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How to get to the Galapagos Islands, in one paragraph: fly first to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) in mainland Ecuador, then take a 2-hour Avianca or LATAM domestic flight to Baltra (GPS, for Santa Cruz) or San Cristobal (SCY) airport. Mandatory fees: $20 transit card paid at mainland airport + $200 national park fee paid in cash on Galapagos arrival. Total trip cost from the US: $200-400 mainland + $200-300 domestic flight + $220 fees.
Traveling to the Galápagos is easier than most people expect — it’s really just a two-step trip. But because the islands are a protected national park, there are a few entry steps to get right before you go. Here’s exactly how it works, from your first flight to setting foot on the islands. Not sure how to fit this into a trip? Send us your dates and we’ll map out the islands for you.
Once your route is sorted, our Galápagos travel planning hub walks you through the rest of the trip.
Where Are the Galapagos Islands Located?
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 km (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. They are part of Ecuador and can only be reached by air from mainland Ecuador.
Wondering how to get to galapagos islands or how to get to galapagos island (singular spelling — both are common search variants)? The answer is identical: you cannot fly direct from outside Ecuador. Whether you ask how do you get to the galapagos islands or look up galapagos islands how to get there, the route is the same: international flight to Quito or Guayaquil, then a domestic Avianca or LATAM flight to Baltra or San Cristobal airport.
Step 1: Fly to Ecuador (Mainland)
International travelers must first fly to mainland Ecuador, usually arriving at one of these airports:
- Quito (UIO) – Mariscal Sucre International Airport
- Guayaquil (GYE) – José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
Both cities offer daily flights to the Galapagos Islands.
Tip:
Quito is ideal if you plan to explore the Andes before or after your Galapagos trip, while Guayaquil often offers slightly shorter flight times to the islands. The connection itself, counters, timing and the first night, is walked through in our Quito to Galapagos guide.
Step 2: Flights from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands
From Quito or Guayaquil, you will take a domestic flight to one of the two main airports in the Galapagos: For a deeper look at airlines, fares and which airport to choose, see our full guide to flights to Galápagos.
How to Get to Galapagos Islands: The Two Airports
- Baltra Airport (GPS) – Main gateway to Santa Cruz Island
- San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) – Direct access to San Cristóbal Island
Flight time:
- From Guayaquil: approx. 2 hours
- From Quito: approx. 2.5 hours (often with a short stop in Guayaquil)
Flights operate daily.
Step 3: Galapagos Entry Requirements
Before boarding your flight to the Galapagos, you must complete two mandatory steps:
Transit Control Card (TCT)
- Issued at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil
- Required for all visitors
- Must be kept until departure from the islands
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
- Paid upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos
- Fee helps protect the islands’ ecosystems
Neither takes long, but both catch travelers out at the counter. Our complete Galapagos entry requirements guide covers every document, who actually needs a visa, and what you can’t pack.
Step 4: Getting from the Airport to Your Island
Arriving at Baltra (Santa Cruz Island)
- Short bus ride from the airport
- Ferry across the Itabaca Channel
- Public transport or private transfer to Puerto Ayora
🏝️ Arriving at San Cristóbal
- Airport is close to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
- Taxi or hotel transfer available
If you book a Galapagos land tour, transfers are usually included, making arrival smooth and stress-free.
Inter-Island Transportation in Galapagos
To travel between islands, visitors use:
- Speedboats (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal)
- Domestic flights (limited routes, weather-dependent)
Island hopping tours manage all logistics, schedules, and safety, which is why many travelers prefer them.
Can You Go to the Galapagos Without a Tour?
Yes, independent travel is possible, but planning transportation, permits, and excursions on your own can be challenging. Many visitors choose guided land tours or island hopping packages to save time, avoid stress, and ensure access to the best sites with certified guides.
Galapagos Islands How to Get There — What I Tell Every First-Timer
Fly into the island that best fits your itinerary
Book flights and entry requirements in advance
Choose a land tour if you want logistics handled professionally
A well-planned trip allows you to focus on what truly matters: wildlife, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Final Thoughts
Getting to the Galapagos Islands is straightforward with the right preparation. By flying through mainland Ecuador and following the required entry steps, you’ll soon arrive in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural destinations. Whether you travel independently or with a guided tour, planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey to the Galapagos.
If you would rather have it all arranged, our 7-day island hopping tour handles every detail.
6-Day Galapagos Land Tour Santa Cruz + Isabela Highlights
From $1,150 p.p.
