Exploring South America: Bus Trip From Bogota To Quito

Taking a bus from Bogota, Colombia, to Quito, Ecuador, is a lengthy journey that can take upwards of 24 hours. While there is no direct bus service, it is possible to make the trip by taking multiple buses and crossing the border by taxi. The total travel time depends on various factors, including transfers, traffic, and border control. The landscape along the route is reportedly beautiful, but travellers should be mindful of their safety, especially when it comes to protecting their valuables.

There is no direct bus route from Bogotá to Quito

Getting from Bogotá to Quito

Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route from Bogotá, Colombia, to Quito, Ecuador. However, it is still possible to travel between the two cities by bus. The journey will take a minimum of 26 hours and will involve transfers. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:

Step 1: Bogotá to Border

Take a bus from Bogotá's Terminal Salitre station to the border town of Ipiales. This journey will take around 20 hours and cost approximately $40 USD.

Step 2: Border Crossing

Once you arrive in Ipiales, you will need to take a short taxi ride to the Rumichaca International Bridge, which serves as the border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador. Make sure you have your passport ready and, if required, a completed Check-Mig form. You may also need to pay an exit fee when leaving Colombia. It is important to allow plenty of time for the border crossing, as it can be a lengthy process.

Step 3: Border to Quito

After crossing the border, take a taxi to the Tulcán Bus Terminal. From there, you can take a bus to Quito. This journey will take around six hours and cost approximately $7.25 USD.

Alternative Options

If you are short on time or prefer a more comfortable journey, there are alternative options to the bus. You can fly from Bogotá to Quito, with flights taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes. This option is more expensive, with prices starting at $120 USD.

Another option is to take a taxi from Bogotá to Quito, which will take around 16 hours and cost between $85 and $100 USD.

Whichever mode of transport you choose, remember to research the latest safety advice and border information before you travel.

The journey takes 26-32 hours with transfers

The bus journey from Bogota, Colombia, to Quito, Ecuador, takes between 26 and 32 hours with transfers. This route does not have a direct bus and requires multiple transfers and a border crossing.

The first step is to take a bus from Bogota to the border town of Ipiales, Colombia. This leg of the journey takes about 20 hours and costs around $40 USD. From the Bogota bus terminal, there are buses departing for Ipiales every one or two hours.

Upon arrival in Ipiales, travellers must take a taxi to the Rumichaca International Bridge border crossing. This taxi ride costs around $3.50 USD and takes about five minutes. At the border, travellers must get their passports stamped and fill out the necessary forms, such as the Check-Mig form, before entering Ecuador. It is also possible to exchange currencies at the border, but be aware of the current exchange rate to ensure a fair deal.

After completing the border crossing, travellers can take a taxi or colectivo (a shared taxi) from Rumichaca to the Tulcan Bus Terminal in Ecuador. This ride costs between $0.75 and $5 USD. From Tulcan, there are buses to Quito every two hours or so. This final bus journey takes about six hours and costs around $7.25 USD.

In total, the bus journey from Bogota to Quito, including transfers and the border crossing, takes approximately 26 to 32 hours. It is important to note that this journey may vary in duration due to factors such as traffic and border control procedures.

The distance between the two cities is 483 miles

The distance between the two capital cities of Bogotá, Colombia, and Quito, Ecuador, is 483 miles. This trip can be done by plane, bus, taxi, or car. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, if you're looking for a more scenic journey, taking the bus is an option, but it will take significantly longer.

There is no direct bus service from Bogotá to Quito, and the journey can be quite complex, so it's important to plan ahead. The trip will require multiple bus trips and border crossings, and it may take up to 30 hours or more. The first step is to take a bus from Bogotá to the Colombian city of Ipiales, which is located near the border with Ecuador. This leg of the journey can take around 20 hours or more, depending on traffic and other factors.

