Getting to Cuenca’s Historic Center from Airport or Bus Terminal.

Quick answer: Getting to Cuenca’s Historic Center from the airport or bus terminal is quick and cheap. Bus 100 runs from both to Gaspar Sangurima, three blocks north of the main square, for 25 cents; a taxi costs around USD 2 to USD 2.50; and from the bus terminal you can also walk in 25 to 30 minutes.

Cuenca is a popular destination in Ecuador. Colonial houses line the cobblestone streets of this alluring city, which is surrounded by mountains on all four sides. Its oldest residential area, the Historic Center, earned the city a place among the World Heritage Cities.

Arriving in Cuenca: Airport and Bus Terminal

Cuenca is served by Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE), which links the city with the country’s two major cities, Quito and Guayaquil. Terminal Terrestre, the main bus terminal, connects Cuenca with Mancora, Tumbes and Piura in Peru, as well as running regular services to Loja, Baños and other major cities in Ecuador.

Avenida España runs between the airport and the bus terminal, and both are only a few blocks from the city’s sprawling main square.

From	Option	Cost	Details
Airport	Bus (collectivo) route 100	25 cents	From Av Gil Ramirez to Gaspar Sangurima
Airport	Taxi	USD 2–2.50	Metered, easy to find outside
Bus terminal	Bus 100	25 cents	From Avenida España to Gaspar Sangurima
Bus terminal	Taxi	Around USD 2	Taxi stand at the exit
Bus terminal	Walk	Free	25–30 minutes to Parque Calderon

Getting From the Airport to Cuenca’s Historic Center

By Bus

A collectivo (bus) is the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre. Route 100 stops on Av Gil Ramirez, the main street outside the airport.

Get off at Gaspar Sangurima, three blocks north of the main square. Travel within the city costs 25 cents.

Tip: Carry the exact change of 25 cents. Buses in Cuenca use an automated machine, and getting change can be a hassle.

By Taxi

Taxis usually cost between USD 2 and USD 2.50. It is easy and safe to find one outside the terminal, and taxis in Cuenca run on the meter.

Getting From the Bus Terminal (Terminal Terrestre)

By Bus

The main road outside the terminal is Avenida España. Bus 100 runs between Avenida España and Gaspar Sangurima, a street three blocks north of the main square. The journey costs 25 cents.

By Taxi

There is a taxi stand right as you exit the terminal building. The ride to the main square normally costs around USD 2.

On Foot

Walking to the city centre is easy and normally takes 25 to 30 minutes:

• Walk along Avenida España until you reach Avenida Huayna Capac.
• Turn left on Avenida Huayna Capac and continue until Simon Bolivar, which will be on your right.
• Follow Simon Bolivar for 7 blocks to reach the main square, “Parque Calderon”.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a taxi from Cuenca airport to the city centre?

Usually between USD 2 and USD 2.50. Taxis in Cuenca run on the meter.

Which bus goes from Cuenca airport to the Historic Center?

Route 100 from Av Gil Ramirez. Get off at Gaspar Sangurima, three blocks north of the main square. The fare is 25 cents.

Can I walk from Cuenca’s bus terminal to the centre?

Yes. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes via Avenida España, Avenida Huayna Capac and Simon Bolivar to Parque Calderon.

Conclusion

With the airport and bus terminal just a few blocks from the main square, getting to Cuenca’s Historic Center is easy on any budget. Keep 25 cents in exact change for the bus, or grab a metered taxi for a couple of dollars.