Listen to a short intro: how to get to the galapagos islands
Working out how to get to the Galapagos Islands is simpler than most travelers expect, but the order of steps matters. There are no direct international flights to the archipelago: every journey starts on mainland Ecuador, in Quito or Guayaquil, followed by a short domestic flight to one of two island airports. Get the airport, the paperwork and the buffer night right, and your first afternoon is spent with sea lions instead of in a queue.
Four steps from home to the islands
How to get to the Galapagos Islands from abroad
Start by booking an international flight into Quito or Guayaquil. Guayaquil sits closer to the islands, and its domestic flights to the archipelago take roughly two hours; Quito departures often route through Guayaquil, so the total journey runs longer. Domestic flights are operated by Ecuadorian and regional carriers, and schedules shift by season, so lock the island flight only after your cruise or hotel dates are confirmed. If you plan to explore the Andes as well, our mainland Ecuador journeys pair naturally with a Quito arrival.
We strongly recommend at least one night on the mainland before flying out. Morning island flights leave early, international delays are common, and a missed connection can mean missing a cruise embarkation that will not wait. A quiet hotel night turns a fragile chain of flights into a calm, predictable start. First-timers can find more planning context in our first-time visitors guide.
Baltra or San Cristóbal: which Galapagos airport fits your trip?
The archipelago has two main airports with flights from the mainland. Seymour Airport on Baltra (code GPS) is a small, eco-designed terminal just north of Santa Cruz. San Cristóbal Airport (code SCY) sits on the edge of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the islands’ capital. Your choice is usually made for you: cruises embark from one or the other, so always book the airport your vessel names, not the cheapest fare.
| Airport | Best for | Getting to town |
|---|---|---|
| Baltra (GPS) | Most cruises and land-based stays on Santa Cruz | Shuttle bus to the Itabaca Channel, a short water taxi, then about 40 minutes by road to Puerto Ayora |
| San Cristóbal (SCY) | Eastern-island cruises and stays in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno | A few minutes by taxi; the airport sits on the edge of town |
| Isabela (small airstrip) | Inter-island hops once you are already in the islands | Light-aircraft flights; most travelers use speedboats between islands |
Cruise guests are typically met at arrivals by their naturalist guide and transferred straight to the yacht, which keeps the first day effortless. On small ships such as the new Monique boutique catamaran, the operator coordinates that meet-and-greet with your flight time, which is one more reason to share your flight numbers early. You can compare embarkation ports across the fleet on our expedition vessels hub.
Fees, documents and the biosecurity check
Two charges are part of how to get to the Galapagos Islands. The first is the Transit Control Card, bought at a counter in the Quito or Guayaquil airport before you check in for the island flight. The second is the Galápagos National Park entrance fee, collected on arrival; for most foreign adult visitors it is currently US$200. Amounts and payment methods can change, so carry cash in US dollars and confirm the latest figures with your planner a few weeks before travel.
Before departure, your checked bags pass a biosecurity inspection designed to keep foreign species out of the islands. Leave fresh fruit, seeds, plants and soil at home, clean hiking boots before packing, and expect a second look at your hand luggage. Bring a passport valid well beyond your travel dates and keep a digital copy offline; the name on your ticket and park records must match it exactly.
Moving between islands once you arrive
Once you land, the way you travel depends on your style. On a cruise, the vessel is your transport: you sleep while it repositions and wake at a new visitor site. Land-based travelers base themselves on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal or Isabela and connect by public or private speedboat, usually a crossing of around two hours, or by light aircraft on some routes. If you are weighing the two styles, read our cruise vs island hopping comparison.
Land-based programs with boutique lodges can often be arranged for under US$1,900 per person, depending on season and length; see our guide to the best boutique hotels in the Galapagos Islands and our luxury stays. Families or friends who want the whole boat can consider a private yacht charter, with full-vessel charters starting from around US$80,000.
When to book your flights
Book the island flight as soon as your cruise or hotel is confirmed, especially for holiday periods and the June to August high season, when seats fill quickly. Many cruise operators arrange the domestic flight for you so that arrival times match embarkation; ask before buying separately. For the right month to travel, our best time to visit the Galapagos month by month guide breaks down seas, wildlife and weather.
Want us to handle the logistics?
Share your dates and travel style. We will match the right airport, flights and buffer nights to your cruise or land-based stay.
Plan with a designer Browse vesselsFAQ how to get to the galapagos islands
What is the best way to plan how to get to the Galapagos Islands?
The best way to plan how to get to the Galapagos Islands is to fly into Quito or Guayaquil, spend one night on the mainland, then take a morning domestic flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal, whichever airport your cruise or hotel uses.
Are there direct international flights to the Galapagos?
No. All flights to the islands depart from mainland Ecuador, so plan an international arrival in Quito or Guayaquil first.
Should I fly into Baltra or San Cristóbal?
Fly into the airport your cruise names for embarkation. For land-based stays, Baltra suits Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal suits Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
How much is the Galapagos National Park entrance fee?
For most foreign adult visitors it is currently US$200, paid on arrival, plus the Transit Control Card bought on the mainland. Confirm current amounts before you travel.
Do I need a night in Quito or Guayaquil before flying to the islands?
It is strongly recommended. A buffer night protects you from international delays that could otherwise make you miss a cruise embarkation.
