Exploring Quito To Lima: The Long Bus Journey

If you're planning a trip from Quito to Lima, or vice versa, you might be wondering about the best way to get between these two South American capital cities. While flying is always an option, it can be expensive, and there are no trains available. That leaves travellers with the choice of driving or taking a bus. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of bus travel between Quito and Lima, exploring the distance, duration, and potential stops along this route.

The bus from Quito to Lima takes 28-40 hours

The bus from Quito to Lima takes between 28 and 40 hours. This route covers a distance of approximately 825 to 863 miles (1331 km) and is a popular option for those looking for a cost-effective way to travel between the two capital cities.

There are a few different bus routes to choose from, with some buses taking a direct route, while others make stops along the way. One option is to take a bus from Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte in Lima to Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe in Quito, which takes approximately 28 hours and 10 minutes. This is a direct bus service operated by Lineas de Los Andes, and it departs once daily.

Another option is to take a bus via Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city. This route takes approximately 16 to 18 hours and offers a great opportunity to explore a new city during your journey. You can also take a bus from Quito's Quitumbe station to Lima Plaza Norte, a journey that takes approximately 35 to 36 hours. This is the only direct transportation option between the two cities by land and is operated by Cooperativa de Transportes SANTA.

The bus journey from Quito to Lima is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the scenic route and take in the beautiful natural landscapes along the way. It is also a more environmentally-conscious option compared to flying or driving. However, it is important to note that the journey is not for the faint-hearted due to its significant duration.

The distance between the two cities is 825-863 miles

The distance between the two cities, Quito and Lima, is approximately 825-863 miles or 1330.9 km. This distance can be covered by bus, plane, or car. The bus journey from Quito to Lima is a long one, often taking over 40 hours and requiring at least one change along the way. The bus route from Quito to Lima covers a distance of 1846 km and has 24 stopovers.

There are a few bus route options for this journey. One option is to take a bus from Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte to Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil, and then take another bus from there to Babahoyo, followed by a final bus from Babahoyo to Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe. This route takes approximately 16 hours and 17 minutes and costs between $50 and $170. Another option is to take a direct bus from Quito to Lima, operated by Cooperativa de Transportes SANTA, which departs from Quitumbe station in Quito and arrives at Plaza Norte in Lima. This journey takes approximately 35 hours and 27 minutes, and ticket prices range from $39 to $149.

The road distance between Quito and Lima is approximately 1104.7-1109.4 miles, and the driving time is around 25 hours. Renting a car or hiring a private driver for this journey can cost between $260 and $390.

The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 2-4 hours and costs between $160-$550.

The bus costs $50-$170

The bus from Quito to Lima is a long journey, so it's important to be prepared. The bus costs $50-$170, with tickets tending to be cheaper if booked in advance. The price also depends on the class or type of bus chosen. The bus journey takes between 16 and 29 hours, and it's a distance of over 800 miles, so it's a good idea to break up the trip with stops along the way.

There is a direct bus service operated by Cooperativa de Transportes SANTA, which offers a weekly service from Quito's Quitumbe station to Lima Plaza Norte. This journey takes approximately 35 hours. However, it is not usually possible to get one bus all the way, and you will likely need to change at least once. The change would typically be in Guayaquil, the biggest city in Ecuador, where there are plenty of things to do. Alternatively, you could stop off at the beach town of Mancora in Northern Peru, or Tumbes, which is around 50 miles north, near the border.

Once you are in Guayaquil, your transport options become easier, but there are fewer choices. You can use Ecuador Hop, the sister company of Peru Hop, to get to Quito with breaks to take in the views at Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Toachi Canyon. You can also spend a few days in Baños before arriving in Quito and getting dropped off at your accommodation. This service offers exclusive discounts and USB ports in every seat.

Buses are a popular choice for this route as they are comfortable and affordable for long-distance travel. They are also more environmentally friendly than other forms of transport.

There are 24 stopovers on the bus journey

The bus journey from Quito to Lima is a lengthy one, covering a distance of approximately 825 miles (1331 km) or 1846 km according to another source. This journey is not for the faint-hearted, and it is recommended to break it up with stops along the way. While there is a direct bus service between the two cities, it is not usually possible to find a single bus that covers the entire route. Most travellers will need to change buses at least once, typically in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. This change provides an excellent opportunity to explore a new city and take a well-deserved break from the long journey.

With 24 stopovers on the bus journey, travellers will have plenty of chances to stretch their legs and explore new places. These stopovers are spread across the different legs of the journey, from the departure point in Quito to the final destination in Lima. The bus route covers remote corners of Lima and offers different services to cater to various passenger needs. The direct bus service, operated by Linea de Los Andes, departs from San Diego and arrives at 2 de Mayo, with 168 daily buses and 1176 weekly buses.

The journey time for the bus trip varies depending on the specific route and the number of stopovers. The fastest bus option takes around 16 hours, while other routes can last upwards of 32 hours or even 35 hours. The cost of the trip ranges from $50 to $170, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who are not pressed for time.

For those seeking a more comfortable and time-efficient journey, flying is an alternative option. The flight between Quito and Lima typically takes around 2 hours and costs between $160 and $390. However, for those who want to stick to their budgets or prefer a more scenic route, the bus journey with its 24 stopovers provides a unique and adventurous travel experience.

There are 168 buses per day from Quito to Lima

The bus journey from Quito to Lima is not for the faint-hearted, and it is recommended that travellers break up the journey with stops along the way. It is not usually possible to get a direct bus from Quito to Lima, and travellers will likely need to change buses at least once. The change would typically be made in Guayaquil, the biggest city in Ecuador. There are plenty of things to do in Guayaquil, and it is recommended that travellers spend a few days getting to know the city. It is also possible to stop off at the beach town of Mancora in Northern Peru, or Tumbes, which is around 50 miles north of the Peruvian-Ecuadorian border.

Once travellers have reached Ecuador, they can take advantage of the country's excellent bus system. Ecuador Hop, the sister company of the world-renowned Peru Hop, offers a unique service with exclusive discounts and deals. The nature of the transport also fosters a sense of community among passengers and has a spotless safety record. Additionally, USB ports are available in every seat.

Travellers should be aware that thievery is a danger in Quito and Ecuador overall, and it is recommended that they take precautions to protect their valuables. It is advised that travellers do not carry more than $40 in cash and that they never carry their passport with them. Instead, they should keep a photocopy of their passport and convert their cash into small bills.

Frequently asked questions