South America > Ecuador > Quito (UIO)
The Car or no Car advice for Quito can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Quito ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Quito ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Quito?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.📍 Getting Around Quito
Quito is long rather than wide.
-
The city stretches for many kilometres north–south
-
Key districts are separated by hills and tunnels
-
Altitude affects walking stamina
-
Traffic congestion is common at peak hours
Where you stay has a major impact on how car-dependent your visit feels.
🚇 Metro, BRT, and Public Transport Improvements
Quito’s public transport has taken a big step forward.
-
The Quito Metro now provides a fast north–south spine
-
BRT corridors (Trolebús and Ecovía) serve major routes
-
Public transport is inexpensive and frequent
-
Metro stations connect well to buses
For many visitors, this network removes the need for a car entirely within the city.
🚇 Quito Metro Line 1: A New Backbone for the City
The Quito Metro Line 1 is the capital’s first rapid transit line, running roughly 22 – 23 km from Quitumbe in the south to El Labrador in the north, with 15 stations spanning the city and a total journey time of about 34 minutes. It officially began commercial operation in late 2023, marking a major milestone in Quito’s transport development and offering a modern, efficient, and high-capacity alternative to road travel for commuters and visitors alike.
The line integrates with other mass-transit systems such as major bus corridors, helping reduce congestion on Quito’s busy roads and encouraging more sustainable urban mobility.
📈 Expansion Plans: Extending Northward and Beyond
Although Line 1 now serves a broad north–south corridor, plans are underway to extend the metro further. The immediate focus has been on a northern extension of about 5 km beyond the current terminal at El Labrador, heading toward the La Ofelia bus terminal with several new stations proposed to improve connectivity in northern Quito.
Funding discussions with international partners and design studies are in progress. Though some tendering and planning processes have faced delays or suspension, so the timeline remains uncertain. Longer-term visions include potential additional extensions further north toward Calderón and even a Line 2 in the future, but these remain at the planning or feasibility stage and will require substantial investment and coordination before construction begins.
🚶♂️ The Historic Centre Works Without a Car
Quito’s Old Town is one of South America’s most impressive historic districts.
-
Compact and largely walkable
-
Many streets are pedestrianised or traffic-calmed
-
Churches, plazas, and museums cluster tightly
A car here would be more hindrance than help.
🚕 Taxis Are a Practical Middle Ground
Taxis are widely used by visitors.
-
Readily available and affordable
-
Ideal for altitude-saving short hops
-
Often faster than buses for cross-town trips
For many travellers, taxis plus public transport strike the best balance.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car becomes useful once you leave the urban core.
Consider one if:
-
Visiting the Mitad del Mundo independently
-
Exploring cloud forests or volcano routes
-
Making day trips beyond transit corridors
-
Travelling with family or lots of gear
Even then, some travellers prefer a car with driver to reduce stress.
⚠️ Practical Considerations
-
Driving standards can feel assertive
-
Navigation is complicated by elevation and one-way systems
-
Parking in central areas is limited
-
Altitude affects both drivers and pedestrians
Driving is possible, but not relaxing.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Quito?
No for the city itself — maybe for regional exploration.
Quito’s metro and BRT now handle most urban travel well, especially for visitors focused on the historic centre. A car only becomes worthwhile if your plans extend deep into the surrounding Andes.
