How to get to and from Galápagos Island airport (GPS): bus, train, taxi and transfers

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Galápagos Island airport (GPS), 36 km from Galápagos. See also the airport guide for general information.

Since the airport is situated on uninhabited Baltra Island, travel to Puerto Ayora on neighboring Santa Cruz Island involves a combined three-stage route.

Shuttle Bus to Itabaca Channel Pier

After claiming your luggage, proceed to the platforms outside the terminal to board a shuttle bus operated by Lobito (Tel +593 9 6754 9023). The trip takes about 10 minutes to the southern pier of Baltra at the Itabaca Channel. The fare is USD 5.00 per person.

Public Buses in Santa Cruz to Puerto Ayora

After crossing the channel and arriving on Santa Cruz Island, you can board an intercantonal public bus (such as Bus Galápagos, Tel +593 986 260 302) to Puerto Ayora. The journey takes between 45 and 60 minutes and costs approximately USD 2.50 to USD 5.00.

Private Transfers and Tour Shuttles

Local tour operators and transfer companies (such as Transfer Galápagos, Tel +593 986 260 190) offer pre-arranged private vans directly to hotels across Santa Cruz or to cruise departure docks.

Rates and schedules updated as of November 8, 2026.

Barge and Ferry Across the Itabaca Channel

At the Baltra pier, passengers board a barge or ferry to cross the channel separating Baltra and Santa Cruz islands. The water crossing takes around 10 minutes. The government-operated ferry charges USD 1.00 per person, while smaller private water taxis charge USD 2.00.

Taxis in Santa Cruz

Upon arriving on the northern shore of Santa Cruz, authorized white pickup taxis are readily available (such as Taxi Express Galápagos, Tel +593 989 639 714). The drive to Puerto Ayora takes about 45 minutes, with fares ranging from USD 25.00 to USD 30.00 per vehicle.

More information

Rates and schedules updated as of November 8, 2026.

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Tips for getting to and from GPS

Going to the airport

Leave earlier than you think you need to: Galápagos Island airport is 36 km from Galápagos. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at GPS.

Leaving the airport

After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
Looking for the taxi rank, the train station or the rental desks, or meeting someone? See the GPS airport map and share a meeting point.
Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at GPS.
Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near GPS.

Content written by German Giudici

Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.

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