Guayaquil Airport
Check your flight status in real-time and secure your transportation. From the arrivals gate to your destination, we've got you covered.
Words: Patricio Añazco / Photos: Guayaquil Airport.
Welcome to Guayaquil.
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s second-largest city, has a national and international airport located right in the city centre. According to the Ministry of the Interior, it currently handles the highest volume of international traffic of any airport in the country. Handling 2 to 5 million passengers per year, it has won the title of best airport in Latin America and the Caribbean several times.
Guayaquil Airport.
Architecture of Guayaquil Airport.
Guayaquil Airport handles around 7.5 million domestic and international passengers per year. Compared to Lima Airport (22 million passengers per year) and Bogotá Airport (around 16 million passengers per year), it is relatively small within the South Pacific region. However, it is certainly not an airport to be underestimated. It has connections to several cities around the world and has won several awards, including ‘Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean’ thanks to its services and infrastructure. Inside the terminal building, there is a hotel where you can stay overnight between flights, as well as restaurants and shops.
According to the Bienal de Arquitectura Panamericana de Quito (BAQ), the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport has a modernist culture, which has been adapted to the local context in this case. The project incorporates elements of Ecuadorian architecture and landscape design, such as stone, vegetation, palm trees and water. Access to the terminal is via bridges over lagoons containing fish and plants.
Guayaquil Airport
A Traveler’s Guide
Is it Safe to Take a Taxi at Guayaquil Airport in 2026?
Arriving at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) is the gateway to your Ecuadorian adventure. However, for most international travelers, the first question is: How do I get to my destination safely? In 2026, safety remains the top priority for tourists, digital nomads, and expats visiting the “Pearl of the Pacific.”
En esta guía te explicamos la realidad del transporte en la ciudad y por qué la planificación anticipada es tu mejor aliada.
The Transportation Landscape in 2026
While Guayaquil is a vibrant hub, the risk of “informal” (unregulated) transportation still exists outside the airport gates. The terminal itself is modern and well-guarded, but the arrival area can be overwhelming with people offering unauthorized rides.
1. Street Taxis (Not Recommended)
It is never advisable to leave the airport perimeter to hail a taxi on the street. Unregulated vehicles lack GPS tracking and official registration, significantly increasing the risk of scams or safety incidents.
2. Official Airport Taxis
There are authorized yellow taxi cooperatives inside the airport. While they are a valid option for short trips within the city, they often have long lines during peak hours or late-night arrivals (like KLM or JetBlue flights), and their luggage space is usually limited.
3. Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber/InDrive)
Although popular, apps often operate in a legal “gray area” at Ecuadorian airports. Drivers frequently ask you to meet them in the parking lot to avoid fines, forcing you to walk through less-monitored areas with your luggage.
All our services are door-to-door and exclusive for you and your group. No waiting for strangers, no multiple stops.
Guayaquil Airport (GYE) | 24/7
All our services are door-to-door and exclusive for you and your group. No waiting for strangers, no multiple stops.
Guayaquil Airport Transfer to Hotels Guayaquil & Samborondón.
Whether you are visiting Guayaquil for business or as a stopover to the Galapagos Islands, your safety is our main concern. We provide seamless door-to-door transportation to the city’s major financial and tourist districts.
Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Frequent Destinations: We provide direct service to premier hotels including Hilton Colon, Sheraton Guayaquil, Hotel Oro Verde, Wyndham Puerto Santa Ana, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Unipark, and all major accommodations in the Samborondón area.
24/7 Availability: We track your flight in real-time to ensure your driver is waiting for you, regardless of any delays or late-night arrivals.
The Advantage: Unlike ride-hailing apps, our professional staff meets you inside the arrivals terminal with a personalized sign, ensuring a seamless and secure experience from the moment you land.
Guayaquil Airport transfer to Cuenca: The Scenic Route.
The journey from Guayaquil to Cuenca is one of the most beautiful drives in Ecuador, taking you from sea level to over 13,000 feet through the stunning Cajas National Park.
Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
The Experience: By booking a private shuttle, you avoid the hassle of the crowded bus terminal. Our drivers are experienced with the high-altitude fog and winding roads of the Andes, ensuring a safe and smooth transition to the highlands.
Perfect for: Expats moving with heavy luggage and travelers who want to enjoy the landscape without the stress of public transportation.
Guayaquil Airport transfer to Montañita &; Olón: Surf & Sun.
If you are headed to the world-famous surf breaks of Montañita or the tranquil beaches of Olón, a direct transfer is your fastest option.
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
The Experience: Most international flights arrive late at night when public buses are no longer running. Our 24/7 service means we’ll be waiting for you regardless of your arrival time.
Surfboard Friendly: Unlike small local taxis, our vehicles have ample space for surfboards and beach gear. Go straight from the arrivals gate to the ocean.
Guayaquil Airport direct Transfers to Salinas: The Modern Coast.
Salinas is the closest major beach destination to Guayaquil, known for its modern high-rises and beautiful bays like Chipipe.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.
The Experience: Skip the multiple stops of a public bus. A private car service takes you directly to your condo’s lobby or hotel door. It is the safest and most efficient way for families and groups to start their beach vacation immediately after landing.
Tip: Our flat rates are fixed, so you won’t have to worry about surge pricing or language barriers with local street taxis.
