What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands: Airport Transportation Guide (2024)
Have you ever wondered,
WHAT AIRPORT DO YOU FLY INTO FOR THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?
You’re in the right place, as I’ve done the research for you. In this article, I’m going to explain the whole process to you so you’re confident about how to get to these beautiful islands.
Right off the bat — It’s very easy to get to the Galapagos Islands, and you have several options.
Let’s get right to it!
If you need transportation once you land in the Galapagos, use this private airport shuttle to get to your hotel. ⤵️
The Baltra Airport Transportation private shuttle is the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from the Baltra Airport to your Galapagos hotel with door to door service!
If you don’t have time to read this entire article, use the contents below to jump around.
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
Arriving in Ecuador: Two Major Airports
When planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands, you’ll first need to fly into Ecuador. There are two main cities where you can begin your journey: Quito and Guayaquil.
In this section, we’ll explore these two main entry points.
There are two major international airports in Ecuador:
- José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (code: GYE) located in Guayaquil
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport ( code: UIO) in the capital city of Quito
✈️ There are no direct international to or from the Galapagos Islands!
The only flights allowed to fly to the Galapagos must depart from either of two mainland Ecuadorian cities: Quito or Guayaquil.
Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is home to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (code: UIO). Located in Tababela, it is approximately 11 miles east of Quito.
Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have a layover here, visit its historic center, which is believed to be one of the best-preserved colonial centers and one of the most important across the whole of Latin America. It’s worth the stop if you find yourself with some time in Ecuador!
When flying to the Galapagos Islands from Quito, be prepared for the trip to take around two and a half hours.
Keep in mind that most flights make a stop in Guayaquil.
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, is home to the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (code: GYE).
Situated near Guayaquil’s city center, this airport is the second main gateway to the Galapagos Islands. Most Quito-based flights to the Galapagos will make a stop here before continuing to the islands.
Major airlines that provide service from both Quito and Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands include LATAM and Avianca.
Depending on your travel preferences, you can choose to fly directly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos, or stopover in Quito on your way.
Looking for a place to stay in the Galapagos, check out our Best Galapagos Islands Resorts and Lodges Guide ⤵️
Related: 11 Best Galapagos Islands Resorts and Lodges
Galapagos Islands Airports
When traveling to the Galapagos Islands, you will likely fly into one of the two following airports.
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
Seymour Airport
Located on Baltra Island, Seymour Airport (GPS) is the busiest airport in the Galapagos.
Conveniently situated near Santa Cruz Island, it is an ideal entry point for those planning to visit the numerous attractions around Santa Cruz.
From Seymour Airport, you can easily reach Puerto Ayora, the main hub of activity, on Santa Cruz Island in roughly an hour.
San Cristobal Airport
Another option is San Cristobal Airport (code: SCY), found in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island.
This airport is a great choice for travelers whose itineraries include exploring San Cristobal Island’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
Baltra Airport (Seymour Airport)
Baltra Airport is known locally as Seymour Airport, derived from the original name of this island (South Seymour). Although Baltra Airport (code: GPS) is technically on Baltra Island, it is colloquially referred to as the “Aeropuerto Galápagos Seymour.”
Your travel itinerary will determine which of these TWO airports is the best option for your Galapagos adventure.
Seymour/Baltra Airport is an excellent choice for exploring Santa Cruz Island and its nearby attractions, while San Cristobal Airport is the go-to option for those focusing on San Cristobal Island.
Related: 7 Highest Rated Luxury Galapagos Tours You Can’t Miss in 2023
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
Getting From Baltra or San Cristobal Airport to Your Hotel
Upon arrival at the Galápagos airports, you’ll need to arrange for an airport transfer to your accommodations or tour boat.
This can be done in advance or upon arrival. Depending on where you’re staying, your transfer might be by land or a combination of land and water.
Galapagos Islands Airport Arrival Transfer
- Fuss-free transfer from Baltra International Airport to your Santa Cruz hotel
- All ferry tickets and coach transfers included
- Option to stop at the Charles Darwin Station
Galapagos Islands Airport Departure Transfer
- Fuss-free transfer from your Santa Cruz Island hotel to Baltra International Airport
- Door-to-door service with professional driver
- Enjoy a brief stop at a local coffee plantation
Need to Know When You Fly Into the Galapagos
- Before flying to Galapagos, on the mainland airports, all tourists to the islands must also purchase an INGALA Transit Control Card (USD 20). The card must be presented upon departure from the Galápagos. Keeping it with your passport and other travel documents is a good idea.
