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Airport Transportation

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport

Also known as: Guayaquil Airport, Guayaquil International Airport, GYE Airport, Aeropuerto de Guayaquil. Formerly Simón Bolívar International Airport.

GYE · SEGU · Guayaquil

Airport facts

Name
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
IATA code
GYE
ICAO code
SEGU
City
Guayaquil
Country
Ecuador
Coordinates
-2.1574, -79.8836
Time zone
America/Guayaquil
Terminals
One terminal with domestic and international areas

About José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) is the airport of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, on the country's Pacific coast. It handled about 4.17 million passengers in 2025 and is a hub for Avianca and LATAM in Ecuador.

Domestic flights connect Guayaquil with Quito, Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands; flights from mainland Ecuador to Baltra and San Cristóbal stop here because it is the closest point to the islands. International routes reach Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Madrid, Amsterdam, Panama City, Bogotá, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana. All flights use a single passenger terminal of about 50,000 square meters, opened in 2006.

The airport sits on Avenida de las Américas, about 5 km north of the city center. The drive to downtown and the Malecón 2000 waterfront usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, and the city's intercity bus station, Terminal Terrestre, is just north of the airport.

From here travelers head to downtown Guayaquil and the Malecón, Samborondón, the beaches of Salinas and Montañita, the highland city of Cuenca, and the Galápagos Islands.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Terminal Aeroportuaria de Guayaquil S.A. (TAGSA)

Passengers per year

About 4.17 million in 2025

Runway

One runway, 03/21, 2,790 m

Location

Avenida de las Américas, about 5 km north of downtown

Current terminal opened

July 2006

Arrival tips for José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport

After landing you pass through immigration, where officers record your entry and may ask about your trip and for proof of onward or return travel; your passport should be valid for at least six months. At customs, an online registration is only needed if you carry taxable goods or cash of 10,000 US dollars or more.

After collecting your bags you exit into the arrivals hall on the ground floor, where the car rental agencies are. Domestic and international arrivals have separate exits. Drivers you booked ahead usually wait inside arrivals or just outside the exit doors with a name sign. For a taxi, go to the official taxi counter in arrivals, pay there, and take the ticket to the designated taxi lane outside. Do not hail regular taxis outside the airport grounds.

Guayaquil is hot and humid all year, with most rain falling roughly between January and May. Ecuador uses the US dollar and the city runs on UTC-5 with no daylight saving time.

Ground transportation

An official airport taxi or a pre-arranged driver suits most travelers, since downtown is only a short drive away.

  • Taxi from Guayaquil airport

    Official taxis run from a counter in the arrivals hall, where you pay and get a ticket before going to the taxi lane outside. Downtown and the Malecón are usually 15 to 25 minutes away, but fewer drivers wait after about 11 p.m.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-arranged driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. It is the simplest option for longer trips such as Salinas, about 2.5 hours west, or for late-night arrivals.

  • Rideshare

    Uber and InDriver operate in Guayaquil. App drivers usually pick up on the departures-level curb or in the parking lot rather than at the arrivals doors.

  • Metrovía

    The Aeropuerto stop of the Metrovía bus rapid transit line 25 de Julio–Río Daule is a short walk from the terminal. It is cheap, but impractical with large luggage.

  • Intercity bus

    The Terminal Terrestre, Guayaquil's main intercity bus station, is just north of the airport, with buses to Salinas, Montañita, Cuenca and other cities. You need a short taxi ride or walk to reach it.

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Terminals

Main Terminal

Handles all domestic and international flights, including flights to the Galápagos. Domestic and international arrivals have separate exits on the ground floor.

Airlines and destinations

The main airlines at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.

Air Europa Main Terminal

Madrid

Airline guide

American Airlines Main Terminal

Miami

Airline guide

Arajet Main Terminal

Punta Cana

Avianca Main Terminal

Quito, Baltra (Galápagos), San Cristóbal (Galápagos), Bogotá, Medellín, Miami, New York, Buenos Aires, San José (Costa Rica), San Salvador

Airline guide

Copa Airlines Main Terminal

Panama City

Airline guide

Iberia Main Terminal

Madrid

Airline guide

JetBlue Main Terminal

Fort Lauderdale, New York

Airline guide

KLM Main Terminal

Amsterdam

Airline guide

LATAM Airlines Main Terminal

Quito, Cuenca, Baltra (Galápagos), San Cristóbal (Galápagos), Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, New York

Airline guide

Frequently asked questions

How far is Guayaquil airport from the city center?

