Guayaquil · Ecuador
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) serves Guayaquil, the commercial hub of Ecuador. Located approximately 5 kilometres north of the city centre, it operates from a single integrated passenger terminal handling both domestic and international traffic.
Terminals
- Main Terminal
- A single-building terminal divided into distinct Domestic and International concourses on separate floors.
Arriving
Arrivals follow a straightforward linear flow from the aircraft gates through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection into the main public arrivals hall.
- Follow signage along the arrival concourse towards International Arrivals (Migración).
- Present your passport and required travel entry documentation to the immigration officer for passport control.
- Proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel.
- Pass through SENAE customs control; luggage is typically scanned via X-ray before entering the public exit hall.
- Exit into the main arrivals hall, where ground transport counters, currency exchanges, and information desks are situated.
Getting to the city
Taxi
Official Airport Taxi
Authorised taxis are available from official counters inside the arrivals hall and operate from designated ranks outside the terminal.
- Time:
- Typically 15-25 minutes to central Guayaquil, depending on traffic.
- Typical cost:
- Roughly USD 5 - USD 10.
Train
Metrovía (Bus Rapid Transit)
The Aeropuerto station on line 2 (Troncal 2) is located within walking distance along Avenida de las Américas.
- Time:
- Typically 20-35 minutes to the city centre.
- Typical cost:
- Roughly USD 0.30.
Ride-hailing
Rideshare (Uber / Cabify)
Pickups occur outside the terminal curb area; confirm driver details and registration prior to entering the vehicle.
- Time:
- Typically 15-25 minutes.
- Typical cost:
- Roughly USD 4 - USD 8.
Connections & transfers
Connecting between international and domestic flights requires clearing immigration, collecting luggage, and re-checking in at the departures area.
- For international-to-domestic transfers, clear immigration and customs, then proceed to the main departure hall upstairs for domestic check-in.
- For domestic-to-international transfers, collect luggage if not checked through, proceed to international check-in, and pass outbound immigration.
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours between connecting flights to clear border controls and security security screening.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal building.
- Select the official airport network from your device Wi-Fi settings.
- Accept the terms of service on the splash screen to connect.
- Coverage is generally stable in gate areas, immigration halls, and central concourses.
Money, cards & tipping
Ecuador uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. Cash and cards are widely used across the airport.
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available in both arrivals and departures areas.
- Official currency exchange desks operate within the terminal for major international currencies.
- Keep small denomination bank notes (USD 1, 5, 10, 20) as larger notes (USD 50, 100) are rarely accepted by local transport and vendors.
Food & drink
A range of dining options is available in both landside and airside sections of the terminal.
- Landside options include cafes, bakeries, and fast-food outlets in the public concourse.
- Airside options in both international and domestic concourses offer light meals, coffee shops, and local specialities.
- Food venues generally align their operations with scheduled flight departures and arrivals.
Lounges & rest
Paid-entry and airline membership lounges operate within the terminal building.
- An VIP lounge is located in the international departures area offering quiet seating, refreshments, and business facilities.
- A domestic VIP lounge is available past security in the domestic departure concourse.
- Access can be obtained via lounge membership programmes or walk-up day passes, subject to capacity.
Airport hotels
While there is no hotel inside the terminal building, several international hotels are situated within 1 to 2 kilometres of the airport perimeter.
- Hotels located along Avenida de las Américas offer complimentary shuttle services for guests.
- Short taxi rides of 3 to 5 minutes connect the terminal to nearby accommodation.
- Day rooms and overnight accommodation can be booked directly or at hotel information desks in arrivals.
Baggage & customs
Baggage trolleys, luggage wrapping services, and assistance are available within the terminal.
- Baggage trolleys are available near the arrival carousels and terminal entry doors.
- Luggage wrapping services operate in the main check-in hall prior to security screening.
- Report lost or damaged luggage directly to your airline's baggage service counter in the arrivals area.
Family & accessibility
Basic family amenities are available throughout the passenger facilities.
- Baby-changing facilities are integrated into designated restrooms in landside and airside zones.
- Elevators connect all floor levels, making stroller access straightforward across check-in, security, and arrivals.
Facilities
- ATMs and Banking
- Currency Exchange
- VIP Lounges
- Luggage Wrapping
- Duty-Free Shops
- Medical Station
- Information Desk
- Cafes and Restaurants
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: National Emergency: 911
- Call 911 for all emergency services including police, fire, and medical assistance in Ecuador.
- An airport medical station is located within the main terminal for immediate first-aid needs.
- If you lose your passport, report the loss immediately to the airport police (Policía Nacional) and your national embassy or consulate.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- https://www.tagsa.aero/Official airport source
- https://www.aduana.gob.ec/Government source
- http://www.metrovia-da.gob.ec/Official transit source
- https://www.ecu911.gob.ec/Government source
Guide last reviewed October 23, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.