Quito Metro: The Fastest Way to Cross the City
If you want to save time, the Quito Metro is the best option to move from the south to the north without worrying about traffic. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, and during peak hours, it runs approximately every 5 minutes
Fares and Payment Methods Without Waiting in Line
A useful tip for practical tourists: you can buy a physical ticket at the stations, but if you are going to use the metro more than once, it is better to activate the City Account for faster entry
- Normal fare: USD 0.45
- Reduced fare: USD 0.22 (for students up to high school and seniors)
- Special fare: USD 0.10 (people with disabilities)
With the City Account, you can load balance and use your ID card, City Card, or a QR code from the app or website to enter.
How to Quickly Activate the City Account
- You can activate and link your ID card at specific stations (Quitumbe, San Francisco, Iñaquito and Labrador) from Monday to Friday, 08h00-17h00.
- If you want the City Card (type “tarjeta metro Quito”), it is given to those who have a City Account and recharge a minimum of USD 3.00; then you can pick it up at stations during extended hours.
- Recharges: cash or card at ticket offices and machines; digital recharges are also available on the platform/app.
Remember that the cost of the metro varies according to the mentioned fares, making it an economical option within public transportation.
So if you are looking for speed and comfort to get around Quito, use this modern transportation system.
Metro stops in Quito: where to get off according to your plan
Line 1 has 15 stations and connects the south with the north in about 34 minutes, ideal for travelers looking for efficiency and low cost.
For tourists, these stops are the most useful:
- San Francisco: direct access to the Historic Center (churches, squares, museums, walks).
- El Ejido / Alameda: cultural area, parks, and good connection to La Mariscal.
- La Carolina / Iñaquito: modern area with hotels, restaurants, co-working spaces, and shopping centers.
Public transport in Quito: buses, Trolebús, and Ecovía for cheap mobility.
If you want to pay little and move around the main routes, the municipal system (trunk buses and feeders) is your best option. The regular fare is USD 0.35; reduced USD 0.17; and preferential USD 0.10.
Trolebús in Quito: ideal for traveling north-center-south
The trolebús serves as the main line in several areas with frequent stops. It is useful if:
- You have a limited budget.
- The metro is not close to your final destination.
- You need to connect with feeder buses.
Ecovía in Quito: ideal for the east side of the city
The Ecovía is very good if you move around the east (residential areas and connections). If your accommodation is located in the eastern part of the city, it is usually faster than crossing the entire city to the west.
How to pay and enter faster?
Quito is moving towards an integrated single payment system. In the municipal corridors, you can already use your ID card, QR code, or City Card to validate your payment upon entry, while maintaining the municipal fare.
Transportation tips in Quito (to save time)
- Avoid peak hours: if you work as a digital nomad, plan your transfers between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
- Use Google Maps to calculate travel time: but check the street for possible construction or detours.
- If you have a large suitcase: it’s better to use the metro or taxi; it can be uncomfortable on buses.
Taxi and transport apps in Quito: when to use them and how to do it safely
Taxis and apps are more practical if you travel late, carry luggage, or need to go directly to your destination.
Safe taxi in Quito: basic rules
- Choose official taxis or request one from your accommodation.
- Confirm the license plate before getting in if you requested the taxi through an app.
- If the driver offers a fixed price instead of using the taximeter, agree on the amount before starting the trip.
Transportation apps in Quito: Uber, DiDi, and inDrive
- Uber operates all day, seven days a week.
- DiDi is also available for getting around the city.
- inDrive allows you to propose your fare and choose a driver based on their profile and rating.
Attention: Cabify stopped operating in Ecuador since March 2023, so do not use it.
Tourist routes Quito: transfer times and combinations that work
To move better, use the metro for long trips and then walk or take a taxi for short distances.
3 practical combinations
- Historic Center without complications: Metro → San Francisco → everything on foot (squares, churches, typical food).
- Modern area + cafés/coworking: Metro → Iñaquito/La Carolina → short walk or taxi depending on your destination.
- From the airport to the city (safe): At Mariscal Sucre Airport there are authorized taxis 24/7; take the service at the terminal to avoid informal offers
You can also use private transfer services from the airport, offered by recognized tourism companies. Although they are a bit more expensive, they provide you with more comfort and safety when arriving in the city.
Remember that Quito has a lot of traffic, especially during rush hours. Therefore, plan your trips in advance and consider an extra margin to avoid problems.
Take advantage of the different transportation options in Quito and choose the one that best suits you. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!
If you are looking for an economical option from or to the airport, there are buses from terminals like Quitumbe with fares around USD 2, and from there you can connect with metro, trolleybus or ecovía depending on your destination.
Getting around Quito can be quick, cheap, and safe if you choose wisely according to your day’s plan: use the metro to cross the city, trolleybus/ecovía/buses for economical options, and taxis or apps for the night, luggage, or direct routes. This way you will optimize your route, avoid queues, and make better use of your time.
Examples of routes:
- To reach the Historic Center: Take the metro at Iñaquito to La Alameda, then change to the Ecovía bustowards Santa Clara. Get off at the Catedral stop.
- To go to La Floresta: From the Historic Center take the C1 bus towards La Mariscal, then connect with the trolleybus or Ecovía and get off at the Floresta stop.
- To visit TelefériQo: From Iñaquito, take a direct taxi or the Q1 bus to Cruz del Sur, then another taxi to the entrance of the cable car.
Planning tourist routes:
You can start by choosing the places you want to visit. For example, if you go to the Historic Center and then to La Floresta:
- Start in the Historic Center by taking the metro at Catedral towards Iñaquito.
- Then use a taxi or direct bus to go to La Floresta.
- Check the public transport schedules to adjust your plans according to peak hours.
- You can use transport apps for more convenience at night or if you have a lot of luggage.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Metro de Quito operates daily from 05:30 to 23:00 with a peak wait time of about 5 minutes. The standard fare is USD 0.45, reduced fare for students and seniors is USD 0.22, and preferential fare for disabled passengers is USD 0.10. Using the Cuenta Ciudad app or web platform allows faster access.
You can activate your Cuenta Ciudad card at specific stations such as Quitumbe, San Francisco, Iñaquito, and Labrador from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00. The minimum recharge amount for the Cuenta Ciudad card is USD 3.00.
Line 1 of the Quito Metro has 15 stations that connect the south with the north in approximately 34 minutes. Important stops include San Francisco (Historic Center), El Ejido/Alameda (cultural area), and La Carolina/Iñaquito (modern area with cafes and coworking spaces).
Quito has a municipal bus system with regular fares of USD 0.35, reduced fares of USD 0.17, and preferential fares of USD 0.10. The Trolebús offers economical routes that connect the north, center, and south with frequent stops, while Ecovía serves the residential areas of the east. Payment can be made using a cédula, QR codes, or Cuenta Ciudad card in the municipal corridors.
To avoid crowds during peak hours, it is ideal to travel between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Using Google Maps helps to effectively plan routes, but it should always be confirmed due to ongoing construction or detours. For large luggage or nighttime trips, prioritize metro or taxi services.
Uber, DiDi, and inDrive are transportation apps available in Quito for convenient door-to-door transport. However, Cabify ceased its operations in Ecuador in March 2023. It is recommended to choose formal taxis or app-requested rides for safety reasons.
