The Quito Metro is a single line of 15 stations running 22.6 km north–south, from Quitumbe to El Labrador. As of 2026 a ride costs $0.45 ($0.22 reduced), and you pay with a free Tarjeta Ciudad card, a QR code or a linked ID. For the Old Town, get off at San Francisco. The Metro does not go to the airport.
We’re the team at Community Hostel in Quito’s Old Town, and the Metro is the question we answer most at reception after “where’s the best almuerzo?” Here’s how to use the Quito Metro as a traveler: the stations worth knowing, how to pay, and how it fits with the buses stopping near our door.
Quick answer: how to use the Quito Metro
- Route: one line, 15 stations, Quitumbe (south) to El Labrador (north), about 30 minutes end to end.
- Fare: $0.45 per ride as of 2026; $0.22 for ages 5–17 and seniors; $0.10 for people with disabilities; under 5s ride free.
- How to pay: Tarjeta Ciudad (free card), a QR code from your Cuenta Ciudad account, or a linked Ecuadorian ID card.
- Hours: Monday–Friday 5:30am–11pm, Saturday 7am–11pm, Sunday and holidays 7am–10pm.
- Old Town stations: San Francisco and La Alameda.
- Airport: not connected. You need a taxi, bus or pickup to reach it.
What is the Quito Metro and where does it go?
Line 1 of the Quito Metro began full commercial operations on December 1, 2023. It runs underground for 22.6 km along the length of the city, linking the southern neighborhoods with the Old Town, the university area and the modern business district in the north.
For visitors, it’s the fastest way to cross the city without traffic. A ride from San Francisco in the Old Town to La Carolina in the north skips the rush-hour traffic entirely and costs $0.45 instead of several dollars by taxi.
Quito Metro stations: which ones do travelers use?
Here are all 15 stations in order from south to north, with the ones most useful for visitors and the confirmed transfers to other lines. Data as of 2026.
| # | Station | Why a traveler might use it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quitumbe | Southern end of the line; next to the Quitumbe bus terminal for trips south |
| 2 | Morán Valverde | Residential south |
| 3 | Solanda | Residential south |
| 4 | Cardenal de la Torre | Transfer to the Trolebús |
| 5 | El Recreo | Transfer to the Ecovía |
| 6 | La Magdalena | Residential south |
| 7 | San Francisco | Old Town: Plaza San Francisco and the historic center |
| 8 | La Alameda | Northern edge of the Old Town, La Alameda park; transfer to the Trolebús |
| 9 | El Ejido | El Ejido park; transfer to the Trolebús |
| 10 | Universidad Central | Central University campus |
| 11 | La Pradera | North-central residential and offices |
| 12 | La Carolina | La Carolina park and the northern business district |
| 13 | Iñaquito | Northern business district |
| 14 | Jipijapa | North |
| 15 | El Labrador | Northern end of the line |
From our hostel, San Francisco and La Alameda are the two stations to know. For most travelers, a typical Metro day looks like San Francisco to La Carolina for the park, or down to Quitumbe with a backpack to catch a bus south.
How much does the Quito Metro cost?
As of 2026, fares are low and the same for any distance:
- Regular fare: $0.45
- Reduced fare: $0.22 for children aged 5–17 and seniors
- Preferential fare: $0.10 for people with disabilities
- Under 5: free
For comparison, the Trolebús and Ecovía cost $0.35 ($0.17 reduced), rising to $0.40 from January 1, 2027. Even a short taxi ride has a $1.45 minimum by day, so public transport is one of the easiest savings in our Quito on a budget guide.
How do you pay for the Quito Metro?
Since April 1, 2026, the Metro, Trolebús and Ecovía share one payment system called Cuenta Ciudad, a prepaid account you register online. Once you have an account, there are three ways to get through the gates:
- Tarjeta Ciudad: a physical card, free from the municipality. It’s handed out at several Trolebús and Ecovía stations, including Playón de La Marín near our hostel, and at the Quitumbe and Carcelén terminals.
- QR code: generated from your Cuenta Ciudad account and saved on your phone.
- Ecuadorian ID card (cédula): linked to the account. This option is for residents.
How do you top up?