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport is about 5 km north of downtown Guayaquil, on Avenida de las Américas. By taxi or car, the trip to the city center and the Malecón 2000 waterfront usually takes 15 to 25 minutes in normal traffic, and it can be quicker at night or on weekends.

Is Guayaquil airport in the city?

Yes. Guayaquil airport sits inside the city, on Avenida de las Américas, about 5 km north of the center and close to the main intercity bus station, Terminal Terrestre. A stop on the Metrovía bus rapid transit system is a short walk from the terminal, and taxis reach the center in about 15 to 25 minutes.

How many terminals does Guayaquil airport have?

Guayaquil airport has one passenger terminal, opened in July 2006, of about 50,000 square meters. It handles both domestic and international flights, including flights to the Galápagos. Domestic and international arrivals have separate exits into the ground-floor arrivals hall, and the Galápagos Government Council office is in the upper-level departures hall.

Which airlines fly to Guayaquil airport?

Avianca and LATAM fly both domestic and international routes from Guayaquil, including flights to Quito, Cuenca and the Galápagos. International airlines include Air Europa, American Airlines, Arajet, Copa Airlines, Iberia, JetBlue and KLM, with nonstop flights to cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Madrid, Amsterdam, Panama City and Punta Cana.

How do taxis work at Guayaquil airport?

Official airport taxis operate from a counter in the arrivals hall. You pay at the counter, receive a ticket, and are matched with a driver in the designated taxi lane outside. Taxis wait outside both the domestic and international arrival doors, though fewer drivers are available after about 11 p.m. Avoid hailing taxis outside the airport grounds.

Is there public transport from Guayaquil airport?

Yes. The Aeropuerto stop on the Metrovía line 25 de Julio–Río Daule is a short walk from the terminal and connects with the rest of the city's bus rapid transit network. There is no bus or train inside the airport itself, and the Metrovía is crowded and impractical if you are carrying large luggage.

Can I use Uber at Guayaquil airport?

Yes. Uber operates at Guayaquil airport 24 hours a day, and InDriver also works in the city. App drivers generally pick up passengers on the departures-level curb or in the parking lot rather than at the arrivals doors. Check the driver and vehicle details in the app and do not accept off-app offers.

What do I need to enter Ecuador at Guayaquil airport?

Most visitors need a passport valid for at least six months from arrival, and officers may ask about the purpose of your trip and for proof of onward travel. Citizens of many countries can visit without a visa, but rules vary by nationality. An online customs registration is only required if you carry taxable goods or 10,000 US dollars or more.

How do I fly from Guayaquil to the Galápagos?

Avianca and LATAM fly from Guayaquil to Baltra and San Cristóbal. Pre-register online for the Galápagos Transit Control Card, then have it validated at the Galápagos Government Council office in the upper-level departures hall, which opens from 6:00 to 12:00. Your bags are inspected next to the card windows before check-in, so arrive early.

How do I get from Guayaquil airport to Salinas or Cuenca?

Salinas is about 2.5 hours west of Guayaquil by car, and there is no direct bus from the airport. Most travelers take a pre-arranged car or a taxi to the Terminal Terrestre, just north of the airport, and catch an intercity bus to Salinas, Montañita or Cuenca. Cuenca can also be reached by domestic flights with LATAM.

What is the weather and time zone in Guayaquil?

Guayaquil is hot and humid all year, with a rainy season roughly from January to May and a drier, slightly cooler season for the rest of the year. The city runs on Ecuador time, UTC-5, with no daylight saving time. Ecuador uses the US dollar, so there is no local currency to exchange.

Who operates Guayaquil airport and how busy is it?

Guayaquil airport is operated by Terminal Aeroportuaria de Guayaquil S.A. (TAGSA). It handled 4,174,127 passengers in 2025, slightly more than the 4,167,249 recorded in 2024, with about 2.34 million international and 1.84 million domestic passengers. It is Ecuador's second-busiest airport after Quito.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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