- Sleep in island hotels, not a cruise cabin
- Local naturalist guides
- Flexible day-by-day island hopping
Galapagos Travel Costs: All Mandatory Fees (2026)
When planning how to get to the Galapagos islands, factor in these mandatory fees that every visitor must pay. None are optional and most must be paid in cash USD on arrival.
Many travelers ask how to get to galapagos islands cheaply — the honest answer is that the mandatory fees ($20 transit card + $200 park entry) are fixed, but you can save significantly on flights. Whether you are researching how to get to galapagos island for a solo trip or planning with family, booking 3-6 months ahead saves 25-40% on both international and domestic legs.
INGALA Transit Card: $20 USD
The Galapagos transit control card (Tarjeta INGALA) costs $20 USD per person and must be purchased before your domestic flight at the Quito or Guayaquil airport INGALA counter. You will receive a stamped card that you must keep with you — airlines check it before boarding and you need it on departure too.
Galapagos National Park Entry Fee: $200 USD
The national park fee is paid on arrival in Galapagos (Baltra or San Cristobal airport) in CASH USD. Foreigners pay $200, children under 12 pay $100. Ecuadorian citizens pay only $30. Keep the receipt — you may need to show it at certain visitor sites. The fee funds park conservation, ranger salaries, and infrastructure.
Inter-Island Transport Costs
Once in Galapagos, factor in: airport bus + Itabaca Channel ferry from Baltra ($5-6 total), bus or taxi from ferry to Puerto Ayora ($2 bus / $25 taxi), inter-island public ferries ($50 each leg, ~2 hours), and water taxis within ports ($1-2). Most accommodations are 5-15 min walk from town centers.
How to Get to The Galapagos Islands from Your Country
All international visitors must fly to mainland Ecuador first — there are no direct international flights to the Galapagos islands. Here are common routes by region.
From the USA
Direct flights to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) from Miami (American), Houston (United), Atlanta (Delta), and JFK (LATAM). Typical round-trip prices: $450-750 from East Coast, $550-900 from West Coast (often requires connection). Best deals: book 3-4 months ahead, fly mid-week.
From the UK and Europe
No direct flights to Ecuador from the UK or most of Europe. Most travelers connect via Madrid (Iberia, daily), Amsterdam (KLM), or Miami/Atlanta. Typical round-trip: £750-1,300 from London. Plan 18-22 hours total travel time including connections.
From Australia and Asia
Longest haul. Typical routes: Sydney/Melbourne → LAX (or Auckland) → Lima → Quito. Or via Santiago de Chile. Allow 30+ hours one-way. Round-trip from Sydney: AUD $2,200-3,500. Many Asia-Pacific travelers combine the trip with Peru (Machu Picchu) to justify the long flight.
Baltra vs San Cristobal: Which Galapagos Airport to Fly Into
The Galapagos islands have two airports for international tourist flights. Choose based on your itinerary — most travelers either fly in/out of different airports (open-jaw) or use Baltra for both.
When deciding galapagos islands how to get there efficiently, the airport choice matters more than most travelers realize. The two-step process means your domestic flight destination affects your first-day logistics by 1-2 hours and $20-30 in transit costs.
Baltra Airport (GPS)
Baltra (officially Seymour Airport) is the busiest Galapagos airport, just north of Santa Cruz Island. Best if you are staying on Santa Cruz first or boarding a cruise from Itabaca Channel. Transit to Puerto Ayora takes 90 minutes (free shuttle + $1 ferry + $5 bus or $25 taxi). Both Avianca and LATAM fly here daily from Quito and Guayaquil.
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
San Cristobal Airport sits inside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. Best if you are starting on San Cristobal or want a shorter transit (just 5-10 min walk to town). Fewer daily flights than Baltra but same airlines (Avianca, LATAM). Pro tip: fly into Baltra + out of San Cristobal (or vice versa) for a natural island-hopping itinerary.
Galapagos Biosecurity Rules: What to Expect at Check-In
The Galapagos has the strictest biosecurity controls of any tourist destination in the Americas. Expected procedures when flying to Galapagos islands:
Before check-in at Quito/Guayaquil airport: your suitcases will be X-rayed at a SICGAL biosecurity counter checking for fresh food, seeds, soil, organic material — all prohibited. Each bag is then zip-tied so it cannot be opened in transit. On arrival in Galapagos, biosecurity agents may inspect again. Cabin baggage is also checked. Banned items: ALL fresh fruit, vegetables, raw meat, dairy, soil, live plants, untreated wood. Allowed: sealed snacks (chocolate, chips), pharmaceuticals in original packaging.
