Interprovincial bus terminals in Quito have returned to normal operations just as the Easter holiday travel rush begins, with authorities expecting a sharp increase in passenger movement over the coming days.
The city’s two main terminals—Quitumbe in the south and Carcelén in the north—are now operating without restrictions following the end of Executive Decree 329. Routes that had previously been affected by curfews, particularly those connecting to coastal provinces, have resumed full schedules, including late-night and early-morning departures.
Municipal officials say transportation options have been expanded to accommodate the expected surge in demand. Coastal destinations such as Santo Domingo, Manabí, and Esmeraldas are among the most popular, along with routes to the central highlands and northern cities like Otavalo, Ibarra, and Tulcán.
Connections to provinces including Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas are also back to regular frequency, helping restore normal mobility across key corridors.
Authorities estimate that more than 105,000 passengers will pass through Quito’s terminals over a four-day period, with more than 4,800 bus departures scheduled. Quitumbe is expected to handle the majority of the traffic, with around 70,000 passengers, while Carcelén is projected to serve more than 34,000 passengers.
The return to unrestricted service comes at a critical moment for the tourism sector, as Easter is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Ecuador. The increased flow of passengers is expected to benefit coastal destinations in particular, where hotels, restaurants, and local businesses rely heavily on holiday traffic.
Officials are advising travelers to arrive early at terminals, plan ahead, and remain attentive to schedules, as high demand could lead to delays or limited seat availability on some routes.