- Cash at the ticket windows (taquillas) in Metro stations.
- Cash, debit or credit card at the recharge machines inside stations.
- Online through the Cuenta Ciudad platform, which accepts debit or credit cards from any bank, in amounts from $1 to $30.
Our tip: top up a few dollars at once. At $0.45 a ride, $5 covers about a week of sightseeing and saves you from queuing at the window every time.
What are the Quito Metro hours?
| Day | Hours (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 5:30am – 11pm |
| Saturday | 7am – 11pm |
| Sunday and holidays | 7am – 10pm |
If you’re heading back to the Old Town late on a Sunday, remember the earlier close. After a night out, an app ride is usually the better choice anyway (more on that below).
How does the Metro connect with the Trolebús and Ecovía?
The Metro covers the main north–south axis, but Quito’s older bus lines still reach places it doesn’t. Near our hostel you have three options within a few minutes’ walk:
- Ecovía/Metrobus, La Marín stop: the closest stop to us, a short walk down the hill.
- Trolebús, Plaza del Teatro stop: three blocks away, running north–south through the center.
- Metro, San Francisco or La Alameda stations: for the fastest trip north or south.
You can change between systems at Cardenal de la Torre, La Alameda and El Ejido (Trolebús) and at El Recreo (Ecovía), all with the same Cuenta Ciudad balance. For long-distance terminals and intercity buses, see our Quito bus stations and transport guide.
Stay between the Metro and the buses. Community Hostel sits in the Old Town, 2 minutes’ walk from the Mercado Central, with the La Marín Ecovía stop, the Plaza del Teatro Trolebús stop and the San Francisco and La Alameda Metro stations all close by. We have a 24-hour reception, and our team will happily show you the route on a map before you head out.
Does the Quito Metro go to the airport?
No. Mariscal Sucre International Airport is well outside the city, and no Metro line reaches it. Your options are a taxi (usually $25–30 as of 2026), a public bus, an app ride or a pre-booked pickup. Our driver Omar picks up guests for $22 total for up to 4 people, booked on WhatsApp. Compare every option in our Quito airport to city center guide.
Is the Quito Metro safe? Tips for travelers
The Metro is modern, clean and busy, and most of our guests find it easy to use. Like any crowded public transport, the main risk is pickpocketing. A few habits help:
- Wear your backpack on your front in crowded carriages and keep your phone out of back pockets.
- Avoid rush hours with luggage if you can. Early mornings and early evenings on weekdays are the busiest.
- Have your QR or card ready before the gate so you’re not digging through your bag at the turnstile.
- Take an app ride late at night. The Old Town gets quiet after dark, so for the walk from the station, Uber, Cabify, InDrive or a registered taxi is the easy option.
For more on staying safe around the city, read our guide to whether Quito is safe.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Quito Metro fare?
As of 2026, a ride costs $0.45 regardless of distance. Children aged 5–17 and seniors pay $0.22, people with disabilities pay $0.10, and children under 5 ride free. The Trolebús and Ecovía cost $0.35, rising to $0.40 from January 1, 2027.
Can I pay for the Quito Metro with cash?
Not at the gate. You enter with a Tarjeta Ciudad card, a QR code from a Cuenta Ciudad account or a linked ID. You can, however, top up your balance with cash at the station ticket windows or at the recharge machines inside Metro stations.
Which Metro station is closest to Quito’s Old Town?
San Francisco is the station for the heart of the Old Town and Plaza San Francisco. La Alameda, the next station north, serves the northern edge of the historic center. From our hostel, both are within easy reach, as are the La Marín Ecovía and Plaza del Teatro Trolebús stops.
Does the Quito Metro go to the airport?
No. The Metro runs only within the city, between Quitumbe and El Labrador. To reach Mariscal Sucre International Airport you need a taxi (usually $25–30), a bus, an app ride or a pickup. Our driver charges $22 total for up to 4 people.
What time does the Quito Metro close?
As of 2026, the Metro runs Monday to Friday from 5:30am to 11pm, Saturday from 7am to 11pm, and Sunday and holidays from 7am to 10pm. If you’re out late, especially on a Sunday, plan an app ride or registered taxi home.