- When arriving at the San Cristóbal or Baltra airport, all travelers must pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee ($100.00 per person). The park tax for children under the age of twelve is $50. Do not bring $100 bills with you since they are not accepted by Ecuador’s commerce and banking systems. Traveler’s checks are not recommended since they will be hard to cash. Bring cash to the Galapagos in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50.
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands: FAQs
Where is the best place to fly into for the Galapagos Islands?
You must fly into Ecuador to get a flight to the Galapagos Islands.
José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (code: GYE) is the closest major airport to the Galapagos, where you can then get a non-stop flight to the Enchanted Isles.
What is the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands?
If you are staying on Santa Cruz Island, the most popular tourist hub, you’ll want to fly into Baltra/Seymour Airport (code: GPS) on Baltra Island before taking a bus or ferry ride to Puerto Ayora.
Another option is San Cristobal Airport (code: SCY), found in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island.
This airport is a great choice for travelers whose itineraries include exploring San Cristobal Island’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
The Baltra Airport Transportation private shuttle is the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from the Baltra Airport to you Galapagos hotel with door to door service!
What is the main airport in the Galapagos Islands?
In the Galapagos Islands, there are two main airports, Seymour Airport (code: GPS-AKA Baltra Airport) on Baltra Island and San Cristóbal Airport (code: SCY) in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
All passengers flying to the Galapagos Islands arrive at these airports.
Which airlines fly to the Galapagos Islands?
There are three airlines flying in/out Galapagos; Avianca, Tame and LATAM Airlines.
There are several flights departing each day to Baltra and San Cristobal. You can fly into one, and fly out of the other.
What month is the best to visit the Galapagos?
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May, considered the warm season when ocean conditions are clear and warm, which is excellent for snorkeling and diving.
How many days do you need in the Galapagos?
To fully experience the Galapagos’ unique wildlife, landscapes, and activities, most visitors typically spend at least 6-8 days on the islands.
Some choose to extend their stay to a week or more, especially if they plan to visit multiple islands or participate in specialized activities such as scuba diving or to extend their visit to tour Machu Picchu.
Is 5 days enough for the Galapagos Islands?
Travelers with a five-day timeframe in the Galápagos Islands have a range of choices to suit their preferences. They can opt for a land-based tour that covers the archipelago’s key attractions, providing opportunities for outdoor adventures and bird-watching.
Alternatively, they can embark on a specialized cruise that caters to specific interests, such as nature or wildlife, allowing for a more focused and immersive experience.
How do you fly to the Galapagos Islands from the US?
There are no direct flights to Galapagos. Whether you’re traveling from the United States, Europe or anywhere else, you should book an international flight to Guayaquil or Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
What is the flight time to the Galapagos Islands?
The flight time from Quito is around 3 hours and around 1 hour from Guayaquil. Three airlines currently serve Galapagos – Avianca, TAME and LATAM.
Do you need a passport to go to the Galapagos Islands?
Yes. U.S. citizens planning a trip to the Galápagos need a valid passport—legitimate for at least 6 months after your expected return to U.S. You also need a return ticket and proof of economic means of support (you may be questioned by Immigration authorities about the latter).
Can you stay overnight in the Galapagos Islands?
Yes. The Galapagos has four inhabited islands that each offer hotel options: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana.
The other islands and islets of the archipelago are not inhabited by humans, and do not permit any overnight stays. But you may visit them with an experienced tour guide.
Do you need to book a tour for the Galapagos Islands?
No. There are two ways to explore the Galapagos by land. You can take an organized guided Galapagos land tour, which is highly recommended. Or you can buy plane ticket, book a hotel and explore the region independently.
The best way to see the Galapagos by land is on an organized tour package with a reputable operator. Check out these 7 Highly Rated Luxury Galapagos Tours.
Related: 19 Best Galapagos Beaches: Best Islands & Places To Swim
Final Thoughts: What Airport Do You Fly into For the Galapagos Islands
Because of the considerable distance between the mainland and the archipelago, the sole means of reaching the Galapagos Islands for visitors is by air travel.
No boats, cargo ships, or cruises operate routes from Ecuador’s ports to the Galapagos, and there are also no bridges connecting the mainland to the islands for land transportation.
To sum up, when travelling to the Galapagos Islands, you can either fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil.
Regardless of which city you choose to begin your adventure, you are sure to find connecting flights to help you experience the beauty and magic of the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for the Galapagos?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in the Galapagos?
Yes — But I would use a filter. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
Do I need a visa for the Galapagos?
U.S citizens do not require a visa unless they plan to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days.
🏨 What’s the best way to book my Galapagos tour?
For Galapagos tour, Viator is the best site! With a ton of tours to suit every person’s interests.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to the Galapagos Islands?
For finding cheap Galapagos flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
