How to get from Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport to Quito City Center by Bus

At first the thought of traveling to Ecuador was scary, as we didn’t know what to expect.  We’ve now written some posts based on our travels, which will hopefully ease some anxiety for other travelers. Here is more information on Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport

This post will cover how to get from the Quito airport to the city center. Check out our other posts to learn more about our travels in Ecuador to Quito and Banos.

• Traveling to Ecuador?:  What you need to know
• How Much Did Our Trip to Banos Ecuador Cost?
• Getting from the Quito Airport to Quito City Center
• Traveling from Quito to Banos, Ecuador
• Top 8 Things to do in Banos, Ecuador
• Bike Ride From Banos to Puyo and the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall
• Hike from Banos to Casa del Arbol and the Swing of Death
• Amazon Jungle Tour, First Day
• Amazon Jungle Tour, Second Day
• How to get from Quito to Mitad del Mundo – “The Center of the World”

The easiest way to get  from Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport to Quito City Center is via taxi.  The concern is that this will cost you about $35.  For the budget conscious traveler, a cheaper way is always better.

This is the cheapest way we found to get to the city center from the airport.

Once you exit the Arrivals Hall, cross the street to the median and look to your right for three bus stops.  You want stop #1 going to Rio Coca.

Wait for the green bus to show up.

You don’t need to get a ticket.  Just get on.  Once you get moving a worker will come along.  Tell him or her “Rio Coca” and pay $2.00.  Then sit back and relax because it is a long ride.  After about an hour, the bus will pull into the Rio Coca terminal.  It will be the last stop, so you don’t need to worry about missing it.

Transfer Busses in Rio Coca

Exit your bus and head in the direction the bus is facing.  Continue until you exit that area of busses.  You will need to cross the street and head to another area.

Sorry the picture is so blurry, but it is all I had and it gives you an idea of what it looks like.

Pay $0.25 and walk through the turnstile.

Once you pass through the turnstile you can get on any bus in this area.

Then take the Ecovia (E3) bus to central Quito.  There are a couple busses that stop in each area.  Be sure to stand in the E3 line.

The bus will be packed, so if you want a seat try to find one as fast as you can.

The trip from Rio Coca to La Marin is about 30 minutes.  The name is listed on each stop so check the map below to give you an idea when you are getting close.

When you exit the bus, follow the crowd across the street and head up the hill to get to Plaza Grande and the rest of the historic center.

Total cost:  $2.25.

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Spend less; travel more

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