Once you arrive, plan the rest of your trip with our Galapagos Islands Guide (island-by-island comparison), explore things to do in Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands, learn the best time to visit Galapagos for snorkeling, and see which Galapagos islands animals you can spot.
For up-to-date Galapagos National Park entry requirements and biosecurity rules, check the official Galapagos National Park website and the Galapagos Conservancy trip planning resources before your departure.
The Three Guides That Fill In the Details
This page is the overview. Three companion guides go deeper where most travelers get stuck. For the domestic leg itself, including airlines, fare patterns and why the early departure is the one to book, see flights to Galapagos.
For the choice between the two entry points and what each one commits you to on the ground, see Galapagos Islands airport. And if you are still at the stage of picturing the map, where the Galapagos Islands are explains the distances that make the flight unavoidable in the first place.
FAQ: How to Get to the Galapagos Islands
How much does it cost to get to the Galapagos islands?
Plan for $620-950 total to get to the Galapagos islands from the US: $200-400 international flight to Quito/Guayaquil + $200-300 domestic Avianca or LATAM flight to Baltra or San Cristobal + $20 transit card + $200 park entry fee. From the UK/Europe expect £950-1,400 total. From Australia: AUD $2,400-3,800.
How do you get to the Galapagos islands from Quito?
From Quito (UIO), take an Avianca or LATAM domestic flight to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY). Flight duration: 1h 45m direct or 2h 30m if it stops in Guayaquil first. There are 2-4 daily flights. Round-trip prices: $200-400 USD depending on season and how far in advance you book. Buy the $20 INGALA transit card at the airport before checking in.
Can you fly directly to the Galapagos islands from the US or Europe?
No. There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos. You must connect through Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador first. The good news: many travelers stay 1-2 nights in Quito or Guayaquil to break up the trip and explore the colonial old town (Quito) or coastal scene (Guayaquil).
What is the difference between Baltra and San Cristobal airports?
Baltra Airport (GPS) is busier and closer to Santa Cruz Island — best if you start on Santa Cruz or board a cruise. Transit to Puerto Ayora takes ~90 minutes (bus + ferry + bus). San Cristobal Airport (SCY) is in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town with only a 5-minute walk to most hotels. Most travelers fly into Baltra and out of San Cristobal (or vice versa) for natural island-hopping.
What is the $20 INGALA transit card?
The Tarjeta INGALA is a mandatory transit control card that every visitor to the Galapagos islands must purchase before their domestic flight. Cost: $20 USD per person, payable in cash at the INGALA counter inside Quito or Guayaquil airport (look for the booth before check-in). It serves as your boarding clearance and you must keep it for the return flight too.
What is the $200 Galapagos National Park entry fee?
The $200 park fee is paid in cash USD on arrival at the Galapagos airport (Baltra or San Cristobal). Foreigners pay $200, children under 12 pay $100, Ecuadorian citizens pay $30. The fee funds conservation, park rangers, and infrastructure. Bring crisp clean bills — torn or marked bills are sometimes refused. Keep the receipt for the trip.
How long is the flight from Quito to the Galapagos?
Direct flights from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY) take 1 hour 45 minutes. Most Avianca and LATAM flights make a brief stop in Guayaquil (GYE) to pick up passengers, extending total flight time to 2h 30m-3h. Choose direct flights if you can — they cost similar but save time.
When is the best month to travel to the Galapagos?
The Galapagos has two seasons. December-May is warm and wet with calmer seas (best for snorkeling). June-November is cool and dry with stronger currents (best for big marine wildlife like hammerheads and whale sharks). The two shoulder months (June and November) combine the best of both seasons with fewer crowds. Avoid Christmas/New Year week unless you book months ahead.
What’s the best way to get to the Galápagos Islands?
Honestly, the simplest route is to fly into Quito or Guayaquil, sleep on the mainland, then catch an early domestic flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal. Letting a local operator book the island leg keeps you from landing at the wrong airport for your itinerary.
Is it hard to get to the Galápagos Islands?
Not really — it’s a two-step flight, not an expedition. The only admin is buying the $20 transit card at the mainland airport and paying the $200 national park fee when you land. Leave a buffer between flights and the rest takes care of itself.
Ready to Plan Your Galápagos Trip?
Getting there is honestly the easy part — the islands do the rest. When you’re ready to turn this into a real trip, a local team can line up your flights, transit card, park fee and island days so you just show up and start exploring.
