Quito, Ecuador

Getting around Quito

How to travel around Quito — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Quito Metro

A single line running the length of the city, and a major improvement on the buses.

Cost: USD 0.45

2. Uber and Cabify

Both operate, and are the local advice over street taxis.

Watch outStreet taxis hailed at random carry a real express-kidnapping risk; registered or app cars only, especially after dark.

3. Trolebús and Ecovía

Bus rapid transit on dedicated lanes through the city.

4. Buses to Otavalo and Cotopaxi

Frequent and cheap from the northern and southern terminals.

5. Walking the old town

Compact but steep, and at altitude — plan for it being harder than it looks.

Booking apps in Ecuador

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

Uber

Operates in Quito and Guayaquil.

Coverage: Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca.
Why it helps: Registered drivers and a recorded route, which matters given the express-kidnapping risk from street taxis.