Upon arriving in Ipiales, you'll need to take a taxi to the Rumichaca International Bridge, which serves as the main border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador. This taxi ride should only take a few minutes, but there may be delays due to the high volume of people crossing the border. Once you reach the bridge, you'll need to go through immigration and customs procedures for both countries, which can take a couple of hours, especially during peak times. It's important to have all the necessary documentation, such as your passport, visa (if required), and proof of vaccination, as well as any necessary forms, such as the Check-Mig form, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After clearing immigration and customs, you'll need to take another taxi or colectivo (shared taxi) to the city of Tulcán in Ecuador. From there, you can take a bus directly to Quito, which should take around six hours, depending on traffic. This bus journey will offer beautiful landscape scenery along the way. The entire bus trip from Bogotá to Quito, including transfers and border crossings, can take upwards of 26 hours, so it's important to be prepared for a long journey.

While the bus trip from Bogotá to Quito is certainly an adventure, it's important to keep in mind that it can be physically demanding and time-consuming. There may be long waits at the border, and the bus trips themselves can be quite lengthy. Additionally, it's essential to be vigilant about your personal belongings, as there have been reports of robberies on some of these bus routes.

The distance between Bogotá and Quito is a significant one, and the journey can be challenging, but it also offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of South America up close. The bus trip allows travellers to see the diverse landscapes of these countries, from bustling cities to mountainous regions, and provides a chance to interact with locals and experience the local culture.

The bus costs around $55-$75

A bus trip from Bogota, Colombia to Quito, Ecuador is a lengthy journey that can take up to 31 hours, depending on the route and any border crossings. The bus costs around $55-$75 for the entire trip, which is significantly cheaper than flying, but it will take much longer.

There is no direct bus from Bogota to Quito, so you will have to take multiple buses and potentially other forms of transport, such as taxis, to get to your final destination. The first step is to take a bus from Bogota to the border with Ecuador, which takes about 20 hours and costs around $40. This bus will take you to Pasto, where you will switch to another bus to Ipiales, which is right on the border. This leg of the journey takes about 3 hours and costs $3.50.

Once you arrive in Ipiales, you will need to take a taxi to the Ecuador-Colombia border, known as the Rumichaca International Bridge. This taxi ride costs around $3.50-$5. At the border, you will need to get your passport stamped at the immigration office and may have to pay a reciprocity fee depending on your nationality. There may also be long lines at the border, so this process can take up to a few hours.

After crossing the border into Ecuador, you will take another taxi to the Ipiales bus terminal, which costs about $1.50. From there, you can take a bus to Quito, which takes about 4 hours and costs $4.50. Finally, you can take a taxi to your hostel or accommodation in Quito for around $1.50.

The entire journey can be completed in about 31 hours and costs around $55-$75 in total for the bus, depending on your specific route and any additional fees or costs. This option is much cheaper than flying, which can cost around $250, but it is also much more time-consuming and may be less comfortable.

It is important to note that this bus trip can be quite an adventure, with potential language barriers, crowded buses, and long layovers. Additionally, there have been reports of robberies on this route, so it is essential to keep a close eye on your valuables at all times.

The fastest way to travel between the two cities is to fly

The distance between the two cities is approximately 1,000 kilometres, and the bus journey can take anywhere from 24 to 32 hours. In comparison, a flight between Bogotá and Quito takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

If you are set on travelling by bus, it is recommended to break up the journey into multiple days and use overland bus companies. One possible route is to take a bus from Bogotá to Cali (an 11-hour journey), and then from Cali to the Ecuador border, before continuing on to Quito. This option provides more flexibility and allows you to explore some of the "stop-over" places along the way.

However, if time is of the essence, flying is the best option. Not only is it the fastest way to travel between the two cities, but it also offers a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Additionally, it is important to consider the safety aspect. There have been reports of hijacking incidents on the night bus to Bogotá, and the border area between Ecuador and Colombia has previously experienced conflict. As such, flying may be a safer alternative, providing a quicker and more secure journey.

Frequently asked questions