Important travel information for anyone traveling to or from Quito

Starting tomorrow (July 7), Quito’s main bus terminal –Terminal Terrestre de Cumandá– will be permanently shut down. From now one, those wishing to travel to and from Quito can use one of two new terminals: Quitumbe, in the far south, and Carcelen, in the north.

The easiest and cheapest way to reach Quitumbe or Carcelen is by using the Trolebus or the Ecovia (25 cents). Alternatively, you can take a taxi ($5 and up, depending on traffic) or hop on an interprovincial or interparroquial bus (see maps below for details).

The EMMOP (Empresa Municipal de Movilidad y Obras Públicas) has been working hard to improve Quito’s transportation system. Although the old terminal was conveniently and centrally located in Old Town, its system was inefficient and outdated. Situated on the northern and southern outskirts of Quito, the new terminals and routes aim to cut down costs, travel time, and overall pollution/noise.

Navigating the new routes might be a bit of a headache at first. However, below are a few great maps to help you find your way:

  • Hoy.com — map of new terminals and how various buses/vehicles will enter and exit the stations
  • Quito Visitors’ Bureau – detailed map of all the bus lines, including the new terminals
  • EMMOP/El Comercio — detailed map of arrival routes to each terminal
  • Tramz.com — detailed map of the Trole line, all the way to Quitumbe (by Allen Morrison)