José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil is Ecuador's primary commercial port city airport and the main mainland departure point for flights to the Galápagos Islands (Baltra and San Cristóbal). Located just 5 km north of the Malecón 2000 riverfront, travel into the city center takes under 15 minutes.
José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport (GYE) is located just 5 km north of central Guayaquil. An official yellow airport taxi or Uber takes only 10-15 minutes for $5.00 - $8.00 USD directly to the Malecón 2000 riverfront and downtown hotels. Budget travelers can walk 200 meters outside to the Metrovía Line 2 bus station and ride into town for just $0.30 USD.
Consistently voted one of the best regional airports in South America, GYE is compact, modern, and walkable. Ground transport departs right outside the air-conditioned terminal.
Use only authorized Cooperativa de Taxis Aeropuerto yellow cabs from the curb, or request Uber. Official taxis cost $5–$8 USD to the center; avoid unregistered street drivers.
Official taxi cooperatives provide secure 24/7 service with monitored security cameras at the departure rank.
Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.
Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Cabify pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.