How to get to Galápagos in short
The islands lie about 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian mainland, so you fly. Scheduled flights leave from Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE) and land at Baltra (GPS), north of Santa Cruz, or at San Cristóbal (SCY). From Guayaquil the flight takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. From Quito it takes up to 2 hours 30 minutes when the flight stops on the way. Some schedules include a direct Quito to Baltra flight of about 2 hours, so do not assume that every Quito flight stops in Guayaquil.
Before you board you arrange two separate charges, the $20 transit card (TCT) and the park fee, and you pass a biosecurity check. Your first base is usually Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal. If you plan to sleep on a boat from day one, look at our Galápagos cruises before you book flights, because the embarkation day shapes your arrival.
Flights from Quito and Guayaquil
Two mainland gateways, two island airports.
| From | To | Flight time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guayaquil (GYE) | Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) | About 1 h 50 min | Shortest flight from the mainland |
| Quito (UIO) | Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) | Up to 2 h 30 min with a stop | A direct Quito to Baltra flight of about 2 hours also exists |
Flight numbers, days and fares change, so check them for your dates. One more point matters for the price: the lowest Galápagos fares can be reserved for Ecuador residents. Not every fare you see on a booking site applies to a foreign tourist. Choose the airport that matches your base. Baltra suits Santa Cruz and most cruises that start there, and San Cristóbal suits a stay in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and its day trips.
For most visitors who base themselves on Santa Cruz, flying from Guayaquil or Quito into Baltra and returning from the same airport is the simplest plan.
Our pick: ferry and day trip in one
Our take: this day includes the ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela and back.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Galápagos tours and cruises
Day trips, snorkeling, diving and multi-day cruises, with live prices and availability.
Entry steps before and on arrival
Three separate things, not one form.
The transit card (TCT)
The TCT costs $20 and is charged in addition to the park fee. The Galápagos government portal links to digital purchase. Check the desks at the Quito and Guayaquil airports too, because a digital purchase does not always replace a check there. Keep the confirmation on your phone and a printout in your bag.
The national park fee
For foreign adults the fee is $200 in 2026, and $100 for children under 12. Children under 2 pay nothing. Cash on arrival is the usual way, and digital payment is also possible. Have cash ready. Lower rates exist for some South American nationals, Ecuador residents and students at Ecuadorian institutions, with proof.
Park fee and transit card →Biosecurity and documents
The goods declaration is a separate document from the TCT. The paper form was replaced by a digital process from 31 January 2026, so follow the current steps. Carry your return flight and a booking for your accommodation for the whole stay. Tourist stays are limited to 60 days per year.
From Baltra to Puerto Ayora
Baltra is a small island with the airport. A short bus and a canal crossing connect it with Santa Cruz.
1. Airport bus to the canal
The airport bus runs to Itabaca, roughly $5 and 10 minutes.
2. Cross the Itabaca canal
The boat crossing is roughly $1 to $1.50 and 10 minutes, so carry small bills and coins.
3. Bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora
On the Santa Cruz side a bus costs roughly $2.50 and a taxi roughly $25. The ride takes 45 to 60 minutes. These are approximate values and can change.
San Cristóbal is simpler: the airport is on the same island as Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, so no canal transfer is needed.
Between the islands
Santa Cruz is the link to Isabela and San Cristóbal.
Ferries
Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is the hub. There is no regular speedboat between San Cristóbal and Isabela, so that trip means a change in Puerto Ayora. A crossing takes about 2 to 3 hours. Fares are about $50 to $65 as of 2026, depending on the service. Departures from Santa Cruz are typically at 07:00 and 15:00, and your seller confirms the day. Buy at least 2 days ahead and arrive 1 hour before departure. Water taxis in the harbors cost about $1.
Island hopping →Small aircraft
A light-aircraft operator links Baltra, San Cristóbal and Isabela. Baggage is tight: about 15 lb on standard tickets and 25 lb on a higher fare, depending on the fare. Prices and times change, so ask when you book.
Diving and flying
Plan on 24 hours between repetitive diving and a flight. Do not plan a dive day and a departure on the same day.
Diving guide →Mainland Ecuador and travel advice
The islands and the mainland are treated separately in advice.
Government travel advice for mainland Ecuador currently lists a state of emergency in several provinces, including Guayas and Pichincha, where Guayaquil and Quito lie. The islands are not named in that list and are rated with normal precautions. Plan generous connection times, check your government's current advice before you fly, and keep documents in your hand luggage. If you add the Amazon basin in Ecuador before or after the islands, see the Ecuador Amazon guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
What comes next after you land.
Getting to Galápagos: frequently asked questions
Which airport should I fly to?
Baltra if your base is Santa Cruz or your cruise starts there, and San Cristóbal if you stay in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Both are reached from Quito and Guayaquil.
How long is the flight?
About 1 hour 50 minutes from Guayaquil and up to 2 hours 30 minutes from Quito when the flight stops. A direct Quito to Baltra flight of about 2 hours also exists.
What do I pay before I fly?
The transit card costs $20, and the park fee is $200 for most adult foreign visitors in 2026, with lower rates in some categories. They are separate charges. Bring cash for the park fee.
How do I get from Baltra airport to Puerto Ayora?
Take the airport bus to the Itabaca canal, cross it by boat, then continue by bus or taxi. The bus and the canal crossing take about 10 minutes each, then the road to Puerto Ayora takes 45 to 60 minutes. The prices above are approximate.
Can I fly directly to Isabela?
The usual way is the ferry from Santa Cruz, which takes about 2 to 3 hours. A light-aircraft operator also links Baltra, San Cristóbal and Isabela. Check the current timetable before you go.
Is this the official Galápagos website?
No. This is an independent travel guide and has no link to the national park, the government or any airline. Confirm current rules with the official offices.