Northern Quito · Ecuador

Carcelén Bus Terminal

A practical English guide for travelers: check bus schedules, destinations, ticket options, transport-company contacts and the connection to Quito's international airport.

Check bus schedules → How to buy tickets →
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What is Carcelén Bus Terminal?

Carcelén is an interprovincial bus terminal in northern Quito and an important departure point for routes toward northern Ecuador, as well as destinations on the Coast and in the Amazon region.

This page is designed for international visitors who need a clear starting point without navigating the entire website in Spanish.

Plan your trip

Everything you need before boarding

Bus schedulesSearch your destination and review the published departure information.View schedules → Ticket pricesCheck the reference fares available for routes from Carcelén.Check prices → Buy a ticketSee purchasing or reservation options available for each transport company.Ticket options → Company contactsFind the phone and contact information currently published for bus companies.View contacts →
Travel overview

Using Carcelén as a traveler

Northern QuitoCarcelén is located in the northern part of Ecuador's capital.
Northern routesIt is especially relevant for travel toward northern Ecuador, including routes toward Imbabura and Carchi.
Airport connectionPublic transport connects Terminal Carcelén with Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Destinations

Where can you travel from Carcelén?

Carcelén serves destinations in several regions of Ecuador. Rather than relying on a fixed list that may become outdated, use the current destination directory and route pages published on this website.

All destinations

Browse the current destination directory and open the route you need.

Explore destinations →

Transport companies

Browse companies operating from Carcelén and open their available information.

View companies →
Tickets and contacts

How ticket buying works

Ticket sales and reservation channels vary by transport company. Some companies offer digital options, while others sell mainly at their ticket counter.

Before traveling, check the specific route and company. If a phone or contact channel is available on our site, use it to confirm availability or purchasing options directly with the operator.
Quito Airport

Getting from Carcelén to Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Carcelén has a public-transport connection to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Because schedules and operating conditions may change, use the dedicated airport page for the most recent information published on this site.

Carcelén → Quito Airport guide →
Carcelén or Quitumbe?

Quito has more than one interprovincial bus terminal

Carcelén and Quitumbe do not serve exactly the same routes. Carcelén is especially important for northern Ecuador, while Quitumbe has a broad operation toward central and southern Ecuador as well as other regions.

If you cannot find your destination at Carcelén, check the Quitumbe Bus Terminal before assuming the route is unavailable from Quito.

Useful advice

Travel tips for foreign visitors

  • Confirm the exact destination, transport company and departure terminal before buying your ticket.
  • Check the schedule for your specific route instead of assuming all companies follow the same timetable.
  • Keep your luggage and personal belongings with you while waiting or moving through the terminal.
  • If your destination does not appear at Carcelén, check whether it has more options from Quitumbe.
  • If you are connecting to the airport, allow enough time for traffic, stops and possible delays.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is Carcelén Bus Terminal?

It is located in northern Quito, Ecuador.

How do I check bus schedules from Carcelén?

Open our bus schedules and destinations page and search for the city you want to visit.

Can I buy bus tickets online?

It depends on the transport company. Some companies provide digital channels, while others mainly sell at the terminal ticket counter. See our ticket buying guide.

How do I contact a bus company?

Use the transport-company contacts directory.

Can I travel from Carcelén to Quito Airport?

Yes. There is a public-transport connection between Carcelén and Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Check the airport guide for the information currently published.

What if I cannot find my destination at Carcelén?

Some routes may have more options from Quitumbe Bus Terminal.

Location

Carcelén Bus Terminal on the map