On the 19th August 2016 Cuenca Airport closed its runway in order to conduct resurfacing work after a plane skidded off the runway in April 2016. The runway is set to reopen on the 19th September 2016. We’ve had several emails and calls from worried travelers whose flights have been cancelled to/from Cuenca or looking to make their international flights on time.
Until the airport reopens at the end of September 2016, if you’re looking to travel between Cuenca and either Quito or Guayaquil these are your options:
· Airport Shuttle
The Municipality of Cuenca has activated an airport shuttle managed by Atrain to get you to either Quito or Guayaquil while the runway is closed:
Cuenca to Guayaquil
$12 per person (includes one hand luggage and one suitcase) – $15 for additional luggage
Cuenca pick up/drop off: Cuenca Airport – Atrain office
Guayaquil pick up/drop off: Guayaquil Airport at arrivals (look for sign that says Servicio Guayaquil/Cuenca Plan de Contingencia)
Schedule: 4am, 5am, 6am, 7am, 9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 11pm, 11.59pm
Cuenca to Quito
$20 per person (includes one hand luggage and one suitcase) – $25 for additional luggage
Cuenca pick up/drop off: Cuenca Airport – Atrain office
Quito pick up /drop off: Parque Bicentenario in Quito (location of the old Quito airport) – Atrain office
Schedule: 21:00 & 22:00
It’s a little difficult to find out all the necessary information online as the airport websites aren’t very clear and their information lines are not very helpful. Atrain Ecuador, who provide the service, on the other hand are very helpful and can provide all the necessary information at the following numbers (593) 7286-7120 ext 172 / Cel phone number 0999298498.
Tickets should be purchased ahead of time at the Atrain offices located in the different airports. Take into account that these shuttle buses make no stops on the way. The shuttle to and from Quito travels at night which means that unfortunately you miss out on the spectacular scenery along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, which is one of the main highlights for any trip to Ecuador.
Be aware that the drop off and pick up point in Quito is at the old airport, in the northern part of the city, only 5 minutes from Quito’s financial center. It is now the site of Parque Bicentenario, the biggest park in Quito. If you’re catching a flight, you’ll need to travel from the old airport to the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport about 18km to the east of the city. This can be done using an airport shuttle that takes you from the old to the new airport, and which has frequent departures, costs $8 and takes about 90 minutes.
* This information was correct at time of publishing. The Municipality of Cuenca has up-to-date information on their website www.cuenca.gob.ec and give a phone number for more information 072867120 extention 172.
· Bus
The cheapest option is to take the bus, but in our experience the bus does not offer the comfort and service our clients expect. You should visit the main bus station for up to date information and schedules.
Cuenca Bus Station – Terminal Terrestre, Avenida España, Cuenca
The bus station in Cuenca is a twenty minute walk or short taxi ride from the historic city center.
Guayaquil Bus Station – Terminal Terrestre Jaime Roldos Aguilera, Avenida de las Ámericas
The bus station in Guayaquil is located near the airport
Quito Bus Station – Terminal Quitumbe, Av. Mariscal Sucre y Cóndor Ñan
The Quitumbe bus station in southern Quito is a taxi ride from La Mariscal (in the center of Quito) and is the departure point for buses to locations south of Quito.
· Buseta (mini van service)
Another option is to take a buseta (a mini van service) which offers travel to and from Quito. The problem lies in a long-running legal struggle between bus companies and buseta providers, whereby under current legislation mini vans can not legally offer services across provincial borders. This means that police have the right to, and do, stop these mini vans at random, leaving you without a ride and late for your flight. These providers also have a reputation for driving too fast and there have been accidents over the last few years. The authorities are cracking down on these services and at TerraDiversa we don’t recommend that you take the risk.
· Tours between Cuenca and either Quito or Guayaquil
TerraDiversa has created new tours to travel between Cuenca and either Quito or Guayaquil, which ensure you catch your international flights on time and allow you to enjoy the ride. We use professional tourist transport with permits to operate across provincial borders and have created itineraries to allow you to visit the main highlights on the way.
Keep in mind that the area between Cuenca and Quito is known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. It is an incredible area with spectacular scenery which shouldn’t be missed when traveling in Ecuador. When traveling to Quito our tours can provide transportation direct to the new airport in Quito, allowing you to avoid additional travel stress if you’re trying to reach a connecting flight, and our guides and drivers will help you loading and unloading any luggage.
Tours to take you between Cuenca and either Quito or Guayaquil
To ensure seamless travel between Cuenca and either Quito or Guayaquil, TerraDiversa has created a series to options to allow you to reach your destination on time while enjoying the spectacular sites along the way:
Cuenca – Guayaquil via Cajas National Park (1 day tour)
Cuenca – Quito via Avenue of the Volcanoes (1 day tour)
Cuenca – Quito via Avenue of the Volcanoes (2 day tour)
Avenue of the Volcanoes Introduction (3 day tour)
Avenue of the Volcanoes (4 day tour)
Avenue of Volcanoes Group Tour (8 day tour)
We also provide made-to-measure experiences to suit your personal taste and budget
Book your adventure today!
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Refunds for cancelled flights to and from Cuenca
Several travelers have inquired how to get a refund for cancelled flights to or from Cuenca. If you purchased your ticket either online or via the airline, contact the airline itself to request a refund. If you purchased your ticket through a travel agent, they can help you navigate the paperwork needed. Refunds take anywhere between two weeks and six months, depending on the policy of the airline in question, so be patient. Click here for more information and contact details.