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Getting to the Galápagos Islands

There are no direct international flights to the Galápagos — every visitor connects through mainland Ecuador. Here’s exactly how to plan the flight, choose the right airport, and know what to expect when you land.

The Two Ways In: Flying from Mainland Ecuador

There’s no direct international service to the Galápagos — every visitor, no exceptions, connects through mainland Ecuador first. You’ll fly domestically from either Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO). Guayaquil is the shorter hop — around 1.5 hours — and most Quito-originating flights stop in Guayaquil to refuel and swap passengers before continuing on, so budget extra time if you’re flying from the capital.

Baltra vs. San Cristóbal: Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Baltra Airport (GPS)
The main gateway for Santa Cruz-based itineraries and most cruise embarkations. From Baltra, it’s a short bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, a brief ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island, then another bus or taxi (about 40 minutes total) into Puerto Ayora.
 
Santa Cruz Island Guide →
San Cristóbal Airport (SCY)
Sits directly in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — you can walk into town in minutes with no ferry or channel crossing required. The better choice if your trip is based on San Cristóbal or you simply want the shortest possible transfer.
 
San Cristóbal Island Guide →

Before Airport 

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Sign with QR code to buy the Galápagos Tourist Control Transit Card (TCT) online in Ecuador.

The Transit Control Card

Buy your Galápagos Tourist Control Transit Card (TCT) online before traveling to the Galápagos Islands.

Fil your TCT  Card Here 

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Galápagos Digital Goods Declaration – QR Code

Galápagos Digital Goods Declaration

Travelers to the Galápagos Islands can complete the required digital goods declaration before their trip using the online QR code.

Declare your goods Here 

At Quito or Guayaquil Airport  

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Galápagos TCT sign showing travelers how to purchase the Tourist Control Transit Card online or at the airport.

The Transit Control Card

If you have not done declaration online, or problem with payment  you can buy the Galápagos Tourist Control Transit Card (TCT) at counter before traveling to the Galápagos Islands.

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Airport biosecurity officers inspecting luggage before passengers travel to the Galápagos Islands.

Galápagos Airport  Inspection and Biosecurity

Luggage inspection at the airport helps protect the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.  Before this you are requested to have online declaration 

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Passenger using a self-service baggage check kiosk at Guayaquil Airport before traveling to the Galápagos Islands.

Check Your Bags and Drop them at your Airline Counter 

Self-service baggage check at Guayaquil and Quito Airport, an important step for travelers flying to the Galápagos Islands.  When you have this you can drop the at airline counter.

During your Flight 

Biosecurity fumigation on flight

Biosecurity Fumigation on flight before landing.

What Happens When You Land

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Travelers arriving in the Galápagos Islands completing entry procedures and presenting their Galápagos Transit Control Card (TCT).

Galapagos National Park Entrance

Pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee
At the airport, you will pay the conservation entrance fee for the protected areas of Galápagos:

  • Foreign visitors: US$200 adults / US$100 children under 12
  • CAN & MERCOSUR: US$100 adults / US$50 children under 12
  • Ecuadorian nationals & foreign residents: US$30 adults / US$15 children under 12
  • Children under 2: Free

CAN includes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. MERCOSUR includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

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Galápagos airport biosecurity checkpoint where travelers have their luggage inspected before entering the islands.

Galapagos Biosecurity

You will need the online declaration form perviously fill here. 

All bags pass through the Galápagos biosecurity checkpoint, where luggage is inspected to help protect the islands from invasive pests and diseases.

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Biosecurity detection dog inspecting travelers’ luggage at a Galápagos airport before baggage collection.

A trained biosecurity dog checks travelers’ luggage at the Galápagos airport before passengers collect their bags.

Getting Between Islands Once You’re There

If you’re island-hopping on a land-based itinerary, public inter-island ferries connect Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela daily — a budget-friendly option alongside guided day tours and cruise transport. Crossings can be choppy, so motion-sickness tablets are worth packing regardless of how you get around.

See Isabela Island Guide →

Not Sure Which Airport to Book?

Tell us your base island and dates, and we’ll help you plan the right route in and out.

Let Us Help Plan Your Route →
Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are there direct international flights to the Galápagos?

No — all Galápagos flights are domestic connections from mainland Ecuador, departing from either Guayaquil or Quito (which typically routes through Guayaquil).

 

How much are Galápagos entry fees?

Visitors pay a $200 Galápagos National Park entry fee and a $20 INGALA transit control card, both in cash — the transit card is issued before departure at the mainland airport.

 

Which airport should I fly into, Baltra or San Cristóbal?

Choose based on your base island: Baltra for Santa Cruz-based trips and most cruises, San Cristóbal for trips based in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — it sits directly in town with no ferry transfer needed.

 

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