Quito to Cuenca from $10: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Quito to Cuenca: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$10 by busBest price
304 kmDistance
2h 5m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Quito to Cuenca with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Quito - Cuenca operators
Explore transport companies operating between Quito and Cuenca, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
latam.com
Plane from Quito Airport (UIO) to Cuenca Airport (CUE)
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$80-180Plane from Quito Airport to Cuenca Airport
Average Duration
47mEstimated price
$80-807Website
avianca.com
Plane from Quito Airport to Cuenca Airport
Average Duration
1h 1mEstimated price
$80-802Contact phone
+593 99 704 9828Website
tourisanfrancisco.com
Bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Puyo
Average Duration
2h 10mEstimated price
$8-14Bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Cuenca
Average Duration
8h 31mEstimated price
$10-40Contact phone
032740070Website
transportesamazonas.com.com.ec
Bus from Puyo to Cuenca
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$8-18Contact phone
+593 3-287-1787Website
facebook.com
Bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Ambato
Average Duration
2h 55mEstimated price
$80-186Bus from Ambato to Cuenca
Average Duration
3h 29mEstimated price
$10-14Contact phone
+593 7 283 5717Bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Cuenca
Average Duration
9h 30mEstimated price
$10-14Contact phone
+59 07 257 1861Website
cooploja@loja.telconet.net
Bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Cuenca
Average Duration
8h 31mEstimated price
$14-18Contact phone
+593 99 645 6618Website
facebook.com
Bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Cuenca
Average Duration
8h 35mEstimated price
$18-65Quito to Cuenca: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Quito and Cuenca offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Quito to Cuenca, covering a distance of 280 miles. Prepare for a journey filled with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes as you traverse through Ecuador.
💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options ranging from $25 to $40 for the car ride to Cuenca from Quito. Enjoy the flexibility of a self-paced drive, allowing you to make pit stops at charming towns and natural wonders along the way.
⏱️ Drive for approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes to reach your destination, immersing yourself in the cultural richness and historical allure of Cuenca. Experience the joy of discovery and adventure as you create unforgettable memories on this road trip.
Average price
$25 - $40
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the train journey from Quito to Cuenca typically include light catering options. You can expect to find snacks and beverages available for purchase. Be sure to bring some cash for onboard transactions, as electronic payments may not be accepted.
• The train line provides several seating options. The primary classes available are First Class, which features larger, more comfortable seats with extra legroom, and Economy Class, which is more budget-friendly but still offers a decent level of comfort. Check the specific train operator's website for descriptions of the amenities included in each class.
• There are two main operators for the train journey from Quito to Cuenca: Tren Ecuador (trenecuador.com) and Ferrocarriles del Ecuador (ferrocarriles.gob.ec). Both offer routes that provide unique views of the scenic Ecuadorian landscape. Make sure to compare schedules and services on their official websites before booking.
• Upon arrival at the Cuenca station, you will find that luggage storage is not typically available. However, the station does provide clean restrooms for travelers. To reach the city center, the fastest option is to take a taxi, which will take about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus (Bus 12) right outside the station, which frequently runs to the city center.
🛫 Experience a convenient and speedy journey from Quito to Cuenca by taking a direct flight that only lasts 45 minutes. Airlines like Euroairlines, Avianca, and LATAM Chile provide seamless connections between the two cities.
✈️ Enjoy a comfortable 2-hour flight from Quito Airport to Cuenca Airport with various options to choose from. The airlines offer a range of prices for tickets, typically costing between $80 to $186, making it accessible for different budgets.
Departure Point
Quito Airport
Arrival Point
Cuenca Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check both Avianca and LATAM for price fluctuations; sometimes booking directly on their websites, avianca.com and latam.com, can offer special promotions, especially for the Quito to Cuenca route.
• Upon arrival at Cuenca Airport, be prepared for a quick customs process, but don't forget to grab a local SIM card at the airport if needed; several kiosks offer data plans to help you stay connected during your stay.
• The taxi fare from Cuenca Airport to the city center typically ranges from $10 to $15; always confirm the fare with the driver before you start your journey to avoid any surprises.
🚌 Experience the scenic journey from Quito to Cuenca by bus departing every 30 minutes from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe. The trip, operated by Touris San Francisco, takes approximately 8 hours and 31 minutes.
🌿 Sit back and relax as you travel through the beautiful landscapes of Ecuador on your way to Cuenca. The bus services, operated by Amazonas Cooperativa de Transportes, run daily between the two cities with affordable fares ranging from $10 to $40.
🏞️ Upon arrival at Cuenca station, after the 8-hour journey, immerse yourself in the charm of this historic city nestled in the Andes Mountains. Enjoy exploring the cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and local markets during your visit.
Departure Point
Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe station
Arrival Point
Cuenca station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your trip, visit the Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe early to purchase your ticket for a bus operated by Touris San Francisco or Amazonas Cooperativa de Transportes, as it’s best to secure a seat given the 8 hour journey; tickets can range from $10 to $40 depending on the service.
• Make sure to grab a snack or light meal in Quito before boarding, as the bus does not make frequent stops, and consider packing a reusable water bottle since there may not be food vendors on the route; you can check local dining options at Quitumbe before you leave.
• Upon arrival at the Cuenca bus terminal, expect a bustling atmosphere; have your transportation to your accommodations pre-planned, and use the local taxi services which are readily available outside the terminal to avoid any confusion.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Quito to Cuenca.
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The distance between Quito and Cuenca is 304.2 km by air, and the travel time by plane is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. By car, the road distance is longer at 450.5 km, and the travel time is around 6 hours and 22 minutes. If traveling by bus, it takes approximately 8 hours and 31 minutes to reach Cuenca from Quito.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Quito to Cuenca is by bus, which typically costs between $10 and $40. However, this option is also the most time-consuming, with an average travel time of 8 hours and 31 minutes. If time is a constraint, the most time-efficient option is to fly, with an average travel time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Although flying is more expensive, with prices ranging from $85 to $190, it significantly reduces travel time.
When traveling from Quito to Cuenca, the prices of a bus ticket can range from $10 to $40, depending on the bus company, class of service, and time of travel.
To travel from Quito to Cuenca without using public transportation, you can opt to rent a car or hire a private driver. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 450.6 km, and it takes around 6 hours and 22 minutes to reach Cuenca by car. The prices for car rentals or private drivers can range from $25 to $40, depending on the type of vehicle and the provider you choose.
To travel from Quito to Cuenca without a car, the best option is to take a bus via Puyo. The bus journey typically takes around 5 hours and 9 minutes and costs between $16 to $35 depending on the bus company and the type of service.
Yes, there is a direct link between Quito and Cuenca. Travelers can take a bus from Quito Terminal Quitumbe to Cuenca, operated by Touris San Francisco or Amazonas Cooperativa de Transportes. The bus departs hourly and the journey takes approximately 8 hours and 31 minutes.
The flight between Quito and Cuenca typically takes around 45 minutes. Prices for this flight can vary, ranging from $85 to $186.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Cuenca. With over 337 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their needs and budget. Prices start at $18, making it accessible to a range of travelers.