador, depending on traffic, road conditions and mode of transport. 

The most popular way to travel between Quito and Guayaquil is by tourist shuttle (coach) or a short 50-minute flight.

In summary, there are four ways to get from Quito to Guayaquil. These options are:

• Tourist shuttle (coach)
• Private transfer
• Plane
• Organised overnight tour

Personally, I think the best way to get from Quito to Guayaquil is by tourist shuttle (coach). Tickets can easily be booked online here, and as there’s no direct bus between Quito and Guayaquil, this just makes your life so much easier!

But, there are four ways to travel between the two places, so I’ll explain them all and let you decide! Let’s get down to the ins and outs of travelling between Quito and Guayaquil!

Related post: One Day In Quito: What To Do, Eat, See & Explore

1) Quito To Guayaquil by tourist bus (coach)

By far, the easiest and most convenient way to travel from Quito to Guayaquil is via the tourist bus (which is actually a coach).

If you’re on a backpacker’s budget (like we were), it’s an inexpensive £11 ($14 USD) per person and takes you all the way from one city to another.

Yes, it’s pretty long (10+ hours), but if you download some shows on Netflix and charge your Kindle, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the downtime.

The coaches have both air conditioning and wifi and are exceptionally safe. Just be sure to keep all of your valuables within eyesight at all times.

➡ You can check prices and book your coach from Quito to Guayaquil here.

2) Quito To Guayaquil by private transfer

If you prefer hassle-free travel without large coaches and buses, or you simply don’t have the time for a ten-hour bus, I recommend booking a private transfer from Quito to Guayaquil.

This is the fastest way to reach Guayaquil, and you can enjoy the journey comfortably in your own space!

If you’re travelling with 2 or 3 people, the price difference is not even that much more expensive than a tourist shuttle.

The private transfer (or taxi) journey should take no longer than 8 hours. You can make toilet and snack stops whenever necessary.

➡ You can easily book a modern, clean, and comfortable private transfer here!

3) Quito To Guayaquil by plane

Another easy (but more expensive) way of travelling from Quito to Guayaquil is via plane. Of course, this is the quickest option, but it’s going to cost a whole lot more than a bus.

The average flight time from Quito to Guayaquil is 50 minutes and costs around £80-100 (with baggage).

Bear in mind that Quito Airport is around 45-50 minutes from Quito city centre, so you will need to organise a transfer or taxi there and back!

➡ Book a flight from Quito to Guayaquil here!

➡ Need an airport transfer? I highly recommend this company for door-to-door, reliable service!

4) Quito To Guayaquil by organised tour

Finally, you can travel from Quito to Guayaquil via an organised tour. What are organised tours? They’re group trips or tours that you will share with other people, visiting both Quito and Guayaquil (and other destinations in Ecuador).

If you’re thinking of booking a tour in Ecuador, I highly recommend this company. They have incredible ‘done-for-you’ tours that include everything from transfers, food, day trips and accommodation.

For reference, some of the best tours that include both Quito and Guayaquil include:

• Amazon Adventure & Galapagos Discovery: This tour includes a start in Quito and an end in Guayaquil. You also get to visit the Galapagos, and the Amazon and have the chance to white water raft in Tena! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Ecuador Classic 8 Days Tour: Start in Quito, head to Otavalo, Cotopaxi and Cuenca! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• EPIC Self-Drive Experience in Ecuador: The Andes, The Amazon Rainforest and The Pacific Coast: An incredible trip over 14 days taking you through Quito and 7 other destinations in Ecuador. 

➡ Check out all incredible group tours in Ecuador here!

Where to stay in Quito

Quito is a big city. Whilst we were there, we stayed in two different areas; the main city centre and La Floresta.

If you’re staying short term, I recommend the city centre. This is the main cultural ‘hub’ (although there is nothing going on at night) and has a lively atmosphere during the day.

For digital nomads and those staying over 2 nights in Quito, I recommend La Floresta. This is a buzzing part of Quito full of bars, restaurants and cafes.

Some of the best accommodations in Quito include:

• Viajero Hostel (city centre): a beautiful hostel that includes free breakfast!
• Community Hostel (city centre): the perfect social hostel for the Amazon Rainforest tour!
• Secret Garden: (city centre): around a 15-minute walk to the main square, and is ideal for specific Cotopaxi tours.
• Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe (La Floresta): a hotel with stunning views of the Guápulo Valley.
• NH Collection Quito Royal (La Floresta): a more luxurious stay with a health club, free WiFi and free breakfast.

Where to stay in Guayaquil

If you’re planning on staying in Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galapagos for a few nights, I recommend the following accommodations.

• Manso Boutique Guesthouse: conveniently located near the Malecón 2000 and the Guayas River.
• Casa Michael: a great hostel for backpackers.
• Wyndham Guayaquil: for a luxury stay in Guayaquil.
• Unipark Hotel: for a budget-friendly hotel stay in Guayaquil.

Quito to Guayaquil: FAQs

1) How far is it from Quito to Guayaquil?

The distance between Quito and Guayaquil is roughly 272 miles (439 km). This is around 7-8 hours of driving time, or a 50-minute direct flight.

2) How long does it take to get from Quito to Guayaquil?

This depends on the mode of transport you are planning to use. The journey between Quito and Guayaquil is roughly 272 miles (439 km), so it will take around 7-8 hours to drive directly from the two locations, or a 50-minute flight. If you decide to take the tourist shuttle, it is a roughly 10-hour journey.

3) Is there a train from Quito to Guayaquil?

As of July 2023, all train routes in Ecuador are cancelled. This means there are currently no trains running from Quito to Guayaquil.

4) How long do I need to travel Ecuador?

Four weeks is a great amount of time to travel around Ecuador and visit both the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. But of course, you can enjoy this wonderful country on a smaller time scale.

Three weeks is a great amount of time to see some of the most beautiful locations, 10 days is enough to dip your toes in and 2 weeks is a good base for a holiday in Ecuador.

5) Do I need an eSim to travel around Ecuador?

Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Ecuador.

We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!

If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Quito to Guayaquil: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about travelling from Quito to Guayaquil in Ecuador (and vice versa). When you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. 

I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Ecuador content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
• One Day In Quito: What To Do, Eat, See & Explore
• Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes
• Quito to Mindo: Full Travel Route
• Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Tour